The CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) qualifies students from Kindergarten through 12th grade for gifted and talented programs by assessing their reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, in the kindergarten test, there are three batteries: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal. Each battery encompasses three distinct subtests, with each targeting a specific area of the student’s cognition.
At present, CogAT Form 7 and 8 represent the most current and widely utilized editions. These questions have a specific focus on different academic areas for each grade level. Specifically, the Kindergarten test caters to students aged five to six and includes a total of 118 questions.
One aspect of the CogAT test that is unique to Kindergarteners is that students do not need to record their answers using bubble sheets. Bubble sheets typically aren’t used until the first or second grade. Like all other grade levels, the Kindergarten test assesses the students’ quantitative, verbal, and nonverbal abilities. Still, because the student is expected to be in the early stages of reading, there is less emphasis on verbal abilities in the Kindergarten test. Instead, words are replaced with various images and figures. The designated test administrator performs all readings.
Although this version of the CogAT is suitable for Kindergarten students in terms of cognitive appropriateness, it presents questions that Kindergartners have not yet been exposed to. Consequently, students must apply their reasoning and problem-solving skills when tackling each question. Here are several sample questions designed for the Kindergarten level, with each practice question corresponding to a specific subtest your child will encounter.
Boost Your Child’s Kindergarten Assessment Preparation with TestingMom
Are you looking for more ways to prepare your child for the Kindergarten assessment? TestingMom provides over 1,000 practice questions specifically designed for CogAT K-2, along with valuable resources to assist parents. You can explore our services for free by downloading our complimentary set of 100 Practice Questions!
Ready to prepare your child for CogAT today? Sign up for our 100 Free Questions and start preparing now!
CogAT Battery Subtests
Quantitative Battery
- Number Puzzles
- Number Analogies
- Number Series
Verbal Battery
- Verbal Analogy
- Sentence Completion
- Verbal Classification
Nonverbal Battery
- Figure Classification
- Paper Folding
- Figure Matrices
1) Quantitative Battery: Number Puzzles
The CogAT Quantitative Battery Number Puzzles assessing a student’s quantitative reasoning skills. In this section, students encounter a series of mathematical puzzles and number sequences. Their task is to identify the missing number within these sequences based on established patterns or mathematical rules. These puzzles challenge students’ ability to solve mathematical problems using critical thinking and logic, often involving concepts such as arithmetic operations, number patterns, and numerical relationships. Success in this section demonstrates a student’s proficiency in quantitative reasoning, making it an essential part of the CogAT for evaluating their mathematical cognitive abilities.
Example #1:
Parent say to your child: Look at the example below. Do you see how the first tugboat is pulling a tugboat with 3 red boxes? Now look at the second tugboat. It is pulling one boat with 2 red boxes. We need to add another boat where this question mark is so that this tugboat will be pulling the same number of red boxes as the first tugboat. Which boat should we add so the second tugboat will be pulling 3 red boxes?
2) Non-verbal Battery: Figure Classification
Example #2:
The CogAT Non-verbal Battery Figure Classification assesses a student’s non-verbal reasoning abilities. In this section, students present with a series of figures or shapes, and their task is to identify the figure that does not belong with the others based on a common characteristic or relationship. Consequently, this portion of the test evaluates a student’s ability to recognize patterns, similarities, and differences in visual information without relying on language or verbal skills. As a result, it challenges students to think critically and apply logical reasoning to solve problems, making it an essential part of the CogAT for evaluating their non-verbal cognitive abilities.
Parent say to your child: Look at the shapes on top. They are alike in some way and so they belong together. Choose one shape from the bottom row that belongs with the figures on top.
3) Verbal Battery: Verbal Analogy
The CogAT Verbal Battery Verbal Analogy section designs to assess a student’s verbal reasoning and language abilities. In this section, students present with pairs of words that share a specific relationship, and their task is to identify another pair of words that demonstrate the same or a similar relationship. This portion of the test evaluates a student’s vocabulary, verbal reasoning skills, and their ability to discern and apply analogical relationships between words. It challenges students to think critically and make connections between words based on their meanings and associations, making it a valuable component of the CogAT for evaluating their verbal cognitive abilities.
Example #3:
Parent say to your child: Look at the two pictures on top. They go together in some way Now look at the picture in the bottom box, and then look at the answer choices. Do you see a picture among the answer choices that goes with the picture on the bottom the same way the pictures on top go together?
4) Quantitative Battery: Number Series
The CogAT Quantitative Battery Number Series assesses a student’s quantitative reasoning and mathematical problem-solving abilities. In this section, students see a series of numbers arranged in a specific pattern or sequence. Their task is to identify the underlying rule or logic governing the sequence and then predict the next number in the series. This portion of the test evaluates a student’s capacity to recognize numerical patterns, apply mathematical rules, and think critically to solve complex numerical problems. It challenges students to use their quantitative skills to make logical deductions and solve problems, making it an essential aspect of the CogAT in assessing their cognitive abilities in the realm of mathematics and numerical reasoning.
Example #4:
Parent say to your child: Look at the example below. This is an abacus. The beads in the first 5 rods form a pattern or follow a rule. The beads in the sixth rod are missing. Can you choose the rod that goes in the sixth place that would complete the pattern or follow the rule?
5) Non-verbal Battery: Paper Folding
The CogAT Non-Verbal Battery Paper Folding assesses a student’s non-verbal reasoning and problem-solving skills. In this test section, students observe a series of images depicting paper folding and hole-punching actions. They must predict the final outcome when the paper is unfolded. This section evaluates a student’s ability to visualize spatial transformations and comprehend complex folding and hole-punching results. It encourages critical thinking, visual information analysis, and logical deduction, making it a crucial part of the CogAT for assessing various cognitive abilities.
Example #5:
Parent say to your child: Take a look at the pictures across the top. They show a piece of square being folded. Then, one or more holes are punched in the folded piece of paper. Can you point to the answer that shows what the square piece of paper will look like when it is unfolded?
Answers:
1) Option 2
2) Option 2 – a triangle with a triangle inside
3) Option 3 – the pen
4) Option 4 – that would complete the pattern 3,2,1,3,2,1
5) Option 1
If you have a kindergartener who could benefit from tutoring to prepare for the CogAT, Testing Mom Online Tutoring is here to assist. We recognize the significance of fostering your child’s cognitive development and helping them excel in assessments. Our team of expert tutors specializes in CogAT preparation and can offer the guidance and support necessary for your child’s success. Schedule a FREE consultation call with one of our experts today and provide your child with the advantage they deserve.