Best Methods for RIAS and RIAS-2 Test Prep

The RIAS provides an objective, reliable assessment of intelligence and its major components in approximately 35 minutes.  RIAS-2 is faster: all eight subtests can be completed in less than an hour; the screening measure (the RIST-2) provides a g score in less than 15 minutes.

Example Items

Verbal Intelligence

Guess What?

Requires verbal reasoning, vocabulary, language development, and verbal knowledge base

Verbal Reasoning

Measures verbal-analytical reasoning ability with fewer vocabulary and general knowledge demands than Guess What? requires

Non-Verbal Intelligence

Odd Man Out

Measures nonverbal reasoning skills, requiring the child to use spatial ability and visualization

What’s Missing

Measures nonverbal reasoning where the individual must conceptualize the picture, analyze it as an organized whole, and deduce the essential missing element

Composite Memory Index

Verbal Memory

Assesses the ability to encode, briefly store, and recall verbal material in a meaningful context where associations are clear and evident

Non Verbal Memory

Assesses the ability to encode, store, and recognize pictorial stimuli that are both concrete and abstract or without meaningful referents

Test Prep Tips

There are several ways to prepare for the RIAS and RIAS-2 Tests.  Your child can sharpen their skills for the following question-types using the strategies below.

Verbal Classification

In this section, your child will be given a group of pictures (younger children) or words (older children) that all adhere to a certain rule.

These questions require that your child have an understanding of word meaning, a strong foundation in categorical thinking, and a keen eye for detail.

Because these questions require a variety of skills, there are a few things you will need to focus on in order to make sure your child really excels at these types of questions. First and foremost, he must be comfortable making connections between objects, and a really have a good understanding of what is going on with these types of question. Often, these questions will be designed to trip up unwary children with confusing answers that can seem correct, but on closer examination are wrong.

A great game to play to get ready for this subtest is “The $25,000 Pyramid.”  Remember that game?  Take turns with your child describing words that go together and let your child guess the category.  This will help your child see that the items that go together must be the same.  For example, you might say, “guitar, harp, banjo, violin, bass, mandolin, cello,” and your child should shout out, “string instruments!”  Then it is your child’s turn to say, “apple, orange, pear, grapes, bananas, watermelon, peaches,” and you can shout out, “Fruit!”

Verbal Analogies

Verbal Analogies will be presented two ways.  For younger children, they will be asked to solve a picture analogy puzzle that is similar to figural matrices. When a child is older, Verbal Analogy questions are presented with words instead of pictures. The good news about this type of item is that they are multiple choice questions, so your child will have some hints. The answer is always the choice that best fits the example, and there will often be a few red herring choices designed to trick your children.

Verbal analogies assess your child’s cognitive skills, particularly their conceptual and abstract thinking abilities. These skills can be practiced in your daily life with ease. For example, if you happen upon a bird’s nest with your child, ask him to tell you other kinds of homes that animals have.  If your child tells you he’s “happy” today, play a word game to describe other words that describe how happy he feels.  When you ask your child what “vegetable” he wants for dinner, talk about all the different kinds  of vegetables you can cook.  The most important thing with these types of question is that you do your best to train your child’s analytical muscles.  Answer questions, encourage him to consider the relationships between objects – how they are the same and how they are different, and do your best to keep him engaged!

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3 Tips to Make RIAS and RIAS-2 Test Prep Fun

• Don’t call it “test prep” – instead, find some other fun way to talk about it to your child, like “brain boosters,” “smart puzzles” or “future scientists of America try-outs.” Whatever your child likes best (reading, math, puzzles, building blocks), tie it back to that interest. You know your child best, so use language that will help your practice sessions resonate and motivate!
• If your child gets frustrated, ask fewer practice questions or start with easier ones from a lower grade level. Success builds confidence and stamina, and both are key skills for finishing the test and performing well on it.
• Make it a bonding experience. Find quiet, one-on-one time for you to practice together, even if it’s when your child is in the bathtub. Compliment your child afterwards for working hard followed by a big hug! Kids thrive on positive attention and praise.

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