CAT4 Level E Test Practice - Prepare with Confidence

The Cognitive Abilities Test, Fourth Edition (CAT4) assesses how students think, not what they’ve memorized. It measures four reasoning areas:

• Verbal Reasoning: Understanding and using language
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Spotting patterns in shapes and visuals
• Quantitative Reasoning: Recognizing numerical patterns and logic
• Spatial Ability: Mentally visualizing and manipulating shapes

Even top students can stumble on the CAT4. Here’s why:

• Fast Timing: Sub-tests allow only 8–10 minutes each—no second chances
• Cognitive Switching: Tasks jump from verbal analogies to spatial puzzles
• Unfamiliar Formats: Students must interpret odd layouts and visuals
• No Memorization: The CAT4 rewards flexible, strategic thinking

We turn test-day stress into readiness. Our prep pack includes:

• Full-Length Practice Tests
• Timed Sub-Tests
• Step-by-Step Explanations
• Targeted Reasoning Drills
• Strategy Tips
• Progress Tracking

The CAT4 provides:

• Standard Age Score (SAS): Average is 100. Above 120 = well above average
• National Percentile Rank (NPR): E.g., 80 = top 20% nationally
• Stanine: 1–9 scale to quickly assess ability levels
• Group Rank: Local performance compared to peers

In this section, you’ll find one sample question for each reasoning skill in all four CAT4 batteries. Each question comes with a detailed explanation, so you can learn how to approach it and why the correct answer works. 

Verbal Analogies Sample Question:

In Verbal Analogies questions, you are given a pair of words that share a specific relationship or connection, followed by a single word which is the beginning of a second pair, and asked to choose the word that best completes the second pair using the same kind of relationship as the first. 

Each question presents five answer options, but only one is correct. Sounds tricky? Don’t worry—we’ll break it down together.

Lets take a look of the following analogy: 

Verbal Classification Sample Question

In Verbal Classification questions, you are given a group of three words that share a common trait, category, or function. Your task is to figure out what these words have in common—and then choose the one answer option that belongs in the same group.  Each question presents five answer options, but only one truly fits. 

It might seem puzzling at first, but once you know what to look for, it gets much easier. 

Let’s take a look at the following classification question

Number Analogies 

In Number Analogies questions, you are given two pairs of numbers. Each pair follows a specific mathematical relationship, and your task is to apply that same relationship to complete a third pair.  Each question includes five answer options, but only one fits the pattern.  To solve these, look for operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, or a combination of them. 

Let’s try one together: 

Number Series

In Number Series questions, you're given a list of numbers that follow a pattern. Your job is to figure out the rule behind the pattern and use it to find the next number in the sequence. 

Each number in the series is connected to the one before it in some way. The pattern might involve: 

• Addition or subtraction (e.g., going up by 3 each time) 
• Multiplication or division (e.g., cutting the number in half each time) 
• A combination of operations 
• Or even alternating or progressing patterns, where the rule switches back and forth or changes at a fixed rate

Let’s try one together:  

Figure Matrices

Figure Matrix questions are either 2×2 or 3×3 grids made up of different pictures (figures). In each row
and/or column, the pictures change in the same way or follow the same rule. One picture is always
missing, and your job is to figure out what should go in the empty box. 
Each row and/or column follows a specific rule or pattern. That pattern could involve: 

• Shape changes (e.g., from square to triangle), 
• Color changes (e.g., black becomes white), 
• Rotation (e.g., each shape turns a bit more in each step), 
• Or adding/removing parts. 
• Sometimes there can be more than one rule 

The key is to look across rows and down columns to see how the figures are changing. Once you figure
out the rule, you apply it to the missing box and choose the option that fits best. 

Let’s try one together: 

Figure Classification 

Figure Classification questions present you with three shapes or images that share something in common. Your task is to identify what connects them, which will be some visual rule or pattern, and then choose the one picture (out of five options) that belongs in the same group. 

The pictures might go together because of: 

• the number of shapes or sides 
• the direction the shapes are facing 
• a repeated pattern or rotation 
• shading or color (if shown) 

If more than one answer choice fits the rule, look for a different or more specific rule that only applies to one of the options. Remember that there can be more than one rule. 

Let’s try one together:  

Figure Analysis 

Figure Analysis questions show a paper folded several times and then punched with holes or shapes. The answer choices contain unfolded papers with punched-in holes or shapes. You need to determine which of the answer choices is the final product of the unfolded punched-in paper.

Let’s try one together:  

Figure Recognition 

In Figure Recognition questions you are shown a shape alongside five answer choices containing complex designs. You must choose the design which contains the target shape in the exact same size, including each side in full.

Let’s try one together:  

CAT4 scores help:

• Predict academic growth
• Determine placement and gifted program eligibility
• Level the playing field in diverse classrooms

But beware: Scores reflect one moment. Cultural bias, test anxiety, and unfamiliar formats all impact results.

"Scores can guide you. But they don’t define your child. You do."

Whether your child is nervous, unfamiliar with the format, or aiming for top scores, our prep pack builds real skills, not shortcuts. Let’s make their thinking shine.

Explore Other CAT4 Levels Looking for a different test level? Choose the right CAT4 prep for your child’s grade:

• CAT4 Level A – Year 4 (ages 7–8)
• CAT4 Level B – Year 5 (ages 8–9)
• CAT4 Level C – Year 6 (ages 9–10)
• CAT4 Level D – Year 7 (ages 10–11)
• CAT4 Level E – Year 8 (ages 11–12)
• CAT4 Level F – Year 9 (ages 12–13)
• CAT4 Level G – Year 10+ (ages 13–15)