Why Use Sample Questions to Help You Understand the NNAT Test?
Understanding the NNAT (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test) before test day is crucial for your child's success. Unlike traditional academic tests that measure what your child has learned in school, the NNAT evaluates your child's cognitive ability - their natural capacity to learn, reason, and solve problems. These aren't questions about math facts or reading comprehension; they're designed to reveal how your child's mind processes visual information and recognizes patterns, making sample questions essential for preparation.
"I always tell parents: practice questions aren’t just review—they’re strategy training. The more students engage with real NNAT-style questions, the better they perform when it counts."
Liron. NNAT Expert at TestPrep-Online
Before you take the NNAT Test you need to know what type of test it is. The NNAT sample questions show four types of thinking tested in NNAT levels A-D. These questions are related because they all test nonverbal reasoning. Students need to look at pictures, find patterns, and think logically without using words or things they already know.
Each type of question uses basic thinking skills but focuses on different parts of visual and abstract reasoning. The questions get harder, starting with simple patterns and moving to more complex spatial problems. Together, these questions thoroughly test a student's nonverbal thinking skills in different ways.
Let's explore a sample question for each of the four NNAT test practice question types. We will break each question type down by grade level and show you examples.
The NNAT Level A targets kindergarten students and includes two question types: Pattern Completion and Reasoning by Analogy. These questions assess foundational nonverbal reasoning skills essential for gifted program admission.
In this type of NNAT test question, you need to identify the missing piece that completes a given pattern. Notice how the pattern alternates between shapes and colors, following a logical sequence.
What is Missing ?
Correct!
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Here's a step-by-step approach to solving this pattern completion problem:
Step 1: Analyze the main pattern
Step 2: Identify the missing piece
Step 3: Count the stars
Step 4: Determine the missing star type
Step 5: Examine the answer choices
Step 6: Consider the orientation
Step 7: Check the coloring
Step 8: Select the correct answer
Conclusion: The correct answer is A, as it completes the pattern by following all the observed rules of the existing design.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"I look at the pattern around the shape and see what is missing. I imagine the piece that would fit the empty spot by matching the colors and shapes around it. Look at the shapes and colors carefully, then find the answer that fits just right!"
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Reasoning by Analogy involves a more complex relationship than Pattern Completion, often requiring you to compare and contrast different sets of figures to find the connection.
Apply Logic
Correct!
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
A break down the answer for this reasoning by analogy question into more user-friendly steps:
Step 1: Understand the Question
Step 2: Analyze the Top Row
Step 3: Examine the Left Column
The color scheme changes from blue-white to yellow-blue.
Step 4: Apply the Row Relationship to the Bottom Row
Step 5: Predict the Missing Figure
Step 6: Evaluate the Answer Choices
Step 7: Select the Correct Answer
Option A is the only choice that meets all criteria:
Conclusion: The correct answer is A, as it completes the analogy by following the horizontal mirroring pattern observed in the top row, while maintaining the shape and color changes observed in the left column.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"I look at how the shapes and colors change from the top row to the bottom row. I ask myself, "What stayed the same, and what changed?" Then I use that pattern to figure out what the missing picture should look like. Try to match the shape and color changes!"
These NNAT sample questions require you to understand the relationship between figures and apply that relationship to a new set of figures.Notice how the pattern alternates between shapes and colors, following a logical sequence. These are the skills that are tested in order to be admitted to gifted and talented programs in schools. The test taker must recognize a rule or sequence that governs the arrangement of elements.
The NNAT (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test) Level B is designed for 1st-grade students and includes three types of questions: Pattern Completion, Reasoning by Analogy, and Serial Reasoning. Let's define each of these question types:
Pattern Completion questions on the NNAT Level B assess a child's ability to identify and complete visual patterns and sequences1. In these questions they must analyze the existing parts of the design and understand how they relate to each other. This type of question challenges young learners to think critically and recognize relationships between visual elements
Which answer choice completes the design?
Wrong
Wrong
Correct!
Wrong
Wrong
Let me break down how to solve this pattern question step by step:
First, let's understand what we're looking at:
To solve this, we should:
Looking at the answer choices (A through E):
Why C is correct:
Double-check by elimination:
All other options (A, B, D, E) show lines or curves that would break the natural flow of the circle
Only C maintains the circular pattern consistently
Therefore, C is the only answer that would properly complete the circle's curve in a natural way.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"When I help students with a puzzle like this, I say: “Pretend you're putting a piece back into a puzzle. Look at the shapes and colors that touch the missing square—see how the blue oval curves and where the yellow triangles point. Now find the piece that fits those same lines and colors.”
🟨➡️ Look for the curve of the blue and the tip of the triangle—that’s your clue!"
Reasoning by Analogy questions on the NNAT Level B test a student's ability to recognize relationships between geometric shapes and apply them to new situations
Choose the shape that matches the pattern of the given matrix.
Wrong
Correct!
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Let me break down how to solve this pattern question step by step:
Therefore, B is the only answer that satisfies all the pattern requirements: correct shape (pentagon), correct colors (blue on yellow), and correct orientation.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"Here’s what I tell my students: “Look across the top row—what changes? The shape stays the same, but the background color flips! Now look at the bottom row. The shape is a pentagon, so do the same thing—flip the background color!"
Serial Reasoning is a new category of questions introduced in Level B that students completing Level A have not yet encountered. In these questions students are presented with a series of visual elements or shapes that undergo gradual transformations. They must recognize sequences created by shapes and figures. The task is to identify how the sequence changes visually to form logical patterns.
Recognize and Continue Sequences or Patterns
Correct!
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Here is a break down the reasoning for this serial reasoning question into more user-friendly steps:
Step 1: Understand the Question
Step 2: Analyze the Columns
Observe that each column contains the same shape:
Step 3: Analyze the Rows
Notice that each row has a consistent shape color and background color:
Step 4: Identify the Missing Piece's Location
Step 5: Determine the Required Shape
Step 6: Determine the Required Colors
Being in the third row, it should have:
Step 7: Evaluate the Answer Choices
Step 8: Select the Correct Answer
Option A is the only choice that meets all criteria:
Conclusion: The correct answer is A, as it's the only option that follows both the column pattern (diamond shape) and the row pattern (yellow shape on blue background).
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"Here’s how I’d help a student: “Look at the shapes in each column—they stay the same from top to bottom! The first column is triangles, the second is circles, and the third is diamonds. So what shape comes next? A diamond! Now match the background colors from the row.”
🟨🟦🟨 = Follow the pattern, and you’ll crack the code!"
While our free NNAT 3 practice test samples provide a great starting point, comprehensive preparation is key to success on the NNAT. Our full NNAT prep packs offer:
Full-length NNAT practice tests
Detailed explanations for each question
Progress tracking and performance analysis
Ready to take your child's NNAT preparation to the next level?
The NNAT (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test) Level C, designed for 2nd-grade students, includes four types of questions: Pattern Completion, Reasoning by Analogy, Serial Reasoning, and Spatial Visualization.
These questions are more complex than in previous levels, challenging students to think critically and recognize relationships between visual elements
These questions test your child's ability to mentally manipulate shapes and understand spatial relationships.Notice how the shapes are rotated or flipped to create the final figure.
Which answer choice completes the pattern?
Correct!
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Let me break down how to solve this pattern question step by step:
Therefore, A is the correct answer because:
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"Look at the arrows and see how they are moving around the box. Imagine what the next arrow in the pattern should be. Which way does it point?"
Reasoning by Analogy questions on the NNAT Level C test a student's ability to recognize and apply analogical relationships among visual elements and shapes.
Choose the shape that matches the pattern of the given matrix.
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Correct!
Let me break down how to solve this pattern question step by step:
Therefore, E is the correct answer because it maintains the pattern where:
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"Look at the first two boxes and see what changes from one to the next. Does anything flip or move? Now, apply that same change to the third box to find your answer."
Reasoning by Analogy questions on the NNAT Level C test a student's ability to recognize and apply analogical relationships among visual elements and shapes.The task involves understanding how shapes change across rows and columns in a matrix.
How are the images changing
Correct!
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Let me break down how to solve this pattern question step by step:
Therefore, A is correct because:
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"Look closely at how the arrows are moving and changing color. Can you see a pattern in each row and column? Try to figure out what happens when the arrows move from one box to the next, both across and down, to find the missing piece!"
Spatial Visualization questions are introduced in NNAT Level C and require students to mentally manipulate shapes. They ask students to visualize how objects might look when rotated, transformed, or combined.
Mentally Manipulate and Visualize Transformations
Wrong
Correct!
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
A break down the reasoning for this spatial visualization question into more user-friendly steps:
Step 1: Understand the Question
We need to determine how the figures relate to each other.
Apply this relationship to the row with the empty frame.
Visualize how objects might look when rotated, transformed, or combined.
Step 2: Analyze the Top Row
Step 3: Identify the Transformation
Step 4: Examine the Bottom Row
Step 5: Predict the Missing Figure
Step 6: Evaluate the Answer Choices
Step 7: Select the Correct Answer
Option B is the only choice that meets all criteria:
Conclusion: The correct answer is B, as it follows the same transformation pattern observed in the top row - flipping the shapes from outside to inside while maintaining their positions.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"Imagine you're building with blocks! Look at the first two shapes and see how they change to become the third. Are they flipping, sliding, or turning? Now, take that same 'building rule' and apply it to the last shape to find what comes next. Try to see it in your mind before you even look at the answers!"
The NNAT (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test) Level D is designed for 3rd and 4th-grade students and includes four types of questions: Pattern Completion, Reasoning by Analogy, Serial Reasoning, and Spatial Visualization.
These questions in Level D challenge students to think critically and recognize relationships between visual elements.
What image is missing
Wrong
Correct!
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Let me break down how to solve this pattern question step by step:
Therefore, B is the correct answer because:
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"Look at the rows and columns. Can you spot a pattern in how the circles and X's are arranged? Sometimes things repeat, or they might change in a special order. Once you find the pattern, you'll know exactly what should go in the empty spot!"
Reasoning by Analogy questions on the NNAT Level D test a student's ability to recognize and apply analogical relationships among visual elements and shapes.
Note the changes
Wrong
Correct!
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
The correct answer is B.
Let me break down how to solve this pattern question step by step:
Therefore, B is the correct answer because:
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"Imagine each row and column is telling a little story about how the shapes are turning or flipping. Can you 'read' the story in the first two rows and columns? Whatever happens to the shape in those stories, make it happen to the last shape to find the perfect ending for the empty box!"
Serial Reasoning questions on the NNAT Level D assess a student's ability to recognize sequences and patterns in a series of figures. They are usually in a 3X3 grid.
Visualize the analogous relationship
Correct!
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Let me break down how to solve this pattern question step by step:
Therefore, A is the correct answer because:
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"Imagine each row and column is telling a little story about how the shapes are turning or flipping. Can you 'read' the story in the first two rows and columns? Whatever happens to the shape in those stories, make it happen to the last shape to find the perfect ending for the empty box!"
Spatial Visualization questions on the NNAT Level D require students to manipulate shapes and mentally understand spatial relationships. It requires students to determine how figures relate to each other and apply this relationship to a row with an empty frame.
Sharing the same relation
Wrong
Correct!
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Let me break down this pattern puzzle step by step to explain why B is the correct answer.
Therefore, B is the correct answer as it follows the established pattern of inward flipping transformation that we see in the top row.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"Imagine these shapes are playing a game of 'follow the leader'! Look at the first two boxes and figure out exactly what the yellow shape does. Does it slide? Does it flip? Does it turn? Once you've cracked the code of their movement, apply that exact same move to the third box. The answer will be the one that perfectly follows the leader's rule!"
After completing the free NNAT sample questions, take time to analyze your child's performance:
To further support your child's NNAT preparation, we offer free practice pages for different NNAT levels:
Our NNAT3 preparation resources are:
Whether your child is in kindergarten or high school, we have NNAT prep materials tailored to their specific level and needs. Our resources cover 4 NNAT levels (A through D), ensuring comprehensive preparation for early access to gifted test prep.
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To make the most of our free NNAT sample questions, follow these tips:
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Don't let the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test intimidate your gifted child. With the right NNAT practice test, they can showcase their true potential and open doors to advanced educational opportunities. Ready to give your child the best chance of success on the NNAT?
Remember, effective preparation is the key to confidence and success on test day. Start your child's NNAT journey with our free NNAT Sample questions, and when you're ready for more in-depth practice, our full NNAT practice tests are just a click away. Give your gifted child the tools they need to shine on the NNAT!
NNAT questions don't test what your child has memorized in school - they test cognitive ability. Instead of math problems or reading comprehension, your child will analyze visual patterns, complete sequences, and manipulate shapes mentally. These questions reveal your child's natural problem-solving capacity and learning potential.
While you can't "study" traditional academic content for the NNAT, you absolutely can prepare! Practice with sample questions helps your child become familiar with the visual format, question types, and thinking patterns required. This preparation builds confidence and improves performance by reducing test anxiety and increasing familiarity with nonverbal reasoning tasks.
NNAT levels correspond to grade levels:
Kindergarten students should practice Level A
1st graders should use Level B materials
2nd graders need Level C preparation
3rd and 4th graders should focus on Level D
Our free sample questions provide an excellent introduction to the NNAT format and question types. However, comprehensive preparation requires extensive practice with hundreds of questions, full-length tests, and detailed explanations
Don't worry! NNAT questions are designed to be challenging since they test advanced cognitive abilities. If your child finds the sample questions difficult, this indicates they need more practice with nonverbal reasoning skills. Our comprehensive prep packs provide the extensive practice and explanations needed to build these abilities.
Yes! Parents play a crucial role in NNAT preparation by providing a quiet practice environment, encouraging their child, and helping them understand question types through our detailed explanations. Our "Teacher Says" sections are specifically designed to help parents guide their children through the reasoning process.
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