This gifted and talented test preparation book is designed to help fifth-grade students build the reasoning skills needed to succeed on the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). It includes a full-length Level 11 practice test based on Forms 7 and 8, giving students a realistic preview of the structure, content, and difficulty level of the actual exam. By working through this book, children can become familiar with the test format and gain confidence before taking the real assessment.
The CogAT is widely used in the United States as part of the admission process for gifted and talented programs. Many school districts rely on this test to identify students with strong reasoning abilities, including programs such as selective academic tracks, advanced learning classes, and enrichment schools. Because of this, proper preparation can help students feel more comfortable and perform at their best on test day.
This preparation book was created by experienced educators who have worked with many students preparing for gifted and talented entrance tests. The practice questions are carefully designed to reflect the style and challenge of real CogAT questions. They focus on strengthening logical thinking, pattern recognition, verbal understanding, and visual reasoning — the core skills measured by the exam.
The book covers all three main sections of the CogAT, which together include nine different question types. The Verbal section contains Picture Analogies, Sentence Completion, and Picture Classification questions that help students develop language-based reasoning skills. The Quantitative section includes Number Analogies, Number Puzzles, and Number Series, which strengthen mathematical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. The Figurative or Nonverbal section contains Figure Matrices, Paper Folding, and Figure Classification questions that train students to think visually and identify patterns without relying on language.
Parents and teachers can use this practice test in two main ways. First, it can serve as a diagnostic tool to identify a child’s strengths and weaknesses across the different reasoning areas. This makes it easier to focus study time where it is most needed. Second, it can be used as a full mock exam to simulate real testing conditions. In this case, it is recommended that the student complete the test under timed conditions over several days, following the instructions in the book. This approach helps build stamina, time management skills, and test confidence.
Inside the book, students will find a complete CogAT Level 11 practice test containing 176 questions, along with answer keys and explanations. These explanations are important because they help students understand not only which answers are correct, but also why they are correct. This deeper understanding improves long-term reasoning ability rather than simple memorization.
In addition to the practice test, the book provides essential preparation strategies and tips. These include advice on avoiding common mistakes, improving focus during timed tests, and using logical methods to solve unfamiliar problems. Such strategies can make a significant difference in helping students achieve their best possible score.
Although the book is primarily designed for students preparing to take the CogAT in Grade 5, it can also be useful for fourth-grade students who want to begin building cognitive skills early. Early preparation allows children to gradually strengthen their thinking abilities without feeling pressured.
Overall, this workbook aims to provide high-quality gifted education preparation materials at a reasonable cost. Developed by teachers and tutors who carefully studied real testing formats, the book is structured to closely match the actual CogAT in both difficulty and design. It offers a practical, comprehensive, and student-friendly way to prepare for one of the most important reasoning tests used in gifted program admissions.
