CogAT Grade 2 key terms

A comparison that shows how two pairs of things are related in the same way, as in 'hand is to glove as foot is to sock.' You find the missing word that completes the matching pair.

Two words placed together that share a connection, such as 'kitten and cat' or 'hot and cold.' Comparing two word pairs helps you spot which pair follows the same rule.

The link between two things, such as part-to-whole, opposites, or one thing causing another. Naming the link in plain words is the key step in solving verbal puzzles.

A word that means almost the same as another word, like 'big' and 'large.' Picking a synonym is often how you complete a sentence or match two words with similar meaning.

A word that means the opposite of another word, like 'early' and 'late.' Noticing opposite pairs helps you solve analogies and choose the word that does not belong.

A group of things that share something in common, such as fruits, tools, or animals with fur. Sorting words into categories helps you decide which word fits a group and which does not.

The item in a group that does not share the feature the other items share. To find it, describe what the other words or pictures have in common, then check which one lacks that feature.

A task where a sentence has a missing word and you choose the word that makes the sentence make sense. Read the whole sentence first, then test each choice in the blank.

A word or idea nearby in a sentence that hints at the meaning of the missing or unfamiliar word. Clues may show what happens, who does it, or what the thing is used for.

Deciding which items belong together because they share a feature, and which do not. Verbal classification questions ask you to choose the word that fits the same group as the given words.

Putting items into groups based on one clear feature, such as color, shape, use, or where they are found. Sorting is the basic action behind many classification and odd-one-out questions.

A relationship where one thing is a piece of a larger thing, like a petal is part of a flower. This pattern appears often in analogies and helps you predict the missing word.

The job or use of something, such as a spoon being used for scooping. Many analogy and classification questions are solved by asking what each item is used for.

A list of numbers that follows a rule, such as adding 2 each time or counting by fives. Your job is to figure out the rule and choose the number that comes next.

A repeated or predictable arrangement of numbers, shapes, or objects. Finding the rule that repeats lets you predict what comes next or what is missing.

The hidden instruction that makes a pattern work, such as 'add three' or 'shapes take turns.' Stating the rule in your own words makes it easier to extend the pattern correctly.

Counting forward by a number larger than one, such as 5, 10, 15, 20. Recognizing skip-counting patterns helps you solve number sequences quickly and check your answer.

A whole number that can be split into two equal groups with nothing left over, such as 4, 10, or 16. Even numbers end in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8.

A whole number that leaves one left over when split into two equal groups, such as 3, 7, or 11. Odd numbers end in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9.

Joining two or more numbers to find the total, often called the sum. In quantitative puzzles, the rule behind a sequence is often simple addition.

Taking one number away from another to find the difference. Sequences that get smaller usually follow a subtraction rule, so checking differences helps you find it.

The value a digit has because of its position in a number, such as the 3 in 34 meaning thirty. Understanding place value helps you compare numbers and spot number patterns.

A comparison showing one number is larger than another, written with the > symbol. Comparing sizes is a common step in choosing the correct answer in number puzzles.

A comparison showing one number is smaller than another, written with the < symbol. Comparing values helps you order numbers and decide which answer fits a rule.

A math statement that uses numbers and symbols, such as 6 + 3 = 9. Some puzzles give a number sentence with a missing part that you must figure out.

The unknown number in an addition problem, such as the blank in 7 + ___ = 12. You find it by thinking about what must be added to reach the total.

Keeping two sides equal, as with a scale that stays level. Balance puzzles ask you to work out the value of a shape or object so both sides weigh the same.

A statement that two amounts are equal, shown with an equals sign. In puzzles, equations may use pictures or shapes in place of numbers that you must solve for.

The outline or form of a figure, such as a circle, triangle, or square. Nonverbal questions often ask you to notice how shapes change size, position, or number.

Any drawn form in a puzzle, such as a shape, line drawing, or symbol. Looking at a figure's features one at a time keeps you from missing an important detail.

A feature of a figure that can be described, such as its size, color, number of sides, or fill. Comparing attributes is how you find the rule in nonverbal puzzles.

Turning a figure around a point without flipping it, like the hands of a clock moving. Noticing how far a shape turns helps you predict the next figure in a series.

A mirror image of a figure, flipped across a line. A reflected shape looks reversed, which is different from a shape that has only been turned.

When a figure can be folded along a line so both halves match exactly. Spotting a line of symmetry helps you check whether a shape is complete or missing a piece.

A row of figures that changes step by step according to a rule. To continue a series, describe what changes each time, such as size, count, or position.

A grid of figures arranged in rows and columns that follow a rule. You find the missing cell by checking what stays the same and what changes across each row and column.

A puzzle showing two related pictures and a third picture, asking you to pick a fourth that relates to the third the same way. Name the link between the first pair, then apply it.

A puzzle where paper is folded, sometimes punched or cut, then unfolded. You must picture the holes or cuts mirrored across each fold line to choose the correct result.