CogAT Level 11 key terms

A comparison showing how two pairs of words relate in the same way, as in 'hot is to cold as up is to down.' The relationship, not the topic, must match.

The link between two words in a pair, such as part-to-whole, cause-and-effect, or category-to-member. Naming the link before choosing an answer is the core verbal strategy.

Two words presented together whose connection you must identify. In analogy questions you compare the relationship of one pair against the relationships offered in the answer choices.

A word that means nearly the same as another, like 'begin' and 'start.' Synonym questions ask you to pick the answer closest in meaning to the given word.

A word that means the opposite of another, like 'ancient' and 'modern.' Antonym questions ask for the choice most nearly opposite in meaning to the given word.

A group whose members share a defining feature, such as 'fruit' for apple, pear, and plum. Category questions ask which word belongs with the others or which one does not fit.

Sorting words into groups by shared meaning or function. On verbal tests you may be asked which of several words belongs in the same class as a given set.

The item in a group that lacks the feature shared by the rest. You must state the rule that unites the others, then find the word that breaks it.

The meaning a word takes from the sentence around it. A familiar word can carry an unusual sense, so check how it is used before selecting a synonym.

Filling a missing word in a sentence so the whole statement makes sense. Use the surrounding clues, such as contrast words like 'but' or cause words like 'because.'

A small word that reveals the logic of a sentence, such as 'although,' 'therefore,' or 'unless.' Signal words tell you whether the missing idea contrasts with or continues the other clause.

Solving problems stated in words rather than numbers or pictures. It covers analogies, classifications, synonyms, antonyms, and sentence-based logic.

A list of numbers following a rule, where you supply the next term. Find what changes from one term to the next, such as adding, multiplying, or alternating operations.

The result of subtracting one number from another. In series problems, comparing consecutive differences often reveals a constant or steadily changing step.

A rule that repeats or progresses predictably across items. Recognizing patterns is the central skill for series, matrices, and figure puzzles.

The precise operation that turns one item into the next, such as 'multiply by two, then subtract one.' A good rule accounts for every term, not just the first two.

One of the basic calculations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. Quantitative puzzles often combine operations in a fixed order across a series.

A statement that two expressions are equal, often containing an unknown value. Solving it means finding the number that makes both sides balance.

A quantity represented by a symbol or blank that you must determine. Substitute the known values first, then undo operations in reverse order to isolate it.

The state in which both sides of an equation or a scale have equal value. Whatever you do to one side, you must do to the other to keep it balanced.

A comparison of two quantities by division, such as 3 to 4. Ratios let you scale a known relationship up or down to find an unknown amount.

An equation stating that two ratios are equal. Setting up a proportion lets you solve for a missing value when quantities grow at the same rate.

A number written as one quantity divided by another, showing part of a whole. In puzzles, fractions often describe shaded regions or shares of a group.

A fraction expressed out of one hundred. Percent problems usually ask for a part, a whole, or the rate, and can be solved with a proportion.

The sum of a set of numbers divided by how many numbers there are, also called the mean. Averages let you compare groups of different sizes.

The total obtained by adding numbers together. Sum problems often ask you to find missing addends or to check whether a total is consistent.

A collection of numbers gathered for comparison or analysis. Questions may ask for the average, the range, or the most frequent value in the set.

Using numbers and quantities to solve problems rather than only computing. It includes series, equations, ratios, and puzzles about relationships among amounts.

A picture comparison in which two shapes or grids relate in the same way as a second pair. Identify what changed between the first pair, then apply it to the second.

A change applied to a figure, such as rotating, flipping, enlarging, or moving it. Naming the exact change is the key to matching figure pairs.

Turning a figure around a fixed point by a certain angle. Track how far a distinctive feature, like a notch or dot, moves around the shape.

Flipping a figure over a line so it appears as a mirror image. A reflected figure keeps its size but reverses its orientation.

Sliding a figure to a new position without turning or flipping it. Size and orientation stay the same; only location changes.

A grid of shapes arranged so that each row and column follows a rule. Find what changes across rows and down columns, then supply the missing cell.

A puzzle in which a sheet is folded, holes are punched, and you predict the pattern when it is unfolded. Each fold doubles the holes and mirrors their positions.

The property of a figure that looks unchanged when flipped or turned in certain ways. Symmetry helps predict folded or mirrored patterns quickly.

A sequence of pictures that changes step by step according to a rule. Track one feature at a time, such as number of sides, shading, or position.

Choosing which shape belongs with a group or which one does not fit. State the shared feature of the group, such as number of sides or type of shading.

Solving problems using shapes, patterns, and spatial relationships instead of words or numbers. It tests the ability to detect rules in visual information.