CogAT Nonverbal flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Verbal analogy relation types

Common relations include function (tool to its use), category (item to class), part-to-whole, degree (mild to extreme), cause-effect, and antonymy. Naming the stem relation before reading options prevents matching on surface topic alone.

Direction in analogies

The order of the stem pair fixes the order of the answer pair. If the stem runs from whole to part, the correct option must also run from whole to part; reversing the direction is a common distractor.

Degree relation matching

Pairs linked by intensity must match the size of the gap, not just the direction. Warm-to-hot pairs with cool-to-cold; pairing cool with frozen overshoots the stem's intensity difference.

Odd-word classification logic

Three words form one tight category and the fourth does not. The odd word often differs by category level, such as one specific item among general terms, or by connotation rather than topic.

Contrast signal words

Words such as but, although, unlike, and despite signal that the blank reverses meaning relative to another clause. Continuation signals such as and, because, and since carry meaning forward instead.

Grammar-first sentence completion

Before judging meaning, use article agreement, singular or plural verb form, and preposition choice to eliminate options. Grammatically impossible choices can be discarded without resolving the blank's sense.

Antonym part-of-speech match

A correct antonym pair matches both part of speech and intensity. A noun cannot oppose an adjective, and a mild opposite does not pair with an extreme word in a well-formed item.

Two-category trap in classification

A word fitting two loose categories is usually not the answer. The correct response is the word that leaves the other three forming a single tight category with one shared defining trait.

Verbal analogy with two-step relation

Some stems combine relations, such as a thing and the place it is made plus its raw material. The answer must reproduce both steps in the same order, not just one of them.

Connotation versus denotation

Denotation is literal meaning; connotation is the positive or negative charge a word carries. Classification and analogy items sometimes group words by charge rather than by literal category.

Arithmetic series test

Subtract consecutive terms. If every difference is equal, the series is arithmetic and the next term adds that constant. If differences change, test ratios and second differences next.

Geometric series test

Divide consecutive terms. A constant quotient identifies a geometric series, where each term multiplies by a fixed factor. Mixed series may alternate between arithmetic and geometric steps.

Second differences

When first differences are not constant, subtract the differences themselves. A constant second difference signals a quadratic pattern, where the gap grows by a fixed amount each step.

Alternating position series

Split the series into odd-position and even-position terms and analyze each separately. One subsequence may add while the other multiplies, and the missing term belongs to only one of them.

Number analogy operation

Identify the operation linking the first pair, then apply exactly that operation to the second pair. Two-step rules such as double then add one are common and must be applied in the same order.

Middle-out answer testing

For equation puzzles with a missing value, substitute options starting near the middle. Test writers rarely place the correct value first or last, so middle-out testing usually saves time.

Symbolic comparison shortcut

In relational comparison items, simplify both sides algebraically before computing. Structures such as three times n versus n times three resolve without arithmetic once the commutative property is applied.

Divisibility and parity checks

For quantitative classification, test each number for divisibility by small primes, parity, prime status, and perfect-square status. The odd number breaks a property the other three share.

Sides drive numeric value

In shape-and-number patterns, the count of sides, vertices, or enclosed regions often determines the number. Count geometric features before attempting arithmetic on the given values.

Rounding for range elimination

When answer options are widely spaced, round operands to the nearest ten or hundred and estimate. Eliminate options outside the estimated range instead of computing exactly.

Unit-digit shortcut

For large multiplication or addition, compute only the units digit of each option and compare with the units digit of the expression. Only one option usually matches that digit.

Constant-sum series

Some series pair outer terms that sum to a constant while inner terms follow a separate rule. Checking sums of symmetric positions sometimes reveals the pattern faster than differences.

Paper fold unfolding order

Unfold in the reverse order of the folds. Each unfold reflects the existing hole pattern across the crease line, doubling the hole count per fold unless a hole sits exactly on a crease.

Punch-hole count formula

Total holes equal punches multiplied by two raised to the number of folds. Overlapping holes on a crease reduce the count, so inspect whether any punch lies on a fold line.

Reflection versus rotation

A reflected figure is mirror-imaged, which flips handedness; a rotated figure preserves it. Checking one asymmetric detail, such as a notch on one side, distinguishes the two transformations.

Cube net opposite faces

On a cube net, faces separated by exactly one face in a straight line are opposite. Opposite faces never share an edge, which eliminates any option placing them adjacent.

Figure classification shared rule

The three matching figures share one property such as symmetry, enclosed-region count, line type, or rotation direction. The odd figure breaks exactly one of these properties.

Figure series attribute tracking

Track element count, position, shading, and orientation as separate attributes. A single series may change two attributes at once while holding a third constant across all frames.

Matrix rule verification

In two-by-two or three-by-three matrices, the rule runs across rows and down columns. Confirm a candidate rule in both directions before selecting an answer, since one direction may fit by accident.

Rotation angle accumulation

When a figure rotates across a series, measure the angle between consecutive frames. A constant increment such as 45 or 90 degrees predicts the next orientation, and direction must also stay consistent.

Enclosed region counting

Count enclosed areas rather than lines when figures differ subtly. Many nonverbal classification and series items hinge on region count increasing, decreasing, or staying fixed.

Superposition and cancellation

Some figure puzzles overlay two frames: lines present in both may cancel, or lines may combine. Testing both combination and cancellation rules against the given frames identifies which applies.