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CogAT practice questions

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Question 1Verbal reasoning

Choose the pair of words that best expresses a relationship like the one in this pair: PUPPY : DOG

  1. kitten : cat
  2. chick : bird
  3. foal : horse Correct answer.
  4. cub : lion

Explanation

A puppy is the young of a dog, and a foal is the young of a horse; both pairs name an offspring and its parent species. The other pairs also name young animals, but the question is testing whether you can find the pair whose relationship matches exactly, so you must compare each candidate carefully rather than accepting the first plausible one.

Question 2Verbal reasoning

Which word belongs with the others in meaning? crimson, scarlet, ruby, _____

  1. amber
  2. ivory
  3. vermilion Correct answer.
  4. azure

Explanation

Crimson, scarlet, and ruby all describe shades of deep red, so the missing word must also be a shade of red. Vermilion is a bright red-orange pigment, which keeps it in the same color family as the listed words.

Question 3Verbal reasoning

Complete the analogy: SCALPEL is to SURGEON as _____ is to CARPENTER.

  1. blueprint
  2. wood
  3. saw Correct answer.
  4. hammer

Explanation

A scalpel is the signature cutting tool a surgeon uses, so the missing word should be the signature cutting tool of a carpenter. A saw is the tool most closely identified with cutting wood, matching the precision of the stem's pairing.

Question 4Verbal reasoning

Which word is the opposite of FRUGAL?

  1. thrifty
  2. cautious
  3. wasteful Correct answer.
  4. generous

Explanation

Frugal means careful with money and avoiding unnecessary spending, so its opposite describes someone who spends freely or carelessly. Wasteful captures that idea directly, making it the clearest antonym.

Question 5Verbal reasoning

Which sentence uses the word 'bank' in the same sense as it is used here? We sat on the bank and watched the river flow past.

  1. She deposited her paycheck at the bank.
  2. You can bank on her to arrive on time.
  3. He planted tulips along the bank of the pond. Correct answer.
  4. The pilot had to bank the plane sharply.

Explanation

In the stem, 'bank' means the sloping land along the edge of a body of water. The tulip sentence uses 'bank' in that same riverside or pondside sense, so it matches.

Question 6Verbal reasoning

Which pair of words are synonyms?

  1. ancient / modern
  2. rapid / swift Correct answer.
  3. brave / cowardly
  4. expand / shrink

Explanation

Synonyms are words with similar meanings, and rapid and swift both mean moving or happening quickly. The other pairs list words with opposing meanings, which makes them antonyms rather than synonyms.

Question 7Verbal reasoning

Choose the word that best completes the sentence. The detective examined the _____ clues, piecing together every small detail before announcing her conclusion.

  1. minute Correct answer.
  2. vast
  3. trivial
  4. obvious

Explanation

The sentence emphasizes small details that must be pieced together, so the adjective should mean very small. 'Minute' (pronounced my-NOOT) means extremely small and fits the emphasis on tiny details.

Question 8Verbal reasoning

Which word does not belong with the others?

  1. triangle
  2. circle Correct answer.
  3. square
  4. rectangle

Explanation

Triangle, square, and rectangle are all polygons with straight sides and corners. A circle has no straight sides or corners, so it is the one that does not share the defining property of the group.

Question 9Verbal reasoning

Complete the analogy: LIBRARY is to BOOKS as _____ is to PAINTINGS.

  1. museum Correct answer.
  2. canvas
  3. brush
  4. artist

Explanation

A library is a place where books are collected and displayed for viewing, so the missing word should be a place where paintings are collected and displayed. A museum serves exactly that role, preserving the place-to-contents relationship.

Question 10Verbal reasoning

A word is missing from this sentence: The scientist's findings were so _____ that even her critics accepted them without further testing. Which choice best fits the blank?

  1. dubious
  2. tentative
  3. compelling Correct answer.
  4. ambiguous

Explanation

The blank must describe findings strong enough to convince critics immediately. 'Compelling' means convincing and persuasive, which explains why critics accepted them without more testing.

Question 11Verbal reasoning

Which sentence uses the word 'grave' in the same sense as it is used here? The doctor spoke in a grave tone when describing the test results.

  1. She placed flowers on the grave every spring.
  2. They visited the grave of a famous poet.
  3. The situation grew grave as the storm approached. Correct answer.
  4. The workers had to grave the wood with a chisel.

Explanation

In the stem, 'grave' is an adjective meaning serious and solemn. The storm sentence uses 'grave' the same way, describing a situation as serious and worrying.

Question 12Verbal reasoning

Choose the pair that best expresses a relationship like the one in this pair: THERMOMETER : TEMPERATURE

  1. clock : hour
  2. barometer : pressure Correct answer.
  3. ruler : wood
  4. scale : weight

Explanation

A thermometer is an instrument that measures temperature, so the missing pair should be an instrument and the quantity it measures. A barometer measures atmospheric pressure, matching the instrument-measured-quantity relationship.

Question 13Verbal reasoning

Which word is the opposite of CANDID?

  1. evasive Correct answer.
  2. honest
  3. frank
  4. blunt

Explanation

Candid means open and straightforward in speech, so its opposite describes someone who avoids giving direct answers. Evasive means tending to avoid commitment or directness, which is the clear antonym.

Question 14Verbal reasoning

The following words share a common relationship. Which word belongs in the group? whisper, murmur, mumble, _____

  1. shout
  2. mutter Correct answer.
  3. declare
  4. chant

Explanation

Whisper, murmur, and mumble all describe speaking quietly or unclearly, so the missing word should share that quality. Mutter means to speak in a low, indistinct voice, which fits the group.

Question 15Verbal reasoning

Complete the analogy: AUTHOR is to NOVEL as COMPOSER is to _____.

  1. audience
  2. symphony Correct answer.
  3. orchestra
  4. piano

Explanation

An author creates a novel as a written work, so the missing word should be the creative work a composer produces. A symphony is a musical composition, matching the creator-to-created-work relationship.

Question 16Verbal reasoning

Which sentence uses 'lean' in the same sense as it is used here? After the budget cuts, the company ran a lean operation with few extra staff.

  1. The recipe calls for lean ground beef. Correct answer.
  2. He leaned the ladder against the tree.
  3. They lean toward buying a smaller house.
  4. She had to lean against the wall to rest.

Explanation

In the stem, 'lean' is an adjective meaning efficient and without excess. The ground beef sentence uses 'lean' as an adjective meaning containing little fat, which is the closest adjectival sense of lacking excess.

Question 17Verbal reasoning

Choose the word that best completes the sentence. Her argument was so _____ that the audience could follow each step without confusion.

  1. obscure
  2. lucid Correct answer.
  3. verbose
  4. convoluted

Explanation

The blank must describe an argument that is easy to follow. 'Lucid' means clear and easy to understand, which matches the audience's ability to follow each step.

Question 18Verbal reasoning

Which pair of words are antonyms?

  1. calm / serene
  2. scarce / plentiful Correct answer.
  3. brief / short
  4. weary / tired

Explanation

Antonyms are words with opposite meanings, and scarce means in short supply while plentiful means abundant. The other pairs are synonyms, so they do not fit the relationship requested.

Question 19Verbal reasoning

Choose the pair that best expresses a relationship like the one in this pair: SEED : TREE

  1. egg : bird Correct answer.
  2. leaf : branch
  3. root : soil
  4. forest : tree

Explanation

A seed grows into a tree, so the missing pair should show an early stage developing into a mature organism. An egg develops into a bird, which matches the developmental relationship.

Question 20Verbal reasoning

Complete the analogy: PENURY is to WEALTH as _____ is to COURAGE.

  1. bravery
  2. cowardice Correct answer.
  3. danger
  4. strength

Explanation

Penury means extreme poverty, so the first pair relates a lack to the thing it lacks: penury is the absence of wealth. The missing word must be the absence of courage, which is cowardice.

Question 21Verbal reasoning

A word is missing from this sentence: Although the committee's report was lengthy, its conclusions were _____, offering no clear guidance to the board. Which choice best fits the blank?

  1. decisive
  2. definitive
  3. equivocal Correct answer.
  4. exhaustive

Explanation

The contrast signaled by 'although' and the phrase 'no clear guidance' require a word meaning unclear or open to more than one interpretation. 'Equivocal' means ambiguous and deliberately unclear, which fits.

Question 22Verbal reasoning

Which sentence uses 'issue' in the same sense as it is used here? The mayor promised to address the issue of rising rents at the next council meeting.

  1. The committee debated the issue for three hours. Correct answer.
  2. The soldiers received their equipment at the issue station.
  3. The publisher will issue a new edition in May.
  4. The bank will issue a replacement card.

Explanation

In the stem, 'issue' is a noun meaning a topic or problem under discussion. The committee sentence uses 'issue' the same way, referring to a matter being debated.

Question 23Verbal reasoning

Which word is the best antonym of OBFUSCATE?

  1. conceal
  2. complicate
  3. confuse
  4. clarify Correct answer.

Explanation

Obfuscate means to make something unclear or hard to understand, so its antonym must mean to make something clear. Clarify means to make easier to understand, which is the direct opposite.

Question 24Verbal reasoning

The following words share a common relationship. Which word belongs in the group? laconic, terse, succinct, _____

  1. rambling
  2. verbose
  3. pithy Correct answer.
  4. garrulous

Explanation

Laconic, terse, and succinct all describe speech or writing that uses few words effectively. Pithy means brief and full of meaning, so it shares the quality of concision.

Question 25Verbal reasoning

Choose the word that best completes the sentence. The hikers marveled at the _____ view from the mountain summit, with peaks stretching to the horizon.

  1. microscopic
  2. monotonous
  3. panoramic Correct answer.
  4. claustrophobic

Explanation

The context describes a wide, impressive view from a summit, so 'panoramic' fits because it means a wide, unobstructed view. The other adjectives describe narrow, boring, or tiny things, which contradict the scene.

Question 26Verbal reasoning

Complete the analogy: CARPENTER is to WOOD as _____ is to CLAY.

  1. mason
  2. painter
  3. architect
  4. sculptor Correct answer.

Explanation

A carpenter is a craftsperson who works with wood as the primary material, so the matching term for someone who works with clay is sculptor. The other professions use different materials or plan rather than shape the material directly.

Question 27Verbal reasoning

Which sentence uses the word 'spring' in the same sense as it is used here? The cat made a sudden spring onto the table.

  1. With a powerful spring, the athlete cleared the bar. Correct answer.
  2. The spring flowers bloomed early this year.
  3. The town gets its water from a nearby spring.
  4. The mattress has a broken spring.

Explanation

In the given sentence, 'spring' means a sudden jump or leap. Only the sentence about the athlete clearing the bar uses 'spring' to mean a leap. The other sentences use 'spring' to mean a season, a coil, or a water source.

Question 28Verbal reasoning

The following words share a common relationship. Which word belongs in the group? swift, rapid, fleet, _____

  1. sluggish
  2. brisk Correct answer.
  3. leisurely
  4. gradual

Explanation

All the words in the list mean fast or quick. 'Brisk' also means quick and energetic, so it belongs in the group. The other options mean slow or gradual, which is the opposite relationship.

Question 29Verbal reasoning

Choose the pair that best expresses a relationship like the one in this pair: BIRD : NEST

  1. fish : water
  2. tree : leaf
  3. horse : saddle
  4. bee : hive Correct answer.

Explanation

A bird lives in a nest, which is its home. Similarly, a bee lives in a hive, so 'bee : hive' expresses the same home relationship. The other pairs describe a habitat, an item used for riding, or a part of a whole, not a home.

Question 30Verbal reasoning

Choose the word that best completes the sentence. The professor's explanation was so _____ that even the most confused students understood the concept immediately.

  1. obscure
  2. ambiguous
  3. lucid Correct answer.
  4. verbose

Explanation

The sentence says even confused students understood immediately, so the explanation must be very clear. 'Lucid' means clear and easy to understand, which fits perfectly. The other options mean unclear or too wordy, which would not help confused students.

Question 31Verbal reasoning

Which sentence uses the word 'charge' in the same sense as it is used here? The customer was charged an extra fee for late payment.

  1. The bull lowered its head and began to charge.
  2. The hotel charges guests for parking. Correct answer.
  3. The nurse is in charge of the evening shift.
  4. The battery needs to charge overnight.

Explanation

In the given sentence, 'charged' means demanded a fee or price. The sentence about the hotel charging guests for parking uses 'charges' in the same financial sense. The other sentences use 'charge' to mean rush forward, be in control, or supply electrical power.

Question 32Verbal reasoning

Complete the analogy: SKYSCRAPER is to CITY as _____ is to FOREST.

  1. hunter
  2. bird
  3. path
  4. tree Correct answer.

Explanation

A skyscraper is a large structure that is a defining feature of a city, just as a tree is a large plant that defines a forest. The other options are things found in a forest but are not the primary structural element like a tree is.

Question 33Verbal reasoning

Which word is the best antonym of CANDID?

  1. honest
  2. evasive Correct answer.
  3. sincere
  4. blunt

Explanation

Candid means honest and direct, so its antonym is evasive, meaning avoiding direct answers. Honest, blunt, and sincere are all closer to synonyms of candid than to opposites.

Question 34Verbal reasoning

Choose the pair that best expresses a relationship like the one in this pair: DOCTOR : HOSPITAL

  1. farmer : field
  2. teacher : school Correct answer.
  3. pilot : airplane
  4. chef : kitchen

Explanation

A doctor works in a hospital, which is an institution or building. A teacher works in a school, which is also an institution. The other pairs involve a vehicle, a room, or an outdoor area, which are not parallel institutions.

Question 35Verbal reasoning

The following words share a common relationship. Which word belongs in the group? praise, commend, applaud, _____

  1. laud Correct answer.
  2. condemn
  3. criticize
  4. ignore

Explanation

All the words in the list mean to express approval or admiration. 'Laud' also means to praise highly, so it belongs in the group. The other options mean to criticize or disregard, which are opposites.

Question 36Verbal reasoning

Choose the word that best completes the sentence. Despite the _____ evidence, the jury remained unconvinced and returned a verdict of not guilty.

  1. irrelevant
  2. flimsy
  3. ambiguous
  4. compelling Correct answer.

Explanation

The sentence uses 'despite' to contrast the evidence with the jury's unconvinced reaction, so the evidence must be strong. 'Compelling' means convincing and strong, which creates the needed contrast. The other adjectives describe weak or unclear evidence, which would not contrast with the jury's skepticism.

Question 37Verbal reasoning

Which sentence uses the word 'grave' in the same sense as it is used here? The situation became grave when the supply of clean water ran out.

  1. She spoke in a grave voice about the accident. Correct answer.
  2. The grave was marked with a simple stone.
  3. The cemetery had many old graves.
  4. The soldiers dug a grave for the fallen comrade.

Explanation

In the given sentence, 'grave' means serious or threatening. The sentence about speaking in a grave voice uses 'grave' to mean serious, which matches. The other sentences use 'grave' as a noun meaning a burial place.

Question 38Verbal reasoning

Complete the analogy: AUDACIOUS is to TIMID as _____ is to GENEROUS.

  1. kind
  2. stingy Correct answer.
  3. wealthy
  4. selfish

Explanation

Audacious means bold, while timid means shy, so the relationship is antonym. The antonym of generous is stingy, meaning unwilling to give. The other options are either synonyms or unrelated to generosity.

Question 39Verbal reasoning

Choose the word that best completes the sentence. Her _____ remarks during the debate alienated even her supporters, as she attacked everyone who disagreed.

  1. soothing
  2. caustic Correct answer.
  3. diplomatic
  4. conciliatory

Explanation

The sentence says her remarks alienated supporters and attacked everyone, so the remarks must be harsh. 'Caustic' means bitterly sarcastic or critical, which fits. The other adjectives describe calming or peacemaking remarks, which would not alienate supporters.

Question 40Verbal reasoning

Which sentence uses the word 'resolution' in the same sense as it is used here? The company's resolution of the dispute avoided a costly lawsuit.

  1. The committee passed a resolution to fund the new library.
  2. The resolution of the conflict required patience from both sides. Correct answer.
  3. She made a New Year's resolution to exercise more.
  4. The screen's resolution was so high that every detail was sharp.

Explanation

In the given sentence, 'resolution' means the act of solving a problem or dispute. The sentence about the resolution of the conflict uses it in the same sense. The other sentences use 'resolution' to mean image clarity, a personal promise, or a formal decision.

Question 41Verbal reasoning

Complete the analogy: EPHEMERAL is to PERMANENCE as _____ is to CERTAINTY.

  1. assurance
  2. confidence
  3. conviction
  4. doubt Correct answer.

Explanation

Ephemeral means lasting a very short time, which is the opposite of permanence, so the relationship is antonym. The antonym of certainty is doubt. The other options are synonyms of certainty.

Question 42Verbal reasoning

The following words share a common relationship. Which word belongs in the group? pragmatic, practical, sensible, _____

  1. realistic Correct answer.
  2. impractical
  3. idealistic
  4. romantic

Explanation

All the words in the list describe someone who is practical and focused on real results. 'Realistic' also means practical and sensible, so it belongs. The other options describe idealistic or impractical approaches, which are opposites.

Question 43Verbal reasoning

Choose the pair that best expresses a relationship like the one in this pair: MENDACIOUS : HONESTY

  1. verbose : wordiness
  2. courageous : bravery
  3. generous : charity
  4. duplicitous : sincerity Correct answer.

Explanation

Mendacious means lying or untruthful, which is the opposite of honesty, so the relationship is antonym. Duplicitous means deceitful, which is the opposite of sincerity. The other pairs are synonym relationships or not directly antonymous.

Question 44Verbal reasoning

Choose the word that best completes the sentence. The detective dismissed the witness's account as _____ because it contradicted three established facts in the case.

  1. candid
  2. meticulous
  3. credible
  4. dubious Correct answer.

Explanation

The sentence's logic requires a word meaning 'not to be believed,' since the account contradicts established facts. 'Dubious' means questionable or suspect, which fits the cause-and-effect reasoning exactly.

Question 45Verbal reasoning

The following words share a common relationship. Which word belongs in the group? frugal, thrifty, economical, _____

  1. prudent Correct answer.
  2. lavish
  3. wasteful
  4. extravagant

Explanation

All the listed words describe careful, restrained use of money or resources. 'Prudent' carries the same sense of sensible management and joins the group, while the other choices describe the opposite habit.

Question 46Verbal reasoning

Choose the word that best completes the sentence. Because the bridge was built with _____ materials, inspectors warned that it might fail within a decade.

  1. reinforced
  2. sturdy
  3. durable
  4. inferior Correct answer.

Explanation

The warning about early failure requires a word suggesting poor quality. 'Inferior' means of lower quality, which explains why inspectors predicted the bridge would not last.

Question 47Verbal reasoning

Complete the analogy: LIBRARIAN is to BOOKS as _____ is to INGREDIENTS.

  1. grocery
  2. chef Correct answer.
  3. menu
  4. recipe

Explanation

A librarian is the person who works with and organizes books, so the bridge is 'person who works with a category of items.' A chef is the person who works with ingredients, matching that relationship.

Question 48Verbal reasoning

Choose the word that is the best antonym of VERBOSE.

  1. rambling
  2. wordy
  3. concise Correct answer.
  4. lengthy

Explanation

'Verbose' describes speech or writing that uses more words than necessary. Its antonym must describe using few words, and 'concise' means brief and to the point.

Question 49Verbal reasoning

Which sentence uses the word 'figure' in the same sense as it is used here? She could not figure out how the machine worked.

  1. We need to figure the cost before booking the hall. Correct answer.
  2. He is a leading figure in the field of genetics.
  3. The final figure on the report was inaccurate.
  4. The figure in the painting wore a red cloak.

Explanation

In the stem, 'figure out' means to work out or calculate an answer. Option 2 uses 'figure' as a verb meaning to calculate, which is the same sense.

Question 50Verbal reasoning

Choose the word that best completes the sentence. Although the critic praised the novel's ambition, she found its plot so _____ that she struggled to summarize it.

  1. straightforward
  2. tangled Correct answer.
  3. coherent
  4. orderly

Explanation

The clause about struggling to summarize signals that the plot was confusing or complicated. 'Tangled' means twisted together and difficult to follow, which explains the critic's difficulty.