OLSAT Level A key terms

Describes two or more things that are the same in some important way. In analogy and classification questions, you look for what makes items alike before choosing an answer.

Describes things that are not the same. Many questions ask you to find the one picture or word that is different from all the others in a group.

Means exactly matching or identical in the way the question asks about. Young test takers are often asked to find the picture that is the same as a model picture.

Means fits into a group because it shares a common feature with the other members. Classification questions ask which item belongs with the others and which one does not.

A group of things that share something in common, such as animals, tools, or foods. Naming the category helps you decide which item fits and which does not.

To sort items into groups based on a shared feature. In pictorial and verbal questions, you classify by kind, use, color, shape, or another clear rule.

The item in a group that does not share the feature the others have. Finding it requires naming what the rest have in common, not just guessing which looks unusual.

Pairing items that go together because they are the same or closely related. Matching questions may pair identical pictures, opposite words, or things that are used together.

Two items that are grouped together because of a relationship. Recognizing the relationship in one pair helps you complete or choose a second pair with the same link.

Describes two things that are connected in everyday life, such as a shoe and a sock or a pencil and paper. These links are often based on use or function.

A word or idea that means the reverse of another, such as hot and cold or up and down. Opposite questions ask you to pick the word that means the reverse.

A word that means nearly the same as another word, such as big and large. Synonym questions test whether you know the meaning of words you may not see every day.

What a word stands for or refers to. Verbal reasoning questions often depend on knowing a word's meaning rather than how it sounds or how long it is.

The set of words a person knows and can use. A strong vocabulary supports synonym, opposite, and classification questions because it helps you recognize how words relate.

A comparison that shows how two pairs of things share the same relationship, often written A is to B as C is to D. You solve it by naming the link in the first pair.

The connection between two items, such as part to whole, worker to tool, or cause to effect. Naming the relationship is the key step in analogy and pairing questions.

To choose the item that finishes a matching set so both pairs follow the same rule. The rule must hold for the first pair and the second pair equally.

Filling a missing word in a sentence so the whole sentence makes sense. You use the meaning of the other words as clues to choose the best fit.

The words around a blank or unfamiliar word that hint at its meaning. Using context helps you choose an answer that fits the sentence as a whole.

The answer choice that works better than the others, even if more than one seems possible. You compare choices and pick the one that satisfies the rule most completely.

An ordered series in which each item follows a rule, such as growing by one each time. Finding the rule lets you predict what comes next or what is missing.

A repeated or predictable arrangement of shapes, colors, or positions. Noticing the repeating unit helps you continue the pattern correctly.

The item that should come after the last one shown, based on the rule of the series. You must identify the rule before choosing among the answer options.

The consistent change or condition that governs a series or pattern, such as adding one side each step or rotating a shape. Every step in the series must obey it.

To turn a shape around a point without flipping it over. Rotation questions ask you to track how far a shape turns and in which direction.

To turn a shape over as if reflected in a mirror, so left and right or top and bottom swap. A flipped shape is not the same as a rotated shape.

The picture you see when a shape is reflected across a line. Mirror images reverse the shape in one direction while keeping its size and features.

A quality of a shape that can be folded along a line so both halves match exactly. Symmetry questions ask you to find the fold line or complete a matching half.

To choose the missing piece that makes a whole figure, often by matching edges, corners, or a line of symmetry. The piece must fit without gaps or overlaps.

One part of a larger figure that has been cut or divided. Questions may ask which piece, when added, finishes the figure exactly.

The complete figure made when all its parts are put together. Understanding the whole helps you judge whether a piece belongs or is the wrong size and shape.

Any drawn shape or design used in a question, such as a triangle, star, or combined form. Figural questions ask you to compare, transform, or complete figures.

The outline or form of a figure, described by features such as number of sides, curves, and corners. Noticing shape features is basic to pictorial and figural questions.

How big or small an item is compared with others. Size is one of the features that can change in a pattern or distinguish the odd item in a group.

A noticeable quality of an item, such as color, shape, size, position, or number. Comparing features is how you find what items share and what changes.

To arrange items into groups by a chosen feature such as color or kind. Sorting questions require you to apply one clear rule to every item.

The job or use of an object, such as a cup holding liquid or scissors cutting. Function links are common in pairing and classification questions.

To rule out answer choices that clearly break the rule. Eliminating wrong choices first makes it easier to pick the remaining correct answer.