CAT4 Level A: A 2024 Guide with Tips & Examples
Sep 04, 2024Standardized testing is an essential tool in the educational toolbox. Students will be assessed and tested throughout their educational journeys for a variety of reasons.
CAT4 testing provides a snapshot of a student's cognitive abilities. This information can be used to identify strengths and weaknesses.
Because there are different levels of CAT4 test depending on the age of the student, the results and format are consistent. This means that current results can easily be compared to previous assessments, enabling teaching staff to see how well a student is progressing.
CAT4 Level A testing refers to the test papers used to assess children aged between eight and ten.
In this article, you will learn more about the CAT4 Level A test and how it’s scored, as well as get tips for success and answers to frequently asked questions.
What Is CAT4 Level A?
The CAT4 Level A test is a cognitive abilities assessment that is usually administered in three parts. Each assessment has a strict time limit and is administered under exam conditions.
CAT4 Level A testing is used to effectively assess the cognitive abilities of children in the earlier years of their education. Predominantly, Level A testing is given to children aged between eight and 10.
The information provided by these tests allows teaching staff to provide additional support where required. It can also identify those children who perhaps need to be given more challenging work.
CAT4 Level A Test Components
CAT4 Level A tests are administered in three parts, with questions covering four areas of cognitive ability:
- Verbal reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning
- Quantitative reasoning
- Spatial ability
Verbal Reasoning
Within the CAT4 Level A, verbal reasoning questions are designed to assess a student’s ability to understand written information and form conclusions from it.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
In a similar way to the verbal reasoning questions, non-verbal reasoning seeks to evaluate understanding and comprehension skills.
In this style of questioning, however, students are asked to answer questions based on information they are given from charts, graphs, and images.
Quantitative Reasoning
Quantitative reasoning is another way of saying numeracy skills. This section will present children with a range of questions that require basic numeracy and problem-solving skills to answer.
Spatial Ability
Spatial ability questions require students to be able to visualize and manipulate shapes and objects in their minds.
Often, this is done by asking candidates to select the correct image to complete a pattern.
CAT4 Level A: Example Questions
1. Verbal Reasoning
Example Question 1: Word Classification
Which word does not belong in the group?
a) Apple
b) Orange
c) Banana
d) Car
The correct answer is: d) Car
"Apple," "Orange," and "Banana" are all fruits, while "Car" is not.
Example Question 2: Similar Words
Which word is most similar in meaning to the word ‘Big’?
a) Small
b) Large
c) Tiny
d) Short
The correct answer is: b) Large
"Big" and "Large" have similar meanings.
2. Non-Verbal Reasoning
Example Question 1: Pattern Completion
Which shape completes the pattern?
Circle, Square, Circle, Square, ______
a) Triangle
b) Circle
c) Square
d) Star
The pattern alternates between a circle and a square. After "Circle, Square, Circle, Square," the next shape should be a circle.
Example Question 2: Odd One Out
Which shape is the odd one out?
a) Triangle
b) Square
c) Rectangle
d) Circle
The correct answer is: d) Circle
The triangle, square, and rectangle all have straight sides, while the circle does not.
3. Quantitative Reasoning
Example Question 1: Simple Addition
What is 3 + 2?
a) 4
b) 5
c) 6
d) 7
The correct answer is: b) 5
Adding 3 and 2 gives you 5.
Example Question 2: Which Number is Bigger?
Which number is bigger: 7 or 5?
a) 5
b) 7
The correct answer is: b) 7
7 is larger than 5.
4. Spatial Ability
Example Question 1: Matching Shapes
Which shape matches the one on the left?
The correct answer is: a)
Example Question 2: Position and Direction
If a cat is sitting on a chair, and the chair is to the right of a table, where is the cat in relation to the table?
a) In front
b) Behind
c) To the left
d) To the right
The correct answer is: d) To the right.
Since the chair is to the right of the table, the cat is also to the right of the table.
Tips for Success in CAT4 Level A
There are many things you can do, as a parent, to support your child ahead of their CAT4 Level A tests.
Some may seem simple, while others might take a little more effort.
Discuss the Tests
It’s important to speak to your child before they undertake any assessments. They may have questions and concerns that you can reassure.
Discuss what to expect during the tests, and what the results might mean. It’s also a good idea to emphasize the importance of your child doing their best.
Practice Papers and Sample Questions
Practice tests offer an opportunity for your child to familiarize themselves with the test's format and style of questioning. Teachers will often be able to provide you with revision resources to use at home.
Alternatively, you can purchase practice CAT4 Level A test packages from TestHQ.
You may also find websites offering free CAT4 Level A practice tests, although many will provide you with a few sample questions before requiring payment.
Practice Under Timed Conditions
The CAT4 Level A has a strict time limit. This can make it challenging to complete without running out of time.
Because of this, practicing answering questions within the time limit can be useful.
It can help to build confidence and resilience, while also encouraging children to work both quickly and accurately.
Puzzles and Games
Not all practice has to be done with free CAT4 Level A practice tests, although many will provide you with a few sample CAT4 Level A test questions before requiring payment.
Puzzle books and card games can also be an excellent way of reinforcing cognitive skills.
Anxiety Management Strategies
If your child struggles with severe anxiety ahead of assessments, it can be a good idea to teach them mindfulness and breathing techniques.
These can help to keep anxiety under control and can make testing feel less overwhelming.
Emphasize Answering as Many Questions as Possible
Because of the timed nature of the CAT4 Level A test, it’s important not to spend too long on any one question.
Emphasize to your child that if they get stuck they should move on to the next question and go back at the end if they have time.
Sleep and Nutrition
Never underestimate the importance of a good night's sleep.
Studies have repeatedly shown that being well-rested and eating a balanced meal ahead of a test can improve focus and recollection.
How to Interpret CAT4 Level A Scores
Your child’s CAT4 Level A scores will be presented to you in a range of formats.
Each of these has a slightly different meaning and way of interpretation, so it’s important to know what each one means.
Stanine Score
Stanine scores are unique to CAT4 tests. Your child will be given a score between one and nine for each section of the assessment, as well as an overall score. This will also be between one and nine.
When considering stanine scores, it’s important to remember that one is low and nine is high, with a score between four and six considered average.
Overall Score
As the name suggests, the overall score provides you with an overall number of correct answers.
This score is why it’s so important to try and answer as many questions as possible rather than getting stuck and running out of time.
Your child’s report will contain an overall score for each section of the CAT4 Level A assessment as well as an overall result across all papers.
Percentile Score
This form of scoring aims to rank your child amongst their peers. All of the scores for students taking the CAT4 Level A test will be collated and averaged.
You will then receive a score out of 100 that shows where your child ranked. In simple terms, the higher the number, the better the performance.
For example, if your child scores 87%, then this means that they performed better than 87% of other students taking this particular test. You will receive percentile scores for each section of the assessment as well as overall.
The information contained within your child’s CAT4 Level A report will help to identify any areas of strength and weakness they may have, as well as how they are performing overall. If you have any concerns about your child’s score, speak to their teacher or a member of senior staff at their school.
This way, you can find out about any interventions that can be put in place, as well as any additional support you can provide at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CAT4 Level A?
CAT4 Level A is a cognitive abilities test for students aged six to eight, typically in Years 2 to 3, assessing verbal, non-verbal, quantitative, and spatial reasoning.
What does Level A mean in CAT4?
There are different CAT4 assessments given depending on the age of the students undertaking them. Level A refers to the specific test paper administered to children aged between eight and ten.
Is CAT4 Level A hard to pass?
CAT4 Level A isn't pass/fail; it measures cognitive strengths and weaknesses, not passing a specific threshold.
Can you retake the CAT4 Level A test?
No. CAT4 Level A testing provides a snapshot of a child’s cognitive ability at that moment in time. This is why it’s important to prepare your child as much as possible ahead of their assessments.
Where can I prepare for CAT4 Level A?
Preparation can be done using online resources, paid for or free CAT4 Level A practice tests (like those found on TestHQ), and CAT4 prep books designed for young learners.
Is the CAT4 Level A test timed?
Yes. There are three papers in total, and each one has a strict time limit:
- Section One – 20 minutes
- Section Two – 26 minutes
- Section Three – 26 minutes
How many questions are on CAT4 Level A?
There are 168 questions in total that are split across three papers:
- Section One – 48 questions
- Section Two – 66 questions
- Section Three – 54 questions
Where can I get sample questions for the CAT4 Level A test?
Sample CAT4 Level A test questions are available via TestHQ, elsewhere online, in CAT4 prep books, or on educational websites.
How to pass the CAT4 Level A test?
Focus on practicing reasoning skills, use sample questions, and help children manage their time effectively.
What is a good score for the CAT4 Level A test?
A good score is typically a higher percentile rank, indicating strong cognitive abilities.
Where can I get a complete study guide for the CAT4 Level A test?
Complete study guides are available from educational publishers, online resources (such as TestHQ), or specialized test prep companies.
Final Thoughts
Testing is never nice, and it’s not uncommon to feel anxious or worried ahead of an assessment. But, the information gained from tests like the CAT4 Level A can help teaching staff to provide a better education for your child.
The CAT4 Level A works by taking a snapshot of a student’s progress. This makes it possible to highlight any areas that need additional support and challenge those who are performing above expectation.
By taking the time to use CAT4 Level A practice papers to brush up on key cognitive abilities skills and discuss any worries or concerns your child might have, they will be able to feel confident during testing. This confidence can help to improve recollection and enable them to perform to the best of their abilities.
