CAT4 Level D: Guide/Tips/Examples
Jul 23, 2024CAT4 – or Cognitive Ability Tests – are a commonly used form of cognitive test for children within the UK education system to assess growth and progress. They can also be used for streaming pupils based on ability or to gain entry to selective schools, as with the 11 plus tests.
The information gathered in these assessments can then help teachers to identify those children who are falling behind or may need additional support to reach the same level as their peers.
Although the CAT4 isn’t technically an IQ test, it measures strengths and weaknesses of individuals in a similar way that an IQ test would.
In this article, you will learn more about the CAT4 Level D Test, the subjects it covers and how it’s scored. You will also find CAT4 Level D practice test questions and answers to frequently asked questions.
What Is the CAT4 Level D Test?
The CAT4 test is used to track progress and ability within school children aged six to 17. There are different CAT4 test levels – the CAT4 Level D test is specifically used for children between the ages of 11 and 12 who are in year 7 at school.
Students taking the CAT4 Level D test will take the assessment in three parts. Each section is timed and students will have between 10 and 20 minutes to complete each part:
- Part One – This is a non-verbal reasoning assessment. The 20 minute test is split into two equal parts covering two topics: figure classification and figure matrices
- Part Two – This section aims to assess verbal and quantitative reasoning skills. The test is split into three sections, each with a separate time limit: verbal classification (eight minutes), verbal analogies (eight minutes) and number analogies (10 minutes).
- Part Three – The final section of the CAT4 Level D assessment is also made up of three sections with individual time limits. Children will need to answer questions on number series (eight minutes), figure analysis (nine minutes) and figure recognition (nine minutes).
Subjects Covered in the CAT4 Level D Test
CAT4 Level D testing aims to assess a range of skills and abilities. This information can then be used to identify any areas which require additional focus or attention.
Each section of the assessment is designed to evaluate a different area.
Figure Classification
Assesses an individual's ability to recognise patterns within shapes and images from a selection of multiple-choice options.
CAT4 Level D Practice Test Question – Figure Classification
Look at the following group of shapes. Which shape does not belong to the group?
The correct answer is: a) Circle
Triangle, Square, and Pentagon are all polygons with straight lines and angles, whereas the Circle is the only shape with a curved line and no angles. Therefore, the Circle does not belong to the group.
Figure Matrices
Students are required to correctly identify the correct image to complete a pattern.
CAT4 Level D Practice Test Question – Figure Matrices
Consider the following 3x3 matrix of figures. Identify the missing figure (?) that completes the pattern:
The correct answer is: b)
Verbal Classification
Students will be shown a group of words. They will then need to correctly identify the odd-one-out for each group.
CAT4 Level D Practice Test Question – Verbal Classification
Look at the following group of words:
Dog, Cat, Bird, Fish
Which word does not belong to the group?
a) Dog
b) Cat
c) Bird
d) Fish
The correct answer is: d) Fish
Dog, Cat, and Bird are all types of animals that typically live on land and can be domesticated as pets. Fish, on the other hand, is an animal that lives in water and has a different habitat and characteristics compared to the other three. Therefore, Fish does not belong to the group.
Verbal Analogies
In this section, children must recognise the similarities between words. The aim will be to correctly select the relationship between them using logic and inference skills.
CAT4 Level D Practice Test Question – Verbal Analogies
Find the word that completes the analogy.
'Hand' is to 'glove' as 'foot' is to:
a) Sock
b) Shoe
c) Boot
d) Sandal
The correct answer is: a) Sock
The relationship between 'hand' and 'glove' is that a glove is worn on a hand. Similarly, a sock is worn on a foot. While a shoe, boot, and sandal are also worn on the foot, the most direct and comparable analogy to a glove worn on a hand is a sock worn on a foot. Therefore, sock is the correct answer.
Number Analogies
In a similar way to the verbal analogies questions, students must correctly identify the relationship between a series of numbers.
CAT4 Level D Practice Test Question – Number Analogies
Identify the number that completes the analogy.
4 is to 16 as 6 is to:
a) 36
b) 18
c) 24
d) 12
The correct answer is: a) 36
The relationship between 4 and 16 is that 16 is the square of 4 (4 × 4 = 16). Similarly, to find the number that completes the analogy for 6, you need to square 6 (6 × 6 = 36). Therefore, the correct answer is 36.
Number Series
This section aims to assess a child’s ability to correctly predict the next number in a series, showing pattern recognition skills.
CAT4 Level D Practice Test Question – Number Series
Identify the next number in the sequence.
2, 6, 12, 20, ?
a) 28
b) 30
c) 32
d) 36
The correct answer is: a) 30
To determine the pattern, let's look at the differences between the consecutive numbers:
6 – 2 = 4
12 – 6 = 6
20 – 12 = 8
The differences are increasing by 2 each time (4, 6, 8). Following this pattern, the next difference should be 8 + 2 = 10. Adding this to the last number in the sequence:
20 + 10 = 30
Therefore, the next number in the sequence is 30.
Figure Analysis
This is a pattern identification task, with students asked to correctly recognise and identify an underlying pattern or rule.
CAT4 Level D Practice Test Question – Figure Analysis
Consider the following folded piece of paper with holes punched in it. Determine how the paper will look when it is unfolded.
The correct answer is: a)
Figure Recognition
Students are provided with a pattern or rule for these questions and will need to correctly use that information to predict the next in a sequence.
CAT4 Level D Practice Test Question – Figure Recognition
Identify the figure that is identical to the given figure.
The correct answer is: b)
How the CAT4 Level D Test Is Administered
Students will typically complete the year 7 CAT test within their usual classroom setting, although sometimes testing centres may be used. There are both paper-based and computerised options for administering the CAT4 Level D test.
If tests are administered within a school, each section is usually given separately, sometimes on different days to allow students a break between each section.
If a testing centre is being used, all sections will be completed within one day, with structured breaks between each section.
Year 7 CAT Scores Explained – Scoring and Results
Once students have completed their CAT4 Level D assessments, CAT4 Level D results are marked by computer.
This means the results are quickly and accurately calculated with both raw and standardised age scores:
- Raw score – This is the total number of correct answers a student has provided.
- Standardised age score – This score is calculated by working out the average score of all individuals taking the CAT4 Level D test at the exact same age.
The test results will also provide schools with other information that can be used for evaluating progress:
- Statine rank – These CAT test scores are out of nine in a visual representation, with five meaning that a student has performed at the average ability.
- National percentile ranking – These CAT test scores show how well a student has performed against the national average.
Year 7 CAT Scores Explained – Interpreting the Results
Looking at your child’s results and where they have scored in relation to their peers can help to identify any areas which are in need of improvement.
Teachers will also use this information to see if there are any consistent gaps in learning across a year group, or whether a child may need additional support in a particular area.
How to Prepare for the CAT4 Level D Test
- Talk to your child about the test – Make sure your child knows that they are going to be taking these assessments and why they are taking them. Talking things through can alleviate some of the anxiety associated with taking tests, enabling your child to ask questions and giving you the opportunity to reassure them.
- Sleeping and eating – Having a balanced diet and a good sleep routine can significantly impact a child’s recollection and focus when it comes to tests. It can also help them to be more emotionally resilient and able to manage tricky emotions.
- Practice core mathematical skills – It’s always a good idea to brush up on the basics. Going over core skills will help to build confidence.
- Reading – Whether your child reads alone, or you read with them, reading is a valuable tool. The more a child reads, the better their vocabulary and understanding of language will be.
CAT4 Level D Practice Tests and Resources
One of the best ways to help your child feel confident when facing a test is by using practice papers.
There are a number of websites online offering CAT4 Level D sample questions and practice papers, including TestHQ. These can help you to identify any areas your child might find more challenging.
This will mean that you can focus on practising and strengthening those skills most in need of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CAT4 an IQ test?
No. Although it will provide similar information to an IQ test, the CAT4 test is a cognitive abilities assessment.
What is a good score for the CAT4 Level D test?
This will depend on the purpose of the assessment. In some cases, children will take CAT4 Level D tests as part of a streaming process or to gain entry to a selective school. In these cases, a score of over 115 is usually required.
How many questions are on CAT4 Level D?
There are 168 questions in total, spread across three separate, timed assessments.
What is CAT4?
CAT4, or Cognitive Abilities Test, assesses students' reasoning abilities in verbal, non-verbal, quantitative and spatial areas.
What does Level D mean in CAT4?
Level D in CAT4 is designed for students in grades 7 and 8, assessing their cognitive development at that educational stage.
Is CAT4 Level D hard to pass?
CAT4 Level D isn't about passing or failing but measuring cognitive abilities. Difficulty varies based on individual aptitude.
Where can I prepare for CAT4 Level D?
You can prepare for CAT4 Level D using educational websites, CAT4 Level D practice tests, study guides and school-provided resources. You can find a study guide and example questions on TestHQ.
Is the CAT4 Level D test timed?
Yes, the CAT4 Level D test is timed, with specific time limits for each section.
Can you retake the CAT4 Level D test?
Retake policies vary by institution. Check with your school or testing organisation for specific guidelines.
Where can I get sample questions for the CAT4 Level D test?
CAT4 Level D sample questions are available on educational websites, from teachers and in test preparation books. You can also find a study guide and example questions on TestHQ.
How to pass the CAT4 Level D test?
To perform well, practise reasoning skills, familiarise yourself with test formats and use available study materials.
Where can I get a complete study guide for the CAT4 Level D test?
Complete study guides can be found on educational websites, bookstores, and online platforms like Amazon. Try the practice materials on TestHQ.
Final Thoughts
CAT4 tests are a useful tool when it comes to identifying the needs of individual children. By undertaking regular testing, teachers are able to put early interventions in place for those children who are struggling. Equally, they can push high achieving children further, allowing them to fulfil their potential.
If your child is due to sit the CAT4 Level D test, there are a number of things you can do to reassure your child and help them feel relaxed and confident about their upcoming assessments.
This way, however they perform, you – and they – can be happy that they did the very best they could.
