How to Pass the CAT4 Level E Test in 2024 (Guide and Tips)

What Is the CAT4 Level E?

The CAT4 assessment is a cognitive ability test used for a range of students at different academic stages.

CAT4 Level E forms a large part of many admission procedures for high schools. The test is generally taken in middle schools and junior high schools, so is designed for pupils aged 12 to 13.

The CAT4 is an academic forecast and highlights where your child's academic abilities are. Level E shows high school teachers a child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

Later in their academic journey, the child will take further CAT4 examinations up to Level G. Level E is one of the more developed CAT4 tests.

In this article, you will learn what the CAT4 Level E tests contain and how a pupil can best prepare for them.

We will also cover how the test is scored. This will allow you to understand how your child has performed in relation to other children in the country.

Finally, a set of tips and guidance will be given so your child can perform to the best of their abilities on the CAT4 Level E test.

What Does the CAT4 Level E Contain?

The CAT4 Level E test is split into four cognitive areas (or categories). Each tests the student’s reasoning and logic skills.

At Level E the format is kept simple – the questions are kept within the four categories. (In later CAT4 examinations, the questions are split into three parts and the questions are in a mixed order.)

The questions you will find on a CAT4 examination are similar to those in an IQ test.

If you are able to get your child used to IQ test questions, they will be prepared for the types of questions on the CAT4 Level E examination.

Let's take a look at the four types of CAT4 questions.

Verbal Assessment

Verbal assessment questions test how a student can classify and analyze from blocks of texts. They must determine the tone or purpose of a text.

Non-Verbal Reasoning

The non-verbal reasoning section contains visual puzzles and diagrams. The student must deduce something like a pattern from the puzzle.

Spatial Ability

Similar to the non-verbal assessment, the spatial ability tests involve diagrams and data.

A student will have to come to conclusions from the data provided. They may be given a chart or a pattern on a shape.

Quantitative Reasoning

The quantitative reasoning assessment is primarily numerical. A student will be looking at sequences of numbers, and they will also have to analyze mathematical data.

Subsections

In each category, there are two subsections.

The subsections are:

• Verbal assessments – Verbal classification and verbal analogies
• Non-verbal reasoning – Figure classification and figure matrices
• Spatial ability – Figure analysis and figure recognition
• Quantitative reasoning – Number analogies and number series

Each section should take no longer than 10 minutes, and in total the test should take around 40 minutes.

CAT4 Level E Sample Questions (2024)

CAT4 Level E Verbal Assessment Example

CAT4 Level E Non-Verbal Reasoning Example

CAT4 Level E Spatial Reasoning Example

CAT4 Level E Quantitative Reasoning Example

How the CAT4 Level E Is Scored

CAT4 examinations are all scored in the same way. Whether you are sitting Level E or Level G (the highest level), they all follow the same format.

The first set of results taken form the raw score. This is how many questions the pupil has answered correctly.

The raw score is then compared with other scores from students in the same age group.

From these comparisons and the total raw score, three normative scores are calculated to analyze the pupil’s performance.

Standard Age Score (SAS)

In each age group, the average score is set to 100 and there is a standard deviation of two.

This means that if two pupils from two different age ranges sit the CAT4 exam and receive the same standard age score, they have done equally as well as each other when compared to their respective age group.

The standard age score only takes into consideration the age of the pupil and does not measure the difficulty or stage of the CAT4 test the pupil sat.

National Percentile Rank (NPR)

The NPR is calculated by comparing the pupil’s score to other students who sat the exam across the country.

The percentile indicates how many students performed better or worse.

For instance, if a pupil is very successful on the test and receives an NPR of 95%, this means that they have scored the same as or better than 95% of pupils in the same age group.

In contrast, if a student struggles and achieves an NPR of 5%, 95% of students have performed better than them.

Stanine Grade (ST)

The stanine grade is calculated from the national percentile and the standard age score.

Stanine grades are split into nine divisions, each corresponding to a different score and level of performance.

There are five bands across the nine divisions. They break down as follows:

Very High Stanine

• Stanine 9
• National percentile of 97% and above
• Corresponding SAS of 127 or higher

Above Average Stanine

• Stanines 7 and 8
• Percentile 78%–96%
• Corresponding SAS of 112–126

Average Stanine

• Stanines 4,5 and 6
• Percentile 23%–77%
• Corresponding SAS of 89–111

Below Average Stanine

• Stanines 2 and 3
• Percentile 5%–22%
• Corresponding SAS of 74–88

Very Low Stanine

• Stanine 1
• Percentile of 4% or under
• Corresponding SAS of 73 or under

The average stanine range of scores is the most comprehensive band. The majority of students will fall into this category.

The grades received from the CAT4 Level E are used to determine how a student will cope when they enter high school.

Students who perform well will be put into classes that match their abilities. Those with lower results should be given support to improve their cognitive reasoning skills.

Taking a test is particularly stressful, especially for children, as they may not have had much experience of doing so.

Here are some ways you can improve your child’s results and ensure they perform to the best of their ability.

Tips to Ace the CAT4 Level E Test

If you have done the preparation correctly and they have sat lots of mock CAT4 Level E examinations, you will be aware of the little things to keep in mind during the test.

If you are still unsure of these, here are some tips to help them through the process:

• Follow an order that suits their strengths
• Answer the easier questions first so they have more time to concentrate on the difficult ones
• Have a watch or a timer to hand
• In multiple-choice questions, there are always two answers that are completely wrong and two that are closer to the actual answer
• Have paper to hand for any calculations and notes
• Leave 5–10 minutes to check through the answers
• If they do not know the answer, do not leave it blank

How to Prepare for Cat 4 Level E

To prepare for CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test, Fourth Edition) Level E, which is typically administered to students in the age range of 9-10 years, you can follow these tips:

• Understand the Test Format: Understand the sections you will encounter: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and spatial reasoning.

• Practice with Sample Questions: Seek out CAT4 Level E sample questions and practice materials available online or in test preparation books.

• Strengthen Cognitive Skills: Focus on strengthening the cognitive skills assessed in each section.

• Time Management: During your preparation, time yourself while solving sample questions to ensure that you can complete each section within the allocated time.

• Analyze Your Performance: After practicing with sample questions, review your answers and analyze any mistakes or areas where you struggled.

• Seek Additional Resources: Consider utilizing test preparation resources such as books, online courses or tutoring services specifically designed for CAT4 Level E.

• Take Care of Yourself: Prior to the test day, ensure you get sufficient sleep, eat well and stay hydrated.

Final Thoughts

The CAT4 Level E is a useful way of assessing a pupil’s ability before they enter further education.

If you are a parent, you can use the test results to understand where your child is academically capable and where they need to improve.

The CAT4 Level E results are also good indicators for teachers. Try to communicate with your child's teachers about their abilities and what the student needs to focus on.

Finally, this test is not the only way to determine a child’s ability. The CAT4 should supplement a child’s education process.

Avoid putting any unnecessary stress on a child to perform well on the test. Make the revision process fun, and reward them for sitting the examination.