CogAT Nonverbal Figure Matrices Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Observe the 2x2 matrix. The top row shows a transformation. A large square containing a small circle becomes a large circle containing a small square. Following this same rule, what does the large triangle containing a small star in the bottom row become?
- A large triangle containing a small circle.
- A large star containing a small triangle. (Correct answer)
- A large circle containing a small star.
- A large triangle containing a small triangle.
Correct answer: A large star containing a small triangle.
The rule established in the top row is that the outer shape and the inner shape swap roles. The large outer shape becomes the small inner shape, and the small inner shape becomes the large outer shape. Applying this to the bottom row, the large triangle becomes the small inner shape, and the small star becomes the large outer shape.
Question 2: In a standard Figure Matrix problem, a 2x2 grid is presented with one empty cell. What is the primary task for the test-taker?
- To identify the figure that is most different from the others.
- To count the total number of shapes in the grid.
- To determine the relationship between the figures in the first row and apply that same relationship to the second row to find the missing figure. (Correct answer)
- To fold the paper mentally and determine the resulting pattern.
Correct answer: To determine the relationship between the figures in the first row and apply that same relationship to the second row to find the missing figure.
The core of a Figure Matrices question is to discern the logical transformation or relationship between the first pair of figures (horizontally) and then apply that identical logic to the third figure to correctly identify the missing fourth figure.
Question 3: The top row of a figure matrix shows a black square rotating 90 degrees clockwise to become the second figure. The bottom row starts with a white circle that has a dot at its northernmost point. Which of the following figures correctly completes the matrix?
- A white circle with a dot at its southernmost point.
- A black circle with a dot at its easternmost point.
- A white square with a dot at its northernmost point.
- A white circle with a dot at its easternmost point. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A white circle with a dot at its easternmost point.
The rule is a 90-degree clockwise rotation. The color and shape of the object do not change in this specific transformation. Therefore, the white circle with a dot at the top (north) will rotate 90 degrees clockwise, moving the dot to the right side (east).
Question 4: A figure matrix displays the following relationship in the top row: a single solid arrow pointing up becomes three solid arrows pointing up. In the bottom row, there is a single hollow square. Which answer choice completes the analogy?
- A single solid square.
- Three hollow squares. (Correct answer)
- Three solid squares.
- A single hollow arrow.
Correct answer: Three hollow squares.
The transformation rule is a change in quantity (from one to three) while maintaining the original shape and fill style (hollow/solid). Therefore, a single hollow square becomes three hollow squares.
Question 5: Which of the following describes the fundamental skill assessed by the Nonverbal Figure Matrices section of the CogAT?
- Verbal comprehension and vocabulary.
- Numerical fluency and calculation speed.
- The ability to infer relationships and apply them to new situations using geometric shapes and figures. (Correct answer)
- Short-term auditory memory and recall.
Correct answer: The ability to infer relationships and apply them to new situations using geometric shapes and figures.
The Figure Matrices subtest specifically measures a student's ability to reason with non-verbal, figural content. It requires them to identify relationships, patterns, and transformations among shapes and then apply this understanding to a new set of figures.
Question 6: Consider a figure matrix where the top row shows a large circle with a horizontal line through it, which transforms into a large circle with a vertical line through it. The bottom row begins with a large square with a diagonal line from top-left to bottom-right. How would this figure transform to complete the matrix?
- A large circle with a diagonal line from top-right to bottom-left.
- A large square with a vertical line through it.
- A large square with a diagonal line from top-right to bottom-left. (Correct answer)
- A small square with a diagonal line from top-left to bottom-right.
Correct answer: A large square with a diagonal line from top-right to bottom-left.
The rule shown in the top row is a 90-degree rotation of the line inside the shape, while the outer shape remains unchanged. Applying this to the bottom row, the diagonal line inside the square rotates 90 degrees, changing its orientation from top-left to bottom-right, to top-right to bottom-left. The square itself does not change.
CogAT Nonverbal Figure Matrices Questions and Answers 1
Observe the 2x2 matrix.
The top row shows a transformation.
A large square containing a small circle becomes a large circle containing a small square.
Following this same rule, what does the large triangle containing a small star in the bottom row become?