Free CogAT Test Prep Grade 1- Sample Questions & Format

Try our absolutely free CogAT 1st grade diagnostic test. This test covers all question types found in the CogAT test grade 1 and is specifically designed to provide you with an idea of where your child's skill level lies. 

Looking for a different CogAT Level?

Hi, I'm Ariav. CogAT Expert at TestPrep-Online
Have a question? Contact me at:

What Is the CogAT Test Grade 1?

The CogAT is a gifted and talented test divided into three batteries. The three batteries of the CogAT are the Verbal Battery, Nonverbal Battery, and Quantitative Battery. Each of these batteries has three sub-tests.

That gives a total of nine sub-tests to take. For the 1st grade, the verbal battery focuses more on audio instructions and images. This is due to the fact that children are still developing the skills needed to understand written instructions during their first grade of school and so, the test becomes more intuitive this way and less overwhelming.


CogAT 1st Grade Nonverbal Section

CogAT 1st Grade Sample Question - Figure Matrices

cogat

Choose the picture that belongs with the bottom picture in the same way the pictures on top belong together. 

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

The correct answer is the first image.

In the top row we have two figures - how do they go together?

The figure on the right looks like the figure on the left, with its top side “open” and connected to the shape from the right.

In the bottom row we have a single figure, and we need to find a figure that will go together with it in the same way that the two figures above go together.

In answer choice 2 the top side of the shape is missing completely, so it is not the right answer.

In answer choice 3 the top side is connected to the shape from the left and not the right, so it is not the right answer either.We are left with answer choice 1, which is the correct answer.

CogAT 1st Grade Sample Question - Paper Folding

The paper is being folded and cut. Choose the answer choice that depicts the paper after it is unfolded.

cogat

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

The correct answer is 1. 

First, the square paper is folded in half lengthwise. Then, a large triangular shape is cut out of the folded paper. Therefore, both sides of the unfolded paper will be missing this piece. 

Answer choice 2 is incorrect because the cut that was made did not reach the upper edge of the paper, so this edge should be whole.

Answer choice 3 is incorrect because the right side does not mirror the left side.

We are left with answer choice 1, which is the correct answer.

CogAT 1st Grade Sample Question - Figure Classification

Choose the figure from the answer choices that goes with the first three figures.

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

View Explanation

The correct answer is the 2nd figure.

In this question, all three figures:

  • Are made of groups of three shapes.
  • In each group the shapes on the sides are identical.

In answer choices 1 and 3 there are different shapes on the sides instead of identical ones.

Therefore, the 2nd choice is the correct answer.

CogAT 1st Grade Quantitative Section

CogAT 1st Grade Sample Question - Picture Number Analogies

Choose the image that completes the next image so that it demonstrates the same relationship as the previous ones.

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

View Explanation

The correct answer is the 3rd choice.

Look at the top row. In the left frame we have 3 pieces of cheese and in the right frame we have 3 servings of fries. The amount of items in the right and left frames is equal (3 = 3).

In the bottom row we should have the same relationship. In the left frame we have 5 ice cream cones, so in the right frame we should have an equal amount of items:

5 = 5.

Therefore, the answer choice with 5 lollipops is the correct answer.

CogAT 1st Grade Sample Question - Number Series

Choose the right image to follow.

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

The correct answer is the 1st answer choice (1 bead).

At first glance, we can we see that the number of beads decreases, so we know that answer choice 3 is definitely not the right answer because it has more beads than the last string in the question.

To find the correct answer, we need to figure out the pattern of the beads in the question.As we go from left to right first we have 7 beads, then 5 beads and then 3. The number of beads on each string decreases by 2.

Since on the last string we have 3 beads, on the next string we should have 2 beads less, which equals 1 bead (3 – 2 = 1).

Therefore, the correct answer is the one with 1 bead.

CogAT 1st Grade Sample Question - Number Puzzles

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

Wrong

View Explanation

The correct answer choice is 3 (three carrots). 

In the first train there are six carrots. In the second train there are three carrots.

How many carrots do we need to put in the car with the question mark so both trains will carry the same number of carrots?

We need to put three carrots in the car, because 3 + 3 = 6.  

The only answer choice that shows this number of carrots is answer choice 3, which is the correct answer.

CogAT 1st Grade Verbal Section

CogAT 1st Grade Sample Question - Verbal Analogies

cogat

Wrong

Wrong

Correct!

View Explanation

The correct answer is 3.

A monkey eats bananas, like a mouse eats cheese.  

The mouse trap is not a correct answer because it is used to catch mice, while bananas are not used to catch monkeys.

The cat is not a correct answer either because cats eat mice, while bananas don’t eat monkeys.

CogAT 1st Grade Sample Question - Picture Classification

Choose the correct image according to the following set:

cogat

Correct!

Wrong

Wrong

View Explanation

The correct answer is the 1st choice.

Look at the top row. All the items in the top row are clothes that we wear in the winter when it’s cold outside.

The correct answer should be a similar item. The swimsuit is generally worn in summer, so it is not the correct answer. The umbrella is also incorrect, as it is not a piece of clothing.

We are left with the scarf as the best possible answer. Therefore, it is the correct choice.

CogAT 1st Grade Prep Pack

It is important to fully understand the instructions of the test. For this purpose, our CogAT first grade practice pack contains many practice questions with simple explanations.

After your child reads the explanations, they will be more comfortable with the idea of the test, the questions, and the solutions. The most crucial element that determines success the day of the test is preparation. Going over the questions, trying to understand in what way the questions are similar, and above everything, avoid surprises.


How To Prepare For the CogAT Test Grade 1?

We recommend that your child starts preparing two weeks prior to the date of the test. This way, you can supervise a conscientious study process that is not too tiring, leaves ample room for proper preparation, and ensures your child can focus without being overwhelmed.

During the first week of studying, your child can focus on building the basics of the CogAT, looking at the questions, understanding the batteries, and begin developing strategies of their own. During the second week of studying, they can retake the tests, track their progress, and even compare their solutions to our proposed solution. There is more than one way to solve a question and we offer the explanation that seems most intuitive and organized. However, we encourage students to try and summarize that solution. This also develops the skill of understanding what data is crucial, and what is important but not absolutely necessary to complete a solution.

Another important factor for succeeding is being comfortable with the time constraints. This requires preparation. Being comfortable with the different types of questions can prepare your child and improve their performance. You can also used the timed mode function to see if your child can stand up to the time standards of the CogAT.


Free CogAT Practice Test 1st Grade PDF

View and download a free 1st Grade CogAT Sample Test. This is a printable test with all the question types that are found in the actual CogAT. This would be an excellent starting point for your child towards his upcoming CogAT 1st grade test.

CogAT 1st Grade Sample Test PDF


Need Additional Practice?

TestPrep-Online offers:

  • Level specific, full-length practice tests
  • Hundreds of practice questions
  • Study guides for children
  • Parent manuals