The CAT4 Test has four sections, one of which is Verbal Reasoning.
To help you prepare for this part of the test, I will share my experience, tips, prep resources and sample questions.
Before you begin, I recommend you read my complete guide on the CAT4 Test to gain more insight into the test structure and scoring.
It is also important to note that the CAT4 Verbal Reasoning questions are only for the following subjects:
- Verbal Classifications
- Verbal Analogies
The Structure of the CAT4 Verbal Reasoning Battery
There are 2 parts to the verbal reasoning battery:
Part 1: Verbal Classifications – These questions show us 3 words that are connected, and you have 8 minutes to answer 24 questions. Your mission is to find the word from the answer choices that share the same connection.
Part 2: Verbal Analogies – The first pair of words go together in a certain way. Choose the word that goes together with the third word in the same way. In this part you also face 8 minutes to solve 24 questions.
Example:
Courageous | Brave | Valiant
Options:
A) timid
B) daring
C) bold
D) cowardly
E) hesitant
How to solve these questions?
These questions show us three words that are connected. Your mission is to find the word from the answer
choices that share the same connection.
The correct answer is C – ‘bold’.
All the words in the question describe a person with courage or fearlessness. The word “bold”
fits this category as it also signifies confidence and bravery
laugh → giggle: cry →
A) sob B) chuckle C) weep D) snicker E) bawl
Answer: C
Laughing and giggling are different forms of laughter, just as crying and weeping are other forms of expression of sadness. Sob, chuckle, snicker, and bawl are incorrect terms as they don’t represent the softer form of crying.
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CAT4 Verbal Analogies Sample Questions
Each question provides three words that are alike in some way. Decide how they are alike, and choose the word that belongs in the same group as the first three words.
honesty | loyalty | compassion
A. intelligence
B. bravery
C. ambition
D. wisdom
E. talent
Correct Answer: B
Explanation:
The first three words — honesty, loyalty, and compassion — are moral or emotional character traits. They describe ethical or relational qualities that reflect how a person behaves toward others, especially in terms of values and empathy.
Let’s break down the answer choices:
- A. intelligence – This refers to mental ability or cognitive capacity. While positive, it is not a moral or emotional trait. It relates to thinking, not character.
- B. bravery – ✔️ Correct. Bravery is a virtue, just like honesty, loyalty, and compassion. It reflects an inner moral quality — the willingness to act courageously, often for the sake of others.
- C. ambition – This describes a drive to achieve or succeed. It’s a neutral trait in terms of morality; ambition can be used for good or selfish ends.
- D. wisdom – Like intelligence, this is a cognitive trait. It involves judgment and insight, not a moral stance or interpersonal value.
- E. talent – This is an innate or developed ability. It has no moral or emotional component.
Summary: Only bravery aligns in category with the given words: all are admirable personal qualities based on values or emotional integrity. This question builds students’ ability to recognize abstract categories and make fine distinctions between types of traits — a key skill in Verbal Reasoning.
whisper | shout | speak
A. repeat
B. listen
C. murmur
D. answer
E. reply
Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The words whisper, shout, and speak all refer to modes of vocal expression. Specifically, they describe different ways of producing spoken sound using the voice, each with a unique auditory quality or volume level:
- Whisper – A very quiet and soft form of speaking
- Shout – A very loud and forceful form of speaking
- Speak – A neutral or general act of producing verbal sound
These words are united by their focus on how the voice is used, rather than what is said or why.
Let’s examine the options:
- A. repeat – This is a verb describing repetition, not a distinct vocal style or volume. It’s an action, not a vocal mode.
- B. listen – This is the opposite of the given words. While whisper, shout, and speak are about producing sound, listen is about receiving it.
- C. murmur – ✔️ Correct. Murmur is a soft, low vocalization — a specific way of speaking, much like whisper or shout. It fits the pattern of being a defined vocal sound with a unique auditory quality.
- D. answer – This is a function of communication, not a description of vocal form. It’s about the purpose of speaking, not the style.
- E. reply – Like answer, this refers to a response or interaction, not a specific auditory or vocal mode.
Summary:
Murmur is the only option that aligns with the given words in describing a specific type of vocal sound defined by tone or volume. This question develops the student’s ability to categorise language based on form and sensory character, rather than action or function — a subtle but critical distinction in advanced verbal reasoning.
theory | hypothesis | assumption
A. calculation
B. observation
C. deduction
D. experiment
E. proposition
Correct Answer: E
Explanation:
Theory, hypothesis, and assumption are all conceptual frameworks or unproven ideas used to explain or predict phenomena — especially in scientific or philosophical contexts. They represent mental constructs that guide reasoning or inquiry, prior to being tested or confirmed.
Let’s examine the options:
- A. calculation – This involves applying mathematical methods to reach a result. It’s a process, not a conceptual idea or belief.
- B. observation – This refers to what is empirically perceived — raw data or sensory input, not a conceptual or interpretive construct.
- C. deduction – A form of logical reasoning that derives conclusions from premises. It is a method, not a belief or explanatory model.
- D. experiment – A practical test of a theory or hypothesis. It belongs to the category of action, not abstract thought.
- E. proposition – ✔️ Correct. A proposition is a statement or idea put forward for consideration, often without proof — just like an assumption, hypothesis, or theory. It belongs squarely in the same conceptual, pre-evidentiary category.
Summary:
Proposition is the only option that belongs to the same abstract, speculative domain of thought as theory, hypothesis, and assumption. This question requires students to distinguish between concepts, processes, and actions — a critical skill in high-level verbal reasoning and academic thinking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overthinking
It’s easy to overthink questions, especially when under pressure. Stick to your first instinct unless you have a reason to change your answer.
Mismanaging Time
Time management is crucial. Don’t spend too much time on a single question.
Ignoring Instructions
Always read the instructions carefully. Missing a small detail can cost you valuable points.
Recommended CAT4 Verbal Reasoning Practice Resources
PreTest Plus – A British resource with accurate CAT4 verbal reasoning sample questions for each level.
Make sure to address your child’s level. They also offer complete practice tests for all test batteries with guides.
CAT4-Prep Free PDF – I have created a few free sample tests in PDF form so it would be easy for my students to print them and practise at home.
Find your level and download the practice PDF. It’s free.
CAT4-Prep Free Sample Test – This interactive sample test with a score report. You can use it as a complementary tool. You can scroll to the CAT4 verbal reasoning questions.
GL-Assessment Sample Questions – GL assessment is the CAT4 test provider.
They provide a few examples on their website but are not level-related, so keep that in mind.
Verbal Analogies sample question with full explanation.
The first pair of words go together in a certain way. Choose the word that goes together with the third word in the same way.
Apprentice → Learn : Mentor → ?
A.Teach
B. Lead
C. Obey
D. Follow
E. Assist
✅ Correct Answer: A. Teach
🧠 What kind of question is this?
This is a role → action analogy.
It shows you a person (a role) and what that person usually does.
Then it gives you another person, and you need to find what they do in the same kind of way.
🪜 Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Understand the first pair
Apprentice → Learn
Ask yourself:
👉 What does an apprentice do?
An apprentice is someone learning a skill — like a beginner learning from an expert.
So, this pair is telling us:
🧩 An apprentice usually learns.
That’s our first pattern:
Person → What they do
Apprentice → Learn
Step 2: Apply the same idea to the second part
Now we look at:
Mentor → ?
Ask:
👉 What does a mentor usually do?
A mentor is the expert — the one helping, guiding, and teaching the apprentice.
So the matching action here is:
Mentor → Teach
✅ That’s the same type of relationship — perfect match!
Step 3: Let’s check the other choices and see why they’re wrong
A. Teach ✅
🔥 This is the correct answer. It matches the pattern:
Apprentice learns → Mentor teaches.
They’re opposites in a helpful way — one receives, one gives knowledge.B. Lead
⚠️ Sounds close, but it’s too general. Lots of people can lead — but teaching is what makes someone a mentor.C. Obey
❌ Nope. This is more like what an apprentice would do, not a mentor. It flips the roles.
D. Follow
❌ Same problem — mentors don’t follow. They lead and teach. This answer reverses the relationship.E. Assist
🤔 Helping sounds related, but it’s too weak. Mentors do more than help — they teach, guide, and shape.
🎯 Final Tip for Students
When you see a question like this, always ask:
“What is this person known for doing?”
Think of real-life examples.
If you’re the apprentice, what’s your job? → To learn.
If you’re the mentor, what’s your job? → To teach.
Fast → Quick: Slow →
A) Lazy
B) Steady
C) Leisurely
D) Sluggish
E) Hasty
Answer: D) Sluggish
Explanation: fast and quick are synonyms, and slow and sluggish are synonyms.
Loud → Noisy: Quiet →
A) Silent
B) Boisterous
C) Vocal
D) Whisper
E) Shout
Answer: A) Silent
Explanation: Loud and noisy are synonyms, just as quiet and silent.
Final Thoughts
Verbal reasoning is a vital component of the CAT4 test. Understanding its structure and preparing effectively can significantly improve your performance.
Making sure to choose the correct CAT4 level of your child is a key to his success.
John Damien – CAT4-Prep Editorial Team.
Our articles are written by the CAT4-Prep editorial team, based on the experience of educators and test specialists who’ve worked extensively with CAT4 students. Each piece is reviewed for accuracy, clarity, and alignment with the CAT4 exam format.