Gifted and Talented (GT) Test- A Comprehensive Study Guide With Practice Questions
Today, GT programs are becoming more popular in schools. You may know the Gifted and Talented test by various other names – GT, Gifted/Talented Ed, and more.
Regardless of its name, every parent may feel immense stress when their child faces the GT test. The GT test is made to be more competitive and complex because GT programs are more challenging in how they are run at a quicker pace and include more content while going deeper into the topics.
In this guide, you will find more information about the Gifted and Talented tests, how to prepare, what to expect on the assessments, and how to pass the test.
Table of Contents
What Is the GT Test?
The Gifted and Talented Test can help guide your child’s educational future. There are a variety of GT tests that can be administered, so you must find out which test your child will be taking from the school district so you can help your child prepare properly.
There will be plenty of subjects and formats for these tests, so familiarizing your child with the content will be essential.
What Is the Format of the Test?
Many GT tests have a fixed format for how your children will be tested. This can include a time limit, calculator restrictions, or a certain amount of questions per subject in the test.
Depending on your specific test, you should receive information on how the test will be formatted, whether or not there will be a break, and how many questions there are can help your children know how they should distribute their time.
Preparing for the Test
The first step is to find out what content will be included in the test and what level your child will be taking it at. That way, you will know what your child will need to study and how much time they will need for it. Utilizing online study guides and practice tests on Test Prep Online can help immensely so your child will know exactly what to expect.
Before the day of the test, ensure you have all necessary paperwork and payments submitted so your child can be at ease and focus on the test. If your child needs pencils, pens, snacks, erasers, calculators, or any other material, make sure you have everything packed and ready before you leave.
Once you gather all the information you need to know about the actual test, you will move on to helping your child study. Studying and adequate preparation can help reduce your child’s stress level, brush up on their educational skills, and help them be more prepared for the content they will see in the test.
Read the questions, answers, and explanations on the study materials carefully and discuss them with your child. You can even make a game out of the study sessions you have with them.
This may keep them engaged and eager to study. Your child will have a much easier time focusing on studying when you try to find out their personal best method of studying.
What Is in the Assessments?
The GT test involves questions regarding many different subjects. There are also different questions and subjects on different educational levels. Expect multiple-choice, true or false, and nonverbal questions.
Since there are over 30 different types of GT tests worldwide, the content may vary depending on your child’s school district and test administrators.
Many of the tests cover similar topics, but the format of the questions can differ, depending on which test they are taking. Many of them involve verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and problem-solving skills, among other topics.
This is why it is important to know some basic information about the test format, the content, and the materials your child will need before going into the actual test. That way, you will be able to create a feasible preparation plan for your child.
Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities
Let’s use the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities as an example of what you can expect from this test. This test will evaluate different factors, such as your child’s visual-spatial thinking, short-term memory, auditory processing, and more.
There will be 11 different tests, some of which involve spelling, reading, math, writing, and problem-solving. You can also expect to find questions like these on any test.
Sample Questions
- What color is the fourth triangle from the left?
- Choose the missing number out of this sequence of numbers: 5 10 15 20 ___ 30
- Is 40 an odd or even number?
- What is 16 divided by 2?
- How many cats are in this image?
- You start off with 10 nickels. You used 5 of those nickels for one piece of bubble gum. How many nickels do you have left?
- Choose the pattern that will fit correctly with this other set of patterns.
- Put these images in the correct order so they tell the right story.
- Look at this box of numbers that has the numbers 5, 6, 7, and 8. What will the box look like if 5 and 8 change positions inside the box?
- Choose the word that does not belong in this sentence.
- What is the correct way to spell the plural form of ability?
- Joselynn has three strawberries, Jason has five, and Rose has six. Choose the image that shows how many strawberries they all have combined.
- Choose the image to show which animal is usually found on a farm.
- Choose the image that shows what you use to eat with.
- Remember these shapes so you can identify them later on in the test.
- Here is what this image looks like from the front. Fill in the blanks on the 2nd image from the back to fit the front perspective.
- How many times will it take to get to five when you count backward from 30?
- Use your observational skills to explain what is happening in this image.
- What would this image of an apple look like if you were to slice the apple in half?
- Which picture has the least amount of blueberries?
- Which image of these different coins represents the total of a dollar?
CogAT
Another common test is the CogAT, or the Cognitive Abilities Test which is often used to identify gifted children. In this test, your child will answer multiple-choice questions that will evaluate their cognitive abilities. Expect three components which are the Quantitative Battery, Verbal Battery, and Nonverbal Battery.
These components assess the candidate’s common sense and reasoning abilities to give an insight and prediction of their academic success in the future. In short, the Cognitive Abilities Test seeks to evaluate cognitive development, problem-solving skills as well as how well the candidate can adapt and learn new things.
NNAT
Yet another common test is the NNAT, or the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test. This is a nonverbal test that evaluates general skills and knowledge. In this test, candidates can expect questions that have little instruction. The questions include shapes and symbols meant to assess nonverbal evaluation in candidates as well as their problem-solving skills.
Often acknowledged as a culturally neutral test, the NNAT uses abstract designs, shapes, and patterns which do not allow for students’ differences in socioeconomic or academic backgrounds to make an impact. This is often seen as the best test for impartial and fair scoring.
How Do I Pass The GT Test?
There are tips for helping both younger and older kids help prepare for and pass the tests they will be taking. Every child has their own unique way of learning and retaining information, so finding the study method that works best for them individually will help.
Younger children
For younger children, you can make the studying process more enjoyable by formatting the test prep as a game. Helping the prep feel like a game will keep your child engaged and may even encourage them to continue with their study sessions.
Finding ways to help your child stay focused for longer periods of time will also be beneficial. Start out slow and work your way up so your child will be able to stay focused on their tests for the whole test duration.
Older Children
For older children, the challenge lies in helping them stay motivated and to study as much as they can. Building up their skills and brushing up on different subjects can help them avoid common mistakes. Furthermore, make sure your kids know how to fill in a bubble sheet correctly regardless of their age.
Ultimately, the best way to pass the test is to help your child familiarize themselves with the content and format of the test. Help your child prepare with the study guides and practice tests on Test Prep Online to give them the best chance at excelling.
Conclusion
Gifted schools and programs are becoming more and more competitive over time. That is why preparation and studying are essential for your child. Help improve your child’s educational future by taking the time to help them study and learn all you need to know for test day.
Try to reduce your child’s stress and anxiety and instead, build up their confidence so they will be ready to face the GT test.
Sarah is an accomplished educator, researcher and author in the field of testing and assessment. She has worked with various educational institutions and organisations to develop innovative evaluation methods and enhance student learning. Sarah has published numerous articles and books on assessment and learning. Her passion for promoting equity and fairness in the education system fuels her commitment to sharing insights and best practices with educators and policymakers around the world.
