OLSAT practice for kids: question types by level, explained for parents

The OLSAT (Otis-Lennon School Ability Test) is an older gifted & talented test that some districts and private schools still use. Unlike shape-only tests, it mixes verbal questions read aloud with picture and shape puzzles. Here is what your child may see and how to practise.

OLSAT levels by grade

Level A: kindergarten
Level B: 1st grade
Level C: 2nd grade

At these levels the teacher reads every question aloud; children choose a picture.

Verbal question types

Following Directions: "Mark the picture that shows the star inside the circle, under the square." Listening carefully to every word matters.
Aural Reasoning: a short story or description is read aloud; your child picks the picture that fits it.
Arithmetic Reasoning: a simple math story is read aloud ("Sam had 3 apples and got 2 more…"); your child picks the picture with the right amount.

Nonverbal question types

Picture Classification: which picture doesn't belong, or which belongs with the others?
Picture and Figural Analogies: A is to B as C is to ?, with pictures or shapes.
Picture and Figural Series: what comes next in a sequence of pictures or shapes?
Pattern Matrix: find the missing piece in a grid of shapes.

How to practise OLSAT question types

Listening games: give two- and three-step directions in play ("put the red block behind the blue cup").
Read-aloud math stories: tiny story problems at bedtime build arithmetic reasoning.
Analogies and series: practise saying the rule out loud before choosing.
Short and daily: 15–20 minutes is enough.

OLSAT-style practice in Brainosaur

Brainosaur covers the picture and shape parts of the OLSAT well: picture and shape analogies, picture and shape groups, series and pattern matrices, all read aloud. The listening parts are practised only partly, through Listen & Pick questions, so add the listening games above. Try 5 free puzzles first.

OLSAT® is a trademark of Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliates. Brainosaur is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Pearson or any school district. Our questions are original, and practice cannot guarantee a test result.

Frequently asked questions

Is the OLSAT still used?

Fewer public school districts use it today than CogAT or NNAT3, but some districts and private schools still do. Check with your school.

How many questions are on the OLSAT?

It depends on the level and the school's version; ask your school for the format your child will take.

Does my child need to read for the OLSAT?

Not at Levels A–C: questions are read aloud by the teacher.

Updated: 2026-10-28 · Tamakala Games