Understanding Spatial Reasoning in CAT4
The CAT4 exam is made up of four different modules, which GL refer to as batteries.
The question types are very specific, which makes mock preparation even more valuable than other exam types. CAT4 tests are shorter and have fewer questions than other entrance exams. This may sound positive, but in reality it means that each question holds greater value and there is far less room for error. The challenge in CAT 4 is confidence and familiarity with particular question types.
Spatial Reasoning in CAT4 covers both Figure Analysis (sometimes called Folding) and Figure Recognition (sometimes called hidden shapes).
Let’s start with Figure Analysis
Figure Analysis, sometimes known as Folding questions, show us a sheet of paper that is folder one or more times and then has a hole punched through it. The challenge is to select the answer which shows how the piece of paper will look when it is unfolded.
Here’s an example:
When the sheet is unfolded, there will be two holes, one either side of the centre fold, so the answer is D.
Things get a little trickier when there are multiple folds and/or different shaped holes:
Here the sheet has been folded twice across a vertical fold, creating 4 columns (1 fold makes two, 2 fold makes 4).
The shape has also been folded once across a horizontal fold, creating 2 rows.
We can see the circle is positioned above the heart in the top row. It is important to realise that the shapes will be mirrored in the bottom row, when the sheet is unfolded. The only answer that correctly displays this is E.
Next up: Figure Recognition
Figure Recognition, sometimes known and Hidden Shapes, challenges the candidate to find the shape on the left, hidden inside one of the shapes on the right.
Here’s a straight forward example:
In levels A, B and C, the shape will never be flipped or rotated and will appear exactly as the original does. In levels D, E, F and G the shape may rotate or flip. The question will always make this clear. This question is taken from level A and the correct answer is D.
Sometimes the answer is less obvious. Here is an example from level C.
B, C and D all look as though the could contain the shape. However, if we look carefully the only figure that contains an accurate reproduction of the image is figure D.
Head over to our CAT4 pages for dedicated modules on Spatial Reasoning and complete exams covering all the GL batteries, just like the real thing.
