CogAT Verbal Classification Practice Questions
Verbal Classification questions ask students to decide which word belongs with a group or which word does not fit the same category.
Practice original CogAT-style verbal classification questions with explanations.
How to use this practice page
- Read each question carefully before selecting an answer.
- Choose A, B, C, or D, then check the answer explanation.
- Look for the reasoning rule instead of guessing from the first thing you notice.
- Use the explanations to talk through the thinking process with your child or student.
Skills practiced: classification, categories, word meaning, similarities, and differences.
Verbal Classification Practice
Select an answer for each question, then check your work to see the explanation.
Question 1 of 12
Verbal Classification Practice Question
Verbal
Which word belongs with peninsula, island, and isthmus?
Show explanation
They are all geographic landform terms. The best answer is 'archipelago'.
Skill tested: Recognizing category relationships
Question 2 of 12
Verbal Classification Practice Question
Verbal
Which word belongs with vertex, radius, and diameter?
Show explanation
Vertex, radius, and diameter are terms used to describe parts of geometric figures. 'circumference' is also terms used to describe parts of geometric figures, so it is the best answer.
Skill tested: Recognizing category relationships
Question 3 of 12
Verbal Classification Practice Question
Verbal
Which word belongs with solar, wind, and hydroelectric?
Show explanation
They are all renewable energy sources. The best answer is 'geothermal'.
Skill tested: Recognizing category relationships
Question 4 of 12
Verbal Classification Practice Question
Verbal
Which word belongs with inference, deduction, conclusion?
Show explanation
These can name a reasoned judgment reached from information, rather than the information itself.
Skill tested: products of reasoning
Question 5 of 12
Verbal Classification Practice Question
Verbal
Which word belongs with feasible, practical, and workable?
Show explanation
They all describe something that can be done. The best answer is 'possible'.
Skill tested: Recognizing category relationships
Question 6 of 12
Verbal Classification Practice Question
Verbal
Which word belongs with rhythm, melody, and harmony?
Show explanation
Rhythm, melody, and harmony are elements used to create music. 'tempo' is also elements used to create music, so it is the best answer.
Skill tested: Recognizing category relationships
Question 7 of 12
Verbal Classification Practice Question
Verbal
Which word belongs with bar graph, line graph, and table?
Show explanation
Bar graph, line graph, and table are ways to display numerical information. 'pie chart' is also ways to display numerical information, so it is the best answer.
Skill tested: Recognizing category relationships
Question 8 of 12
Verbal Classification Practice Question
Verbal
Which word belongs with inhale, exhale, and breathe?
Show explanation
They all relate to respiration. The best answer is 'respire'.
Skill tested: Recognizing category relationships
Question 9 of 12
Verbal Classification Practice Question
Verbal
Which word belongs with alleviate, lessen, and mitigate?
Show explanation
They all mean to make something less severe. The best answer is 'reduce'.
Skill tested: Recognizing category relationships
Question 10 of 12
Verbal Classification Practice Question
Verbal
Which word belongs with concise, succinct, and terse?
Show explanation
They all describe using few words. The best answer is 'brief'.
Skill tested: Recognizing category relationships
Question 11 of 12
Verbal Classification Practice Question
Verbal
Which word belongs with whisper, murmur, and mumble?
Show explanation
They are all ways of speaking quietly or unclearly. The best answer is 'mutter'.
Skill tested: Recognizing category relationships
Question 12 of 12
Verbal Classification Practice Question
Verbal
Which word belongs with obsolete, outdated, and antiquated?
Show explanation
They all describe something no longer current. The best answer is 'archaic'.
Skill tested: Recognizing category relationships
Next practice steps
Next, try Verbal Analogies, Sentence Completion, or return to Verbal Practice.
For grade-based mixed practice, choose a grade from the Practice menu.