OLSAT Test Explained: Format, Question Types & Sample Questions

Watch an OLSAT overview with five question areas, test levels, and original sample questions explained step by step. Learn how verbal, picture, figure, and number reasoning tasks work.

What you will learn in this video

• What the Otis-Lennon School Ability Test measures and how schools may use it.
• How the seven levels relate to school grades.
• Five reasoning areas, with an original example and explanation for each.
• Practice habits: listen carefully, name the rule, check the choices, and practice different reasoning skills.

How to use the practice examples

Watch the introduction to understand the assessment, then pause at each sample question. Try a solution before continuing to the explanation. Name the rule you used and check whether it fits every part of the question.

Parents can watch together with their child and ask, “What changed?” or “How did you choose that answer?” Keep practice short and calm. These examples introduce reasoning strategies; they do not predict a test score.

OLSAT question types shown

Verbal comprehension

An opposite-meaning example asks which word means the opposite of ancient. The explanation compares the meaning of each answer choice.

Verbal reasoning

A bird-to-nest analogy introduces a relationship that also applies to a bee and its hive.

Pictorial reasoning

A picture classification example asks which item does not belong with a group of fruits.

Figural reasoning

A sequence of triangles changes direction and fill. Follow both features to find the missing figure.

Quantitative reasoning

The sequence 2, 5, 9, 14 illustrates increasing jumps: add 3, then 4, then 5. The next jump is 6, giving 20.

Continue learning

• Read the OLSAT overview
• Explore the OLSAT test format
• Try the free OLSAT practice test

The video uses original practice examples, not official test questions. Gifted Practice and this website are independent preparation resources and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the test publisher. Test names belong to their respective trademark owners. Confirm your child's test level, form, and administration details with the school.