Nine Top Tips to Help Your Child Ace Their Year 6 CAT Tests

Are you worried about your child’s upcoming CAT tests? These nine top tips help them ace the exam and boost their confidence. From preparing for the test itself to staying calm and focused on test day, we’ve got everything you need to help your child succeed.

1. Help them to understand the test format

The CAT tests consist of three main sections: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning.

Each section contains a mix of multiple-choice, short answer and extended-response questions. It’s important that your child is familiar with the different question types so that they know what to expect on test day.

2. Encourage them to practice

There are plenty of CAT practice papers available online and in bookstores. Doing some practice questions with your child will help them get a feel for the test format and build their confidence.

3. Teach them some test-taking strategies

A few simple strategies can make a big difference in your child’s CAT test performance. Encourage them to read all the questions carefully, and underline keywords that will help them identify what each question is asking. They should also try to answer each question in turn, rather than skipping around the test. And finally, encourage them to guess if they don’t know an answer, as there is no penalty for incorrect responses.

4. Help them to focus on the positive

It’s normal for children to feel some nerves before a big test, but it’s important to help them focus on the positive. Remind them of all the hard work they’ve put in to guess if they don’t know an answer, as there is no penalty for incorrect responses.

5. Get them to eat a healthy breakfast

A nutritious breakfast will help your child to concentrate and do their best on the test. Avoid sugary cereals or pastries, which will cause an energy crash later in the morning. Instead, opt for a protein-rich breakfast like eggs or Greek yoghurt.

6. Make sure they get a good night’s sleep

A good night’s sleep is essential for concentration and focus on test day. Ensure your child goes to bed reasonably the night before the test, and avoid any late-night study sessions.

7. Get them to the test centre early

Arriving at the test centre early will help your child to relax and feel more comfortable in the testing environment. If possible, drive there the day before to familiarise yourself with the surroundings and avoid any last-minute stress.

8. Encourage them to relax

It’s important that your child stays calm and relaxed during the test. Encourage them to take deep breaths and focus on positive thoughts. Remind them that they have prepared well and that they can do this!

9. Celebrate their success

Regardless of the test’s outcome, remember to celebrate your child’s efforts. They have worked hard and done their best, which is all you can ask for. Well done!