OLSAT® Question Type: Following Directions

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In this post, we will begin with an overview of "Following Directions" question types, including what skills they measure and how many of these question types are on the OLSAT test.

We also show you a sample question, accompanied by tips and strategies to help your student perform successfully on "Following Directions" questions during the official OLSAT® exam.

Following Directions: What To Expect?

‘Following Directions’ questions measure a student’s ability to listen carefully and choose a representation (figural design or picture) of a description that is read to a student by a test administrator.

These questions test a student’s knowledge of relational concepts, including distinguishing between and understanding phrases such as “up”, “down”, “below”, “above”, “behind” and “next to.”

These questions test knowledge of sizes, shapes, numbers, and letters.

These questions measure a student’s understanding of concepts such as neither/nor, and the order of things, such as first, second, third, etc.

Pre-K students taking the OLSAT® (for admission into Kindergarten) are asked approximately six of these types of questions.

Kindergarten students taking the OLSAT® (for admission into 1st Grade) are asked approximately 12 of these types of questions.

Following Directions: Sample Questions

Answer: c

Answer: c

Following Directions:Tips and Strategies

  • Make sure your student is focused by asking her to “listen carefully” before each question.

  • Tell your student to look at the answer options while you read the questions. Ask your student to eliminate obviously wrong answers to narrow down the answer choices.

  • Ask your student to explain why she chose a specific answer. If the answer was incorrect, this will help you identify where your student is stumbling. If the answer was correct, asking your student to articulate her reasoning will help reinforce her understanding of a concept.

    • OLSAT Verbal Comprehension Section: Additional Sample Questions

    Now you have seen an example of a 'Following Directions' question, see the additional three question types on the OLSAT verbal comprehension section: Sentence Arrangement, Sentence Completion and Antonyms.

    What's Next?

    Learn more about other question types on the OLSAT, including Aural Reasoning, Arithmetic Reasoning, Analogies, Classifications, Series and Pattern Matrices.

    If you think you need more information and guidance about the OLSAT, check out our in-depth article on the test, as well as our posts on the verbal and non-verbal section.

    Also, learn everything you need to know about other tests that measure a child’s potential to learn in school, like the NNAT2.