OLSAT® Question Type: Logical Selection

In this post, we start with an overview of "Logical Selection" question types. We also provide a sample question, accompanied by tips and strategies that every student can use to perform successfully on "Logical Selection" questions during the official OLSAT® exam.

Logical Selection: What To Expect?

In order to find the answers to these questions, students have to apply logical reasoning to uncover the best answer. These questions often asks students to consider which answer might be correct, versus which answer options are always correct. Being able to make that distinction is key.

The amount of Logical Selection questions on the test depends on the age of the student and the test level.For example, 4th and 5th grade students taking the OLSAT®Level E (for admission into 5th and 6th grade) are asked approximately four of these types of questions.

Logical Selection: Sample Question

A meal cannot be eaten without:

A. friends
B. food
C. a cafeteria
D. forks
E. a beverage

Correct Answer: B

The correct answer to this question is choice B because you cannot eat a meal unless you have food to eat. The other answer options might be a part of the meal-eating experience, but they are not vital to what makes a meal.

Logical Selection:Tips and Strategies

The most effective way to practice these questions is to first model how to answer them using a think-aloud. Read a sample question aloud to your student, then verbally reason your way through each answer choice. These questions can seem unusual to students, so it is helpful if you demonstrate how to approach and answer them.

Have your student narrow down answer choices by crossing out any options that are obviously wrong.

For each question, ask your student to explain her reasoning. This allows you to reinforce strong reasoning or help your student determine where she went wrong and how she can improve in the future.

On the test, remind your child not to waste too much time on a single question. Instead, eliminate as many wrong answers as possible, make an educated guess, and move on.

What's Next?

Learn more about other verbal reasoning question types on the OLSAT, including Aural Reasoning, Verbal Analogies, Verbal Classifications, Word/Letter Matrices, Inference and Arithmetic Reasoning.

Also try some sample questions and see critical teaching tips that cover other areas of the OLSAT, including the sections on verbal comprehension, pictoral reasoning, figural reasoning, and quantitative reasoning.

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 NNAT or the COGAT.