Guide to the Gifted Exam — Stage B
Everything you need to know about the Gifted Exam Stage B — exam structure, 5 sections, 3 cognitive domains, scoring, and preparation tips
What is the Gifted Exam Stage B?
The Gifted Exam Stage B is a national exam for identifying gifted children, designed for grades 2-3 students. The exam includes approximately 50 multiple-choice questions (4 options each) across 5 timed sections — approximately 60 minutes total. It tests 3 cognitive domains: quantitative thinking, verbal thinking, and spatial-visual thinking. About 3% of test-takers are accepted into the gifted program.
Important: There is no penalty for wrong answers. Always mark an answer, even if unsure — guessing improves your chances.
Exam Structure
The exam consists of approximately 50 multiple-choice questions across 5 sections, with a total duration of about 60 minutes. Each section is separately timed, and returning to previous sections is not allowed.
3 Cognitive Domains
Quantitative Thinking
Sections: Math, Sequences
Ability to solve mathematical word problems, identify numerical patterns, and apply logical-quantitative thinking.
Verbal Thinking
Sections: Sentence Completion, Word Analogies
Understanding logical relations, advanced vocabulary, and analogical thinking through language.
Spatial-Visual Thinking
Section: Shapes
Identifying visual patterns, mental rotation, reflection, and finding rules in matrices and shape sequences.
Section Details
Math
Word problems requiring mathematical reading comprehension: time and duration, work rate, reverse operations, price-quantity, ratios, order of operations, fractions, and number properties.
Tip: Pay attention to the difference between 'greater by' and 'greater times' — this is a common trap.
Sentence Completion
Complete sentences with a missing word or phrase. Requires understanding context, logical relations (cause-effect, contrast, condition, time), and advanced vocabulary 2-3 grade levels above standard.
Tip: Read the entire sentence before choosing — sometimes the clue is at the end.
Word Analogies
Identify relationships between word pairs: synonyms, antonyms, part-whole, tool-use, classification, degree, and more. Requires abstract analogical thinking.
Tip: Verbalize the relationship ('X is a part of Y') and check which option fits.
Shapes
Identify visual patterns: matrices (2×2, 3×3), rotation, reflection, overlay, pattern completion, and odd-one-out. Similar to Raven's matrices.
Tip: Look for systematic changes across rows and columns — shape, color, direction, quantity.
Sequences
Identify patterns in number sequences: arithmetic, geometric, interleaved, and second-order sequences. Requires pattern recognition and finding the next element.
Tip: Calculate the differences between consecutive numbers — if the differences also form a pattern, it's a second-order sequence.
Scoring & Results
The exam score is based on relative ranking — there is no fixed passing score. Instead, test-takers are ranked against each other. About 3% of test-takers are accepted into the gifted program. Results are published 2-3 weeks after the exam and sent directly to families.
Registration
Registration is done through the school or privately. Exams are usually held in February-March. It is recommended to register early as spots are limited.
Preparation Tips
Start 4-6 weeks before the exam. 15-20 minutes a day is enough for effective practice.
Learn the exam structure — 5 sections with different time limits. Practice with a timer.
Strengthen vocabulary — the exam uses vocabulary 2-3 levels above standard.
Practice shapes and matrices — schools don't teach mental rotation and reflection.
Don't get stuck on a hard question — move on and come back if time allows.
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