Free Sample Houston Vanguard (HISD Gifted) Practice Questions

Wondering what kinds of questions your child will be asked on the Houston Independent School District (HISD) Vanguard Gifted and Talented Assessments? Here are six sample Vanguard HISD practice questions.

IMPORTANT: While the Vanguard HISD test sample questions shown on this page are representative of what your child will be seeing, they aren’t taken directly from the actual test being administered this year.

Assessments used for Houston ISD Vanguard Program

he Houston Independent School District (HISD) uses a combination of assessments to identify students for the Vanguard Gifted and Talented program. These assessments typically include both ability tests and achievement tests, as well as qualitative measures such as teacher recommendations and student work samples.

Here is an overview of the types of tests that may be used:

• Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT): This test is designed to measure a child’s potential to succeed in school-related tasks. It’s not a knowledge test; instead, it assesses reasoning and problem-solving skills. The CogAT is divided into three sections, each representing a different kind of reasoning: verbal, quantitative, and non-verbal.
• Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS): This is a standardized test that assesses students’ skills in a variety of areas, including reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. It’s designed to measure what students have learned in school.
• Gifted Rating Scales (GRS): These scales are completed by a teacher or other school professional and provide a standardized measure of giftedness. They assess the frequency of behaviors associated with giftedness.
• Student Work Samples: These can include creative writing samples, math problem-solving samples, or other work demonstrating the student’s talent.
• Parent and Teacher Questionnaires: These questionnaires provide additional insights into a child’s behavior, motivation, and potential for giftedness. They can provide a more comprehensive view of the student beyond their test scores.
• Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT): The NNAT is a nonverbal measure of general ability often used as a part of the identification process for gifted and talented programs. As a nonverbal measure, it is language-free and therefore reduces cultural or linguistic bias.

Vanguard HISD Test Sample Question #1 – 3rd Grade Math

Monica earns $4 an hour for babysitting. If she babysits for 7 hours, how much will she earn?

A. $11
B. $24
C. $28
D. $32

Vanguard HISD Test Sample Question #2 – 4th Grade Math

Which of the following numbers is prime?

A. 9
B. 33
C. 51
D. 71

Vanguard HISD Test Sample Question #3 – 5th Grade Math

What is the volume of the solid figure below, which consists of unit cubes?

A. 3 unit cubes
B. 8 unit cubes
C. 9 unit cubes
D. 14 unit cubes

Vanguard HISD Test Sample Question #4 – 3rd Grade ELA

Which detail from the story best shows that Johnnie Green was just learning to milk cows?

A. “Farmer Green milked eight cows while that lazu boy was puttering with you,” the little red cow said to Muley Cow.
B. For a few minutes his father stood beside him and told him a few things that he needed to know.
C. Though it stung sharply, all Johnnie Green said was, “So, boss! So, boss!”
D. It seemed to her that Johnnie Green never would finish milking her.

Vanguard HISD Test Sample Question #5 – 4th Grade ELA

Which of these statements would belong in the story if it was told from a first-person point of view?

A. After giving them their share, the old man proposed a challenge to his three sons.
B. “Thank you father,” the first son replied, “I promise to make you proud.”
C. I gathered my three sons and explained that I would be dividing my riches among them.
D. The old man said, “I have a diamond to give to the one who pleases me with noble actions.”

Vanguard HISD Test Sample Question #6 – 5th Grade ELA

Read the following line from a poem.

How dreary to be somebody!

What does the underlined word most likely mean?

A. lively
B. boring
C. simple
D. colorful

(Answers: C, D, B, B, C, B)

One-to-One tutoring for the Houston ISD Vanguard Gifted and Talented Test

One-to-one tutoring with Testing Mom can be an incredibly beneficial resource for students preparing for the Houston Independent School District (HISD) Vanguard Gifted and Talented test. A personalized approach to learning can help students achieve their highest potential and navigate the challenges of this competitive admissions process. Here’s an overview of how private tutoring can assist:

Understanding the Test Structure and Content

A tutor can help students understand the structure and content of the Vanguard admission tests, such as the Cognitive Ability Test (CogAT), the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), and the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT). The tutor can familiarize the student with the types of questions they will encounter and the skills these tests are assessing.

Personalized Learning Plan

One-to-one tutoring allows for a personalized learning plan tailored to the specific needs of the student. If the student is struggling with a particular area, such as non-verbal reasoning or mathematical skills, the tutor can focus on that area. The tutor can also adapt the instruction method to the student’s learning style, which can make the study sessions fun and engaging.

Practice and Feedback

Tutors can provide students with practice questions and problems to solve, which can help familiarize students with the test format and timing. This practice, along with immediate feedback, can help students understand where they need to improve and how to best approach the test questions.

Building Confidence

One of the significant benefits of one-to-one tutoring is the confidence it can instill in students. By working closely with a tutor, students can build their skills, improve their understanding and gain confidence in their abilities. This confidence can be invaluable when it comes time to take the test.

Study Skills and Test-Taking Strategies

A tutor can teach effective study skills and test-taking strategies, such as time management, how to tackle multiple-choice questions and strategies for handling test anxiety. These skills can be beneficial not only for the Vanguard admission test but also for the student’s overall academic career.

Addressing Questions and Concerns

Finally, a one-to-one tutor is there to answer any questions and address any concerns that the student may have. The tutor can provide reassurances, clarify confusing points and provide ongoing support throughout the test preparation process.

It’s important to remember that while tutoring can be a valuable tool, it should be part of a balanced approach to test preparation that includes plenty of rest, healthy eating and regular physical activity. Tutoring is a tool to help a student reach their potential, but it’s also essential to maintain a balanced lifestyle and avoid excessive stress.

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