Assembling Objects (AO)

Connectors: separate shapes each have a labelled point, and you pick the picture where a line joins exactly those marked points, with every shape unchanged in size and orientation. Puzzles: several flat pieces are shown, and you pick the option where they all fit together into one complete shape with no gaps, no overlaps and no extra or missing pieces.

Find the labelled point on each shape first, then pick the option whose line touches both exact points. Immediately eliminate any choice where a shape has been resized, rotated wrongly, or mirrored — identity and orientation must be preserved.

Count the pieces first — the right answer uses them all, no extras or missing. Then check the outline for gaps and overlaps. Practise mentally rotating pieces, since they're often turned or flipped.

Rotation is allowed, but a mirror image (flip) is a different shape — a very common wrong-answer trick. Work by elimination and build speed, since the subtest is time-pressured and purely perceptual.

• Purely visual — a spatial skill, not knowledge. Practice raises your speed.
• Connectors: attach only at the labelled points; reject resized/mirrored shapes.
• Puzzles: count pieces, then check for gaps, overlaps and mirror traps.

A few sample questions with worked answers. Our free Assembling Objects practice set draws on a fresh, unlimited set of questions, freshly drawn every attempt — every one with a full explanation.