The McQuaig Mental Agility Test (MMAT)

What is the MMAT?

The McQuaig Mental Agility Test (MMAT) is a timed multiple-choice test designed to assess a person's speed of thought and ability to think, learn, and swiftly absorb new information, systems, and processes. It evaluates vocabulary, verbal reasoning skills, and the capability to perform simple mathematical functions. The test was formerly referred to as The McQuaig Occupational Test.

The test comprises 50 multiple-choice questions encompassing three sub-categories: Mathematical ability, verbal reasoning, and vocabulary knowledge.

Calculators are not allowed for the test.

The test has a 15-minute time limit, which means that you have an average of 18 seconds per question if you answer all questions. Due to the time limitations, you will not be expected to answer all of the questions. The test is designed to assess how quickly you can think on your feet when provided with new information. Scores will be based on how many correct answers you provide. Average scores typically range between 25 and 35.

Here, we will cover what you need to know about the MMAT.

What questions can I expect on the MMAT?

The McQuaig Mental Agility Test consists of three question categories: Mathematical Ability, verbal reasoning, and vocabulary knowledge.
To help you understand the types of questions on the test, we will break down these categories into 10 sub-categories.

Mathematical ability
The MMAT's mathematical questions test your basic algebra skills, logical thinking ability, and your capacity to work through word problems. The question types are:


Number Series
In these test questions, you are presented with a series of numbers with one number missing. Your task is to find the missing number. Number series questions assess your logical thinking ability.

Numerical Word Problems
Numerical word problems, also known as math word problems, are mathematical questions presented in a written format. These questions will assess both your mathematical ability and your logical reasoning skills.

The word problems can vary in length and complexity, ranging from short to long or simple to complex. Some questions will solely require mathematical ability to solve, while others will necessitate logical reasoning as well.

Example:
Two machines at a toy factory can create ten teddy bears in 50 minutes. How many teddy bears can a single machine create in 30 minutes?

1. 6
2. 5
3. 3
4. 2

The correct answer is 3.

Explanation:
If two machines can create ten teddy bears in 50 minutes, then one machine can create 5 teddy bears in 50 minutes. If one machine can create 5 teddy bears in 50 minutes, then one machine can create 1 teddy bear in 10 minutes. Therefore, one machine can create 3 teddy bears in 30 minutes.


Arithmetic Ability
The arithmetic ability questions require the mastery of four fundamental arithmetic skills: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Proficiency in working with fractions, decimals, and percentages is also essential. Please note that you won't be able to use a calculator during the test, so it's advisable to refresh your understanding of basic arithmetic concepts and sharpen your calculation skills.


Verbal Reasoning
The verbal reasoning category necessitates the capacity to read, comprehend, and interpret information. Certain questions demand the ability to draw logical conclusions, while others require the swift identification of logical patterns within a given text. There are three sub-categories in the Verbal Reasoning category.

Deductive Reasoning
Deductive reasoning involves the process of drawing logically certain conclusions from one or more given statements.

Deductive reasoning questions will prompt you to employ your problem-solving and reasoning abilities by assessing arguments, analyzing scenarios, and deriving logical conclusions.

Letter Position
These question types necessitate alphabetical knowledge and the capacity to rapidly visualize the alphabetical system in order to respond accurately.

Example:
If the words below are rearranged to form a proper sentence, what is the last letter of the third word?

Girlfriend ring birthday he his her for a gave

1. R
2. S
3. D
4. E

The correct answer is B (the letter S).

Explanation:
The rearranged sentence is: He gave his girlfriend a ring for her birthday.

Word Analogies
These questions will test your English language proficiency, your capability to recognize connections between concepts, and your systematic thinking ability.

Example:
Fast is to running as slow is to?

1. Walking
2. Pace
3. Turtle
4. Lazy

The correct answer is A, walking.

Explanation:
When someone is moving quickly, they are running.
When someone is moving slowly, they are walking.

Odd word out
In this category, you will be presented with four words. Three of the words are interconnected in some manner. Your objective is to identify the pattern or connection between three of the words and thereby determine the word that does not belong.


Vocabulary Knowledge:
The MMAT's vocabulary questions will assess the breadth of your vocabulary, your capacity to deduce meanings from context, and your comprehension of antonyms and synonyms. This category encompasses three distinct question types.


Antonyms and Synonyms
In this segment, you will encounter a word and be required to select its antonym or synonym from among four options.

Word Knowledge
This category serves to evaluate the expanse of your vocabulary. You will be asked to discern the meaning of a specific word.

Missing Word
These questions gauge your ability to select a word that best suits a given context. Your proficiency in comprehending the precise meaning of a word and choosing an appropriate word through contextual inference is tested.

Example:
The hiker gazed in awe at the ___________ mountain peaks in the distance, their snow-covered summits shining under the morning sun.

Question: What word best describes the mountain peaks?

1. majestic
2. serene
3. formidable
4. tranquil

Correct answer is ‘majestic’.

Explanation:
In the context of the sentence, the hiker is gazing at the mountain peaks and experiencing a sense of awe. The word "majestic" conveys a sense of grandeur, splendor, and awe-inspiring beauty, which aligns with the hiker's feelings and the visual imagery of the snow-covered summits shining under the morning sun. Therefore, "majestic" is the most appropriate word to describe the mountain peaks in this scenario.


We have included practice questions of every type in our MMAT test prep package.

How to Prepare for the MMAT:

Preparing for the MMAT can greatly improve your performance. Here are several steps you can take to get ready for the test:

1. Focus on Speed and Mental Calculation: Speed is a key factor in achieving a good score on the MMAT. Practice your mental calculation skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Enhancing your mental math abilities will help you tackle questions more efficiently.
2. Review Basic Mathematical Concepts: Refresh your understanding of fundamental mathematical rules and concepts. Make sure you're comfortable with topics like fractions, decimals, percentages, square roots, exponents, and basic algebra.
3. Practice Similar Questions: Work on practice questions that resemble those found on the MMAT. This will familiarize you with the question types and boost your confidence when approaching the actual test.
4. Simulate MMAT Test Conditions: Create a simulated MMAT test environment by using the same question types and time limit. Practicing under timed conditions will help you develop effective time management strategies, a crucial skill for performing well.

Tips for Taking the MMAT:

1. Manage Your Time: Keep a close eye on the time as you have only 15 minutes to answer all the questions. Allocate your time wisely to ensure you cover as many questions as possible.
2. Avoid Spending Too Much Time: If you're struggling with a question and haven't made progress within about 30 seconds, consider making an educated guess and moving on. Don't get stuck on any single question.
3. Guess if Unsure: If you're unsure about an answer or spending excessive time on a question, it's better to make an educated guess than to leave it unanswered. The MMAT doesn't penalize for wrong answers.
4. Utilize Scratch Paper: Use scratch paper and a pen or pencil to assist you in working through calculations and organizing your thoughts. It can help you keep track of your progress.
5. Read All Answer Options: Always read through all the answer choices. Eliminating unreasonable options can sometimes make it easier to identify the correct answer.

Consider Our MMAT Test Preparation Package:

We offer an MMAT test preparation package designed to aid your preparation efforts. The package includes:

• Over 900 MMAT practice questions with detailed explanations.
• Four full-length simulated MMAT tests to help you practice under realistic conditions.
• Detailed progress reports and a final report.
• Additional study tools and resources.

To further assist you, try our free MMAT practice test, which includes examples of each question type discussed above. This will give you a glimpse of what to expect on the actual test and help you refine your skills.

Prepare with confidence and excel on the MMAT! Get access now.