Not about my kid, but about IQ tests

[Purplebluebird]

Hi!
I wasn't sure where to look, but thought you ladies(lads?) might have some advice. I plan on taking an IQ test by Mensa in a few weeks, but I struggle on certain elements of the practice books I have. Namely multiplying/dividing and anagrams. I did an IQ test a few years ago, it came back to 126 on logic (Cattell culture fair III A), and 145 on the other (Cattell III B). I would have needed 132 on the logic one,, and 148 on the language based one. English is not my first language, but my English has definitely improved since last time, as I had just moved to England then. I do believe I could push it up to 148 with my improved vocabulary.

So, question is - what's the best way to learn the parts that I am not currently able to do so well? I am trying with books, but not really getting anywhere.

I know it's not the biggest of things, but I have very low confidence, and being proven intelligent (even if I don't tell anyone) would be a massive improvement for my confidence. I do it for myself, not to show off to others, if I were to get a high enough IQ.

Thank you!

[Purplebluebird]

Dammit, was going to name change. Ah well!

[Ginmummy1]

I am a bit innocent of such things, but I thought an IQ test was designed so you couldn't really train for it? (maybe a bit: familiarity with the style of questions)

Would it help you if you did an IQ test in your native language?

Your IQ is considerably over 100, so I guess you can already class yourself as 'intelligent'. I'm not sure you can 'learn' to be 'intelligent' enough to be a member of MENSA.

[OutwiththeOutCrowd]

You are clearly bright already.

I don't think you need that piece of paper from Mensa!

Do you have people in your life who value your ideas and opinions, people who make you feel intelligent?

Do you have interests that are intellectually challenging and opportunities to explore and share those interests?

If life has not brought such things your way, I'd be inclined to do a little searching in this direction and you might find you have less need of the validation provided by IQ tests.

Good luck.

[Purplebluebird]

Thank you both!
@Ginmummy1 it probably would, but there is only 2-3 places you can go to in my country for an IQ test, and none of them are anywhere near where my family lives, so it would be very expensive!

IQ tests are designed so you can't practice for them as such, but you can train your brain to respond to the questions and tasks faster, and also an expanded vocabulary will be hugely beneficial for a test. The actual test goes incredible fast, so it's good to practice using your brain at high speed :)

@Outwiththeoutcrowd to those questions I would say no, and no. Haha. Like I said before, I do have very little confidence, and also social anxiety. I don't do much at all really - trying to learn a new language on the side, but that's all. Can't work at the moment either, sadly, so it's just me and my boy at home all day (and other half in the evenings).