Mathematical Reasoning

Selective Test in NSW is a very challenging test as we already know. In my article ‘Insights of Selective Schools Tests’ I mentioned that the curriculum and the past exam papers should be the starting point. In this article, I will discuss the details of preparation.

Before discussing preparation specifics, it’s important to note that with proper study and practice, most students can achieve their desired results. If there is any doubt, I would suggest watching the movie ‘Gifted Hands’, which is based on the autobiography of neurosurgeon Ben Carson.

The Selective Test has four sections:

• Mathematical Reasoning
• Thinking Skills
• Reading and
• Writing

I’ll discuss the preparation of Mathematical Reasoning here.

Math Topics and Aspects

To adequately prepare for the Selective Test, it is advisable to review the mathematics topics included in the stage 3 curriculum and the past exam papers.

For stage 3 math, there are 18 different topics grouped into 3 major areas.

To adequately prepare for the Selective Test, students must gain knowledge in two distinct dimensions of each topic:

• Fundamental aspects
• Creative and advanced aspects

The curriculum provided by the NSW Department of Education comprehensively addresses fundamental aspects at the stage 3 level. Students must have a full understanding and should be capable of doing any maths of these aspects.

The mathematics questions featured in the previous Selective Test since 2021, as well as the sample test available at www.education.nsw.gov.au, exhibit both creative and advanced characteristics.

Fundamental aspects are the attributes that involve a particular topic or operation. In most cases, fundamental maths involves single-step calculation.

Creative and advanced mathematics involve multiple steps and topics in combination.

The image displays three mathematical questions that were featured in the 2022 Selective Test. It is necessary to address these issues through a series of sequential steps.

Preparation Steps:

The mathematics examination is composed of 35 questions in total and has a time limit of 40 minutes for completion.

Students can prepare on mathematics for the Selective Test in the following steps:

1. Study, learn and practice the fundamental maths on each topic or chapter.
2. Try solving creative and advanced maths at the end of each topic or chapter. Do not try #2 before completing #1.
3. Once all the chapters are completed, take a practice math Selective Test. Complete the test within the time allowed. Do not get upset, if you cannot do many of them. Do not attempt a second test at this point. Complete the test in one go like the real Selective Test.
4. After the test, identify the following:
   • Find the chapters you answered correctly.
   • Find the chapters you answered incorrectly.
   • The level of difficulties can be different in the same chapter. For example, math on LCM/HCF can be at a basic or developing level, standard and advanced level. Thus, the level of difficulty of each question in the practice test needs to be identified.
   • Find the level of difficulties answered correctly.
   • Find the level of difficulties answered incorrectly.
   • Being good at difficult math does not mean being good at easy math. A top student can make a mistake in an easy problem due to a lack of focus. On the other hand, the lack of practice and knowledge can cause a student to struggle with difficult math, even if they can handle easier problems.
5. Focus only on the incorrectly answered questions and practice similar problems in those chapters.
6. Once prepared, take a second practice Selective Test and analyse the result in the same way. Repeat the same procedure until the day of the Selective Test.

Resource Guide:

Following the steps mentioned above will lead to success. However, as a parent, it can be difficult to focus on such details due to other commitments, time constraints, and the need for specific knowledge.

To reduce the time and effort required, an online test practice platform like www.neotericacademy.com.au can be of great help. There are free trial tests here https://neotericacademy.com.au/trial/.

Each question’s difficulty level (Developing, Standard and Advanced), chapters (Area, Volume, LCM/HCF etc.) and solutions are provided at the completion of a test. Detailed result analysis in the form of easy-to-understand graphs makes it easier to prepare perfectly for the Selective Test.

The article ‘How to Prepare for Thinking Skills in Selective Test?’ provides detailed on the Thinking Skills preparation.

Author: Nasir Hossain MIEAust CPEng NER MEngSc BSc Dip