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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 NSW Selective Test Thinking Skills preparation.

Selective School Test in NSW is very challenging, 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 basis of preparation. In this article, I will discuss the details of Thinking Skills.

Before proceeding to a detailed analysis of Thinking Skills, I feel compelled to present the following relevant resources:

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NSW Selective Test Thinking Skills

In 2021, the Selective School Test underwent a change, replacing the General Ability Test with Thinking Skills. In contrast to Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills are not included in the Stage 3 curriculum. Consequently, the foundation for Thinking Skills preparation rests upon past Selective School Test papers dating back to 2021 and the practice test available on the website www.education.nsw.gov.au.

The Thinking Skills test comprises 40 questions to be completed within a 40-minute time limit.

By analysing past Selective School Test papers, we can observe there are 8 different topics in Thinking Skills unless the NSW Department of Education add or modify any topics.

NSW Selective Test Thinking Skills-Logical Statement:

The question consists of a principal statement. Interrogations are subsequently posed concerning an alternative statement stemming from the principal assertion. In order to arrive at the correct subsidiary statement, students must first grasp the principal assertion. It is crucial to keep in mind that the main statement forms the underlying premise, regardless of any incorrect details mentioned. The following image is an example of a Logical Statement of the Selective School Test.

NSW Selective Test Thinking Skills-Logical Reasoning:

Logical Reasoning is very similar to the Logical Statement. The reason behind an action, inaction or any kind of result needs to be found in the main statement.

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

NSW Selective Test Thinking Skills-Argument:

The question consists of one or more statements. Students must determine what is being supported or opposed by the main statement. In the Selective Test, the questions ask which statement strengthens (supports) or weakens (against) the main statement.

NSW Selective Test Thinking Skills-True view

This is about objects view from any side, top or bottom. It tests student’s visualisation ability.

Logical Puzzle

This question asks to solve a puzzle problem. Students need to have a good understanding on geometric shape and size to solve this type problem in Selective Test. Usually, only a few questions are included in this category.

Logical Graphic

This is a graphical question that involves logic, visualisation, and maths together.

Logical Investigation

This is an investigative type problem. Typically, a scenario is provided that includes several people, things, attributes, activities or events. Questions are then asked to identify a specific person or thing from the given options. This category is one of the most time-consuming problems among all the categories. Thus, leaving this category question to answer at the end may be a good idea for some students.

Logical Math

The main difference between this logical math and mathematical reasoning is that the former requires logical calculations in addition to mathematical operations.

The topics discussed above measure an individual’s capabilities in various dimensions. Therefore, it is crucial for students to identify their weaknesses, practice more in those areas, and improve.

Students can prepare on Thinking Skills for the Selective School Test in the following steps:

1. Study, learn and practice the eight different areas mentioned.
2. Once all the areas are learned, take a practice Thinking Skills test for the Selective Test. Complete the test in one go within the given time. Do not take it twice and stay calm if you cannot answer many questions. You can take our GOLD Package which has 30 high quality full tests.
3. After the test, identify the following:
4. Find the topics you answered correctly.
5. Find the topics you answered incorrectly.
6. The level of difficulty can be different for the same topics. Identify the level of difficulty of each question.
7. Find the level of difficulties answered correctly.
8. Find the level of difficulties answered incorrectly.
9. Concentrate solely on those questions that were answered incorrectly, and engage in practice exercises related to the corresponding topics.
10. Following preparation, conduct a second test and analyse the findings using the same methodology. Continue the same procedure until the day of the Selective Test.

You may want to get valuable information from our other articles in NeoTeriC Academy BLOG.