TIPS FOR SELECTIVE TEST FORMAT 2022

ARE YOU READY FOR NEW SELECTIVE TEST FORMAT?  

Be ready to be part of the upcoming test – especially when it’s been updated to a new format!

In the late 2020, the NSW Department of Education announced a new format for the selective high school placement test in 2021 and beyond. This is consistent with what has been previously foreshadowed in the Review of Selective Education Access Action Plan from 2018.

The new Selective High School Placement Test format is as follows:

• Reading: 30 multiple-choice questions (4 options) – 40 minutes
• Mathematical Reasoning: 35 multiple-choice questions (5 options) – 40 minutes
• Thinking skills: 40 multiple – choice question (4 options) – 40 minutes
• Writing: 1 task – 30 minutes

GA- general ability has been replaced by Thinking Skills!

In 2020, selective high school has replaced general ability section has been replaced by thinking skills section. While the reading, mathematical reasoning, writing section remains same as in previous years.

Now we can question “How is Thinking Skills section different from General Ability Section?”. Here is the main difference listed:

• Reduced questions from 60 questions to 40 questions in a 40-minute test paper.
• More reading and thinking skills required for each question. (Student’s average spend time per question is 1 minute per question).
• Focus required in thinking skills rather than general knowledge. (Meaning: no more synonyms/ antonyms, analogies, odd ones our, number/ shape series, pattern finding, etc.)
• Certain level of numeracy and spatial reasoning skills are still required for some questions.

This address us that, instead of simpler and straightforward question type, main 2 categories will be focused on New Selective High School Placement Test on thinking skill section. (Logical Thinking & Critical Thinking).

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is the ability to make informed decision by evaluating several different sources of information objectively. In easy way of thinking, it is ability to determine whether there is “Value” to a reason. Not just simple as determining whether a conclusion is true or false. You are expected to be “critical” with the reasons and judging the terms whether it can be addressed in creativity, essential skills, problem solving and empathy. It is important to understand situation clearly when provided.

5 examples to be remembered in Critical Thinking:

1. Observation
2. Analysis
3. Interference
4. Communication
5. Problem Solving

As you have acknowledged, critical thinking skills question generally given similar concept. Most question presented a situation of giving an opinion or argument made about it. Then it will ask which option to be considered. If the answer is true, you will be able to talk about weakness and strengthens to support your conclusion.

To approach such questions, focus on these matters:

• Carefully read the situation provided and deduce the argument that has been made.
• Sometimes the situation can be rater lengthy, and the argument might be obscure.
• Once you understand the argument, read the options to see which would also strengthen / weakens the argument.
• Be aware that the options might be similar in style to comprehension, where there are incorrect options, “somewhat correct” options and a “most correct” or “best” options.

This means that you may be able to determine the answer by process of elimination.

What is Logical Thinking?

Logical thinking is the ability to analyses (a situation) and/ or make logical conclusions. A logical thinker must be rational and objective when forming reasons and consider all possible outcomes of a situation.

There are different types of questions you can compare and test your ability to think logically. Sometimes you will either must determine the correct conclusion from the option provided. Or able to identify whether a conclusion made by someone is true or false or determine why a conclusion is flawed.

To approach such questions, carefully read the situation provided.

• You do not need to make any conclusion on your own
• Move on to the conclusion that they provided (once reading completed)
• Remember to cross-check with the information provided for every single question.
• don’t forget to consider all possibilities when determining whether a conclusion is true or false.

Let’s get ready and prepared for upcoming exams in 2022. ?

Source: Trinity Tuition College (www.trinitytuitioncollege.com.au)

Written by: Donghyeon Lee