~35 questions, 35 minutes. Tests comprehension of complex texts including literary passages, poetry, informational articles and persuasive pieces. Emphasis on inference, vocabulary in context and author purpose. ACER-style questions are more demanding than standard reading tests.
~35 questions, 30 minutes. Tests mathematical reasoning at Year 8 curriculum level including arithmetic, algebra, ratios, geometry, measurement and data interpretation. Emphasis on multi-step problem solving. No calculator permitted.
~35 questions, 30 minutes. Tests verbal reasoning including word analogies, logical reasoning with words, sentence completion and verbal pattern recognition. Tests how students think with language, not just vocabulary knowledge.
~35 questions, 30 minutes. Tests numerical and abstract reasoning including number sequences, number analogies, diagrammatic patterns and quantitative relationships. Similar to Thinking Skills in other exams but at a higher difficulty level.
2 tasks, 30 minutes total. Students complete two short written tasks – typically one narrative and one persuasive or reflective piece. Each task is 15 minutes. Marked on ideas, structure, vocabulary and language conventions.
