Thinking Skills Mock Test 1: 2026 NSW Selective Format

Master the new Janison-style Thinking Skills exam with our comprehensive 40-question mock test. Designed specifically for students targeting top-tier NSW Selective High Schools.

Duration

40 Minutes

Format

2026 NSW Format

Questions

40 multiple-choice

Level

Official Selective Test Level

Skills Covered in this Test

This mock test mirrors the official weightings of the NSW Department of Education exam.

The breakdown

  • Drawing a Conclusion: Logic-based deduction and inference from given premises.
  • Finding Procedures: Identifying the correct sequence or steps to reach an outcome.
  • Additional Evidence: Strengthening and weakening arguments with new information.
  • Truth/Liar Puzzles: Identifying truth-tellers and liars from statements and constraints.
  • Logical Deduction: Drawing necessary conclusions from given rules and conditions.
  • Evaluating Hypotheses: Assessing whether evidence supports or undermines a hypothesis.

Sample Questions from Test 1

The first two questions of this mock test (same order and wording as the timed exam).

Thinking Skills

Lina, Mo and Nina each have 24 tokens. They take turns spinning a wheel that shows 1, 2, 3 or 4. If the numbe…

Question 1 · Multiple choice

Question

Lina, Mo and Nina each have 24 tokens. They take turns spinning a wheel that shows 1, 2, 3 or 4. If the number is even, that player gives that many tokens to each of the other two. If the number is odd, that player receives that many tokens from each of the other two. Lina spins 3. Mo spins 4. If they end up with 32, 14 and 26 tokens respectively, what number did Nina spin?

Options

  • A. 1
  • B. 2
  • C. 3
  • D. 4

Correct answer

C. 3

Explanation

After Lina spins 3 (odd): she receives 3 from each. Lina 30, Mo 21, Nina 21. After Mo spins 4 (even): Mo gives 4 to each. Lina 34, Nina 25, Mo 13. So we have (34, 13, 25). We need (32, 14, 26). So Lina must lose 2, Mo gain 1, Nina gain 1. If Nina spins 2 (even), she gives 2 to each: Lina 32, Mo 11, Nina 21—only Lina matches. So the intended final order might be (32, 14, 26) = (Lina, Mo, Nina). Then 34−S=32 ⇒ S=2. So Nina spins 2. Answer B.

Thinking Skills

When Zara said she was thinking of dropping piano to focus on becoming a doctor, Ben said: You don't have to …

Question 2 · Multiple choice

Question

When Zara said she was thinking of dropping piano to focus on becoming a doctor, Ben said: You don't have to give up piano just because you want to study medicine. Hobbies help you stay balanced and can make you more focused when you study. Which one of these statements, if true, most strengthens Ben's argument?

Options

  • A. Medical schools value applicants who show commitment to long-term activities outside study.
  • B. Zara's parents have said she should concentrate only on schoolwork.
  • C. Many doctors play musical instruments as a hobby.
  • D. Piano lessons are expensive and time-consuming.

Correct answer

A. Medical schools value applicants who show commitment to long-term activities outside study.

Explanation

Ben's argument is that keeping a hobby (piano) is compatible with and even helpful for studying medicine. The statement that medical schools value such commitment directly supports the idea that the hobby is not only compatible but positively regarded in that path.

Core Competencies

Additional EvidenceData SufficiencyDetecting Reasoning ErrorsDrawing a ConclusionEvaluating HypothesesFinding ProceduresIdentifying SimilarityLogical DeductionMatching ArgumentsRelevant SelectionsSeating ArrangementsSpatial ReasoningSyllogismsTruth/Liar Puzzles

Prepare with Precision

  • Boost speed and accuracy in high-pressure tests.
  • Get comfortable with the Janison-style interface.
  • Identify your key areas for improvement.

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