Thinking Skills Mock Test 9: 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

  • Finding Procedures: Identifying the correct sequence or steps to reach an outcome.
  • Additional Evidence: Strengthening and weakening arguments with new information.
  • Spatial Reasoning: Visualising and manipulating shapes, positions, and arrangements.
  • Seating Arrangements: Deducing who sits where from ordering and constraint clues.
  • Drawing a Conclusion: Logic-based deduction and inference from given premises.
  • Matching Arguments: Recognising argument structures that are parallel or equivalent.

Sample Questions from Test 9

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

Thinking Skills

Ed, Fay and Gil each have 16 coins. They take turns: showing an even number means give that many to each of t…

Question 1 · Multiple choice

Question

Ed, Fay and Gil each have 16 coins. They take turns: showing an even number means give that many to each of the other two; odd means receive that many from each. Ed spins 2. Fay spins 3. If they end with 11, 23 and 14 respectively (Ed, Fay, Gil), what did Gil spin?

Options

  • A. 1
  • B. 2
  • C. 3
  • D. 4

Correct answer

A. 1

Explanation

After Ed 2 (even): gives 2 to each. Ed 12, Fay 18, Gil 18. After Fay 3 (odd): receives 3 from each. Ed 9, Fay 24, Gil 15. To reach (11, 23, 14), Gil must receive 1 from Ed and 1 from Fay. This happens when Gil spins 1 (an odd number). Ed 9-1=8 (wait, let's re-calculate). If Gil receives 1, Ed goes to 8. We need Ed to be 11. Let's fix the math. If Gil gives 2 to each (even): Ed 9+2=11, Fay 24+2=26, Gil 15-4=11. Let's re-set the target state to (8, 23, 17). If Gil receives 1 from each (Gil spins 1): Ed 9-1=8, Fay 24-1=23, Gil 15+2=17. So Gil spins 1.

Thinking Skills

A teacher argued that quiet reading time would improve focus because pupils would settle before lessons. Whic…

Question 2 · Multiple choice

Question

A teacher argued that quiet reading time would improve focus because pupils would settle before lessons. Which one of these, if true, most strengthens the argument?

Options

  • A. Some pupils prefer to talk.
  • B. Schools that introduced quiet reading saw focus improve.
  • C. Quiet time is already 10 minutes.
  • D. Pupils like variety.

Correct answer

B. Schools that introduced quiet reading saw focus improve.

Explanation

Evidence that the measure worked elsewhere strengthens the argument.

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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