Thinking Skills Mock Test 2: 2027 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

2027 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

  • Detecting Reasoning Errors: Identifying flaws, assumptions, and gaps in arguments.
  • Matching Arguments: Recognising argument structures that are parallel or equivalent.
  • Relevant Selections: Choosing the option that best supports or completes an argument.
  • Identifying Similarity: Pattern and structure comparison across cases.
  • Syllogisms: Applying categorical logic and valid inference forms.
  • Drawing a Conclusion: Logic-based deduction and inference from given premises.

Sample Questions from Test 2

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

Thinking Skills

Four identical square tiles are placed in a 2×2 grid. Some tiles are rotated before placing. The finished 4×4…

Question 1 · Multiple choice

Question

Four identical square tiles are placed in a 2×2 grid. Some tiles are rotated before placing. The finished 4×4 pattern of cells looks like this (○ = white, ● = black):

○ ● ● ○
● ○ ○ ●
● ○ ○ ●
○ ● ● ○

Each tile is 2×2 (4 cells). Which description matches the design on each tile?

Options

  • A.All 4 cells are the same colour.
  • B.The top row is black and the bottom row is white.
  • C.Two diagonally opposite cells are black and the other two are white — a 2×2 checkerboard.
  • D.Only one corner cell is black; the rest are white.

Correct answer

C.Two diagonally opposite cells are black and the other two are white — a 2×2 checkerboard.

Explanation

Step 1: Split the 4×4 pattern into four 2×2 tiles.

The full pattern is:

○ ● ● ○
● ○ ○ ●
● ○ ○ ●
○ ● ● ○

Label the four tiles by their position:

[Tile A] [Tile B]
[Tile C] [Tile D]

Step 2: Read off each tile.

Tile A (rows 1–2, columns 1–2):

○ ●
● ○

Top-left = white, top-right = black, bottom-left = black, bottom-right = white. The two diagonally opposite cells (top-left and bottom-right) are white. The other two diagonally opposite cells (top-right and bottom-left) are black. → This is a checkerboard pattern. ✓

Tile B (rows 1–2, columns 3–4):

● ○
○ ●

Top-left and bottom-right = black. Top-right and bottom-left = white. → Same checkerboard, just rotated 90°. ✓

Tiles C and D (bottom half) follow the same pattern in the same way. ✓

Step 3: Identify the correct description.

All four tiles share the same design: two diagonally opposite cells are black, and the other two are white — which is exactly a 2×2 checkerboard.

Option C describes the tile correctly.

Thinking Skills

A net of a cube is shown below. Which of the following could be a possible view of the cube?

Question 2 · Multiple choice

Question

A net of a cube is shown below. Which of the following could be a possible view of the cube?

Cube net with downward arrow, upward arrow, and small black square faces, with four possible 3D cube views labelled A to D

Options

  • A.A
  • B.B
  • C.C
  • D.D

Correct answer

D.D

Explanation

Step 1 — Examine the given net.

The given net: two blank faces at the top, then a downward-pointing arrow face, then an upward-pointing arrow face, then a row with a blank face, the black-square face, and a blank face

The net contains:

  • A face with a downward-pointing arrow (▽)
  • A face with an upward-pointing arrow (△)
  • A face with a small black square in the corner
  • Three blank faces

Step 2 — Rotate the net to see how faces relate.

Rotated version of the net showing the two arrow faces side-by-side pointing toward each other, and the black-square face adjacent to the non-pointy (tail) end of the arrows

When the net is rotated, the two arrow faces sit side-by-side and point toward each other (the arrow tips face inward). The black-square face is adjacent to the non-pointy (tail) end of the arrows.

Step 3 — Fold the net into a 3D cube.

Folding sequence: the rotated net folds into a partially assembled cube showing the two arrow faces on adjacent sides pointing toward each other

The four straight faces wrap around; the two flaps fold up to form the top and bottom.

Step 4 — Eliminate options using the folded cube.

Partially folded cube with a blue arrow highlighting that the black square meets the arrow faces at their tail (non-pointy) end, not the tip

  • Option A: The two arrows do not point toward each other — one points away. On the folded cube the arrows must always face inward. ❌ Eliminated.

  • Option B: The black square is shown at the pointy (tip) end of the arrows. But from the net we know the black square is adjacent to the tail end. ❌ Eliminated.

  • Option C: Same problem as B — the black square appears at the tip of an arrow, which is impossible given the net. ❌ Eliminated.

  • Option D: The two arrows point toward each other, and the black square sits at the tail end of the arrow — exactly as the net requires. ✓ This is a possible view.

The answer is D.

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.

This public page is designed so students and parents get rich, accurate information about the test structure and skills assessed. The full timed mock—including the rest of the 40 questions, scoring, and detailed review—is available to enrolled members after sign-in, matching how premium preparation platforms balance discoverability with protected content.

Enroll to Start Full Mock Test