Start with the test structure.
According to the NSW Department of Education’s current student guide, the test has four computer-based parts. Reading has 17 questions, including three questions with multiple parts, in 45 minutes. Mathematical Reasoning has 35 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes. Thinking Skills has 40 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes. Writing has one open-response task in 30 minutes. Each part is listed as 25% of the test.
The Department’s guide also directs students to online and PDF practice materials. Use those materials to become familiar with official examples; do not assume that a practice item will be repeated on test day.
Use a four-box preparation map.
Draw four boxes labelled Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, Thinking Skills and Writing. After any practice session, write one observed strength and one next action in the relevant box. This keeps a total result from obscuring a specific need.
- Name the part. Record where the difficulty occurred.
- Name the behaviour. For example, “reread comparison words” is clearer than “do more Reading”.
- Choose one small practice task. Revisit that behaviour before the next complete test.
- Review the map. Keep, change or remove an action only after new evidence.
Original worked example
A student finishes a practice session and says, “I ran out of time.” The four-box map shows that most unfinished items were in Mathematical Reasoning, while Reading answers were complete. The next action is not “work faster everywhere”; it is “for the next maths set, mark a question to return to after a sensible first attempt, then continue”.
Common error
Turning the official timings into a rigid per-question rule. Questions take different amounts of thought, and Writing is an open response. Use timing to observe decisions, not to judge a child’s ability.
Self-check
Can the student explain one action for each part, rather than only naming a total score?