Thinking Skills study method

Identify what the question is asking before you solve it.

A busy question can contain many true details. First name the exact job, then keep only the clues needed to do it.

The three-part pause

  1. Say the goal: what must be found, chosen or decided?
  2. Sort the clues: which facts change that answer?
  3. Check the answer form: a number, a person, an order or an explanation?

Worked example

At a school stall, Mia bought two $3 fruit cups and one $4 sandwich. She had $15 before she bought anything. How much money did Mia have left?

The goal is money left, not the number of items. Useful clues are 2 × $3, $4 and $15. The calculation is $15 − ($6 + $4) = $5.

Writing “money left” beside the question helps prevent an answer of 3, which counts items but does not answer the question.

A common error

Starting with the first number seen can lead to a correct calculation for the wrong task. Read the final question sentence before choosing an operation.

Independent self-check

Cover the options. In one sentence, state what your answer must represent. Then ask: “Does my answer have the right kind of unit or label?”

Use the method in practice

This approach can help with original reasoning practice for NSW Selective and Opportunity Class. Try a complete free practice test, or return to the Thinking Skills study overview.