How to Start Preparing for the Thinking Skills Test in NSW Selective Exams?

Thinking Skills: The Game-Changer for NSW Selective High School Placement Test

As a tutor who has guided students through the NSW Selective High School Placement Test for years, I can confidently say this: Thinking Skills is the game-changer. Unlike Reading, Writing, or Mathematics, which often build on content knowledge taught in school, Thinking Skills demands something different: the ability to reason, analyse, and evaluate information under pressure.

If your child is preparing for this section, starting early with the right strategy can make all the difference. Here’s a professional roadmap for both students and parents to begin the journey.

1. Understand What Thinking Skills Really Tests

The Thinking Skills test is not about memorisation. It measures two core abilities:

• Critical Thinking: Can your child evaluate arguments, spot assumptions, and weigh evidence logically?

• Problem Solving: Can they recognise patterns, make inferences, and deduce the most reasonable conclusion?

  
  

Parents often overlook this section because it seems “abstract.” But it’s exactly what sets top-performing students apart.

2. Build Familiarity With the Question Style

Most students struggle at first because the format feels unfamiliar. Typical questions include:

• Identifying assumptions in an argument

• Evaluating cause and effect claims

• Working through logical puzzles or sequences

  
  

The best starting point is past exam papers and reputable practice resources. Encourage your child to attempt a few questions just to get a “feel” for the reasoning style, without worrying about speed in the beginning.

3. Start With Slow, Deep Practice

When beginning preparation, don’t rush through questions. Instead:

• Discuss answers together. Ask why one option is correct and others are not.

• Encourage your child to “think aloud.” This builds awareness of reasoning steps.

• Treat mistakes as goldmines. Every wrong answer is a window into how they are thinking.

  
  

This stage is less about scoring high and more about building the muscle memory of logical thought.

4. Develop Core Thinking Habits Outside of Test Prep

Thinking Skills can be nurtured every day.

At Home

Discuss news articles, stories, or even advertisements. Ask your child what assumptions are being made or if the conclusion makes sense.

Games and Puzzles

Strategy games, riddles, or even chess sharpen reasoning.

Writing Reflections

After solving a tricky problem, ask them to explain their reasoning in words.

These habits build a mindset where logical analysis becomes second nature.

5. Introduce Timed Practice Later

Once your child is comfortable with the style of questions, gradually add time constraints. The exam is as much about accuracy under pressure as it is about reasoning. Simulating real test conditions, such as 40 questions in 40 minutes, is key for confidence.

6. Guidance and Feedback Matter

Many students plateau when working alone because they can’t see where their reasoning breaks down. This is where experienced tutoring, targeted resources, and structured guidance can lift performance. A good mentor not only provides feedback but also models the art of thinking clearly.

7. Embrace the Journey

Preparing for the Thinking Skills test is not just about the end goal. It’s about the journey. Each step taken is a building block for future success. Celebrate small victories along the way. Encourage your child to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

Final Thoughts

For both students and parents, preparing for Thinking Skills is less about cramming and more about training the mind to see patterns, evaluate ideas, and reason clearly. Start early, practice slowly, and only then build speed. With consistency, confidence will grow, and the results will follow.

Remember, the skills gained through this preparation will serve your child well beyond the test. They will foster a mindset of curiosity and resilience, essential for lifelong learning and success.

Let’s embark on this journey together, nurturing not just academic excellence but also a beautiful mind.