The Opportunity Class Test is a paper-based test offered in NSW schools to Year 4 students
who are looking to apply to an academically Selective Year 5 OC class that is offered by schools
across NSW. The OC test has three sections: Reading, Mathematical Reasoning, and Thinking Skills.
In this comprehensive preparation guide, we will explore effective strategies and tips to help
students succeed in the Thinking Skill for OC.
What Does the Thinking Skills Test Entail?
The Thinking Skills test for OC has been designed to assess the critical thinking abilities of students.
So, students have to identify patterns to solve numerical, visual, puzzle, and word problems
under a wide range of topics.
The test contains 30 multiple-choice questions that students have to solve in 30 minutes. It is
conducted last after Mathematical Reasoning and Reading.
The Thinking Skill test will assess four topics even though questions in a few categories might overlap.
- Logical Reasoning- Logical applications of arguments, rules, analogies, arrangements,
strategy, estimation, and logical fallacies. - Mutually-Exclusive Events- Non-mutually and mutually exclusive events and false
dichotomies. - Inductive and Deductive Reasoning- Inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning, syllogism,
and hypothesis. - Visual Reasoning- Spatial relationships, 3D shapes, and picture completion.
How to Prepare for the Thinking Skills Test for OC?
Achieving excellence in Thinking Skills depends on students’ ability to cultivate their logical
reasoning abilities. The key to fostering these skills lies in focused and deliberate practice,
as they can only be honed through consistent effort and application.
Take a look at the steps you can take to prepare for the test.
1) Practice Thinking Skills Exercise
Start with the preparation by doing the following-
- Familiarise yourself with the type of questions you have to attempt
- Practising workbook questions
The first thing you should do is familiarise yourself with the topics of the Thinking Skills Test.
To do this, you can skim-read exercises from OC Test Preparation sample papers.
Once you get the sample papers, you should start to practice it in OC style. While you are attempting
the problems, you should know that there is more than one way to solve a question. Some methods
will be easier and faster than others. So, experiment with different methods to solve a problem to
learn which methods get the right answer.
2) Learn About Your Weaknesses
After you have practised, you should identify the style of question that you had difficulty with.
Then you should emphasise the exercises that assess the areas you were least confident with.
It encourages ‘quality practice’ over ‘quantity practice.’
3) Learn to Complete the Exam Under Timed Conditions
The Thinking Skills exam is time-specific and students just have one minute to earn 1 mark. Hence,
you should know how to answer your questions quickly while being accurate.
However, it doesn’t mean that you should complete a full-length examination from the first day.
Rather they should build up their skill by starting small and working their way up.
Bottom Line
Remember, the key to performing well in timed exams is practice, practice, and more practice. By gradually
exposing yourself to timed conditions, implementing effective time management strategies, and maintaining
a calm mindset, you can adapt to the pressures of completing exams within the allocated time and achieve
better results.
To know more visit Selectivetrial.