The English skills assessed include locating information, inferring, predicting, drawing conclusions and reasoning. Learners are asked to make inferences, form judgements and reflect on texts. Questions addressing higher-order thinking skills are also used to ascertain whether a student can 'read between the lines'.

The strands assessed in the English tests are:

• Reading Comprehension

• Spelling

• Punctuation

• Grammar

• Vocabulary

The mathematical skills assessed include interpreting data, inferring, predicting, drawing conclusions, reasoning and problem solving. Learners need to make sense of mathematical concepts in everyday situations and use higher-order thinking skills to apply their mathematical skills to solve problems.

The strands assessed in the Mathematics tests are:

• Number

• Measurement

• Space

• Chance and Data

In Science the skills assessed include: observing and measuring, interpreting data, inferring, predicting, drawing conclusions, reasoning and problem solving. Learners are asked to apply scientific principles to particular problems and to apply applying scientific knowledge to given contexts.

The strands assessed in the Science tests are:

• Earth Science (atmosphere, structure of earth and universe)

• Physical Science (properties of matter, energy, motion)

• Life Science (cells and organisms, environment of organisms, biological evolution)

In this new offering, ACER IBT Reasoning, students are required to think critically, make logical deductions, identify connections and spot patterns. Learners must demonstrate their ability to think outside the box and use their higher-order thinking skills to solve non-routine problems.

The strands assessed in the IBT Reasoning tests are:

• Abstract Reasoning

• Verbal Reasoning

• Numerical Reasoning

• Spatial Reasoning

• Kinetic Reasoning

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IBT Reasoning Framework

IBT Reasoning Brochure