The introduction of ‘Thinking Skills’ in the 2021 Opportunity Class Examination is designed to assess students’ critical thinking and problem-solving ability. The NSW Department of Education has integrated this into the tests as a replacement for the old ‘General Ability’ section, with an emphasis on evaluating metacognitive skill sets.

This includes a range of verbal and visual reasoning questions which requires a higher level of comprehension for understanding the information presented. Students often need to draw conclusions and apply cognitive/strategic processes to analyse the question and determine an answer.

OC Thinking Skills is designed to reflect questions seen in the OC Exam and help students become familiar with the new style and format. Individuals can develop a better method and approach when tackling this style of question and improve their exam technique with practice. The book also contains solutions and explanations to guide students and build their confidence as they prepare for the exam.

Eight practice tests with 18 questions each
Includes verbal and visual reasoning questions
Full set of solutions with explanations

About the Authors

Rebecca Gismondo has had more than 5 years’ experience teaching students who are preparing for the OC and Selective Exam and has also taught in secondary classrooms. She was a graduate of Fort Street High School, with an in-depth understanding of the process undertaken for the entrance exam, and extensive knowledge of the NSW curriculum. Rebecca is currently co-director of a coaching college while completing a double degree in Science and Education at the University of NSW.

Ella Huang, a graduate of James Ruse Agricultural High School, has also helped many students prepare for the exam. She has experience in content writing and has developed many of her own materials to benefit students.