The Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST)
The Tests
Schools have the choice of:
4 Tests: Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, Abstract Reasoning and one Written
Expression.
OR
4 Tests: Reading Comprehension, Mathematics and two Written Expression.
OR
3 Tests: Reading Comprehension, Mathematics and one Written Expression.
OR
3 Tests: Reading Comprehension, Mathematics and Abstract Reasoning.
OR
2 Tests: Reading Comprehension and Mathematics.
Written Expression
25 minutes per writing task
Assesses a candidate's ability to express their thoughts and feelings in writing.
Assessment is based on thought and content; structure and organisation; expression,
style and mechanics of a candidate's response. The Written Expression tasks
are in either the argumentative or imaginative genres.
Reading Comprehension
(multiple choice)
45 minutes
Assesses a candidate's ability to comprehend and interpret passages of writing and graphical displays of information to make judgements about what is going on, or see connections which are not clearly or explicitly stated.
Mathematics
(multiple choice)
40 minutes
Assesses a candidate's ability to comprehend, interpret and analyse mathematical information. The test may require candidates to extract information; interpret figures; identify connections, relationships and patterns; and identify similarities and differences.
Abstract Reasoning
(multiple choice)
30 minutes
Assesses a candidate's ability to identify and complete sequences and patterns. This non-verbal test is an ideal complement to the Humanities and Mathematics multiple choice tests in that it allows students to display creativity, conceptualise and apply logical processes in a language-free environment.
It is particularly useful for schools with numbers of NESB students who can demonstrate skills independently of proficiency in English.