Scholarship Selection Test
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Test Structure
There will be a maximum of four separate tests. Schools have the choice of offering all four tests or choosing various combinations. Candidates should check with the school as to which of the tests they will be sitting.
The time allowed for each, and the order in which they will be taken if all four are offered are as follows:
Test 1: Written Expression
(SST Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3) 25 minutes
Test 2: Humanities - Comprehension and Interpretation
(SST Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3) 40 minutes
Test 3: Mathematics
(SST Level 1) 40 minutes
OR Test 3: Mathematics and Science
(SST Level 2 and Level 3) 40 minutes
Test 4: Written Expression
(SST Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3) 25 minutes
The actual times at which the first test starts and the last test finishes depend on the school. A break will be allowed between tests. Candidates who arrive late for the first test will be admitted only at the discretion of the supervisor. Candidates arriving late will NOT receive additional time to complete the test.
Written Expression
Two topics for writing will be set to allow you to use different styles of writing. They are presented as two separate tests. About one and a half A4 pages of ruled paper will be provided for each, but you are not asked to make the pieces of writing any special length, and quality is more important than length. This part of the test is concerned with your ability to express your thoughts and feelings in writing. What you have to say and the way you say it will be assessed.
In assessing written expression markers at ACER consider the following issues:
Thought and Content
(the quality of what is said in the piece of writing)
* what is made of and developed from the task
* the kinds of thoughts and feelings offered in response to the task
Structure and Organisation
(the quality of the structure and organisation developed to say something)
* the shape and form of the piece
* the sequence and cohesion of the piece
Expression, Style and Mechanics
(the quality of the language used to organise and present what is said)
* the effectiveness and appropriateness of the language
* the expressiveness and fluency of the language
* the control of the mechanics of English
The stimulus material you are given must be the basis of your writing. You will be penalised if you seem to be rehearsing a piece of writing that is not developed from the stimulus. Respond to the stimulus in the way that is most interesting to you, and which best displays your ability to write and express yourself.
The stimulus may be a picture, a statement or a combination of the two. The stimulus will allow candidates to:
* tell a real or imagined story
* describe a situation, incident or scene
* outline or explain something
* and express a point of view or make an argument
Some topics might suggest that you write a story, others might suggest a description, a conversation, a discussion or a poem. Whichever style you choose, be aware that it is clear, lively, vivid and interesting writing that is being sought. Spend some time thinking about each of the topics. If you finish before time is up, go over your work and make any alterations you feel may improve it.
Humanities - Comprehension and Interpretation
This test asks you to look at written and visual material and answer questions on it. Topics for the material may be drawn from subject areas such as English, Art, History, Geography and Social Studies, though no special knowledge in these areas is assumed. All the information you need is printed on the paper, so if you do not know or understand something you may be able to work out what it means from the stimulus material.
The test contains a number of units with several questions in each unit. Overall there will be 40 multiple-choice questions in this test. We do not expect all candidates to answer every one of them correctly. Each question has four alternative answers, marked A, B, C, and D.
Mathematics and Science
This test consists of 28 multiple-choice questions. For Level 1 candidates, all the questions are on aspects of mathematics. For Level 2 and Level 3 candidates, half the questions are on mathematics topics and half on science topics.
This test attempts to measure mathematical and scientific abilities, in contrast to tests of school achievement in these areas. Consequently, the material used for the questions in this test is selected from a wide variety of sources, and may differ from standard school-based curriculum materials.