OC Thinking Skills — Question Types & How to Practise (2026)

1. What Thinking Skills really tests

Thinking Skills isn't about how "smart" your child is — it's about specific learnable reasoning abilities and systematic approaches to logical problems. Students improve dramatically when they learn to recognise question patterns and apply structured thinking methods rather than relying on intuition or random trial-and-error.

Core skill categories being assessed

Unlike Mathematical Reasoning or Reading, thinking skills aren't taught as a subject in school. Students who struggle often try to "figure out" each question from scratch rather than learning to recognise patterns and apply proven strategies. The most successful students develop a toolkit of approaches for different question types through dedicated practice.

2. Core question patterns

All questions are multiple choice with four answer options. Digital practice with actual test questions is the only effective way to build pattern recognition. Students need repeated exposure to these specific question types to develop the speed and systematic approaches required.

Deductive Reasoning

The most heavily weighted category in recent tests. This involves step-by-step logical thinking where you follow rules and constraints to reach definitive conclusions.

Evaluative Reasoning

A significant portion of the test. These questions test your ability to assess arguments, evaluate evidence, and spot flawed reasoning.

Visual Spatial

Questions about shapes, spaces, and how things look from different angles or when transformed.

Data Inference

Logical reasoning about numerical information, schedules, and resource optimisation.

Verbal Analysis

Cracking codes and spotting hidden patterns in letters, numbers, or symbols.

3. Timing & pacing cues

Thinking Skills gives you exactly 30 minutes for 30 questions. Unlike maths problems, logical reasoning questions either resolve quickly with the right approach or require systematic working-through — there's rarely a middle ground.

Target timing by question type

• Simple pattern recognition (30-60 seconds): Number sequences, basic visual patterns
• 3D spatial reasoning (1-3 minutes): Cube nets, perspective views, shape construction — requires systematic spatial thinking, not "aha" moments
• Simple deductive reasoning (1-2 minutes): Straightforward constraint problems with clear rules
• Complex logic puzzles (2-3 minutes): Multi-constraint problems requiring systematic elimination
• Evaluative reasoning (1-2 minutes): Argument analysis and evidence evaluation

Use the flag feature strategically

• Flag immediately if you don't recognise the question type — don't waste time on unfamiliar approaches
• Flag complex 3D problems if you haven't practised cube geometry enough to work systematically
• Flag multi-constraint logic problems that would require extensive trial-and-error
• Return to flagged questions systematically in the final 5-10 minutes
• Use the summary grid to see all flagged questions at once

When to skip and guess

• If you can't identify the question type within 15 seconds, flag and move on
• If a logic puzzle requires more than 5 trial attempts — flag it and come back later
• If you haven't built spatial understanding for 3D problems — these require practice with physical models (like magna-tiles) beforehand, not test-day insights
• With 3 minutes left — focus only on questions you can solve in under 60 seconds

Building spatial reasoning outside the test

• Use magna-tiles or similar to build cubes and understand how faces connect when folded/unfolded
• Practice with physical cube nets — print them out, fold them, and see which arrangements work
• Visualise 3D objects from different angles using household items and sketching what you see
• Work through perspective drawing exercises to understand how the same object looks from various viewpoints

Time-saving strategies

• Learn to recognise question types instantly — this determines which systematic approach to use
• Use methodical elimination rather than random guessing on constraint problems
• For 3D problems, work step-by-step through spatial relationships rather than hoping for sudden insights
• In evaluative reasoning, multiple options may sound valid — choose the one that most directly relates to the original statement, not just any reasonable point
• Trust your trained pattern recognition — but only after you've practised enough to develop reliable intuition

4. Mistakes to avoid

• Random trial-and-error approaches: Don't just try different answers hoping one works. Learn systematic methods for each question type to work efficiently towards solutions.
• Spending too long on complex puzzles: If a question isn't clicking within 2-3 minutes, flag it and move on. You might see the pattern more clearly when you return with fresh eyes.
• Not recognising question patterns: Students who improve fastest learn to categorise questions quickly (constraint problem, evidence evaluation, visual pattern) and apply the right approach immediately.
• Overthinking simple visual patterns: Often the most obvious pattern is correct. Don't second-guess yourself if a visual sequence seems clear — trust your pattern recognition.
• Ignoring systematic elimination: For logic puzzles, work methodically through possibilities rather than jumping around randomly. Keep track of what you've ruled out.

5. Practise the right way

Effective practice builds pattern recognition and systematic reasoning approaches through exposure to actual test question types.

Pattern recognition development

The foundation of Thinking Skills success is learning to quickly categorise questions and apply the right systematic approach. This only comes through repeated practice with actual test-style questions.

Mini-tests for skill building (15 minutes)

Use these to target specific reasoning skills. Focus on one question type at a time to build systematic approaches.

Single-section complete test (30 minutes)

Take a full Thinking Skills component test to practise pacing and switching between different question types under time pressure.

Full test (Reading + Thinking Skills + Maths)

Use full tests sparingly — at most, once every 6-8 weeks — to get the complete test experience. 100 minutes of fully digital testing is mentally demanding and you don't want your child to feel demoralised.

Reviewing questions

• Understand the systematic approach: Don't just check if your answer was right — learn the logical method
• Categorise question types: Build a mental library of "this is a constraint problem" or "this is evidence evaluation"
• Time your pattern recognition: How quickly can you identify what type of question you're facing?
• Practise explaining your reasoning: If you can walk through your logic clearly, you've mastered the approach

• How much time should my child spend on each Thinking Skills question?

  Aim for 1 minute per question on average. Simple pattern recognition takes 30-60 seconds, while 3D spatial reasoning problems require 1-3 minutes of systematic thinking. Complex logic puzzles may take 2-3 minutes. The key is recognising question types quickly and using systematic approaches rather than hoping for sudden insights.
• What types of thinking skills questions appear most often?

  Deductive Reasoning is the most heavily weighted category in recent tests, followed by Evaluative Reasoning as a significant portion. The test also includes Visual Spatial, Data Inference, and Verbal Analysis questions. Focus on logical puzzles with constraints, argument analysis, 3D geometry, schedule problems, and code-breaking patterns.
• Can thinking skills be taught or is it just natural intelligence?

  Thinking skills can absolutely be learned and improved through practice. While some students may have natural aptitude, the specific question types and logical approaches used in the OC test can be mastered through targeted practice. Pattern recognition and systematic reasoning are learnable skills that improve with exposure to question formats.
• How can I help my child improve at thinking skills questions?

  Regular practice with digital test simulations is most effective. For 3D spatial reasoning, use physical models like magna-tiles to build cubes and understand how faces connect when folded/unfolded. Logic puzzles in books don't teach the visual spatial skills needed for the screen-based test format. Students need to experience the actual interface and practice systematic approaches under time pressure.
• What should my child do if they can't solve a thinking skills question quickly?

  Use the flag feature immediately and move on. Unlike mathematical calculations, thinking skills questions either resolve quickly with the right systematic approach or require extensive working-through. Flag difficult questions and return to them at the end if time permits, but don't spend 5 minutes wrestling with one logic puzzle.
• Why do evaluative reasoning questions seem to have multiple valid answers?

  In evaluative reasoning questions, multiple answer choices may sound reasonable or technically correct. The key is choosing the option that most directly and strongly relates to the original statement being evaluated, not just any valid point. Look for the answer that specifically addresses what's being claimed rather than general related facts.

Sources & acknowledgements

• NSW Department of Education — Opportunity Class Placement Test (thinking skills component format and requirements): education.nsw.gov.au/.../placement-test
• Cambridge Assessment — Thinking Skills Assessment Guide (logical reasoning and critical thinking frameworks): admissionstesting.org/.../thinking-skills-assessment
• Stanovich, K. E. — What Intelligence Tests Miss: The Psychology of Rational Thought (systematic reasoning and cognitive skills development): Yale University Press
• Evans, J. — Thinking and Reasoning: A Very Short Introduction (deductive and evaluative reasoning principles): Oxford University Press