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
test, 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 elements:
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 ideas presented in response to the task
Structure and Organisation
The quality of the structure and organisation developed to respond to the topic.
- The shape and form of the writing piece
- The sequence and cohesion of the writing 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 (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure)
The stimulus material you are given must be the basis of your writing. You will be penalised if you
seem to be presenting 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 may allow
you to:
- tell a real or imaginary story
- describe a situation, incident or scene
- outline or explain something and/or
- express a point of view or present an argument
Some topics might suggest that you write a story, others might suggest a conversation, a
discussion or reflection. Whichever style you choose, be aware that it is clear, expressive,
engaging and interesting writing that is being sought. Read the topics carefully. 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 your writing.
The Humanities - Comprehension and Interpretation test asks you to answer questions related to written and visual material. The
material may be drawn from subject areas such as English, Art, History, Geography and
Social Studies. No special knowledge in these areas is assumed - all the information
you need is printed on the paper. This means that if you do not know or understand
some of the information, you may be able to work out what it means from the stimulus
material. The test does not require recall of information nor is it directly related to
knowledge of particular school subjects. Candidates are required to think critically and
make judgements about different types of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry,
drama, diagrams and maps.
The Mathematics test attempts to measure mathematical abilities rather than school achievement in these areas.
The material used for the questions is selected from a wide variety of sources, and may differ from standard school-based curriculum materials.
The focus of the Mathematics test is on mathematical/quantitative problem solving, including:
- analysis and interpretation of mathematical/quantitative information,
- evaluation and selection of key information,
- reorganisation and transformation of information,
- identification of relationships,
- synthesis,
- application to solving problems, and
- evaluation of solutions.