Abstract reasoning is known by other names such as non-verbal reasoning.  It’s tested in General Ability and you can recognise it by its questions that involve distinctive images like this:

Additionally, General Ability also tests numerical reasoning and verbal reasoning.  The former test patterns within numbers and the latter tests patterns in words/letters.

Verbal Reasoning tests things like: (1) What is the word most similar in meaning to…, (2) John goes to aerobics classes, is it true that … and a number of options are displayed.

The study plan for numerical reasoning is included in the study plan for mathematics because of the way ACER writes their exam (there are two major testing bodies in Australia: ACER and Edutest).  ACER tend to write mathematics test that err closer to the side of numerical reasoning so we put them both together.  If you want the study plan for numerical reasoning - go to this post.

Here’s a standard 20 week study plan, I prepared for you to assist you in ticking off essential components for this area of the exam.  The study plan relies on the following sources:

• General Ability Practice Papers written by ACER provided on the NSW Department of Education’s website here.
• Exam Success’ Course for Abstract Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning at www.examsuccess.com.au (available to purchase from mid-late August 2014)

Now… on to the study plan.  It’s 20+ weeks and covers the key aspects of general ability (excluding numerical reasoning).  I’ve prepared this myself and used it as a base for nearly all students I tutor as we do customised study plans.  I hope you find it useful as a starting base.

Note about the study plan - it is a guide only - it doesn’t guarantee entry into a school (in fact, no tuition guarantees entry into a school).  It does mean a heavy workload so think about the your situation and customised it to your needs.  E.g. if you’re good with verbal reasoning, then an option could be to focus on abstract reasoning only meaning a lower workload by more effective studying.  Let’s study smart as to studying hard.

Study Plan for Abstract Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning

[table tablesorter=“o” class=“table table-border”]

Week, Activities, Milestones

1,Do Practice Question general ability 1 without time limit,Practice Exam

2,Review general ability 1 results,Debrief on Exam

3,Do Practice Questions general ability 2,Practice Exam

4,Do Practice Questions general ability 3,Practice Exam

5,Start Abstract Reasoning Course Checkpoint 1 & 2,See Checkpoints

6,Abstract Reasoning Course Checkpoint 3,See Checkpoints

7,Abstract Reasoning Course Checkpoint 4,See Checkpoints

8,Abstract Reasoning Course Checkpoint 5,See Checkpoints

9,Abstract Reasoning Course Checkpoint 6,See Checkpoints

10,Abstract Reasoning Course Checkpoint 7,See Checkpoints

11,Abstract Reasoning Course Checkpoint 8,See Checkpoints

12,Abstract Reasoning Course Checkpoint 9,See Checkpoints

13,Abstract Reasoning Course Checkpoint 10 & 11 & 12,See Checkpoints

14,“Start Verbal Reasoning Course Checkpoint 1, 2 & 3”,See Checkpoints

15,Verbal Reasoning Course Checkpoint 4,See Checkpoints

16,Verbal Reasoning Course Checkpoint 5,See Checkpoints

17,Verbal Reasoning Course Checkpoint 6,See Checkpoints

18,Verbal Reasoning Course Checkpoint 7,See Checkpoints

19,Verbal Reasoning Course Checkpoint 8,See Checkpoints

20,Verbal Reasoning Course Checkpoint 9,See Checkpoints

21,Verbal Reasoning Course Checkpoint 10 & 11 & 12,See Checkpoints

22,Practice Questions general ability 4 under timed conditions,Practice Exam

[/table]

The checkpoints for the course are listed below, so you know what topic you need to tick off.  Again remember, that the study plan is a guide only - it doesn’t guarantee entry into a school (in fact, no tuition guarantees entry into a school).

Checkpoints for Abstract Reasoning (Copyright from Exam Success Pty Ltd Course)