Dhair
Hey, I got in in 2025, will start at Suzanne Cory (first preference) in about a week.
Reading: This section is all about specific language. A lot of the time, two answers will be VERY similar. To differentiate between the two, REALLY focus on the differences in the words and think about the different interpretations of the answers. The least vague answer is usually the correct one.
To improve this READ, (obviously). Try to look at the text in different points of view.
Writing: Reading a lot will help. Writing's at the END of the exam, so everyone's brains are going to be fried. This means that most people get low scores on writing due to basic grammar mistakes. Focus on pinpointing your basic grammar (that alone will put you between above average and top 20%), and THEN worry about vocab.
Narrative - BASIC narrative arc, make sure to have actual stakes and a climax around body paragraph 2 (should have intro, conclusion and 3 body paragraphs ideally, although 2 isn't too bad).
Persuasive - Really try to nail TEEL. Practice persuasive topics, again, 2-3 body paragraphs. Use one of the body paragraphs as a rebuttal (I personally use the last bp).
Verbal Reasoning: Practice venn diagrams, vocab, letter codes (usually just associating numbers with letters I=9 because I is the 9th letter of the alphabet, or moving the letter position a few times eg. A becomes C position moved 2 times).
Quantitive: This test was REALLY hard when I did it, everyone else seemed to agree. Focus on learning to apply math to more unique problems. This is similar to those number questions you get in IQ tests. Basic and complex number skills are really important
Maths: They didn't really go above 8-9 year level when I did the test. The thing is, you have to apply 8-9 maths on complex problems you'll only have 30-45 seconds on. Again, basic number skills, review your maths textbook and learn to apply it to complex problems. Do this a lot, you'll naturally become fast.
