More Practise Now

MORE
MORE PRACTISE NOW

MORE PRACTISE NOW is a useful addition to the ever-popular
Practise Now!, which is a practical guide to tackling a wide variety of
selection tests commonly used in recruitment.
MORE PRACTISE NOW contains even more practice items

PRACTISE
NOW
typically found in verbal, numerical, non-verbal and spatial–visual
reasoning tests. It also provides an actual timed test to expose you to a
typical test situation.
MORE PRACTISE NOW is written by people who write selection

test items and those who are on the other end of conducting
testing. Each chapter focuses on a specific question type. Each question
type is explained and tips are provided on how to improve your chances
of getting items right.
How to prepare
MORE PRACTISE NOW aims to increase your confidence in
undergoing an assessment process by providing exposure to the
for recruitment
types of questions typically found in selection and recruitment tests and
lots of practice on answering these questions.
and selection tests
ISBN 978-0-86431-781-0
General ability
9 780864 317810
Aptitude and skills
MPN cover.indd 1 22/2/07 4:04:35 PM

More Practise Now
How to prepare for recruitment
and selection tests
ACER Press
First published 2007
by ACER Press
Australian Council for Educational Research Ltd
19 Prospect Hill Road, Camberwell, Victoria, 3124
Copyright © 2007 Australian Council for Educational Research
All rights reserved. Except under the conditions described in the Copyright Act
1968 of Australia and subsequent amendments, no part of this publication may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without
the written permission of the publishers.
Items developed by Frank Palmer

Edited by Liz Steele
Cover and text design by Scooter Design
Typeset by Mason Design
Printed by Print Impressions
National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication data:

More practise now: how to prepare for recruitment
and selection tests.
ISBN 9780864317810.
1. Ability - Testing - Problems, exercises, etc. I.
Australian Council for Educational Research.
153.94
Visit our website: www.acerpress.com.au

contents
INTRODUCTION iv
CHAPTER ONE: WORD KNOWLEDGE 1

Question type 1: Choose the misfits 1
Question type 2: Find the synonym 5
Question type 3: Find the analogies 8
Question type 4: Find the relationship 11
Question type 5: Find the pair relationship 14
Question type 6: Prove the sentence 18
Question type 7: Proverbs 22
CHAPTER TWO: READING COMPREHENSION 27
CHAPTER THREE: MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS 32

Question type 1: Simple arithmetic 32
Question type 2: Word problems 34
Question type 3: Problems presented in a unit 36
CHAPTER FOUR: NUMBER SEQUENCES AND PATTERNS 42

Question type 1: Number sequences 42
Question type 2: Number squares and circles 44
CHAPTER FIVE: NON-VERBAL REASONING 47

Question type 1: Linear pattern sequences 47
Question type 2: Framework patterns 50
CHAPTER SIX: SPATIAL–VISUAL REASONING 54

Question type 1: Transparent tiles 54
Question type 2: Overlapping tiles 58
Question type 3: Bird’s-eye view of real features 61
CHAPTER SEVEN: MECHANICAL REASONING 65
APPENDIX ONE: SAMPLE TESTS 71

Verbal test 72
Numerical test 75
Non-verbal test 78
APPENDIX TWO: ANSWER SHEET 82
APPENDIX THREE: ANSWERS 83

Answers for chapter questions 83
Answers for sample tests 86
introduction
More Practise Now is a companion to Practise Now!, the best-selling book that pro-
vides explanations and examples of items frequently encountered in selection and
recruitment tests. More Practise Now builds on this valuable information with more
practice items and sample tests spanning the wide range of item types typically found
in these tests. The additional practice will help familiarise test-takers with test items,
build their confidence and improve their test-taking skills.
Each chapter of More Practise Now covers a different kind of question and also
includes:
• a short introduction to the item type

• several practice items of that type.
Three short sample tests are included in Appendix One after the practice sections.
Answers are provided for all questions in Appendix Two.
Appendix Three is a sample answer sheet like those you will use when taking selection
and recruitment tests. You can use this in conjunction with the sample tests.
For detailed explanations of the item types, including worked examples, look in the
corresponding chapter of Practise Now!.
1
chapterone
word knowledge
Word knowledge questions test your understanding of:
• vocabulary
• word meanings
• sentence comprehension
• synonyms
• antonyms
• proverbs.
Question Type 1:
CHOOSE THE MISFITS
Each of these items will consist of a list of six words. Find two of them that are not
like the others.
example
1 Four of the following are alike in some way.

Write the letters of the other two in the box.
Four of
these have
something A torrent
in common. Read the instruction carefully. Your answers are the
B deluge
You are You are looking for two that do not fit. two that do not belong
looking C flood with the others.
for the two D riot
that are
different.
E chop
____ and ____
F pelt
The answer to this example is D and E.

For a more detailed explanation and a worked example, see ‘Choose the misfits’ in
Chapter One, page 7 of Practise Now!.
2 More Practise Now
Now practise on the following items.

A oak
HINT B elm
Two are grains, while C rye
the others are trees.
D eucalypt
E pine
F barley ____ and ____

A oil
B petroleum
C grease
D hydrous
E fat
____ and ____
F humidity

A mysticism
B honour
C homage
D devotion
E inspiration
____ and ____
F reverence
Word Knowledge 3

A practice
B preparation
C improvise
D research
E spontaneous
____ and ____
F rehearsal

A paramount
B excess
C notable
D priority
E extreme
____ and ____
F supreme

A subordinate
B dependant
C increment
D annex
E supplement
____ and ____
F addition
4 More Practise Now

A patchy
B consistent
C variable
D uniform
E sporadic
____ and ____
F random

A adverse
B disinclined
C reluctant
D difficult
E hesitant
F unwilling ____ and ____
Word Knowledge 5
Question Type 2:
FIND THE SYNONYM
This type of question tests your knowledge of synonyms, that is, words that have the
same meaning.
example
1 Find the word that means most nearly the same as PALATIAL.
Choose A regal You must find a word

one word in the list that means the
B friendly same as this one.
from this
list that has C smoky
the closest D spacious
meaning to
the top one.
E palatable
The answer to this example is D.

For more detailed explanation and a worked example, see ‘Find the synonym’ in
1 Find the word that means most nearly the same as INTUITION.
A perception
B impulse
C association
D reaction
E instinct
6 More Practise Now
2 Find the word that means most nearly the same as SEIZURE.
A unconscious
B coma
C capture
D reversion
E restore
3 Find the word that means most nearly the same as DISCONTENT.
A sentiment
B dissatisfaction
C sorrow
D unrest
E disappointment
4 Find the word that means most nearly the same as BESTOW.
A inherit
B collect
C receive
D acquire
E give
5 Find the word that means most nearly the same as BIAS.
A prejudice
B decision
C impartial
D arbitrate
E adjudicate
Word Knowledge 7
6 Find the word that means most nearly the same as EXPERT.
A reliability
B aptness
C dabbler
D professional
E novice
7 Find the word that means most nearly the same as ADAGE.
A maxim
B erred
C unsound
D maximise
E minimise
8 Find the word that means most nearly the same as SAGE.
A sanity
B scholar
C ignorant
D saga
E sagging
9 Find the word that means most nearly the same as LUCID.
A enigmatic
B intuition
C rational
D fallable
E instinct
8 More Practise Now
Question Type 3:
FIND THE ANALOGIES
This type of question tests your ability to see ways in which abstract ideas can be
described in concrete things.
example
1 Which one would best suggest PERMANENCE?
A a world tour This word is the

Choose one abstract idea.
of these B a gentle wind
concrete
things that
C a mossy rock
illustrates D a wagging tail
the idea. E a flowing river
The answer to this example is C.

For a more detailed explanation and a worked example, see ‘Find the analogies’ in
1 Which one would best suggest IMPOUNDED?
A a gate
B confused
C a safety barrier
D confiscated
E struck
Word Knowledge 9
2 Which one would best suggest INFINITY?
A stars in the universe

B a perfect snowflake
C an ocean
D a map of the world
E the sun
3 Which one would best suggest DURABILITY?
A sunshine on a beach
B new tyres
C a granite benchtop
D a diamond
E instant lawn
4 Which one would best suggest PRODUCTIVITY?
A an SMS message
B an email
C a road repair crew
D a modern factory
E an exciting job
5 Which one would best suggest INFLUENCE?
A shopping for clothes

B an acquaintance
C a newspaper article
D a role model
E a camping trip
10 More Practise Now
6 Which one would best suggest ASCENDANCY?
A new glasses
B a new car
C a salesperson
D the largest company
E an auditor
7 Which one would best suggest MODERATION?
A a dissipated life
B a big party
C a meal at home
D a hedonist
E cornucopia
8 Which one would best suggest HARMONY?
A tribal celebration
B a rock concert
C a political party
D synchronised swimming
E a chess game
Word Knowledge 11
Question Type 4:
FIND THE RELATIONSHIP
This type of question tests your ability to make connections between words. You are
given two related words and your task is to find a word that relates to a given word in
the same way as the two initial words.
example
These words are
related to each other.
1 CLIPPERS are to WIND as ROWBOATS are to
A float
B glass
C team Mark the letter to
show your answer.
D sail in
Find which word in the
E oar list makes a pair with
the same relationship. A B C D E
The answer to this example is E.

For more detailed explanation and a worked example, see ‘Find the relationship’
in Chapter One, page 14 of Practise Now!.
1 NEEDLE is to THREAD as SPRINKLER is to
A garden
HINT
B lawn
The thread goes through
the needle. C water
D tree
A B C D E
E rain
2 HOPS is to BEER as WHEAT is to
A corn
B barley
C oats
D bread
A B C D E
E soup
3 TYRE is to TRUCK as HULL is to
A liner
B lorry
C wagon
D dinghy
A B C D E
E canoe
4 CLAY is to BRICK as SAND is to
A beach
HINT
B sandstone
Clay is used to
make bricks. C quarry
D glass
A B C D E
E sandpit
5 ENTERTAINMENT is to AUDIENCE as WORK is to
A commission
B employee
C plumbing
D manager
A B C D E
E planning
Word Knowledge 13
6 PILOT is to AIRCRAFT as MANAGER is to
A accountant
B director
C company
D boardroom
A B C D E
E parliament
7 WRITE is to STORY as PAINT is to
A wall
B roller
C portrait
D print
A B C D E
E brush
8 SPORT is to ARENA as HOLIDAY is to
A fishing
B camping
C surfing
D football
A B C D E
E resort
Question Type 5:
FIND THE PAIR RELATIONSHIP
This type of question tests your understanding about the relationships between pairs
of words.
You will see a pair of words that are related to each other. You must select a pair
from the list that best reflects a relationship similar to the first pair of words.
example
Select the pair that best reflects the relationship similar to that between the pair of
words in bold.
This pair of words

has a relationship. 1 remote distant
Find the pair with the

A B C D same relationship.
drive eliminate forget overcoat
lever remove remember dress
The answer to this example is B.

For a more detailed explanation and a worked example, see ‘Find the pair
relationships’ in Chapter One, page 18 of Practise Now!.
1 Select the pair that best reflects the relationship similar to that between
disinterested and impartial.
A B C D
gliding tepid attractive walking
sailing cool attracted strolling
Word Knowledge 15
engine and heart.
A B C D
HINT
Look for an object

clutch computer hammer screw
that symbolises a part of accelerator brain chisel screwdriver
the body.
grain and wheat.
A B C D
beef tofu car animal
sheep milk bus cat
devalue and regress.
A B C D
compliant bestow esteem nirvana
recalcitrant borrow disrepute paradise
ship and aeroplane.
A B C D
pilot passengers port cockpit
navigation crew starboard flight deck
doe and fawn.
A B C D
mare heifer joey lamb
foal bull buck calf
worker and manager.
A B C D
student farmer country tractor
learner grazier state mower
Word Knowledge 17
lover and affection.
A B C D
Juliet endearment courting sweetheart
Casanova attraction wooing desire
baby and pensioner.
A B C D
apprentice acorn cell kite
graduate tree virus jumbo jet
Question Type 6:
PROVE THE SENTENCE
This type of question includes a summary sentence followed by five statements.
You are to choose two statements that give all the evidence needed to prove the
summary statement.
example
SUMMARY SENTENCE:
Should be taken as true.
1 Two of the following statements together prove that:
JAMES WENT SURFING AT THE WEEKEND.
The statements are:

A Surfing is James’s favourite sport. FIVE STATEMENTS:
B James’s friends go surfing every Saturday. Find the two of them
that prove the sentence.
C The waves were very good at the weekend.
D James plays football with his friends on Sunday.
E James joins his friends every time they go surfing. Mark your
answers
____ and ____ clearly.
The answer to this example is B and E.

For a more detailed explanation and a worked example, see ‘Prove the sentence’ in
1 Which TWO of the following statements together prove that

I ALWAYS TRAVEL TO WORK BY BICYCLE.
A I ride my bicycle only on weekends.

B I drive my car only on Wednesdays and Fridays.
C I walk only on Mondays.
D I work only at weekends.
E I use public transport only on Tuesdays and Thursdays
____ and ____

Word Knowledge 19

AUSTIN FLIES HIS PLANE FOR THE FUN OF IT.
A Nick and Diana are farmers.

HINT
B The man who has a plane at Como Farm loves flying.
Draw a diagram C A man keeps his plane next to Como Farm.
to help you. D The man who owns Como Farm is a keen pilot.
E Austin keeps his plane at Como Farm.
____ and ____

BILL ON THE HORSE ‘OUR SOLO’ WON A GOLD MEDAL AT
THE OLYMPICS.
A Our Solo’s rider had a broken collarbone.

B The rider with the broken collarbone won a gold medal.
C Roycroft rode Our Solo in the Olympic Games.
D Bill with a broken collarbone won a gold medal at the Olympics.
E Our Solo won a gold medal for Australia.
____ and ____

HUGH IS JOAN’S GRANDSON.
A Joan is related to Hugh.

HINT
B Anthea is Hugh’s daughter.
C Hugh is Austin’s son.
Draw a family tree.
D Austin is Joan’s son.
E Anthea’s husband is Joan’s son.
____ and ____


TERRY STOLE $1.8 MILLION FROM KEN.
A Ken had $1.8 million stolen by his business partner.

B Forged documents were used to steal money from his bank account.
C Terry is Ken’s only business partner.
D Terry was disbarred from practising because he stole money.
E Terry frequently stole small amounts of money from his business partners.
____ and ____

DAVID HAD HIS OPERATION YESTERDAY.
A David’s surgeon did his only operation at St Vincent’s, on David.

B David’s surgeon was Dr Sayed.
C The nurse spent all day with David on Tuesday.
D He was in St Vincent’s hospital on Monday.
E Dr Sayed operated at St Vincent’s yesterday.
____ and ____

OSCAR LIKES MACHINERY.
A David is married to Sonia.

B Oscar is Alahna’s only brother.
C Alahna’s brother likes machines.
D David’s daughter does not like machines.
E Sonia’s son loves machines.
____ and ____

Word Knowledge 21

ANABEL LIVES IN SYDNEY.
A Anabel flies home from Adelaide on Tuesdays.

B She never flies to Sydney from Perth.
C She flies direct to Perth every Monday.
D She always flies to Sydney from Adelaide.
E Anabel only flies to Perth and Adelaide.
____ and ____

CORY IS A TENTERFIELD TERRIER.
A Breeders of Tenterfield Terriers issue an Ownership Certificate.

B Bill breeds only Tenterfield Terriers.
C Miniature Fox Terriers are officially called Tenterfield Terriers.
D Cory’s breeder lives at Tenterfield.
E Cory’s new owner has a certificate of ownership from Bill.
____ and ____

Question Type 7:
PROVERBS
This type of question tests your knowledge and understanding of proverbs.
example
1 Which alternative has a similar meaning to this proverb?

Don’t judge a book by its cover.
This is a proverb. It is a
Find which A Prediction is a wise precaution. saying that gives advice
one of these
sayings
B Illustrators don’t read books. about life.
has nearly C Appearances are often misleading.
the same D Choose carefully or waste your time.
meaning as
the proverb. Write your
answer.

For a more detailed explanation and a worked example, see ‘Proverbs’ in Chapter
One, page 23 of Practise Now!.

A bad penny always turns up.
A Someone you do not want to see always comes along.

B Coin collectors always end up with lots of useless coins.
C No matter how you try to throw something away, it always returns.
D When you toss a badly balanced coin it always lands the same way up.
Word Knowledge 23

A stitch in time saves nine.
A By sewing to a rhythm you’ll get more stitches done.

B Sew quickly and you’ll save time.
C A little maintenance prevents big breakages.
D By running too fast you’ll get a painful stitch.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
A Get what you want regardless of the consequences.

B A hand-raised chicken is bigger than two wild ones.
C Aviary birds are twice as healthy as birds in the bush.
D Settle for what you have, instead of wanting more.

As ye sow, so shall ye reap.
A What you do to others will happen to you.

B Do good deeds and others will reap the benefits.
C Plant wheat seeds in order to harvest wheat grains.
D If you sew with small stitches it will take a long time.

Where there’s a will there’s a way.
A Dying without a will leaves trouble for a family.

B Determination achieves results.
C When you’re lost, use willpower to find your way.
D Make a wish and you’ll discover the right path.

A friend in need is a friend indeed.
A Friends with bad debts will trouble you for money.

B Someone needing a friend is the best friend.
C A friend who does good deeds will help you.
D The best friend you can have is one you can help.

A man is known by the company he keeps.
A Your reputation is made according to those with whom you mix.

B People gain their identity according to the company they work for.
C The people you spend most time with will know you the best.
D A person is known as successful from the company they own.
Word Knowledge 25

A rolling stone gathers no moss.
A If you stay in one place too long you’ll grow mouldy.

B Keep moving to live an unencumbered life.
C Restless people don’t stay long in one place.
D Nomads don’t grow crops.

Discretion is the better part of valour.
A It’s safer to take care than to be too brash.

B Keeping secrets takes strength.
C Have some discretion in the way you treat other people.
D You have the final choice in how you live.

Man cannot live by bread alone.
A Simple foods lead to a boring, unexciting life.

B You need nourishing food.
C People need to drink wine to relax.
D People need love and spiritual sustenance.
27
chaptertwo
reading comprehension
Reading comprehension passages test your general reading ability.
The passage, chart, table or graphic is provided followed by a set of
questions. You must choose one answer for each question based on
the material provided.
example
The basic materials in bricklaying are bricks and mortar. Bricks are usually made of
clay, and mortar is usually made of water, sand and cement and/or lime. The purpose
of mortar is to join separate bricks into one solid mass.
For the following questions, circle A, B, C or D.
This is the sentence

1 Bricks are usually made of beginning that needs to be
Choose
one of the A clay. finished. Read it carefully.
endings to B wood.
complete
the sentence C metal.
beginning D plastic.
to make
a correct
statement 2 What are the basic materials in bricklaying?
about the A glass and putty
information
in the B bricks and mortar
passage. C pipes and adhesives
D electrical components
3 Mortar is used to
A decorate brick structures.
B prevent bricks sticking together.
C reduce the weight of brick structures.
D join separate bricks into one solid mass.
The answers are A, B, and D.

For more detailed explanation and a worked example, see Chapter Two, pages
26–30 of Practise Now!.
This passage contains all of
the information you need
to answer the questions.
1 The great days of wool in Australia
Australia’s early land legislation far behind the demand that large areas of
developed as the continent was discovered unsurveyed outback country were taken
and its resources explored. The unique up by squatters who were unlicensed
character of the country’s early settlement and technically trespassers. The situation
governed the experimental nature of her was unsatisfactory all round, as the
landlords. The early governors had the authorities did their best to restrict
power to make free grants of land and the unlicensed grazing yet the squatter had
first of those were small and confined to no fixed boundaries and no security of
the Sydney area, but with the growth of tenure. No wonder the squatter made
the pastoral industry, officers and officials no attempt to fence his lands nor to
began helping themselves to large blocks. build himself a permanent homestead.
The British government granted 400,000 The term ‘squatter’ has been a mutable
hectares to the Australian Agricultural word in Australia’s history, changing
Company. In other colonies, 140,000 its meaning often. At first it was used
hectares was granted to the Van Diemen’s disapprovingly to describe any ex-convict
Land Company and another 100,000 or criminal who squatted on unoccupied
hectares was granted to the promoters land, and unauthorised occupants
of the Swan River settlement in 1829. By surviving precariously in the wilderness.
1831, when grants ended, probably 1.6 It took some years for the term to gain
million hectares had been granted, most respectability.
of it in very large holdings. In a few years the wool trade had
By the time a way had been discovered headed whaling and sealing as Australia’s
over the Blue Mountains a boom was main export business and almost everyone
beginning and men were keen to move with ambition, respectable citizens,
out with their flocks and herds from monied immigrants, and ex-officials
the crowded coastal plain. From 1828 wanted to invest in ‘anything on four
wool was regularly exported to England legs’. In 1836 the first Act was passed
and although the amounts were small, which allowed any man to legally occupy
they were significant of what was to Crown lands, and from then on some
follow. Australia was soon to become of the most respectable and certainly
Britain’s most important supplier of wool the best heeled men in the colony were
and subsequently the world’s leading squatters. They were to become a class,
producer of fine Merino wool. The fiercely independent and animated by a
demand for grazing country became so dislike of city dwellers and government
great and Australia’s land laws lagged so interference.
Source: The Great Days of Wool, by Joan Austin Palmer. Published by Rigby Publishers Ltd, Adelaide, 1980.
Reading Comprehension 29
1.1 People could squat on unoccupied land because

A there were large areas of unsurveyed outback country that was difficult
to govern.
B the authorities were unable to restrict unlicensed grazing.
C early Australian land legislation was very strict.
D squatters attempted to fence their land and build permanent homes.
1.2 Which of these choices is correct?

A Fishing, whaling and sealing was once Australia’s largest business.
B By law women were not permitted to take up land.
C The discovery of a route over the Blue Mountains to the interior created
an economic boom.
D Many squatters illegally acquired land for nothing.

A Australia’s land laws were created and developed as the need arose.
B Australia is still the largest exporter of Merino wool to Britain.
C All people settling on granted government land were called squatters.
D Australia’s early landlords experimented with the way they leased their
houses to tenants.
2 Opportunities for our company
There appears to be an opportunity well known and well understood by

for this company to provide training to our company, is a small segment of that
the local labour force and the mining country’s economy, and we have put all
industry throughout the subject country. our eggs in one basket. Political events
This opportunity could be coupled with which closed a number of very large
the provision of well-trained contract mines in neighbouring countries have
or hire labour. A threat to the company underlined the dangers of selling to
at the moment is that Australian TAFE one market sector or to one particularly
colleges are providing specialist trade large mining company. The subject
training. The company does not seem to country uses large numbers of civilian
have taken advantage of in-country local passenger vehicles with only basic
language-based training. support systems and little or no advanced
Nationalism in the subject country is technical expertise. This segment is being
easily underestimated and perhaps was targeted by other, competing Australian
used against the company’s interests by companies and is an obvious opportunity
the organisation which represented us for our auto division with its new
there. Australian companies, with staff products and services. This is a possible
speaking only English, do not easily export opportunity as an outgrowth of the
gain a foothold in that country. The company’s supply to the mining industry.
mining industry marketplace, although
2.1 The purpose of this passage is to

A ensure that the local company representing the company’s interests do
so to the best of their ability.
B present opportunities for building the business in another country.
C demonstrate the need for more specialist trade training.
D demonstrate the need to work with politicians in the country who have
corruptly closed several large mines down.

A Their experience in training mine workers in the foreign country means
that it can easily provide training products and services to operators of
civilian passenger vehicles.
B This company believes that having only one or two large customers is a
risky strategy.
C This company is from another (foreign) country and it competes with the
TAFE colleges within Australia.
D This company will sell civilian passenger vehicles to the foreign country.
Reading Comprehension 31
3 Safety equipment on board sailing boats
It is vital to ensure proper safety worn whilst working on deck. The

precautions are adhered to on board lifeline has a quick release clip that is
boats. All sailors must wear some form attached to the harness. The harness
of buoyancy gear. A variety of buoyancy is generally held in place by adjustable
equipment is available that is worn on shoulder straps. Coloured strips are
top of all other clothing. There are two typically fixed to the harness to aid
main types of equipment: buoyancy aids identification at night or in foul weather.
which give some support in the water A more effective means of attracting
and lifejackets which give total support attention during storms can be achieved
in the water and will turn an unconscious through the use of a flare. Usage of flares
person into a floating position face should be limited to open sea emergency
up in the water. Lifejackets are either situations.
inflated automatically by pulling a cord In addition to buoyancy gear and
attached to a gas cylinder, or by mouth. safety harnesses, special attention should
They are worn deflated when sailing. also be given to ensuring that sailors have
Most racing or inland sailors will wear the most appropriate footwear. Boots or
buoyancy aids, while open sea sailors tend shoes can be chosen, but they must be
to prefer lifejackets. It is important that flat and have non-slip soles that provide
the buoyancy gear chosen complies with maximum contact with the surface.
standard safety requirements. Contact with the deck is enhanced by
On larger sailing boats, safety choosing shoes with continuous, shallow
harnesses may also be necessary. These tread. Footwear with appropriate soles
are designed to keep the sailor attached prevents slippage during wet conditions
to the boat via a lifeline and are typically or on sloping decks.
3.1 Sailors who do not race or sail inland

A prefer buoyancy aids over life jackets.
B prefer life jackets over buoyancy aids.
C wear buoyancy aids deflated while sailing.
D check their gear regularly for compliance with safety standards.
3.2 In rough seas

A flat non-slip shoes should be worn.
B coloured strips on harnesses provide the best form of identification.
C flares assist with attracting attention in inland sailing.
D sailors’ safety is decreased through the use of a lifeline.
32
chapterthree
mathematical problems
Mathematical problems test your knowledge of basic mathematics
(for example arithmetic) and your ability to solve real-world numerical
problems. You should not use a calculator for these problems.
Question Type 1:
SIMPLE ARITHMETIC
For this question type, you are given a calculation and a set of answers from which to
choose.
example
Check the calculation You have five choices for the
1 78 + 59 = ? you need to do. answer. Only one is correct.
A 137 B 136 C 127 D 126 E None of these
The answer to this question is A.

For a more detailed explanation and a worked example, see ‘Simple Arithmetic’ in
Chapter Three, page 35 of Practise Now!.
Now practise on the following items, circling A, B, C or D.
1 134 – 97 = ?
2 436 × 49 = ?

Mathematical Problems 33
3 53 × 28 = ?
4 1×2=?
4 3
A 1/6 B 1/3 C 1/12 D 3/6 E None of these
HINT
First calculate 25% of 400.

5 25% of 25% of 400 = ? Then calculate 25% of that.
6 40% of 50% of 800 = ?
7 √⎯⎯81
8 If 14 = 7x, then x =
Question Type 2:
WORD PROBLEMS
These questions test your ability to solve mathematical problems described in words.
You are given a description of a context that contains all the information you need.
You are to work out the answer to the problem.
example
1 Grant competed in a 400 m swimming race.

He won the first 100 m lap in 55 seconds.
Each of the three remaining laps took him two seconds longer than the
previous lap to swim.
How long did Grant take altogether?
A Two minutes 26 seconds

B Two minutes 32 seconds
C Three minutes 46 seconds
D Three minutes 52 seconds
E None of these
The answer to this example is D.

For more detailed explanation and a worked example, see ‘Word problems’ in
Chapter Three, page 37 of Practise Now!.
Now practise on the items below, circling A, B, C or D.
1 A car travels 90 km in one and a half hours. What was the average speed?
A 50 km/h B 60 km/h C 120 km/h D 90 km/h E None of these
2 An aeroplane travels 1200 km in three hours. What was the average speed?
A 200 km/h B 400 km/h C 350 km/h D 800 km/h E None of these
3 A ship travels 3600 km at an average speed of 30 km/h. How long did it take?
A 4 days B 121 hrs C 60 hrs D 5 days E None of these
4 A buyer rejected five out of every eight bullocks offered to him for sale, and
he subsequently purchased 60 of them. How many were originally for sale?
5 A tiler needs to pave a floor measuring 4.75 m by 8 m. What is the floor area?
A 30 m2 B 39 m2 C 38 m2 D 40 m2 E None of these
HINT 6 A pilot calculates that the number one engine uses 5% more
5% × 3800 lph will fuel than number two engine, which burns 3800 litres an hour.
show how much more Approximately how much more fuel would the number one
fuel engine one uses in
engine burn on a three and a half hour flight?
an hour compared to
engine two.
A 182 litres B 319 litres C 380 litres D 665 litres E None of these
7 Each of the four engines on an aeroplane burns 820 litres of fuel per hour.
Approximately how many litres of fuel will the aeroplane burn during a
3 hour, 30 minute flight?
A 11,480 litres B 9,600 litres C 12,800 litres D 3,200 litres E None of these
Question Type 3:
PROBLEMS PRESENTED IN A UNIT
Problems presented in a unit commonly contain three to five questions about the
information.
example
Cost of Hurricanes
30
25
20
$Bn
15
10
0
Andrew Hugo Floyd Fran Opal Frederic
Figure 3.1 Cost of hurricanes in Florida
1 Which of these options is incorrect?

A Hurricane Floyd’s cost was about 1/4 of the total cost.
B Andrew’s cost was about 9/16ths of the total.
C Opal’s cost was about 1/16th of the total.
D Frederic’s cost was about 1/24th of the total.
The answer to this example is A.

For a worked example, see ‘Problems presented in a unit’ in Chapter Three, page
40 of Practise Now!.
2004
Freight In (1) and Out (2) of Australia
2005
500.0
400.0
300.0
200.0
100.0
0.0
1 2
Figure 3.2 Freight into and out of Australia 2004 and 2005
1 From this graph, which of the following options is correct?

A There is a 12% difference between exports in 2004 and 2005.
B The rate of increase in freight imports from 2004 to 2005 was 45%.
C More freight was imported than exported in 2005.
D More freight was exported than imported in 2004.
1944 Tank Production
35000
30000
25000 Russia
Tanks
20000 Germany
15000 USA
10000 Great Britain
5000
0
Countries
Figure 3.3 Tank production
In 1944 during World War Two, the German army was in retreat from the
Russians, and the Americans and the British invaded France and Italy. This
attack on German troops on the Western, Eastern and Southern Fronts,
finally led to Germany’s defeat by the Allies in 1945. The graph shows 1944
tank production by the major combatants, excluding Japan.
2 According to this graph, which option is correct?

A Russia was able to make more tanks than the other countries because it
started large-scale manufacturing years earlier.
B Germany lost the war because it couldn’t keep up production against the
Allies.
C Britain manufactured about 1/6th as many tanks as Russia in 1944.
D Britain probably had a smaller army than the USA so needed fewer
tanks.
Net Exports
200
150
100
$Billion
50
-50
-100
-150
Canada France Italy Japan Britain United
States
Figure 3.4 Net exports HINT
Net exports
= exports
– imports
3 According to this graph, which of the following is the most accurate

conclusion?
A France’s exports are only one tenth of those of Japan.
B The USA would need to double its exports in order to match Japan’s
exports.
C Canada’s net exports are four times those of Britain.
D The USA imports more than it exports.
Defence Spending in 1937
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
n
y
ce
ly
re
A
SR
an
pa
Ita
US
pi
an
Ja
US
Em
Fr
er
G
h
itis
Br
Income ($bn)
% Spent on Defence
Figure 3.5 Defence spending in 1937
4 Referring to the graph, which of the following statements is most accurate?

A Japan spent more than the British Empire on defence.
B Germany spent a bit less than three times the amount on defence than
the British Empire.
C The USA spent more than $2bn.
D The USSR spent about $5bn.
Temperature of Ice Cores
50.0
48.0
46.0
44.0
Temp (degrees -˚C)
42.0
40.0
38.0
36.0
34.0
32.0
30.0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
YBP Index
Year Index
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Years Before Present (x1000)
Figure 3.6 Temperature of ice cores
To find the relevant YBP date, you must look along the Year Index
(referred to on the graph); the YBP date is immediately below that.
(Yrs × 1000)
5 Referring to the graph, which of the following is most accurate?

A The largest range in temperature occurred when it increased by 15.5˚
between 5–25,000 YBP.
B The temperature changed by 40˚ between 15–20,000 YBP.
C The temperature changed by 4.5˚ between 30–35,000 YBP.
D The temperature changed more than 14˚ between 5–25,000 YBP.
42
chapterfour
number sequences and
patterns
These questions test your ability to analyse number sequences and
patterns to find rules and relationships, and then apply these rules and
relationships to identify missing numbers.
Question Type 1:
NUMBER SEQUENCES
This type of question tests your ability to find patterns in the number sequence.
Constant differences
example
1 Find the missing number in the following sequence.
5 8 11 ? 17 20
The answer to this item is 14.

For a more a detailed explanation and a worked example, see ‘Number sequences’
in Chapter Four, page 48 of Practise Now!.
1 Find the missing number/s in the following sequence.

3 ? 9 12 15 18 ? 24
A 7, 22 B 6, 21 C 6, 22 D 7, 21
Number Sequences and Patterns 43

2 4 ? 16 32 ? 128 256
A 16, 32 B 16, 64 C 8, 64 D 8, 70

3 9 ? 81 243
A 27 B 72 C 63 D 18

5 10 20 35 ? 80 ? 145
A 45, 90 B 50, 90 C 55, 100 D 55, 110

1 3 6 ? 15 21 28 ?
A 12, 30 B 12, 36 C 10, 36 D 12, 31

4 16 ? 256
A 64 B 33 C 36 D 40

73 ? 55 ? 37 28 19 10
A 65, 45 B 63, 44 C 64, 46 D 65, 47

3 12 15 ? 42 69 ? 180
A 25, 109 B 24, 112 C 28, 109 D 27, 111

Question Type 2:
NUMBER SQUARES AND CIRCLES
This type of question also tests your ability to find number patterns and relationships,
but in a grid or a circle format.
example
1 Find the numbers that should be in

the squares with the question marks. 3 7 11
9 ? 17
15 19 ?
The two missing numbers are 13 and 23.

For a more detailed explanation and a worked example, see ‘Number squares’ in
Chapter Four, page 53 of Practise Now!.

the areas with the question marks.
HINT 12 6 4
11 4
Divide outer numbers
by inner numbers to
6 3 10
1 5 A B
get the number on the
opposite side.
2 ?
10 4 ? 6 4
6 6
12
C D
Number Sequences and Patterns 45

the areas with the question marks.
A 2 B 6
9 42
3 8
HINT
5 4
Find a pattern for
multiplying or dividing
20 12
numbers in each 4 3
quadrant. C 6 D 4
5 ??
30 ? 42 6
6 ? 7 7
3 Find the number that should be in

5 6 7
the square with the question mark.
6 7 8
A 6 B 9 C 14 D 5
7 8 ?

8 11 14
12 16 20
A 16 B 25 C 26 D 34
HINT
Follow the horizontal

16 21 ?
and vertical sequence of
adding numbers.

3 6 18
A 24 B 26 C 4 D 144 4 2 8
12 12 ?

4 6 24
5 3 15
A 12 B 39 C 180 D 360
20 18 ?

44 88 176
66 ? 264
A 220 B 90 C 260 D 132
88 176 352

132 120 108
96 84 72
A 36 B 48 C 52 D 56
60 48 ?

88 44 22
264 132 66
A 264 B 224 C 132 D 88
1056 528 ?
47
chapterfive
non-verbal reasoning
Non-verbal, or abstract, reasoning questions are designed to test
your ability to discover visual patterns. To calculate the correct answer,
first look carefully at the diagram to identify the rules and relationships.
Then apply the rules and relationships to identify the next figure in the
sequence or the missing part.
Question Type 1:
LINEAR PATTERN SEQUENCES
In this type of question you are asked to work out the relationships between figures
and choose the next figure in the sequence from a set of four choices.
example
1 Find the next figure in the sequence.
?
A C
1 2 3 4
B D
The answer is B.
For a more detailed explanation and a worked example, see ‘Linear pattern
sequences’ in Chapter Five, page 56 of Practise Now!.
1
X
X W
W
X
?
W X A C
W
B D
2
¶
¶
¶
?
¶ A C
¶
¶
B D
3
∆
∆
∆
∆
∆ ?
A C
HINT
Flip arrow across ∆

and down. B D
4
≠ ™ ≠ ≠
≠ ¨ ≠ ≠ ™ ¨ ¨ © © ¨©
?
™ © ¨
© ¨ © ™ A C
HINT ≠ ≠ ¨
Move items in the top ¨ ™ ©
right and bottom left B D
corners in an anti-
clockwise direction.
Non-verbal Reasoning 49
5
v
~v
S S
~
S
Í v ~
v
?
S ~ ~ v A C
v
Í
S
v
S ~ v
B D
6
™ ™ ™ ©
™ ™ ™ ™ ™ Æ ¨ ™ © ™ ™
?
© ™ ™ ¨ ™ ™ ™ ™ A C
© ≠ ™ ™
™ ™ Æ ©
B D
7
n o
o o
6
Í
o n
6
n o
6 Í Í
o o o
o
6
?
6
n n
Í
o
6 Í
n o A C
n o
o
6
o n
Í
6 Í
B D
8
ÿ ⁄ ◊ Ÿ
ÿ ⁄ ÿ ◊ Ÿ ⁄ Ÿ ◊ ⁄ ÿ
?
Ÿ ◊ ◊ ⁄ ÿ Ÿ A C
HINT ÿ ⁄ ⁄ ÿ
Lines cancel out figures Ÿ ◊ ◊ Ÿ
that they cross over. B D
Question Type 2:
FRAMEWORK PATTERNS
This type of question tests your ability to recognise patterns in the framework of
shapes. You need to identify the rules for the pattern and then apply these to the
missing part in the framework.
example
1 Find the missing part.
?
A C
B D
The answer is A.
For a more detailed explanation and a worked example, see ‘Frameworks patterns’
in Chapter Five, page 60 of Practise Now!.
1
Û ˆ Û
ı
ˆı A B
Û
ˆ
HINT
Make sure that there is a ? Û ı

different combination in
each quadrant.
C D
Ä
¨ ✹
? ✹ ’ A B
’
¨
F C D
♥
3
♠
? A B
♡ ♧
HINT
Look for a figure

♤♣♧ C ♡ ♣
D
different from those

already used.
♟ A B
♜
°
♜ ♜
o
♞ _♟ ♜
Í
C D
♟ ♞
o
5 A
Á
o' ‡äå Ò
B
‡ j j
Ä —
å
b
?
v å v
o $
$ å
HINT
— Á
Look for common C
elements in each
quadrant.
j D
r
r
r
¶
A B
¶
m ∂
?
C D
—
—
Œ ” A B
? œ
” Õ
C D
8
ù ☂
☂
⑅
☂ ù
⑅
ù
?
☂ A B
⑅ ù
⑅
ù
⑅ ☂ ☂
⑅
õ
C D
54
chaptersix
spatial–visual reasoning
Spatial-visual reasoning questions test your ability to visualise objects
in space using pictures or diagrams.
Question Type 1:
TRANSPARENT TILES
For this type of question, you need to recognise how three transparent tiles would
look when they are stacked one on top of the other and flipped over from left to right.
Note that white shapes on a pattern are transparent but shaded shapes are not. Also
note that one square has a double border to help identify it when it is flipped over
from left to right.
Tile 1 Tile 2 Tile 3
First the tiles are Then the pile is flipped

stacked. over from left to right.
TILE 1 TILE 3
TILE 2 TILE 2
TILE 3 TILE 1
Spatial-visual Reasoning 55
example
1 Of the four alternatives (labelled A, B, C, and D), which shows correctly how
the stack would look after turning it over from left to right?
Tile 1 Tile 2 Tile 3
Tile 1
A B C D

For a more detailed explanation and a worked example, see ‘Transparent tiles’ in
Chapter Six, page 64 of Practise Now!.
1
õ
n n
õ
◊
ÿ ÿ ○ ○ n n
○○
A
n n
B
ÿ ÿ
C D
A B C D
⋉ ó ⋊
ñ ⋉
⋊ó ó ⋈ ñ⋈
ô ⋊ ó⋊ ⋊ó
A B C D
μ ´
HINT
When turned over, black

ŕ ●
shapes will cover other
● ● ●
smaller shapes and white
shapes will appear on top.
μ
● ŕ μ ŕ ŕ
A B C D
A B C D
┏ ≫ ┏
≪ ≪ ≫ ≪
A B C D
◔ ○ ◔
◐
◐
!
!
○◓ ◓ ○ ◓ n ◓○
!! ! ! !
! ! !
A B C D
A B C D
Question Type 2:
OVERLAPPING TILES
For this type of question a set of overlapping tiles is presented. The tiles are not
transparent so you need to imagine what the set of tiles will look like when they are
flipped over from left to right.
example
1 Choose one of the four alternatives (labelled A, B, C and D) which shows

how the figure would look after turning it over from left to right.
A B
Start
C D

For a more detailed explanation and a worked example, see ‘Overlapping tiles’ in
A B
C D
A B
C D
A B
C D
A B
HINT
Consider the
transparency of the
separate tiles.
C D
A B
HINT
Assume that each

piece is a square.
C D
A B
C D
A B
C D
Question Type 3:
BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF REAL FEATURES
This type of question tests your ability to visualise different perspectives using pictures,
maps or diagrams that show a bird’s-eye view. You are given a picture or diagram
from one point of view and you are asked to identify the same picture or diagram
from a different view.
example
1 Which picture best represents the island from a different point of view?
A C

For more detailed explanation and a worked example, see ‘Birds-eye view’ in
1 Which picture best represents this

island from a bird’s-eye view?
A B
C D
2 Which figure best represents the

picture from a different point of view?
A B
HINT
C D
Rotate and slant the
diagram.
3 Which figure best represents this object

from a different point of view?
A B
C D
4 Which figure best represents this

object from a different point of view?
A B
C D
5 Which figure best represents

a cross-section of the object?
A B
C D
6 Which map best represents

the layout of the town?
A B
HINT
Rotate the view until

consistent with the kink
in the road. C D
7 Which figure best represents

the layout from a different
point of view?
HINT
Some blocks may be C

obscured from view by
the taller blocks in front.
65
chapterseven
mechanical reasoning
Mechanical reasoning questions test your ability to perceive and
understand relationships between components within a mechanism.
In particular, mechanical reasoning tests assess your:
• understanding of basic principles of physics in general, and
mechanics in particular;
• ability to visualise the movement of objects through space (three-
dimensional spatial ability); and most importantly
• understanding of cause–effect relationships between mechanical
components.
Example 1 – Fixed pivot
Fixed pivot
When the handle X is moved to the right as shown on the diagram, which
direction with the end Y move?
A move back and forward
B move to the right
C move to the left
D stay still

Example 2 – Wheels and belts
A B C
A belt is looped around three wheels as shown. If wheel A is moved in a

clockwise direction, what direction will wheel C move in?
A it will stay still
B clockwise
C anticlockwise
D either way
The answer to this example is B.
For more detailed explanations and worked examples, see Practise Now!: Mechanical
Reasoning Supplement.
X 1 Kg Y 1 Kg
1 How much force is required to move weight Y compared to weight X?

A more
B less
C the same
D depends on the speed
Mechanical Reasoning 67
B D
A C E
2 Which is true?
A B will move in an anti-clockwise direction.
B The force required to lift the weight is more than 6000kg.
C When pulled, the weight will slant upwards.
D The force required to lift the weight is less than 6000kg.
C F
B
E
A
D
3 When cog A turns in the direction of the arrow, which cogs turn clockwise?
A A, C and D
B A, C and E
C A, C and F
D A, C, D and F
4 What is occurring here?

A The cog turns clockwise, rotating the worm gear in the direction of the
arrow.
B The top of the worm gear, rotating towards you in the direction of the
arrow, turns the cog clockwise.
C The top of the worm gear, rotating towards you in the direction of the
arrow, turns the cog anticlockwise.
D The cog turns anticlockwise, rotating the top of the worm gear towards
you in the direction of the arrow.
HINT
Weight A × distance
from the fulcrum =
weight B × distance from
the fulcrum.
1 Kg
1m 2m
5 How much mass needs to be applied at the arrow to retain the balance?
A 2 kg
B 1 kg
C 0.75 kg
D 0.5 kg
Mechanical Reasoning 69
10 Kg 20 Kg
0 1m 2m 3m
6 Where must the fulcrum be placed in order to achieve balance?

A 1m
B 1.5 m
C 1.75 m
D 2m
7 Pulley X turns clockwise at 500 rpm. At what speed and in which direction
is pulley Y turning?
A Clockwise and faster
B Clockwise and same speed
C Clockwise and slower
D Anticlockwise and slower
Cylinder
Piston
8 When the piston is moved further into the airtight cylinder it compresses the
trapped air. What is the compression ratio when the leading edge of piston
reaches the dotted line?
A 2:1
B 4:1
C 7:1
D 8:1
HINT
7 10 18 20 26
Valves can close off Y
11 21 29
the supply of water
to a pipe. 1 4 12 22
2
5 1314 27 30
X 8
3 15 31
23
HINT 6 19 24
Water pressure will be 25

spread evenly across the 16
9 17 28 32
number of outlets. Z
9 Water can flow into pipe X at 3000 litres per minute (lpm). If valves 2, 11, 12,
14, 15, 17, 20, 23, 26, 27 and 28 are closed, approximately how much water
should flow out of Y?
A 3000 lpm
B None
C 1000 lpm
D 1500 lpm
71
appendixone
sample tests
Read the following instructions

This test contains multiple-choice questions which assess your verbal, numerical and
non-verbal reasoning abilities. The test has three parts:
• Part 1: Verbal – 15 minutes – 10 questions

• Part 2: Numerical – 15 minutes – 8 questions
• Part 3: Non-verbal – 10 minutes – 10 questions
Please time yourself for each section and stop when the time is up. You can then
proceed to the next part until you finish all the parts.
You will obtain the best possible score in each part if you observe these points:
• Work through the questions in the order in which they are given.
• Do not spend too much time on any one question; if necessary, go on to the next
question and come back to the difficult ones later.
• Answer all questions – even if you are not sure which is the right answer. Marks
will not be deducted for wrong answers.
• Make sure you mark the letter you have chosen in the correct place on your answer
sheet. (Sample answer sheet on page 82 can be photocopied and used to record your
answers.)
Each question has a number of answers, represented by the letters A, B, C and D. You
must choose one answer from these alternatives. Having done so, you should mark your
answer sheet by shading in the oval containing the letter corresponding to your choice. If
you wish to change your answer, erase it completely and shade in the oval corresponding
to your new answer. Instructions for marking your answers are also on the answer sheet.
VERBAL TEST

A prudent
B diplomatic
C cautious
D individual
E careful
F separate ____ and ____
2 Find the word that means most nearly the same as NOTION.
A empathy
B vagary
C supposition
D supplement
E supplant
3 Find the word that means most nearly the same as ASCEND.
A prevail
B descend
C climb
D pervade
E ascertain
4 Which one would best suggest REGULARITY?
A normal
B driving to the shopping centre
C changing seasons
D an endangered species
E a sporting event
Appendix One 73
5 ILLEGAL is to POLICE officer as DRIP is to
A squirt
B rain
C drop
D stream
A B C D E
E plumber
static and growth.
A B C D
cruising fatten mushrooming advance
waxing accelerate mitigating culminate

THEA AND MATHILDE ARE SISTERS.
A Thea’s Mum is Nella.

B Kate is Mathilde’s aunt.
C Tom is Mathilde’s Dad.
D Mathilde’s aunt is Cristy.
____ and ____
E Nella, Thea’s Mum, is married to Tom.

Make hay while the sun shines.
A Get things done while you can.

B Have fun at every available opportunity.
C Farmers should take advantage of good weather.
D Hay should be made only in daytime.
Bonding adhesives for different materials
Find the type of plastic you are bonding in the left-hand column, then look along the top of the table for
the material to which you are bonding. The most suitable adhesives are listed in order of bond quality.
To themselves To wood To metal To rubber To glass
Acrylics Use acrylic base adhesives only e.g., Perspex cement

(Perspex,
Plexiglass)
Foam Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact

– plastic cement (1) cement (1) cement (1) cement (1) cement (1)
Latex Latex Latex Latex Latex
adhesive adhesive adhesive adhesive adhesive
Foam – latex Natural latex Natural latex Natural latex Natural latex Natural
latex
Contact Contact Contact Contact
cement (1) cement (1) cement (1) cement (1) Contact
cement (1)
Laminates Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact

cement cement cement cement cement
Epoxy (2) Urethane Epoxy Epoxy
Polystyrene Contact Contact Contact Contact Contact

cement (3) cement cement cement cement
Latex Latex Latex Latex Latex
adhesive adhesive adhesive adhesive adhesive
Polyvinyl PVC adhesive Contact Contact Contact Contact

chloride cement cement cement cement
Contact
(PVC)
cement (4) Urethane Epoxy Urethane Epoxy
Notes: (1) Solvents of some contact cements can damage polyurethane. Test the adhesive on a small
piece of scrap material before using. (2) Epoxies can be used for small jobs, but would be too expensive
for large areas. (3) Contact cements are appropriate on polystyrene if there is a large bonding surface.
(4) Contact cements can cause wrinkling and staining on PVC. Test on scrap material before using.
Appendix One 75
9 What is the most suitable adhesive for two small pieces of polystyrene?
A contact cement
B latex adhesive
C natural latex
D urethane
10 Which is true for PVC?

A Contact cements work well on all PVC materials.
B Epoxy should be used to glue a large piece of PVC to a large piece of glass.
C Urethane can be used to adhere PVC to wood and metal.
D None of the above.
NUMERICAL TEST
11 76 + 85 = ?
12 If 2 = 0.48, then x =
3 x
A 0.24 B 144 C 0.62 D 2 E None of these
13 Three lengths of plastic sheeting, each measuring 49.6 m, 87.7 m and 77.8 m,
are cut from a 300 m long roll. What percentage of the roll was in the three
removed lengths?
A 28.3% B 71.7% C 21.5% D 72.7% E None of these
14 A floor measuring 3.6 m by 5.0 m needs to be covered with tiles. Each tile
has an area of 20 cm2. How many tiles will be required?

Cost of Hurricanes
30
25
20
$Bn
15
10
0
Andrew Hugo Floyd Fran Opal Frederic
15 Which of the statements below isn’t/aren’t supported by the graph?

(i) One of the hurricanes was bigger than Andrew but cost less in
property damage.
(ii) One of the hurricanes occurred in the same place as Andrew.
(iii) Frederic’s cost of damage amounted to less than 10% of the total.
A (i) and (iii)
B (i) and (ii)
C (iii)
D (ii) and (iii)
Appendix One 77
Activities
8%
8% 25%
Sleep
17%
School
Job
Entertainment
Meals
25%
Homework
17%
Weekly activities of a student
16 This pie chart records the weekly activities of a student. Which option is
correct?
A 40 hours a week is spent sleeping.
B Work takes up 29 hours per week.
C This person eats for 16 hours per week.
D 65 hours are spent on homework each month.

110 76 ? 86 90 ? 80 106
A 81, 85 B 82, 86 C 79, 89 D 100, 96

the square with the question mark. 130 117 104
A 12 B 11 C 77 D 14 90 ? 64
50 37 24
NON-VERBAL TEST
19 Find the next figure in the sequence and circle your

answer below.
w wü
ü w
w ü ? ü
ü w A B
ü w
w
w
ü ü
C D
20 Find the missing part. Circle your answer.
Î Î
? ÎÎ › ÎÎ
ÎÎ A B
ÎÎ ÎÎ
ÎÎÎÎÎÎ
ÎÎ
Î Î ÎÎ
ÎÎ ÎÎÎÎÎÎ ÎÎÎÎ Î
ÎÎ
Î
ÎÎ
ÎÎ
ÎÎ
Î
Î ÎÎÎÎÎ Î
C D
21 Of the four alternatives (labeled A, B, C, and D), which shows correctly

how the stack would look after turning it over from left to right? Circle
your answer.
◤ ◢ ☽
☽ ◤ ☾
☾ < ◥ ☾☽ ☽ ◤ ☾ ◢
☾☽ ◥ ◣ ◥ ☾☽◢ ◤ ☾☽
A B C D
Appendix One 79
22 Of the four alternatives (labeled A, B, C, and D), which shows correctly

how the stack would look after turning it over from left to right? Circle
your answer.
nÚ Ú Ú
n Ò
fiÚ nfi fi
Ú n Úfi
nÒ Òn Ò nÒ
A B C D
23 Choose one of the four alternatives which shows how the figure would
look after turning it over from left to right.
A B
C D
24 Choose one of the four alternatives (labeled A, B, C and D) which shows

how the figure would look after turning it over from left to right.
A B
C D
25 Which picture best represents the floor plan of this house?
A B
C D
26 Which of the four alternatives (A, B, C and D)

best fits into the missing area?
A B
C D
Appendix One 81
E
C
B F
D
27 When cog A turns in the direction of the arrow, which cogs turn clockwise?
(i) A and C
(ii) A and E
(iii) F
A (i)
B (i) and (ii)
C (i), (ii) and (iii)
D (i) and (iii)
Each Control Rod moves "away"

from or "towards" you.
Control Rod Control Rod
X or
Y
Control Cable Movement
28 The control rods X and Y move only ‘away’ or ‘towards’ you. When the
control cable is moved to the right how do control rods X and Y move?
A X moves away from you.
B Y moves away from you.
C X moves towards you.
D Y moves towards you.
82
appendixtwo
answer sheet
Print name in
SampleSelection
Vocational Test OMR Test boxes here,
then mark oval
FAMILY NAME INITS
corresponding
to the letter in
each column. A A A A A A A A A A A A A
Name:
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
Example:
C C C C C C C C C C C C C
Organisation: EADE D D D D D D D D D D D D D
A A A A A E E E E E E E E E E E E E
B B B B B
F F F F F F F F F F F F F
Date: C C C C C
G G G G G G G G G G G G G
Day Month Year D D D D D
E E E E E H H H H H H H H H H H H H
I I I I I I I I I I I I I
J J J J J J J J J J J J J
K K K K K K K K K K K K K
L L L L L L L L L L L L L
SEX DATE OF BIRTH OFFICE USE M M M M M M M M M M M M M
TEST A B C D E F G H I J M ONLY N N N N N N N N N N N N N
Day Month Year
FORM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 F O O O O O O O O O O O O O
P P P P P P P P P P P P P
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 0 0 0 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q Q
ORGAN- 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 1 1 1 20 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 R R R R R R R R R R R R R
ISATION 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 S S S S S S S S S S S S S
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 T T T T T T T T T T T T T
INSTRUCTIONS 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 U U U U U U U U U U U U U
• Use a soft pencil, preferably 2B. 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 V V V V V V V V V V V V V
• Do not use blue/black or red pens. 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 W W W W W W W W W W W W W
• Completely erase any errors or stray marks. 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 X X X X X X X X X X X X X

Please MARK LIKE THIS: NOT LIKE THIS:
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
✔ ✘ 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z
CANDIDATE'S SIGNATURE
Practice examples:
P1 A B C D E P2 A B C D E P3 A B C D E
1 A B C D E 21 A B C D E 41 A B C D E 61 A B C D E 81 A B C D E
Copyright © ACER 2002

Published by the Australian Counci
DO NOT FOLD OR DEFACE THIS SHEET IN ANY WAY for Educational Research Ltd,
ASSESSMENT 19 Prospect Hill Road, Camberwell,
SERVICES Melbourne, Victoria 3124, Australia.
83
appendixthree
answers for chapter
questions
CHAPTER ONE: WORD KNOWLEDGE
Choose the misfits 5 D Prove the sentence

1 C F 6 D 1 A D
2 D F 7 C 2 B E
3 A E 8 D 3 A D
4 C E 4 C D
5 B E Find the relationship 5 A C
6 A B 1 C 6 A E
7 B D 2 D 7 B C
8 A D 3 A 8 A D
4 D 9 B E
Find the synonym 5 B
1 E 6 C Proverbs
2 C 7 C 1 A
3 B 8 E 2 C
4 E 3 D
5 A Find the pair relationship 4 A
6 D 1 D 5 B
7 A 2 B 6 D
8 B 3 C 7 A
9 C 4 D 8 B
5 D 9 A
Find the analogies 6 A 10 D
1 A 7 C
2 A 8 D
3 D 9 B
4 D
CHAPTER TWO: READING COMPREHENSION
1.1 A 2.1 B 3.2 A

1.2 D 2.2 B
1.3 A 3.1 B
CHAPTER THREE: MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS
Simple arithmetic Word problems Problems presented in a unit

1 A 1 B 1 C
2 E 2 B 2 C
3 C 3 D 3 C
4 A 4 A 4 D
5 D 5 C 5 D
6 B 6 D
7 B 7 A
8 B
CHAPTER FOUR: NUMBER SEQUENCES AND PATTERNS
Number sequences Number squares

1 B 1 C
2 C 2 C
3 A 3 B
4 D 4 C
5 C 5 D
6 A 6 D
7 C 7 D
8 D 8 A
9 A
Appendix Three 85
CHAPTER FIVE: NON-VERBAL REASONING

Linear pattern sequences Framework patterns
1 C 1 B
2 D 2 D
3 B 3 B
4 D 4 D
5 B 5 C
6 A 6 B
7 A 7 A
8 A 8 A
CHAPTER SIX: SPATIAL–VISUAL REASONING
Transparent tiles Overlapping tiles Bird’s eye view

1 D 1 B 1 D
2 D 2 A 2 A
3 D 3 D 3 C
4 A 4 B 4 C
5 C 5 A 5 A
6 D 6 C 6 B
7 C 7 B 7 C
8 D
CHAPTER SEVEN: MECHANICAL REASONING
1 B 4 B 7 B
2 D 5 D 8 D
3 D 6 D 9 D
ANSWERS FOR SAMPLE TESTS
Verbal test Numerical test Non-verbal test

1 D F 11 D 19 A
2 C 12 E 20 D
3 C 13 B 21 A
4 C 14 D 22 D
5 E 15 B 23 C
6 A 16 B 24 D
7 C E 17 D 25 A
8 A 18 C 26 C
9 B 27 D
10 D 28 C
MORE
MORE PRACTISE NOW

MORE PRACTISE NOW is a useful addition to the ever-popular
Practise Now!, which is a practical guide to tackling a wide variety of
selection tests commonly used in recruitment.
MORE PRACTISE NOW contains even more practice items

PRACTISE
NOW
typically found in verbal, numerical, non-verbal and spatial–visual
reasoning tests. It also provides an actual timed test to expose you to a
typical test situation.
MORE PRACTISE NOW is written by people who write selection

test items and those who are on the other end of conducting
testing. Each chapter focuses on a specific question type. Each question
type is explained and tips are provided on how to improve your chances
of getting items right.
How to prepare
MORE PRACTISE NOW aims to increase your confidence in
undergoing an assessment process by providing exposure to the
for recruitment
types of questions typically found in selection and recruitment tests and
lots of practice on answering these questions.
and selection tests
ISBN 978-0-86431-781-0
General ability
9 780864 317810
Aptitude and skills
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MORE PRACTISE NOW

MORE PRACTISE NOW contains even more practice items

MORE PRACTISE NOW is written by people who write selection

MPN cover.indd 1 22/2/07 4:04:35 PM

Copyright © 2007 Australian Council for Educational Research

Items developed by Frank Palmer

National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication data:

Visit our website: www.acerpress.com.au

CHAPTER ONE: WORD KNOWLEDGE 1

CHAPTER TWO: READING COMPREHENSION 27

CHAPTER THREE: MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS 32

CHAPTER FOUR: NUMBER SEQUENCES AND PATTERNS 42

CHAPTER FIVE: NON-VERBAL REASONING 47

CHAPTER SIX: SPATIAL–VISUAL REASONING 54

CHAPTER SEVEN: MECHANICAL REASONING 65

APPENDIX ONE: SAMPLE TESTS 71

APPENDIX TWO: ANSWER SHEET 82

APPENDIX THREE: ANSWERS 83

• a short introduction to the item type

1 Four of the following are alike in some way.

The answer to this example is D and E.

Now practise on the following items.

1 Four of the following are alike in some way.

2 Four of the following are alike in some way.

3 Four of the following are alike in some way.

4 Four of the following are alike in some way.

5 Four of the following are alike in some way.

6 Four of the following are alike in some way.

7 Four of the following are alike in some way.

8 Four of the following are alike in some way.

Choose A regal You must find a word

The answer to this example is D.

1 Which one would best suggest PERMANENCE?

A a world tour This word is the

The answer to this example is C.

1 Which one would best suggest IMPOUNDED?

2 Which one would best suggest INFINITY?

A stars in the universe

3 Which one would best suggest DURABILITY?

4 Which one would best suggest PRODUCTIVITY?

5 Which one would best suggest INFLUENCE?

A shopping for clothes

6 Which one would best suggest ASCENDANCY?

7 Which one would best suggest MODERATION?

8 Which one would best suggest HARMONY?

The answer to this example is E.

1 NEEDLE is to THREAD as SPRINKLER is to

2 HOPS is to BEER as WHEAT is to

3 TYRE is to TRUCK as HULL is to

4 CLAY is to BRICK as SAND is to

5 ENTERTAINMENT is to AUDIENCE as WORK is to

6 PILOT is to AIRCRAFT as MANAGER is to

7 WRITE is to STORY as PAINT is to

8 SPORT is to ARENA as HOLIDAY is to

This pair of words

Find the pair with the

The answer to this example is B.

Look for an object

The statements are:

The answer to this example is B and E.

1 Which TWO of the following statements together prove that

A I ride my bicycle only on weekends.

and

and

and

and

and

and

and

and

and