Sample Tests

English

The ICAS English test for Year 12 challenges students to engage with complex texts at a sophisticated level. It focuses on four key areas: text comprehension, writer’s craft, syntax, and vocabulary. Students may be asked to identify points of conflict, track shifts in perspective, or analyse how specific word choices shape meaning and tone. This assessment develops critical reading and analytical thinking — preparing students to interpret nuance, question intent, and articulate their understanding with clarity and insight

“Read Deeper. Think Sharper. Express Better.”

English is more than a subject — it's the skill that powers learning, connection, and confidence across every area of life. The ICAS English exam is designed to challenge students with engaging texts and thought-provoking questions that go beyond basic literacy.

Through tasks that assess comprehension, vocabulary, syntax, and the writer’s craft, students are encouraged to uncover meaning, interpret nuance, and respond with clarity and purpose. Whether analysing subtle shifts in tone or unpacking layered language, ICAS English helps students sharpen their thinking and elevate their voice — preparing them to succeed wherever words take them.

Skill Area	Learning Objective	Key Student Outcomes
Text Comprehension	Interpret, evaluate, and synthesise complex narrative and argumentative content	Explain relationships between characters or ideas Distinguish supported vs. unsupported statements Synthesise ideas to make analogies or predictions Evaluate a text to identify limitations
Writer’s Craft	Interpret advanced textual perspectives and narrative techniques	Explain shifts in perspective (e.g., between narrators or narrative voices)
Syntax	Recognise and analyse complex syntactic patterns and referencing	Skills from lower papers assessed with greater text complexity
Vocabulary	Interpret subtle variations and context-dependent meanings of words	Skills from lower papers assessed with greater text complexity

Mathematics

The Year 12 ICAS Mathematics competition is designed to stretch advanced learners by testing core areas such as number and arithmetic, algebra and patterns, space and geometry, and chance and data. Students may be required to simplify expressions using index laws, work with fine time measurements, solve two-step probability problems, and apply mathematical reasoning to complex, multi-step scenarios. This is a chance for students to showcase not just what they know — but how confidently and creatively they can apply it.

Challenge Reasoning. Build Mathematical Confidence.

Mathematics empowers students to solve problems, think logically, and make sense of the world around them. The ICAS Mathematics test offers a unique opportunity for students to demonstrate their numeracy strengths through thought-provoking questions that go beyond routine calculations.

Covering key areas such as algebra, geometry, data, and numerical reasoning, the assessment encourages students to think flexibly, apply concepts in unfamiliar contexts, and strengthen their problem-solving strategies. Whether in STEM pathways or everyday situations, ICAS Maths helps students develop the confidence and clarity to tackle real-world challenges with precision.

Skill Area	Learning Objective	Key Student Outcomes
Number & Arithmetic	Solve advanced problems with indices, surds, and interest	Apply index laws with integer and fractional indices Convert numbers to scientific notation Operate on surds Solve simple and compound interest problems
Algebra & Patterns	Manipulate and solve a variety of algebraic expressions and equations	Apply index laws to simplify expressions Expand and simplify binomials Substitute and rearrange to solve equations Factorise quadratics Calculate midpoint, distance, and gradient Solve and graph linear inequalities Solve linear simultaneous equations Solve problems involving parallel and perpendicular lines Graph transformations of parabolas, hyperbolae, polynomials, and circles
Measures & Units	Apply measurement in complex real-world and geometric contexts	Solve problems involving very small time intervals Calculate area of composite shapes Compute surface area and volume of cylinders, cones, spheres, and pyramids
Space & Geometry	Solve spatial problems using trigonometry and angle reasoning	Solve problems involving bearings, elevation, and depression Solve 3D problems using trigonometry Use sine and cosine rules to find unknown sides/angles
Chance & Data	Analyse and interpret complex probabilities and statistical displays	Use two-step probability with/without replacement Calculate relative frequencies Use 'and'/'or' probabilities Solve conditional probability problems Interpret and compare stem-and-leaf plots, histograms, box plots, and scatterplots Identify quartiles Describe distributions using measures of location and spread

Science

The ICAS Science assessment for Year 12 challenges students to apply advanced scientific thinking across key skill areas: observing and measuring, interpreting data, predicting and concluding, investigating, and problem solving.

Tasks may involve measuring microscopic structures, classifying sub-species, or calculating refraction angles — all designed to test precision, logic, and scientific reasoning. This exam pushes students beyond recall, encouraging them to approach problems like real scientists.

Test Curiosity. Inspire Discovery.

The ICAS Science exam invites students to think scientifically — to question, observe, and draw conclusions through a series of engaging, skill-based challenges. Covering key STEM capabilities like logical reasoning, empirical observation, scientific analysis, and critical thinking, the test provides a clear measure of how students apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Rather than testing memorisation, ICAS Science encourages active exploration through tasks aligned with the scientific method — helping students strengthen the thinking skills that matter most across every STEM field.

Skill Area	Learning Objective	Key Student Outcomes
Observing/Measuring	Use precise tools and techniques to quantify microscopic and macroscopic phenomena	Measure microscopic organisms and particles Quantify energy changes in earthquakes/explosions Observe magnetic pole shifts
Interpreting	Decode complex data from scientific processes, maps, and systems	Interpret El Niño and cloud formation Analyse life cycles of parasites/viruses Understand atom and element distributions
Predicting/Concluding	Formulate scientific conclusions using comparative analysis and large-scale data	Predict structures from geological maps Conclude on the Sun/star evolution Assess impact of mutations in DNA/RNA
Investigating	Conduct inquiry-based tasks into advanced biological, chemical, and astronomical topics	Hypothesise composition of celestial bodies Explore chemical properties like conductivity or gas effects Evaluate ethics of biological research
Reasoning/Problem Solving	Apply scientific reasoning to understand systems and energy transformations	Calculate wave velocity and refraction angles Identify gravitational influence on tides Determine atomic proportions in compounds

Writing

The ICAS Writing assessment for Year 12 challenges students to craft thoughtful, polished responses in either persuasive or narrative form. Tasks may include writing an opinion piece, a campaign statement, a vivid character sketch, or a compelling plot complication.

Students are assessed on their ability to control genre conventions, apply accurate textual grammar, and use syntax and punctuation effectively. This test rewards not just what students say — but how well they say it, with precision, structure, and intent.

Command the Page. Express with Precision.

At this stage, writing becomes a powerful tool for influence and impact. The ICAS Writing exam offers students the opportunity to demonstrate how effectively they can communicate through either a persuasive or narrative response — from sharp opinion pieces and campaign-style writing to rich storytelling with strong character and setting development.

Students are assessed on their control of genre, their ability to apply advanced grammar and syntax, and how well they use punctuation and structure to shape meaning. This exam supports the development of confident, articulate writers ready to communicate their ideas with clarity, purpose, and conviction.

Skill Area	Learning Objective	Student Learning Outcome
Genre Mastery & Intent	Apply advanced features of narrative or persuasive writing with purpose and audience in mind	Demonstrates confident control of genre, with tailored content, tone, and structure aligned to task requirements
Argument/Narrative Development	Construct persuasive reasoning or compelling narrative arcs with depth and cohesion	Builds clear arguments or storylines using logic, emotional appeal, and structured sequencing to guide the reader
Structural Sophistication	Organise content using effective introductions, transitions, and conclusions	Writes with purposeful structure, using advanced paragraphing, logical flow, and effective cohesion between ideas
Grammar & Sentence Fluency	Use complex sentence forms, agreement, and grammar to enhance expression and clarity	Demonstrates strong grammatical control with a range of sentence types that support both clarity and stylistic effect
Punctuation & Editorial Accuracy	Use punctuation and spelling to refine sentence rhythm and ensure precision in meaning	Applies punctuation (e.g., colons, ellipses, em dashes) and accurate spelling to guide tone, emphasis, and clarity
Lexical Precision & Stylistic Voice	Select vocabulary that conveys nuance, persuasiveness, or creativity aligned to the task’s demands	Uses expressive, discipline-appropriate, or figurative language to enhance reader engagement and convey authorial voice