The Numerical Reasoning Test
There are some skill sets which candidates must possess if they are to do well on this test.
1. Vocabulary for non-native speakers
Here we are not just talking general English skills, but particularly the specialised vocabulary associated with the Numerical Reasoning Test. What is Population Density and how is it calculated? What clues can we look for? In this example, if the candidate can explain Population Density as Population per Area or something similar, the tiny word 'per' indicates that a division is necessary.
2. Number Skills
All of this and more:
3. Estimation Ability
Many of the questions require you to make sensible estimations of the numbers presented before you do any of the calculations above, in order to simplify the process and speed up the calculation. What is estimation and how do you make it sensible?
4. Numerical Reasoning
Yes, that's what the test is. It is how to select and apply the skills above in a particular context. You will be asked questions based on charts and diagrams.
5. Interpreting Data
How are tables, bar charts, pictograms, pie charts etc. actually read? How can we estimate from visual data?
6. SI Units etc.
What are 'hectolitres'? (100 litres = a hectolitre). There are many different units used in the test as well as confusing multiples of units. Some information may be given in 'millions', other in '100s' and the candidate will need to be fluent in converting these quantities. For example, population could be given in millions and land area in 1000s of square kilometres. How do find population density in population per square kilometre?
eg. A population is 1.23 millions and lives in 235 square kilometres (in 1000s). What is the population density per square kilometre? (c. 5.23 people/sq. km)
All this seems an awful lot, it is my job to see what skills you have, find out how you think and do Maths and then build on your skills and learning style to develop your potential.
1. Vocabulary for non-native speakers
Here we are not just talking general English skills, but particularly the specialised vocabulary associated with the Numerical Reasoning Test. What is Population Density and how is it calculated? What clues can we look for? In this example, if the candidate can explain Population Density as Population per Area or something similar, the tiny word 'per' indicates that a division is necessary.
2. Number Skills
All of this and more:
- Simplifying fractions
- Equivalent fractions
- Converting fractions in numbers
- Converting fractions into percentages and vice versa
- Finding percentages/fractions of quantities
- Ordering fractions
- All the above but with estimating
- Finding percentage change
- Finding reverse percentages
- Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of fractions
- Compound percentage growth and decay
3. Estimation Ability
Many of the questions require you to make sensible estimations of the numbers presented before you do any of the calculations above, in order to simplify the process and speed up the calculation. What is estimation and how do you make it sensible?
4. Numerical Reasoning
Yes, that's what the test is. It is how to select and apply the skills above in a particular context. You will be asked questions based on charts and diagrams.
5. Interpreting Data
How are tables, bar charts, pictograms, pie charts etc. actually read? How can we estimate from visual data?
6. SI Units etc.
What are 'hectolitres'? (100 litres = a hectolitre). There are many different units used in the test as well as confusing multiples of units. Some information may be given in 'millions', other in '100s' and the candidate will need to be fluent in converting these quantities. For example, population could be given in millions and land area in 1000s of square kilometres. How do find population density in population per square kilometre?
eg. A population is 1.23 millions and lives in 235 square kilometres (in 1000s). What is the population density per square kilometre? (c. 5.23 people/sq. km)
All this seems an awful lot, it is my job to see what skills you have, find out how you think and do Maths and then build on your skills and learning style to develop your potential.