Elizabeth Blackburn Sciences Year 10 & 11 - Exam Guide

Exam Format

Mathematics [GO THROUGH MATHS TEXTBOOKS FROM YEAR 8-10]

Is a test that measures year-level appropriate mathematical knowledge. Normally the concepts and problems have a difficulty of a year above your current year. Any of these topics can be tested so make sure to try to learn as much of these before you can. Many people will run out of time before finishing all questions in detail, so it is best to practice quick maths before you enter the exam room. Assuming answers (guessing the answer that looks the most correct) is also really useful to make you finish the test in time.

0: Maths Basics

1. Number Theory [y7]

2. Fractions [y6]

3. Decimals [y6]

4. Percentages [y6]

5. Ratios [y6]

6. BODMAS [y6]

7. Ascending and descending order [y6]

1: Algebra - 15-20

1. Simple algebra [y8]

2. Removing grouping symbols [y8]

3. Binomial products [y8]

4. Special products [y8]

5. Difference of perfect squares [y9]

6. Complex algebra [y10]

7. Factorisation [y8]

   1. Common factors [y7]

   2. Factorising by grouping [y8]

   3. Monic quadratic trinomial [y8]

   4. Non-monic quadratic trinomial [y9]

   5. Further Factorisation [y10]

2: Surds - 5

1. Rules for surds [y8]

2. Simple Surds [y8]

   1. Addition & Subtraction

   2. Multiplication & Division

3. Binomial products of surds [y9]

4. Rationalisation [y9]

5. Complex algebraic fractions with surds [y10]

3: Indices - 4

1. Index rules [y7]

2. Negative powers [y8]

3. Fractional powers [y9]

4. Algebraic expressions involving a negative and fractional powers [y9]

4: Equations - 5

1. Simple equations [y8]

2. Inequations [y9]

3. Number lines [y8]

4. Formulae [y9]

5. Literal equation [y9]

6. Simultaneous equations [y9]

7. Quadratic equations [y9]

8. Completing the square [y10]

9. Quadratic formula [y9]

10. Cubic equations [y10]

5: Linear Relationships - 4

1. Distance formula [y8]

2. Midpoint formula [y8]

3. Gradient formula [y8]

4. Gradient form [y8]

5. Point-gradient formula [y8]

6. Two-point formula [y8]

7. Parallel and perpendicular lines [y9]

8. Linear graph [y8]

6: Non-Linear Relationships - 3

1. Graph Intersection [y8]

2. Parabolas [y8]

3. Cubic [y9]

4. Trunci graphs [y10]

5. Hyperbola graphs [y10]

6. Circle graphs [y10]

7. Exponential graphs [y10]

7: Pythagoras Theorem & Trigonometry - 2

1. Pythagoras Theorem [y8]

2. Pythagorean Triads [y8]

3. Right-angle trigonometry [y8]

4. Angle of elevation or depression [y8]

5. Bearings [y9]

6. True bearings [y9]

7. Exact trigonometric ratios [y8]

8. Graphs of trigonometric functions [y11]

9. Sine rule [y11]

10. Cosine rule [y11]

8: Geometry - 4

1. Angles [y8]

2. Parallel line angles [y9]

3. Angles for triangles [y9]

4. Angles for quadrilaterals [y9]

5. Circle geometry [y9]

6. Similar triangles [y9]

7. Congruent triangles [y9]

9: Probability - 6

1. Theoretical Probability [y8]

2. Experimental Probability [y8]

3. Venn diagrams [y8]

4. Two-way Tables [y8]

5. Tree diagrams [y8]

6. Probability with replacement [y8]

7. Probability without replacement [y8]

8. Conditional probability [y9]

9. Permutations and combinations

10. Selections and identical terms

10: Statistics - 4

1. Mean, Median, Mode [y8]

2. Types of Graph [y8]

3. Interquartile range [y9]

4. Dot plots [y10]

5. Stem-and-leaf plots [y10]

6. Box plots [y10]

7. Skew [y10]

11: Financial mathematics - 4-8

1. Financial application of percentages [y8]

2. Tax [y8]

3. Interest [y8]

   1. Simple interest [y9]

   2. Compound interest [y10]

4. Depreciation [y10]

5. Comparison of prices

12: Rates & Proportion - 3

1. Conversion [y7]

2. Direct Proportion [y9]

3. Indirect Proportion [y9]

13: Mensuration - 4 (1 of each) [provided formula]

1. Perimeter [y8]

2. Area [y8]

3. Surface Area [y9]

4. Volume [y9]

14: Abstract Reasoning [y9] - 1Q (normally a net)

15: Kinematics [y9] - 1-3Q

16: Sequences and Series [y9]: 1-3Q (more helpful on numerical for number patterns)

-- Senior Topics (can appear in senior exams) --

17: Polynomials

1. Operations with polynomials [y10]

2. Remainder theorem [y10]

3. Factor theorem [y10]

4. Polynomial graphs [y10]

18: Functions & Logarithms (Year 11)

1. Function notation [y10]

2. Logarithms [y10]

3. Logarithmic equations [y10]

4. Logarithmic laws [y10]

Numerical Reasoning

To sum it up it is more of an IQ test around numbers. A lot of patterns and worded problems will be presented, so it is up to you to turn them into formulas or mathematical methods of calculation.

1. Number Patterns

   1. Series

      1. arithmetic, geometric, geometric, addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, squares, cubes, fibonacci

   2. Grids

      1. Include magic squares, but can have a variety of patterns

   3. Tables

   4. Circles

   5. Boxes

   6. Tables

      —maybe—

   7. Sequences

   8. Sequence Sum

   9. Nth term for arithmetic and geometric sequences

   10. Odd number out

2. Worded Problems

   1. Financial Problems

      1. Coins

         1. Total amount

         2. Minimum amount

         3. Amount required

      2. Cost

         1. New cost

         2. Original cost

         3. Savings

      3. Profit and Loss

      4. Simple Interest

      5. Compound Interest

      6. Successive Discounts

      7. Depreciation

   2. Time Problems

      1. Time fraction

      2. New time

      3. Original time

      4. Time conversion

      5. Age problems

   3. Motion Problems

      1. Speed - Average speed, Total speed

      2. Distance - total distance

      3. Time - Average Time, Total time

      4. Locations and directions

   4. Simultaneous worded problems

   5. Probability worded Problems

   6. Ratio problems

   7. Proportion problems

   8. Rates

      1. Average

   9. Distribution remainders

Science Reasoning

Is the last multiple-choice exam. Which for the most part is about interpreting information presented. It is good to know a few of the basics within the core fields of science. This section outlines the question types as well as potential topics that can appear.

Question Types

1. Drawing Conclusions

   1. Analysis questions around tables or diagrams where a correct answer must be found

2. Graph Analysis

   1. Various graph problems

3. Table Analysis

   1. Various table problems

4. Estimation/Scale

   1. Image & statistic conversion problems

5. Inclusion/Exclusion

   1. Involves rules, steps or diagrams where not all will apply.

6. Science Equations

   1. Problems which involve solving expressions via substitution

Category of fields

1. Biology

1. Cells

   1. Plant

   2. Animal

   3. Organelle

   4. Photosynthesis

      1. The Chemical Equation for Photosynthesis

   5. Cells

      1. Organelles and their functions

   6. Tissues

   7. Organs

   8. Cell Transport

2. Body Systems

   1. Respiratory

   2. Nervous system

      1. Neurons

   3. Digestive System

   4. Endocrine System

   5. Excretory System

   6. Circulatory System

      1. Heart areas

3. Genetics

   1. Punnet Squares

   2. Transcription

      1. DNA to DNA

      2. DNA to RNA

   3. Translation

4. Evolution

   1. Adaptations

   2. Variation

   3. Natural Selection

5. Ecosystems

   1. Food webs

   2. Food chains

   3. Diversity

6. Diseases

   1. Mainstream Diseases - Diabetes, Myopia, Hyperopia, Cancer…

   2. Parasites

   3. Infectious pathways of a pathogen

2. Chemistry

1. Atomic History & Atoms

2. Elements & Periodic Table

   1. Periodic table groups

   2. Electron shell configuration

3. States of matter (Solids Liquids and Gases)

4. Acids and bases

5. Reactions

   1. precipitation

   2. combustion

   3. corrosion

3. Physics

1. Forces

   1. Newton’s Laws

   2. Contact & non-contact

2. Energy

   1. Heat

   2. Light

   3. Sound

3. Mechanics

   1. Weights

   2. Levers

   3. Pulleys

   4. Gears

   5. Wheel [2023]

   6. Pipes/Tubes [2023]

4. Electricity

   1. Circuits

   2. Motors

5. Kinematics

4: Geology

1. Rock formation

   1. Sedimentary

   2. Igneous

   3. Metamorphic

2. Plate tectonics

3. Cross-sections

4. Topology - contour lines

5: Astronomy

1. Bodies in space

   1. Meteors, Asteroids, Comets

2. Planets

3. Solar system

   1. Difference in formations between solar systems