JMSS
John Monash Science School Year 10 - Exam Guide
Jun 20, 2023
Exam Format
3x Multiple Choice Exams & 2x Written Exams
Mathematics - 60Q - 30min
Numerical Reasoning - 50Q - 30min
Science Reasoning - 30Q - 30min
Science Interest & Communication - 1 topic - 30min
Science Analysis & Reporting - 1 topic - 30min
Mathematics
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
Number Theory [y7]
Fractions [y6]
Decimals [y6]
Percentages [y6]
Ratios [y6]
BODMAS [y6]
Ascending and descending order [y6]
1: Algebra - 15-20
Simple algebra [y8]
Removing grouping symbols [y8]
Binomial products [y8]
Special products [y8]
Difference of perfect squares [y9]
Complex algebra [y10]
Factorisation [y8]
Common factors [y7]
Factorising by grouping [y8]
Monic quadratic trinomial [y8]
Non-monic quadratic trinomial [y9]
Further Factorisation [y10]
2: Surds - 5
Rules for surds [y8]
Simple Surds [y8]
Addition & Subtraction
Multiplication & Division
Binomial products of surds [y9]
Rationalisation [y9]
Complex algebraic fractions with surds [y10]
3: Indices - 4
Index rules [y7]
Negative powers [y8]
Fractional powers [y9]
Algebraic expressions involving a negative and fractional powers [y9]
4: Equations - 5
Simple equations [y8]
Inequations [y9]
Number lines [y8]
Formulae [y9]
Literal equation [y9]
Simultaneous equations [y9]
Quadratic equations [y9]
Completing the square [y10]
Quadratic formula [y9]
Cubic equations [y10]
5: Linear Relationships - 4
Distance formula [y8]
Midpoint formula [y8]
Gradient formula [y8]
Gradient form [y8]
Point-gradient formula [y8]
Two-point formula [y8]
Parallel and perpendicular lines [y9]
Linear graph [y8]
6: Non-Linear Relationships - 3
Graph Intersection [y8]
Parabolas [y8]
Cubic [y9]
Trunci graphs [y10]
Hyperbola graphs [y10]
Circle graphs [y10]
Exponential graphs [y10]
7: Pythagoras Theorem & Trigonometry - 2
Pythagoras Theorem [y8]
Pythagorean Triads [y8]
Right-angle trigonometry [y8]
Angle of elevation or depression [y8]
Bearings [y9]
True bearings [y9]
Exact trigonometric ratios [y8]
Graphs of trigonometric functions [y11]
Sine rule [y11]
Cosine rule [y11]
8: Geometry - 4
Angles [y8]
Parallel line angles [y9]
Angles for triangles [y9]
Angles for quadrilaterals [y9]
Circle geometry [y9]
Similar triangles [y9]
Congruent triangles [y9]
9: Probability - 6
Theoretical Probability [y8]
Experimental Probability [y8]
Venn diagrams [y8]
Two-way Tables [y8]
Tree diagrams [y8]
Probability with replacement [y8]
Probability without replacement [y8]
Conditional probability [y9]
Permutations and combinations
Selections and identical terms
10: Statistics - 4
Mean, Median, Mode [y8]
Types of Graph [y8]
Interquartile range [y9]
Dot plots [y10]
Stem-and-leaf plots [y10]
Box plots [y10]
Skew [y10]
11: Financial mathematics - 4-8
Financial application of percentages [y8]
Tax [y8]
Interest [y8]
Simple interest [y9]
Compound interest [y10]
Depreciation [y10]
Comparison of prices
12: Rates & Proportion - 3
Conversion [y7]
Direct Proportion [y9]
Indirect Proportion [y9]
13: Mensuration - 4 (1 of each)
Perimeter [y8]
Area [y8]
Surface Area [y9]
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)
17: Functions & Logarithms (Year 11)
Logarithms [y10]
Logarithmic equations [y10]
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.
Number Patterns
Series
arithmetic, geometric, geometric, addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, squares, cubes, fibonacci
Grids
Include magic squares, but can have a variety of patterns
Tables
Circles
Boxes
Tables
—maybe—
Sequences
Sequence Sum
Nth term for arithmetic and geometric sequences
Odd number out
Worded Problems
Financial Problems
Coins
Total amount
Minimum amount
Amount required
Cost
New cost
Original cost
Savings
Profit and Loss
Simple Interest
Compound Interest
Successive Discounts
Depreciation
Time Problems
Time fraction
New time
Original time
Time conversion
Age problems
Motion Problems
Speed - Average speed, Total speed
Distance - total distance
Time - Average Time, Total time
Locations and directions
Simultaneous worded problems
Probability worded Problems
Ratio problems
Proportion problems
Rates
Average
Distribution remainders
Science Reasoning
Is the last multiple-choice exam. Which for the most part is about interpreting the 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
Drawing Conclusions
Analysis questions around tables or diagrams where a correct answer must be found
Graph Analysis
Various graph problems
Table Analysis
Various table problems
Estimation/Scale
Image & statistic conversion problems
Inclusion/Exclusion
Involves rules, steps or diagrams where not all will apply.
Science Equations
Problems that involve solving expressions via substitution
Potential Topics
1. Biology
Cells
Plant
Animal
Organelle
Photosynthesis
The Chemical Equation for Photosynthesis
Cells
Organelles and their functions
Tissues
Organs
Cell Transport
Body Systems
Respiratory
Nervous system
Neurons
Digestive System
Endocrine System
Excretory System
Circulatory System
Heart areas
Genetics
Punnet Squares
Transcription
DNA to DNA
DNA to RNA
Translation
Evolution
Adaptations
Variation
Natural Selection
Ecosystems
Food webs
Food chains
Diversity
Diseases
Mainstream Diseases - Diabetes, Myopia, Hyperopia, Cancer…
Parasites
Infectious pathways of a pathogen
2. Chemistry
Atomic History & Atoms
Elements & Periodic Table
Periodic table groups
Electron shell configuration
States of matter (Solids Liquids and Gases)
Acids and bases
Reactions
precipitation
combustion
corrosion
3. Physics
Forces
Newton’s Laws
Contact & non-contact
Energy
Heat
Light
Sound
Mechanics
Weights
Levers
Pulleys
Gears
Wheel [2023]
Pipes/Tubes [2023]
Electricity
Circuits
Motors
Kinematics
4: Geology
Rock formation
Sedimentary
Igneous
Metamorphic
Plate tectonics
Cross-sections
Topology - contour lines
5: Astronomy
Bodies in space
Meteors, Asteroids, Comets
Planets
Solar system
Difference in formations between solar systems
Science Analysis & Reporting
A science practical report is provided, and certain questions need to be answered. Normally, it is a basic report and will rely more on your ability to interpret information rather than your science knowledge. This part of the exam is usually answered with an essay.
I do not recall the topic for when I did it back in 2016.
Variable Identification
Independent
Dependent
Control
Precision
Accuracy
Science Interest & Communication
A page of information is provided, sometimes even a paragraph and a question is normally provided. The examinee might choose to respond in either a science report or an informative essay. However, it depends on the topic. Some example questions include “Design an experiment around….”, “Write a letter to scientific peers around this finding” and “How would you deal with issue ‘x’…” etc.
Thinking back the topic for when I did it back in 2016 was around how to stop the coral reef from being damaged by chlorine. They provided a whole bunch of statistics, images, and a page of information.