Elizabeth Blackburn Sciences Year 10 & 11 - Exam Guide

Mathematics Exam Format

The Mathematics exam measures year-level appropriate mathematical knowledge, typically one year above the current grade. Quick maths and assumption strategies are essential for managing time during the exam.

• Maths Basics
• Number Theory [y7]
• Fractions [y6]
• Decimals [y6]
• Percentages [y6]
• Ratios [y6]
• BODMAS [y6]
• Ascending and descending order [y6]

1. Algebra - 15-20 Questions

Algebra topics cover a range from simple algebra to more complex factorisation techniques.

• 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 Questions

The Surds section tests the understanding of surds and their operations.

• 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 Questions

• Negative powers [Year 8]
• Fractional powers [Year 9]
• Algebraic expressions involving negative and fractional powers [Year 9]

4. Equations - 5 Questions

• Simple equations [Year 8]
• Inequations [Year 9]
• Number lines [Year 8]
• Formulae [Year 9]
• Literal equations [Year 9]
• Simultaneous equations [Year 9]
• Quadratic equations [Year 9]
• Completing the square [Year 10]
• Quadratic formula [Year 9]
• Cubic equations [Year 10]

5. Linear Relationships - 4 Questions

• Distance formula [Year 8]
• Midpoint formula [Year 8]
• Gradient formula [Year 8]
• Gradient form [Year 8]
• Point-gradient formula [Year 8]
• Two-point formula [Year 8]
• Parallel and perpendicular lines [Year 9]
• Linear graph [Year 8]

6. Non-Linear Relationships - 3 Questions

• Graph Intersection [Year 8]
• Parabolas [Year 8]
• Cubic [Year 9]
• Truncus graphs [Year 10]
• Hyperbola graphs [Year 10]
• Circle graphs [Year 10]
• Exponential graphs [Year 10]

7. Pythagoras Theorem & Trigonometry - 2 Questions

• Pythagoras Theorem [Year 8]
• Pythagorean Triads [Year 8]
• Right-angle trigonometry [Year 8]
• Angle of elevation or depression [Year 8]
• Bearings [Year 9]
• True bearings [Year 9]
• Exact trigonometric ratios [Year 8]
• Graphs of trigonometric functions [Year 11]
• Sine rule [Year 11]
• Cosine rule [Year 11]

8. Geometry - 4 Questions

• Angles [Year 8]
• Parallel line angles [Year 9]
• Angles for triangles [Year 9]
• Angles for quadrilaterals [Year 9]
• Circle geometry [Year 9]
• Similar triangles [Year 9]
• Congruent triangles [Year 9]

9. Probability - 6 Questions

• Theoretical Probability [Year 8]
• Experimental Probability [Year 8]
• Venn diagrams [Year 8]
• Two-way Tables [Year 8]
• Tree diagrams [Year 8]
• Probability with replacement [Year 8]
• Probability without replacement [Year 8]
• Conditional probability [Year 9]
• Permutations and combinations
• Selections and identical terms

10. Statistics - 4 Questions

• Mean, Median, Mode [Year 8]
• Types of Graph [Year 8]
• Interquartile range [Year 9]
• Dot plots [Year 10]
• Stem-and-leaf plots [Year 10]
• Box plots [Year 10]
• Skew [Year 10]

11. Financial Mathematics - 4-8 Questions

• Financial application of percentages [Year 8]
• Tax [Year 8]
• Interest [Year 8]
• Simple interest [Year 9]
• Compound interest [Year 10]
• Depreciation [Year 10]
• Comparison of prices

12. Rates & Proportion - 3 Questions

• Conversion [Year 7]
• Direct Proportion [Year 9]
• Indirect Proportion [Year 9]

13. Mensuration - 4 Questions

• Perimeter [Year 8]
• Area [Year 8]
• Surface Area [Year 9]
• Volume [Year 9]

14. Abstract Reasoning - 1 Question

This section typically includes a question involving a net.

15. Kinematics - 1-3 Questions

16. Sequences and Series - 1-3 Questions

More emphasis on numerical patterns.

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 & Series

This section focuses on various number patterns and series, requiring you to identify and continue patterns.

• Arithmetic Sequences
• Geometric Sequences
• Fibonacci Sequence
• Addition Patterns
• Subtraction Patterns
• Multiplication Patterns
• Division Patterns
• Squares & Cubes

2. Grids & Magic Squares

Grids and magic squares involving various patterns where you must complete or identify the missing elements.

• Magic Squares
• Pattern Grids
• Tables
• Circles
• Boxes

3. Sequences

This section covers sequence sums and identifying the nth term in both arithmetic and geometric sequences.

• Sequence Sum
• Nth Term for Arithmetic Sequences
• Nth Term for Geometric Sequences
• Odd Number Out

4. Worded Problems - Financial

Financial word problems involving calculations of total amounts, costs, savings, and interest.

• Coins
• Total Amount
• Minimum Amount
• Amount Required
• Cost & New Cost
• Original Cost
• Savings
• Profit and Loss
• Simple Interest
• Compound Interest
• Successive Discounts
• Depreciation

5. Worded Problems - Time

Time-related problems requiring calculations of new times, original times, and conversions.

• Time Fraction
• New Time
• Original Time
• Time Conversion
• Age Problems

6. Worded Problems - Motion

Motion-related problems focusing on speed, distance, and time.

• Speed - Average Speed, Total Speed
• Distance - Total Distance
• Time - Average Time, Total Time
• Locations and Directions
• Simultaneous Worded Problems

7. Worded Problems - Probability & Ratios

Probability and ratio problems, including calculations for rates and distributions.

• Probability Worded Problems
• Ratio Problems
• Proportion Problems
• Rates
• Averages
• Distribution Remainders

Science Multiple-Choice Exam Format

The science multiple-choice exam primarily tests your ability to interpret information from various sources. A solid understanding of core scientific concepts across different fields is essential. This section outlines the types of questions and potential topics that may appear.

Question Types

The exam will include various question types that assess your analytical skills and understanding of scientific information.

• Drawing Conclusions - Analysis questions around tables or diagrams where a correct answer must be found.
• Graph Analysis - Various graph problems requiring interpretation of data.
• Table Analysis - Various table problems that test your ability to extract and interpret data.
• Estimation/Scale - Problems involving image and statistic conversion.
• Inclusion/Exclusion - Questions involving rules, steps, or diagrams where not all information will apply.
• Science Equations - Problems involving solving expressions via substitution.

1. Biology

Topics in biology cover various aspects of living organisms and their systems.

• Cells - Plant and Animal cells, Organelles, Photosynthesis (Chemical Equation)
• Tissues and Organs - Functions and structures
• Cell Transport - Mechanisms and processes
• Body Systems - Respiratory, Nervous (Neurons), Digestive, Endocrine, Excretory, Circulatory (Heart areas)
• Genetics - Punnett 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

2. Chemistry

Chemistry topics include the study of matter and its interactions.

• Atomic History & Atoms - Elements, Periodic Table groups, Electron shell configuration
• States of Matter - Solids, Liquids, Gases
• Acids and Bases - Properties and reactions
• Reactions - Precipitation, Combustion, Corrosion

3. Physics

Physics questions cover fundamental concepts of forces, energy, and mechanics.

• Forces - Newton's Laws, Contact & Non-contact forces
• Energy - Heat, Light, Sound
• Mechanics - Weights, Levers, Pulleys, Gears, Wheel [2023], Pipes/Tubes [2023]
• Electricity - Circuits, Motors
• Kinematics - Motion analysis and equations

4. Geology

Geology topics focus on the Earth's physical structure and processes.

• Rock Formation - Sedimentary, Igneous, Metamorphic
• Plate Tectonics - Cross-sections, Topology (Contour lines)

5. Astronomy

Astronomy topics cover celestial bodies and their formations.

• Bodies in Space - Meteors, Asteroids, Comets
• Planets - Solar System, Differences in solar system formations