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HAST Exam Format

HAST Exam Format for Brisbane State High School 2025

Complete breakdown of the Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) - 3-4 sections, timing, question types, and strategies for Queensland selective school entry

Two HAST Versions

HAST-P (Primary) - Year 5 Students

Duration:110 minutes

Sections:3

Shorter version for Year 5 conditional entry

Reading Comprehension35 min

Analyzing texts, inference, vocabulary

Mathematical Reasoning35 min

Problem-solving, number patterns, logic

Written Expression30 min

Creative or persuasive writing

HAST (Secondary) - Year 6 Students

Duration:140 minutes

Sections:4

Comprehensive version for Year 6 entry

Abstract Reasoning30 min

Pattern recognition, visual-spatial logic

Reading Comprehension35 min

Advanced text analysis, critical reading

Mathematical Reasoning35 min

Complex problem-solving, algebraic thinking

Written Expression30 min

Sophisticated narrative or persuasive writing

Section-by-Section Breakdown

Abstract Reasoning

HAST (Year 6) only

Visual pattern recognition and logical thinking

Question Types:

Complete the sequence (find missing shape)
Odd one out (identify which doesn't belong)
Matrix completion (fill in missing cell)
Pattern recognition (identify transformation rule)

Key Strategies:

• Look for consistent changes: rotation, size, shading, number
• Eliminate obviously wrong answers first
• Check pattern applies to ALL examples
• Don't overthink - patterns are logical, not tricks

Reading Comprehension

Both HAST-P and HAST

Understanding and analyzing various text types

Question Types:

Literal comprehension (what text says)
Inferential (what text implies)
Vocabulary in context
Author's purpose and tone
Main idea and supporting details

Key Strategies:

• Read questions BEFORE passage to know what to focus on
• Underline key information while reading
• Return to text to verify answers
• Eliminate wrong answers systematically

Mathematical Reasoning

Both HAST-P and HAST

Problem-solving and logical thinking with numbers

Key Strategies:

• NO calculator allowed - mental math is essential
• Draw diagrams for word problems
• Check if answer is reasonable
• Learn quick calculation methods

Written Expression

Both HAST-P and HAST

30-minute writing task (creative or persuasive)

Key Strategies:

• Plan before writing - no plan = weak structure
• Use varied sentence structures
• Include sophisticated vocabulary
• Check spelling and grammar in final 5 min

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Limited Offer:10% Off Super PacksSUCCESS10→

HAST Exam Format

HAST Exam Format for Brisbane State High School 2025

Complete breakdown of the Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) - 3-4 sections, timing, question types, and strategies for Queensland selective school entry

Two HAST Versions

HAST-P (Primary) - Year 5 Students

Duration:110 minutes

Sections:3

Shorter version for Year 5 conditional entry

Reading Comprehension35 min

Analyzing texts, inference, vocabulary

Mathematical Reasoning35 min

Problem-solving, number patterns, logic

Written Expression30 min

Creative or persuasive writing

HAST (Secondary) - Year 6 Students

Duration:140 minutes

Sections:4

Comprehensive version for Year 6 entry

Abstract Reasoning30 min

Pattern recognition, visual-spatial logic

Reading Comprehension35 min

Advanced text analysis, critical reading

Mathematical Reasoning35 min

Complex problem-solving, algebraic thinking

Written Expression30 min

Sophisticated narrative or persuasive writing

Section-by-Section Breakdown

Abstract Reasoning

HAST (Year 6) only

Visual pattern recognition and logical thinking

Question Types:

Complete the sequence (find missing shape)
Odd one out (identify which doesn't belong)
Matrix completion (fill in missing cell)
Pattern recognition (identify transformation rule)

Key Strategies:

• Look for consistent changes: rotation, size, shading, number
• Eliminate obviously wrong answers first
• Check pattern applies to ALL examples
• Don't overthink - patterns are logical, not tricks

Reading Comprehension

Both HAST-P and HAST

Understanding and analyzing various text types

Question Types:

Literal comprehension (what text says)
Inferential (what text implies)
Vocabulary in context
Author's purpose and tone
Main idea and supporting details

Key Strategies:

• Read questions BEFORE passage to know what to focus on
• Underline key information while reading
• Return to text to verify answers
• Eliminate wrong answers systematically

Mathematical Reasoning

Both HAST-P and HAST

Problem-solving and logical thinking with numbers

Key Strategies:

• NO calculator allowed - mental math is essential
• Draw diagrams for word problems
• Check if answer is reasonable
• Learn quick calculation methods

Written Expression

Both HAST-P and HAST

30-minute writing task (creative or persuasive)

Key Strategies:

• Plan before writing - no plan = weak structure
• Use varied sentence structures
• Include sophisticated vocabulary
• Check spelling and grammar in final 5 min

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HAST Exam Format for Brisbane State High School 2025

Two HAST Versions

HAST-P (Primary) - Year 5 Students

HAST (Secondary) - Year 6 Students

Section-by-Section Breakdown

Abstract Reasoning

Question Types:

Key Strategies:

Reading Comprehension

Question Types:

Key Strategies:

Mathematical Reasoning

Key Strategies:

Written Expression

Key Strategies:

Australia's #1 Exam Preparation Platform

Free Resources & Tools

Practice Tests & Papers

Test Calculators

Study Resources

HAST Exam Format for Brisbane State High School 2025

Two HAST Versions

HAST-P (Primary) - Year 5 Students

HAST (Secondary) - Year 6 Students

Section-by-Section Breakdown

Abstract Reasoning

Question Types:

Key Strategies:

Reading Comprehension

Question Types:

Key Strategies:

Mathematical Reasoning

Key Strategies:

Written Expression

Key Strategies: