HAST Sample Questions

The ACER HAST for Year 8–9 entry is typically a four-component package: reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, abstract reasoning, and written expression. Schools may choose a three-component package that omits one section — confirm your child's package with the administering school. The items in the printable pack mirror those component types.

How to use these questions

Ask your child to attempt each question first, then read the worked solution together and discuss where their reasoning matched or differed. One or two questions per session is enough — the goal is to practise explaining method under time pressure.

Sample question — reading inference

Passage: Maya folded the letter twice before placing it in her drawer unopened. When her mother asked about the scholarship result, Maya changed the subject to tomorrow's netball practice.

Question: Which statement is most strongly supported by the passage?

Look for actions that suggest intent. Folding the letter away unopened and changing the topic both point to avoidance. The worked solution in the PDF explains why “Maya is avoiding discussing the scholarship result with her mother” is the best answer.

Sample question — mathematical reasoning

Question: A sequence begins 2, 5, 11, 23, … What is the next number?

Find how each term relates to the previous one. Here, multiply by 2 and add 1: (2×2)+1=5, (5×2)+1=11, (11×2)+1=23. The next term is (23×2)+1 = 47. The PDF includes the full worked solution and common traps.

Sample question — abstract reasoning

Question: Which figure completes the pattern?

Abstract reasoning items test whether your child can spot how shapes, symbols, or numbers change from step to step. The PDF walks through the method: name what changes (shape, shading, rotation, count) before choosing an answer.

How your child can check their own work

Before reading the solutions, ask: “Which option did you eliminate first, and why?” For numerical items, estimate whether the answer should be larger or smaller than the starting numbers. For reading, point to the exact phrase that supports the chosen answer.

Next step

For a wider view of preparation, see our HAST preparation strategies and the Year 8–9 HAST course outline. The downloadable PDF includes sample items across HAST component types with full worked solutions.