HAST Year 8–9 vocabulary list

This list targets vocabulary that appears in the ACER Higher Ability Selection Test (HAST) for Year 8–9 entry. Secondary HAST reading and written expression reward precise word choice, inference, and analysis — not spelling lists from school.

Five-day revision routine

Day	Focus	What to do
Monday	Reading and interpretation	Learn four words; each child writes one sentence.
Tuesday	Abstract patterns and logic	Learn four words; parent reads example aloud.
Wednesday	Argument and analysis	Learn four words; explain each in your own words.
Thursday	Quantity and measure	Learn four words; match each to a maths or science context.
Friday	Character and tone	Learn four words; recall test — no list visible.

Sample words from the printable pack

The downloadable PDF includes 100 words grouped by theme. Here is a sample from the reading and interpretation group:

• analyse — examine in detail to explain meaning
• connotation — an idea suggested by a word, beyond its dictionary meaning
• infer — draw a conclusion from evidence in the text
• tone — the author's attitude toward the subject

Each entry in the full pack includes a plain meaning and an example sentence your child can model.

Check understanding, not recognition

HAST reading items often test whether your child can notice tone, argument, and subtle meaning — not whether they have memorised a list. After each theme, pick three words and ask: “Can you use this in a sentence about a passage?” or “What is the opposite?” Short, spoken checks beat copying definitions.

Next step

For exam format and section timing, see our HAST preparation hub. The printable pack includes the full 100-word list. For structured weekly preparation, see the HAST Year 8–9 course outline.