The recent introduction of a new reading question type for the Opportunity Class (OC) and Selective High School placement tests has reshaped the literacy skills students must demonstrate. This assessment change reflects a broader shift toward evaluating critical thinking, inference, and the ability to interpret information in more complex ways. For parents and students, understanding how this new question type works, and how to prepare effectively has become essential. 

What Is the New Reading Question Type? 

The updated reading component now includes a question format designed to measure deeper comprehension. Rather than selecting answers based solely on literal information, students are required to: 

• Interpret implied meanings 

• Evaluate the author’s reasoning or intent 

• Integrate information from multiple parts of a text 

• Apply logic to reach a supported conclusion 

This style reflects modern literacy expectations, where students must do more than recall facts, they must analyse, connect, and justify. As a result, traditional preparation methods that rely heavily on memorisation or repetitive practice with old-style questions are no longer sufficient. 

Why This Change Matters 

The OC and Selective Tests are designed to identify high-potential learners capable of advanced academic reasoning. The new reading question type elevates the level of cognitive demand, ensuring students are evaluated on skills that align with gifted education standards. 

Key abilities now under closer scrutiny include: 

• Abstract reasoning 

• Advanced vocabulary application 

• Textual interpretation 

• Critical response to unfamiliar material 

In practical terms, this means students must learn to think beyond what is on the page and defend their interpretations using text-based evidence. 

How Students Should Adjust Their Preparation 

To succeed under the new format, preparation must become more strategic and skills focused. Recommendations include: 

1. Shift from Passive Reading to Active Reading

Students should practise highlighting key ideas, identifying purpose, and predicting meaning. Encouraging active engagement with text builds stronger comprehension foundations. 

2. Practise Higher-Order Questioning

Exposure to questions that begin with “Why,” “How,” or “What is the author suggesting…” helps students become comfortable with inferential thinking. 

3. Work with Varied Text Types

Literary excerpts, persuasive pieces, informational articles, and narratives all feature in the assessment. Students should develop adaptability across genres. 

4. Build Stamina and Precision

The new reading demands require focus and accuracy under timed conditions. Consistent practice is vital to reduce errors caused by rushing or misinterpretation. 

5. Prioritise Explanation and Justification

As reasoning becomes central to scoring, students should be trained to justify answers based on textual evidence, even in multiple-choice contexts. 

The Role of Expert Instruction 

Structured literacy development, paired with critical thinking training, gives students a significant advantage. Expert-led programs, such as those offered by Global Education Academy, are designed to strengthen cognitive skills, improve comprehension accuracy, and ensure students are prepared for the evolving requirements of OC and Selective assessments. 

Final Thoughts 

The introduction of the new reading question type signals a clear evolution in how student capability is measured. By focusing on analytical reading skills, inference, and reasoning, the tests now better reflect the academic demands of gifted learning environments. With the right preparation strategy, students can not only adapt to these changes but excel in them.