HAST Sample Questions with Worked Solutions
The HAST (Higher Ability Selection Test) rewards reasoning under time, not memorised facts. Below are six HAST-style questions across its three multiple-choice components, each with a full worked solution.
What the HAST is like
- Multiple choice with five options per question (plus written tasks).
- Three MC components: Reading Comprehension, Mathematical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning.
- Tightly timed — reading carefully and moving quickly both matter.
Try each question first, then open the solution.
6 practice questions
In a story, a character folds a letter carefully, puts it in a drawer, and never mentions it again. What does this most suggest about the character?
- A.They had forgotten the letter existed
- B.The letter mattered to them but they chose not to discuss it
- C.They were angry at whoever sent it
- D.They planned to reply the next day
- E.The letter was unimportant junk mail
Answer & worked solution
Answer: B) The letter mattered to them but they chose not to discuss it
Handling it carefully and keeping it — yet never mentioning it — shows it mattered but they chose silence. That rules out forgetting, anger, a reply plan, or junk mail. (Reading Comprehension.)
An advertisement describes a new phone's features for two pages, then adds in tiny print at the bottom: “battery sold separately.” Why is that line in tiny print?
- A.Because the battery is not important
- B.To warn buyers the phone is faulty
- C.To keep attention on the phone, not the extra cost
- D.Because there was no space left
- E.To make the advertisement look longer
Answer & worked solution
Answer: C) To keep attention on the phone, not the extra cost
Big, prominent features paired with a tiny caveat is a deliberate choice to downplay the added cost — not a warning, a lack of space, or padding. (Reading Comprehension.)
A water tank is 3/5 full. After 40 litres are added, it is 4/5 full. How many litres does the full tank hold?
- A.150
- B.180
- C.200
- D.220
- E.250
Answer & worked solution
Answer: C) 200
Adding 40 L raised the level by one fifth (3/5 → 4/5). So 1/5 = 40 L, and the full tank = 5 × 40 = 200 L. (Mathematical Reasoning.)
Sami is twice as old as Ana. In 6 years, Sami will be 1.5 times Ana's age. How old is Ana now?
- A.4
- B.5
- C.6
- D.8
- E.12
Answer & worked solution
Answer: C) 6
Let Ana = a, Sami = 2a. In 6 years: 2a + 6 = 1.5(a + 6) → 2a + 6 = 1.5a + 9 → 0.5a = 3 → a = 6. (Mathematical Reasoning.)
A pattern of dots grows like this: 2, 6, 12, 20, … How many dots are in the next figure?
- A.26
- B.28
- C.30
- D.32
- E.36
Answer & worked solution
Answer: C) 30
The gaps grow by 2 each time (4, 6, 8, then 10), so the next figure has 20 + 10 = 30 dots. (Abstract / pattern reasoning.)
A shape rotates 90° clockwise at each step. If it starts pointing UP, which way is it pointing after 3 steps?
- A.Up
- B.Right
- C.Down
- D.Left
- E.Back to a diagonal
Answer & worked solution
Answer: D) Left
90° clockwise each step: up → right → down → left. After 3 steps it points left. (Abstract reasoning.)
Abstract Reasoning on the real test uses picture-based options (choose the figure that fits). The full figure-based abstract section is in the practice paper below.
Want a full timed paper? Try PrepPath HAST-style practice — Reading, Mathematical Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning, each question explained, with an AI tutor. See also how to prepare for the HAST.
PrepPath is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with ACARA or the NSW Department of Education. This guide is general information only — always check the official ACARA (nap.edu.au) or NSW Department of Education websites for current dates and rules.