How we write and check our questions

1. Written to the current format

We follow the structure the NSW Department of Education publishes for the computer-based tests: section lengths, timing, number of options and the kinds of questions in each section. We use the department's free practice tests to understand the style, but we never copy their questions.

2. Original material

Every story, poem, article and question on this site is written for Smart Selective. Diagrams are drawn by code rather than copied from anywhere. We use AI writing tools to help draft and organise questions, and every question then goes through the checks below.

3. Every question explains itself

Each question has a worked solution, a note explaining why each wrong option is wrong, a skill tag and a difficulty level. Many also include a short tip for parents.

4. Automatic checks

• Maths answers are recalculated by code, and the check fails if the correct option does not match, or if another option also matches.
• Spatial pictures are generated from the rule. For turns, reflections, paper folding and cube nets, a program draws the correct answer from the original shape, so the picture marked correct is always correct.
• Every question must have exactly one correct option, distinct options and a reason for every wrong option.
• Each mock test is checked against the official structure (for example, 14 Reading questions with 33 answers in the OC test).

5. Independent re-solving

Before publishing, each question is solved again without looking at the answer key. Any disagreement is investigated and the question is fixed or removed.

6. You can report errors

Every explanation has a “Report an error” link. Reports go straight to us, and we aim to fix confirmed errors the same day. Report an error.