Free Practice
Free ASET Sample Questions — Practice for the WA Selective Entrance Test
Sample questions across all four ASET sections — Abstract Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Writing — with answers and explanations. Written in the style and difficulty of the real WA ASET.
Abstract Reasoning
Abstract Reasoning tests pattern recognition and logical thinking. It is non-verbal — no reading or maths required. Students have 20 minutes for 35 questions. Read our AR guide.
Abstract Reasoning — Sample Question 1
A sequence of shapes follows the rule: each shape gains one side compared to the previous shape. If the sequence starts with a triangle, what is the 5th shape in the sequence?
- A. Pentagon
- B. Hexagon
- C. Heptagon ✓
- D. Octagon
Explanation: Triangle (3 sides) → Square (4) → Pentagon (5) → Hexagon (6) → Heptagon (7). The 5th shape is a Heptagon.
Abstract Reasoning — Sample Question 2
In a 3×3 grid, each row and column contains exactly one circle, one square, and one triangle. The top row has: circle, ?, triangle. The middle row has: square, triangle, ?. What is in the bottom-left cell?
- A. Circle
- B. Square ✓
- C. Triangle
- D. Cannot tell
Explanation: Column 1 must contain circle, square, triangle. Top-left = circle, middle-left = square, so bottom-left = triangle.
Abstract Reasoning — Sample Question 3
If ▲ = 3, ■ = 5, and ● = 7, what is the value of ▲ + ■ × ●?
- A. 56
- B. 38 ✓
- C. 75
- D. 105
Explanation: Apply order of operations: ■ × ● = 5 × 7 = 35, then + ▲ = 35 + 3 = 38.
Quantitative Reasoning
QR is calculator-free maths and data reasoning. Students have 35 minutes for 35 questions. Topics include fractions, ratios, percentages, algebra, geometry and data interpretation. Read our QR guide.
Quantitative Reasoning — Sample Question 4
A school canteen sells sandwiches for $4.50 and drinks for $2.00. Jake buys 2 sandwiches and 3 drinks. How much change does he receive from $20?
- A. $4.00
- B. $5.00 ✓
- C. $6.00
- D. $7.00
Explanation: 2 × $4.50 = $9.00. 3 × $2.00 = $6.00. Total = $15.00. Change = $20.00 − $15.00 = $5.00.
Quantitative Reasoning — Sample Question 5
In a class of 30 students, 40% play tennis. Of those who play tennis, 25% also play chess. How many students play both tennis and chess?
- A. 3 ✓
- B. 5
- C. 8
- D. 12
Explanation: 40% of 30 = 12 play tennis. 25% of 12 = 3 play both tennis and chess.
Quantitative Reasoning — Sample Question 6
A rectangular garden is 15 m long and 8 m wide. A path 1 m wide runs around the inside edge. What is the area of the path?
- A. 42 m² ✓
- B. 44 m²
- C. 46 m²
- D. 48 m²
Explanation: Garden area = 15 × 8 = 120 m². The path is 1 m wide on all sides, so the inner lawn is (15 − 2) × (8 − 2) = 13 × 6 = 78 m². Path area = 120 − 78 = 42 m².
Reading Comprehension
RC has 4 passages and 30 questions in 30 minutes. Passage types include informational, narrative, opinion, and diagram-based texts. Read our RC guide.
Reading Passage
The introduced species problem is one of conservation biology's hardest puzzles. When a species moves beyond its native range — often because of human activity — it can disrupt ecosystems that evolved for thousands of years without it. Not all introduced species become invasive: most struggle and fail. But the minority that do establish can spread with startling speed, freed from the predators and diseases that kept them in check at home. In Western Australia, the European carp (Cyprinus carpio) has transformed river systems. Unlike native species, carp disturb sediment while feeding, clouding water and destroying the aquatic plants that other species depend on for shelter and breeding. Attempts to control carp populations using electrofishing and netting have had limited success at scale.
Reading Comprehension — Sample Question 7
According to the passage, why can introduced species spread rapidly in a new environment?
- A. They are naturally faster than native species
- B. They lack the predators and diseases that controlled them at home ✓
- C. They adapt their behaviour to suit the new ecosystem
- D. They receive assistance from humans after introduction
Explanation: The passage states introduced species can spread quickly because they are "freed from the predators and diseases that kept them in check at home."
Reading Comprehension — Sample Question 8
What does the word "established" (paragraph 1) most likely mean in this context?
- A. Formed a legal organisation
- B. Become well known in a region
- C. Taken hold and begun to survive successfully ✓
- D. Built permanent structures
Explanation: "Established" here means the introduced species has taken hold and begun to survive successfully in the new environment — not literally constructed anything.
Reading Comprehension — Sample Question 9
What is the author's main point about introduced species?
- A. All introduced species eventually harm their new ecosystems
- B. European carp are the most damaging introduced species in Australia
- C. While most introductions fail, the ones that succeed can cause serious disruption ✓
- D. Electrofishing is an ineffective conservation technique
Explanation: The author's central argument spans both paragraphs: most introductions fail, but successful ones can "disrupt ecosystems" — using carp as a specific example.
Written Expression
Writing is 25 minutes, one prompt. Scored 0–24 across Ideas, Text Structure, Language & Vocabulary, and Conventions (6 pts each). Read our Writing guide.
Written Expression — Persuasive Prompt
""All Year 5 and 6 students should be taught basic cooking skills at school." Write a persuasive text arguing for or against this statement."
Strategy tip: Use three clear arguments. Each argument paragraph = one claim + evidence + explanation. End with a strong call to action.
Written Expression — Narrative Prompt
"Write a story that begins with: "The door at the end of the corridor had always been locked — until today.""
Strategy tip: Establish a character goal in the first paragraph. Build tension through obstacles. Resolve clearly but avoid "it was all a dream" endings.
Written Expression — Informative Prompt
"Explain how the water cycle works and why it is important for life on Earth."
Strategy tip: Use precise scientific vocabulary. Organise clearly: introduction → stages of the cycle → why it matters. Use linking words between paragraphs.
How to use these practice questions
Attempt each question independently before reading the explanation.
Time yourself — the real ASET is roughly 1 minute per question across all sections.
For every question you get wrong, read the explanation and identify which skill is missing — then go back to the relevant section guide.
For Writing prompts, write a timed response and then evaluate it against the four marking dimensions.
Once comfortable with the skill, practise full timed sections rather than individual questions.
Frequently asked questions
- Are these the real ASET questions?
- No. The WA DoE does not publish past ASET papers. These are practice questions written to the same style and difficulty as the ASET, based on the official test format. They are designed to build the skills tested in the real exam.
- How hard are ASET questions compared to school?
- ASET questions are noticeably harder than typical Year 5–6 classroom work, particularly in Abstract Reasoning and QR. The top 10% of students nationally can expect the harder questions to challenge them.
- What is the best way to practise for the ASET?
- Work through all four section types regularly, under timed conditions once you have learned the skill sets. Identifying your weakest section early (usually QR or RC) and targeting it gives the highest TSS gains.
- Is there a writing mark scheme for ASET?
- Yes. Writing is marked on a 24-point rubric across four dimensions: Ideas (6 pts), Text Structure (6 pts), Language and Vocabulary (6 pts), and Conventions (6 pts).