What are the Tests?

Each applicant will write FOUR tests: The Placement Test in English for Educational Purposes (PTEEP); The Reasoning Test (RT); the Mathematics Comprehension Test (MCOM); and the Mathematics Achievement Test (MACH). The MCOM and MACH scores will not be used for applicants to Free State University. All applicants must, however, write all four tests.

1. The Placement Test In English For Educational Purposes (PTEEP): 2¼ hrs
2. Mathematics Comprehension Test (MCOM): 1½ hrs
3. Mathematics Achievement Test (MACH): 1½ hrs
4. Reasoning Test (RT): 1¼ hrs.

 The Placement Test in English for Educational Purposes (PTEEP)

The PTEEP is an English language test. The test provides opportunities for candidates to engage with and manipulate texts before they are required to produce any extended pieces of writing. The PTEEP tests:

•  Understanding basic numerical concepts expressed in text.
• Drawing conclusions derived from texts, seeing trends.
• Understanding ideas/information in a text; implied but not explicitly stated.
• Separating the main idea from supporting detail, statement from example, fact from opinion, etc.
• Detailed reading for meaning, at sentence level and at discourse level.
• Understanding the communicative function of sentences with or without explicit indicators, such as definition, exemplification, exhortation, argument/persuasion.
• Interpreting graphs, tables, diagrams, maps, flow-charts.
• Understanding metaphorical expression.
• Understanding text genre, including audience, purpose, etc.
• Using macro features of text such as headings and illustrations to get the gist of a passage, locating particular pieces of information.
• Understanding the importance of ‘own voice’ (including ‘ownership’ of ideas) and/or creativity of thought and expression.


 The Mathematics Comprehension Test (MCOM)

There are two topics in this test that are outside the school syllabus and the subject matter is taught by means of carefully graded questions. Each topic is allocated 45 minutes. Prior knowledge assumed is Mathematics at the Grade 9 level including:

• Basic arithmetic manipulation viz addition, multiplication, subtraction, division, raising to a power and finding roots. The aforementioned operations applied to integers, mixed fractions, improper fractions and decimal fractions.
• Ratio, proportion, percentages, as well as basic statistics such as finding the average (mean), and representation of data in various formats.
• Basic algebraic manipulation viz addition, multiplication, subtraction, division, raising to a power and finding roots and the aforementioned operations applied to integers, polynomials, exponential and literal expressions.

 Mathematics Achievement Test (MACH)

This test is designed to test Mathematical competency at school-based Mathematics. It is based on knowledge in the South African matriculation examination. Thus, it is based on, but not confined to, the Mathematics Standard Grade syllabus. The test consists of 30 - 40 multiple-choice questions. Prior knowledge assumed is:

• Basic arithmetic and algebraic manipulation
• Ratio, proportion, percentages and basic statistics.
• Formulae for perimeter, area, surface area and volume.
• Functions and functional notation.
• Solving equalities and inequalities.
• Trigonometry.
• Euclidean geometry.
• Co-ordinate or analytical geometry.
• Graphs.
• Differential Calculus.
• Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences

Reasoning Test (RT)

The RT assesses a student’s capacity to think scientifically, and be analytical and critical in the manner expected of a university student. It achieves this by assessing the student’s capacity to:

• Think consistently and logically
• Assess probabilities
• Assess evidence for a claim
• Make predictions based on evidence
• State what s/he thinks might happen

 How do I prepare for the tests?

No special preparation is required for any of the AARP tests.
Do keep in mind the usual commonsense advice given to students who are about to take a test: get adequate sleep the night before. Don’t drastically change your routine on the morning of the test. Avoid having to rush things at the last minute. Prepare in a way which works best for you.