180 minutes · 120 marks. Every task requires method, evidence, calculation or interpretation, challenge and a reasoned conclusion—answers cannot be guessed from short options.
Some tasks use shared beta scenarios and still need subject-specific authoring and academic review.
Task 1: English language
10 marks
A school, community or employer must make a decision involving english language, but the information provided is incomplete and two stakeholders disagree about the strongest conclusion.
Evidence supplied
- Source A provides a dated quantitative claim but does not explain its sampling method.
- Source B provides a detailed professional account but may reflect one organisation’s interests.
- A new constraint changes one cost, risk or assumption by 10 percent.
Write a reasoned response that selects and applies an appropriate method, uses the evidence precisely, addresses the strongest alternative and reaches a conditional recommendation.
Challenge: State what additional evidence could overturn your conclusion and how you would verify it.
Marking criteria and answer guide
- Method is relevant and explained
- Evidence is interpreted rather than copied
- Calculations, terminology or citations are accurate
- Alternative and uncertainty are addressed
- Conclusion follows from the analysis
- Define the decision and constraints
- Evaluate the reliability and relevance of each source
- Apply the discipline-specific method step by step
- Compare at least two defensible interpretations
- Give a checked conclusion with limitations and next evidence
Task 2: Mathematics
10 marks
A school art group mixes two colours of paint in the ratio 2:7. It plans a 180 L batch, then estimates that 15% of the mixture will be lost during transfer. The ratio applies to the mixture before and after transfer only if both colours are lost in the same proportion.
Evidence supplied
- Colour A : colour B = 2 : 7; planned batch = 180 L.
- Transfer loss = 15% of the whole batch. Assume both colours are lost uniformly.
- A learner claims that subtracting 15 L gives the usable volume and that 2/7 of it is colour A.
Calculate the original volume of each colour, the usable total volume and the usable volume of each colour. Show the ratio-unit and percentage steps with units, and check that both pairs of volumes add to their respective totals.
Challenge: Explain both errors in the learner's claim and what would change if the two colours were lost at different rates.
Marking criteria and answer guide
- 2 marks: nine ratio parts and 20 L per part
- 2 marks: original volumes 40 L and 140 L
- 2 marks: 15% loss is 27 L; usable total 153 L
- 2 marks: usable volumes 34 L and 119 L, with additive checks
- 2 marks: explains percentage-versus-fixed loss, part-to-part versus part-to-whole ratio, and the uniform-loss assumption
- Total ratio parts = 2 + 7 = 9; each part is 180 ÷ 9 = 20 L.
- Before transfer: A = 2 × 20 = 40 L and B = 7 × 20 = 140 L; check 40 + 140 = 180 L.
- Loss = 0.15 × 180 = 27 L, so usable volume = 180 − 27 = 153 L.
- Uniform loss leaves 85% of each colour: A = 0.85 × 40 = 34 L, B = 0.85 × 140 = 119 L; check 34 + 119 = 153 L.
- 15% of 180 is 27 L, not 15 L. A is 2/9 of the whole, not 2/7; 2/7 compares A with B. Unequal losses would change the usable ratio.
Task 3: Integrated science
10 marks
A school, community or employer must make a decision involving integrated science, but the information provided is incomplete and two stakeholders disagree about the strongest conclusion.
Evidence supplied
- Source A provides a dated quantitative claim but does not explain its sampling method.
- Source B provides a detailed professional account but may reflect one organisation’s interests.
- A new constraint changes one cost, risk or assumption by 16 percent.
Write a reasoned response that selects and applies an appropriate method, uses the evidence precisely, addresses the strongest alternative and reaches a conditional recommendation.
Challenge: State what additional evidence could overturn your conclusion and how you would verify it.
Marking criteria and answer guide
- Method is relevant and explained
- Evidence is interpreted rather than copied
- Calculations, terminology or citations are accurate
- Alternative and uncertainty are addressed
- Conclusion follows from the analysis
- Define the decision and constraints
- Evaluate the reliability and relevance of each source
- Apply the discipline-specific method step by step
- Compare at least two defensible interpretations
- Give a checked conclusion with limitations and next evidence
Task 4: Physics foundations
10 marks
A school, community or employer must make a decision involving physics foundations, but the information provided is incomplete and two stakeholders disagree about the strongest conclusion.
Evidence supplied
- Source A provides a dated quantitative claim but does not explain its sampling method.
- Source B provides a detailed professional account but may reflect one organisation’s interests.
- A new constraint changes one cost, risk or assumption by 19 percent.
Write a reasoned response that selects and applies an appropriate method, uses the evidence precisely, addresses the strongest alternative and reaches a conditional recommendation.
Challenge: State what additional evidence could overturn your conclusion and how you would verify it.
Marking criteria and answer guide
- Method is relevant and explained
- Evidence is interpreted rather than copied
- Calculations, terminology or citations are accurate
- Alternative and uncertainty are addressed
- Conclusion follows from the analysis
- Define the decision and constraints
- Evaluate the reliability and relevance of each source
- Apply the discipline-specific method step by step
- Compare at least two defensible interpretations
- Give a checked conclusion with limitations and next evidence
Task 5: Chemistry foundations
10 marks
A school, community or employer must make a decision involving chemistry foundations, but the information provided is incomplete and two stakeholders disagree about the strongest conclusion.
Evidence supplied
- Source A provides a dated quantitative claim but does not explain its sampling method.
- Source B provides a detailed professional account but may reflect one organisation’s interests.
- A new constraint changes one cost, risk or assumption by 22 percent.
Write a reasoned response that selects and applies an appropriate method, uses the evidence precisely, addresses the strongest alternative and reaches a conditional recommendation.
Challenge: State what additional evidence could overturn your conclusion and how you would verify it.
Marking criteria and answer guide
- Method is relevant and explained
- Evidence is interpreted rather than copied
- Calculations, terminology or citations are accurate
- Alternative and uncertainty are addressed
- Conclusion follows from the analysis
- Define the decision and constraints
- Evaluate the reliability and relevance of each source
- Apply the discipline-specific method step by step
- Compare at least two defensible interpretations
- Give a checked conclusion with limitations and next evidence
Task 6: Biology and health
10 marks
A school, community or employer must make a decision involving biology and health, but the information provided is incomplete and two stakeholders disagree about the strongest conclusion.
Evidence supplied
- Source A provides a dated quantitative claim but does not explain its sampling method.
- Source B provides a detailed professional account but may reflect one organisation’s interests.
- A new constraint changes one cost, risk or assumption by 25 percent.
Write a reasoned response that selects and applies an appropriate method, uses the evidence precisely, addresses the strongest alternative and reaches a conditional recommendation.
Challenge: State what additional evidence could overturn your conclusion and how you would verify it.
Marking criteria and answer guide
- Method is relevant and explained
- Evidence is interpreted rather than copied
- Calculations, terminology or citations are accurate
- Alternative and uncertainty are addressed
- Conclusion follows from the analysis
- Define the decision and constraints
- Evaluate the reliability and relevance of each source
- Apply the discipline-specific method step by step
- Compare at least two defensible interpretations
- Give a checked conclusion with limitations and next evidence
A school, community or employer must make a decision involving history, but the information provided is incomplete and two stakeholders disagree about the strongest conclusion.
Evidence supplied
- Source A provides a dated quantitative claim but does not explain its sampling method.
- Source B provides a detailed professional account but may reflect one organisation’s interests.
- A new constraint changes one cost, risk or assumption by 28 percent.
Write a reasoned response that selects and applies an appropriate method, uses the evidence precisely, addresses the strongest alternative and reaches a conditional recommendation.
Challenge: State what additional evidence could overturn your conclusion and how you would verify it.
Marking criteria and answer guide
- Method is relevant and explained
- Evidence is interpreted rather than copied
- Calculations, terminology or citations are accurate
- Alternative and uncertainty are addressed
- Conclusion follows from the analysis
- Define the decision and constraints
- Evaluate the reliability and relevance of each source
- Apply the discipline-specific method step by step
- Compare at least two defensible interpretations
- Give a checked conclusion with limitations and next evidence
Task 8: Geography
10 marks
A school, community or employer must make a decision involving geography, but the information provided is incomplete and two stakeholders disagree about the strongest conclusion.
Evidence supplied
- Source A provides a dated quantitative claim but does not explain its sampling method.
- Source B provides a detailed professional account but may reflect one organisation’s interests.
- A new constraint changes one cost, risk or assumption by 31 percent.
Write a reasoned response that selects and applies an appropriate method, uses the evidence precisely, addresses the strongest alternative and reaches a conditional recommendation.
Challenge: State what additional evidence could overturn your conclusion and how you would verify it.
Marking criteria and answer guide
- Method is relevant and explained
- Evidence is interpreted rather than copied
- Calculations, terminology or citations are accurate
- Alternative and uncertainty are addressed
- Conclusion follows from the analysis
- Define the decision and constraints
- Evaluate the reliability and relevance of each source
- Apply the discipline-specific method step by step
- Compare at least two defensible interpretations
- Give a checked conclusion with limitations and next evidence
Task 9: Civic education
10 marks
A school, community or employer must make a decision involving civic education, but the information provided is incomplete and two stakeholders disagree about the strongest conclusion.
Evidence supplied
- Source A provides a dated quantitative claim but does not explain its sampling method.
- Source B provides a detailed professional account but may reflect one organisation’s interests.
- A new constraint changes one cost, risk or assumption by 34 percent.
Write a reasoned response that selects and applies an appropriate method, uses the evidence precisely, addresses the strongest alternative and reaches a conditional recommendation.
Challenge: State what additional evidence could overturn your conclusion and how you would verify it.
Marking criteria and answer guide
- Method is relevant and explained
- Evidence is interpreted rather than copied
- Calculations, terminology or citations are accurate
- Alternative and uncertainty are addressed
- Conclusion follows from the analysis
- Define the decision and constraints
- Evaluate the reliability and relevance of each source
- Apply the discipline-specific method step by step
- Compare at least two defensible interpretations
- Give a checked conclusion with limitations and next evidence
Task 10: Digital literacy
10 marks
A school, community or employer must make a decision involving digital literacy, but the information provided is incomplete and two stakeholders disagree about the strongest conclusion.
Evidence supplied
- Source A provides a dated quantitative claim but does not explain its sampling method.
- Source B provides a detailed professional account but may reflect one organisation’s interests.
- A new constraint changes one cost, risk or assumption by 37 percent.
Write a reasoned response that selects and applies an appropriate method, uses the evidence precisely, addresses the strongest alternative and reaches a conditional recommendation.
Challenge: State what additional evidence could overturn your conclusion and how you would verify it.
Marking criteria and answer guide
- Method is relevant and explained
- Evidence is interpreted rather than copied
- Calculations, terminology or citations are accurate
- Alternative and uncertainty are addressed
- Conclusion follows from the analysis
- Define the decision and constraints
- Evaluate the reliability and relevance of each source
- Apply the discipline-specific method step by step
- Compare at least two defensible interpretations
- Give a checked conclusion with limitations and next evidence
Task 11: Creative arts
10 marks
A school, community or employer must make a decision involving creative arts, but the information provided is incomplete and two stakeholders disagree about the strongest conclusion.
Evidence supplied
- Source A provides a dated quantitative claim but does not explain its sampling method.
- Source B provides a detailed professional account but may reflect one organisation’s interests.
- A new constraint changes one cost, risk or assumption by 40 percent.
Write a reasoned response that selects and applies an appropriate method, uses the evidence precisely, addresses the strongest alternative and reaches a conditional recommendation.
Challenge: State what additional evidence could overturn your conclusion and how you would verify it.
Marking criteria and answer guide
- Method is relevant and explained
- Evidence is interpreted rather than copied
- Calculations, terminology or citations are accurate
- Alternative and uncertainty are addressed
- Conclusion follows from the analysis
- Define the decision and constraints
- Evaluate the reliability and relevance of each source
- Apply the discipline-specific method step by step
- Compare at least two defensible interpretations
- Give a checked conclusion with limitations and next evidence
Task 12: Physical education and wellbeing
10 marks
A school, community or employer must make a decision involving physical education and wellbeing, but the information provided is incomplete and two stakeholders disagree about the strongest conclusion.
Evidence supplied
- Source A provides a dated quantitative claim but does not explain its sampling method.
- Source B provides a detailed professional account but may reflect one organisation’s interests.
- A new constraint changes one cost, risk or assumption by 43 percent.
Write a reasoned response that selects and applies an appropriate method, uses the evidence precisely, addresses the strongest alternative and reaches a conditional recommendation.
Challenge: State what additional evidence could overturn your conclusion and how you would verify it.
Marking criteria and answer guide
- Method is relevant and explained
- Evidence is interpreted rather than copied
- Calculations, terminology or citations are accurate
- Alternative and uncertainty are addressed
- Conclusion follows from the analysis
- Define the decision and constraints
- Evaluate the reliability and relevance of each source
- Apply the discipline-specific method step by step
- Compare at least two defensible interpretations
- Give a checked conclusion with limitations and next evidence