Preparing for the problem solving assessment psa test

Preparing for the Problem Solving Assessment (PSA) Test

CBSE PSA exam is going to be conducted on 20th November 2014

By 15th Sep, 2014 | 01:16 pm

Problem Solving Assessment (PSA) test for the 2014–15 academic year, CBSE PSA exam is going to be conducted on 20^th November 2014. The question paper will be bilingual (English and Hindi).

The PSA test consists of 60 questions and each question carries 1 mark each. There is no negative marking for wrong answers.

There is no specific syllabus for this test. It will assess life skills related to the following elements:

- Language Conventions

- Qualitative Reasoning

- Quantitative Reasoning

These elements will incorporate aspects of 21^st century skills (Creative Thinking, Decision Making, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and Communication) that lead to success at secondary stage. The PSA test would be assessing student’s ability to process, interpret and use information rather than assessing student’s prior subject matter knowledge.

The PSA score will be counted towards FA4, which is 10% of total assessments for Class IX. This score will be reflected equally in one language (English or Hindi), Mathematics, Science and Social Science. Class XI students will be issued a separate certificate for the same.

Students studying in class X and XII in the current session (who appeared for PSA while studying in classes IX and XI during the previous session) and who wish to improve their PSA scores are allowed to do so. Related information may be indicated clearly at the time of submission of list of candidates (LOC) for 2015 annual examination.

Preparing for the Exam

Language Conventions

Assessment in English or Hindi, will contain items that will assess grammar, usage, vocabulary in context and passage – completion. This section consists of 24 questions with at least one passage each based on context and passage completion.

Quantitative Reasoning

The quantitative section of the CBSE PSA is designed in a way to check your analytical and problem solving skills--the 21^st century skills. The section comprises of 18 questions out of which 10 questions are from the reasoning and aptitude part and 8 questions are based on 2 Science passages. For success in this section, a student must be good in mental ability and reasoning. The science based passages generally come from the textbooks students have read in their present or the past classes. Last year, the passages that appeared in the examination were from lenses and atoms. No syllabus is off the track.

The questions that appear in the examination are based on what you have learned in your previous classes and how you implement that information in real life situations. The following topics listed should be prepared for the Quantitative section of the PSA Exam:

- Basic Arithmetic

- Mensuration

- Mathematical Reasoning

- Algebra and Geometry

- Data and Interpretation

- Science (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)

Qualitative Reasoning

Qualitative reasoning consists of 18 questions out of which 12 questions are passage based MCQs and 6 questions are stand-alone MCQs. Questions are usually based on the following topics:

- Logical Diagrams and Reasoning

- Data Interpretation

- Non-Verbal Reasoning

- on-verbal Reasoning

A nominal fee of Rs.100/- per student for appearing for PSA is to be submitted by the school at the time of submission of other details.

- Topper Team