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Maths PISA tasks

Information about PISA

The MoE has given NZCER permission to reproduce some assessment tasks released from the PISA Maths literacy study.  

Mathematical literacy and its assessment

Mathematical literacy is defined in PISA as:

The capacity to identify, to understand, and to engage in mathematics and make well-founded judgements about the role that mathematics plays, as needed for an individual's current and future private life, occupations life, social life with peers and relatives, and life as a constructive, concerned, and reflective citizen.

In mathematics literacy there were a number of units, each presenting a situation or problem on which students were set several questions or tasks. Different combinations of diagrams and written information introduced each unit. About two-thirds of the tasks were in a form that could be marked unambiguously as correct or incorrect. Students demonstrated their proficiency by answering problems correctly and showing whether they understood the underlying mathematical principles involved in the task. For more complex tasks students could gain full or partial credit.

Maths PISA tasks
PISA tasks can be accessed using the keyword "pisa" or by clicking on the resource number below.

AL6139

Students identify the number sequences, find the intersection, and compare future growth rates of two algebraic expressions.

AL6149

Students interpret a line graph to answer four multiple-choice questions about a car along a racing track.

GM4170

Students identify which of five triangles fits a given description.

GM5114

Students use a model of a pyramid to calculate the area of the base and the length of one line segment joining mid-points of sides.

MS2170

Students use a scale map to estimate the area of Antarctica and explain their method.

 

Sample test items from PISA

These tests demonstrate the kinds of test items that are used in the PISA assessment.

PISA maths items are presented as three separate 'sub-tests'. The items were originally designed for use in a pencil and paper test, and have been adapted slightly for presentation in this computer-based format. Select the sub-test you want to look at.

 

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