OLNA Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A text about saving money uses 'you' throughout, such as 'You can cut your grocery bill by planning meals.' What effect does this have?

It speaks directly to the reader and feels personal (Correct answer)
It makes the text fictional
It shows the writer is unsure
It makes the text more formal

Correct answer: It speaks directly to the reader and feels personal

Second-person address makes readers feel the advice applies to them.

Question 2: Which option best combines the following two sentences into one clear and effective sentence? 'The team celebrated their victory. They had trained hard all season.'

The team, who had trained hard all season, celebrated their victory. (Correct answer)
The team celebrated their victory, they had trained hard all season.
The team celebrated their victory, also they had trained hard all season.
The team celebrated their victory and trained hard all season.

Correct answer: The team, who had trained hard all season, celebrated their victory.

This option correctly uses a non-restrictive clause ('who had trained hard all season') to add extra information, creating a sophisticated and fluent sentence. Option A is a comma splice, a common grammatical error. [3, 17] Option B changes the original meaning by suggesting the training happened at the same time as the celebration. Option D uses 'also' incorrectly.

Question 3: The line graph below shows the number of visitors to a regional museum each month over a year. (Graph shows months Jan-Dec on the x-axis and 'Number of Visitors' from 0 to 6000 on the y-axis. Data points are approximately: Jan-3000, Feb-3500, Mar-4500, Apr-5000, May-4000, Jun-2000, Jul-1500, Aug-2000, Sep-3000, Oct-3500, Nov-4000, Dec-5500.) During which period did the museum experience the sharpest decline in visitor numbers?

August to September
November to December
May to July (Correct answer)
March to April

Correct answer: May to July

To find the sharpest decline, look for the steepest downward slope on the line graph. [3] From May (4000 visitors) to July (1500 visitors), the number of visitors dropped by 2500 over two months. The drop from May to June alone was 2000 visitors (4000 to 2000). Other periods show either an increase or a smaller decline.

Question 4: Read the following sentence: 'The citys main attraction, the old clock tower, is currently under repair.' Which word contains a punctuation error?

tower,
citys (Correct answer)
attraction,
under

Correct answer: citys

The word 'citys' requires an apostrophe to show possession. Since the city possesses the main attraction, the correct form is 'city's'.

Question 5: A recipe for concrete requires cement, sand, and gravel in the ratio of 1:2:4. If a builder uses 10 bags of sand, how many bags of gravel will be needed?

5 bags
10 bags
40 bags
20 bags (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 20 bags

The ratio of sand to gravel is 2:4. This can be simplified to 1:2, meaning for every one part of sand, two parts of gravel are needed. If the builder uses 10 bags of sand, they will need twice that amount of gravel, which is 10 x 2 = 20 bags.

Question 6: A movie starts at 7:45 PM and has a runtime of 130 minutes. There are no advertisements or trailers. At what time will the movie finish?

10:15 PM
10:05 PM
9:55 PM (Correct answer)
9:15 PM

Correct answer: 9:55 PM

The runtime of 130 minutes is equal to 2 hours and 10 minutes (since 130 ÷ 60 = 2 with a remainder of 10). Add 2 hours to the start time of 7:45 PM to get 9:45 PM. Then, add the remaining 10 minutes to get the final time of 9:55 PM.

Question 7: A bar chart displays the number of goals scored by four soccer players during a season. The values are: Alex - 18 goals, Ben - 24 goals, Chloe - 15 goals, and David - 21 goals. What is the average (mean) number of goals scored by these four players?

19.5 (Correct answer)
21
78
18

Correct answer: 19.5

To find the average (mean), first add the total number of goals scored by all players: 18 + 24 + 15 + 21 = 78. Then, divide this total by the number of players, which is 4. Calculation: 78 / 4 = 19.5. The average number of goals scored is 19.5.

Question 8: Which of the following sentences correctly uses an apostrophe to show a contraction?

Its important to check your work for errors.
The dog wagged it's tail excitedly.
Your going to do well on the assessment.
They're planning to visit the museum tomorrow. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: They're planning to visit the museum tomorrow.

The word 'They're' is the correct contraction for 'They are'. 'Its' is possessive, 'Your' should be 'You're' (you are), and 'it's' (it is) is needed in the last option, not the possessive 'its'.

Question 9: Which reading strategy best helps a reader make an inference?

Combining text clues with prior knowledge (Correct answer)
Counting the number of paragraphs
Skipping unfamiliar words
Reading only the first sentence of each paragraph

Correct answer: Combining text clues with prior knowledge

Inferences are made by combining what the text states with what the reader already knows from experience.

Question 10: A cartoon depicts a politician with an exceptionally long nose, similar to Pinocchio. What is the cartoonist most likely implying?

The politician is being dishonest. (Correct answer)
The politician has a unique facial feature.
The politician is a fan of classic fairy tales.
The politician is known for telling the truth.

Correct answer: The politician is being dishonest.

This is an example of allusion, where the cartoon references the well-known story of Pinocchio, whose nose grew longer when he lied. The cartoonist uses this visual shorthand to imply that the politician is not being truthful.

Question 11: Which of the following sentences uses commas correctly?

The tour guide, a cheerful and knowledgeable woman pointed out several historical landmarks.
The tour guide a cheerful, and knowledgeable woman, pointed out several historical landmarks.
The tour guide, a cheerful and knowledgeable woman, pointed out several historical landmarks. (Correct answer)
The tour guide a cheerful and knowledgeable woman pointed out several historical landmarks.

Correct answer: The tour guide, a cheerful and knowledgeable woman, pointed out several historical landmarks.

The phrase 'a cheerful and knowledgeable woman' is an appositive, which provides extra information about the noun 'tour guide'. Appositives must be set off from the rest of the sentence by commas.

Question 12: A council flyer reads: "Please place recycling bins on the curb by 6 a.m. Bins placed later may not be collected." What can be concluded?

Recycling is collected every day
The council no longer collects general waste
Collection trucks may pass early in the morning (Correct answer)
Residents will be fined for late bins

Correct answer: Collection trucks may pass early in the morning

The 6 a.m. deadline and warning imply trucks come early and may miss late bins.

Question 13: In the sentence 'The researcher compiled a comprehensive report covering every aspect of the problem,' what does 'comprehensive' mean?

Covering everything completely (Correct answer)
Brief and to the point
Difficult to understand
Poorly organized

Correct answer: Covering everything completely

'Comprehensive' means covering all aspects completely, which is directly supported by the phrase 'covering every aspect of the problem.'

Question 14: Which of the following is a sentence fragment?

Running through the park on a sunny afternoon. (Correct answer)
Go to the store.
After the storm passed, the sky cleared.
The cat slept peacefully.

Correct answer: Running through the park on a sunny afternoon.

A sentence fragment is an incomplete sentence because it lacks a subject, a verb, or a complete thought. [8, 19] 'Running through the park on a sunny afternoon' is a phrase that lacks a subject (who is running?) and does not express a complete idea, making it a fragment. [5] The other options are all complete sentences.

Question 15: Which sentence is grammatically correct and avoids a run-on error?

The storm raged all night, the power went out for three hours.
The storm raged all night, and the power went out for three hours but it came back on.
The storm raged all night the power went out for three hours.
The storm raged all night. The power went out for three hours. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The storm raged all night. The power went out for three hours.

This option correctly separates two independent clauses (complete thoughts) into two distinct sentences using a full stop. The other options either create a comma splice (joining two independent clauses with only a comma) or a fused sentence (no punctuation between clauses).

Question 16: A weather forecast predicts a 75% chance of rain on Tuesday, a 1/2 chance of rain on Wednesday, and a 0.8 chance of rain on Thursday. On which day is it most likely to rain?

Thursday (Correct answer)
Wednesday
Tuesday
The chance is equal on all days

Correct answer: Thursday

To compare the likelihoods, convert all probabilities to the same format (e.g., decimals or percentages). Tuesday: 75% = 0.75. Wednesday: 1/2 = 0.50. Thursday: 0.8 = 0.80. The highest value is 0.80, which means Thursday is the most likely day for rain.

Question 17: Read this sentence: 'The old building had deteriorated over the years, with crumbling walls and broken windows.' What does 'deteriorated' mean?

Grown larger and more impressive
Been painted and restored
Become worse or broken down over time (Correct answer)
Been renovated and improved

Correct answer: Become worse or broken down over time

'Deteriorated' means to become worse in condition over time, supported by the clues 'crumbling walls and broken windows.'

Question 18: Read the following sentences. Which transition word would best link the two ideas? 'Many students find exams stressful. __________, developing good study habits can significantly reduce this anxiety.'

In addition
For example
However (Correct answer)
Therefore

Correct answer: However

The second sentence presents a contrasting idea or a solution to the problem mentioned in the first sentence. 'However' is the most appropriate transition word to show this contrast or turn. 'Therefore' shows a result, 'For example' introduces an example, and 'In addition' adds similar information.

Question 19: Read this excerpt: 'The new employee was initially apprehensive about starting the job, but her nervousness faded after a friendly welcome from her colleagues.' What does 'apprehensive' mean?

Anxious and worried (Correct answer)
Excited and enthusiastic
Confident and prepared
Angry and frustrated

Correct answer: Anxious and worried

'Apprehensive' means feeling anxious or worried, which is confirmed by the synonym 'nervousness' used later in the sentence.

Question 20: A student has written the following sentences for a paragraph. Which sentence should come FIRST to create a logical paragraph? 1. For example, they can filter pollutants from the water and provide habitats for numerous species. 2. They also act as a natural barrier, protecting coastlines from storm surges. 3. Coastal mangrove forests are crucial for environmental health. 4. This protective quality is essential for many coastal communities.

Sentence 2
Sentence 3 (Correct answer)
Sentence 4
Sentence 1

Correct answer: Sentence 3

Sentence 3 is the topic sentence. It introduces the main idea of the paragraph – the importance of mangrove forests. [21] The other sentences provide specific examples and supporting details (like filtering pollutants and acting as barriers) that logically follow and support this main idea. A well-structured paragraph begins with a clear topic sentence. [1, 10]

Question 21: Read the following text: 'Are you tired of slow internet speeds? Our new fibre optic network delivers lightning-fast downloads, seamless streaming, and reliable connections for your whole family. Make the switch today and experience the internet as it was meant to be!' What is the primary purpose of this text?

To inform readers about how fibre optic technology works.
To persuade readers to switch to a new internet service. (Correct answer)
To instruct readers on how to install a new network.
To narrate a story about a family's internet problems.

Correct answer: To persuade readers to switch to a new internet service.

The text's primary purpose is to persuade. [15] It uses persuasive techniques such as a rhetorical question ('Are you tired of...?'), highlights benefits ('lightning-fast downloads'), and includes a direct call to action ('Make the switch today'). The goal is to convince the reader to take a specific action. [6]

Question 22: A school newsletter reports that library visits doubled after the library began opening during lunch breaks. Which inference is most reasonable?

The library bought many new books
Students dislike reading in class
Teachers required students to visit the library
Lunchtime opening made the library more accessible to students (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Lunchtime opening made the library more accessible to students

The only change mentioned is lunchtime opening, so it most likely caused the increase.

Question 23: Read the sentence: "The politician's speech was full of ambiguous statements that left reporters questioning his true position." What is the meaning of the word ambiguous in this context?

long and complicated
factually incorrect
open to more than one interpretation (Correct answer)
loud and passionate

Correct answer: open to more than one interpretation

In this context, 'ambiguous' means unclear or open to more than one interpretation. The fact that reporters were 'questioning his true position' shows that his statements were not clear. The other options do not fit the meaning of the sentence.

Question 24: A pie chart is used to show a company's budget allocation. The 'Marketing' slice takes up exactly half of the chart. If the total budget is $500,000, what does the chart indicate about the marketing budget?

The marketing budget is $250,000. (Correct answer)
The marketing budget is the smallest part of the budget.
The marketing budget is equal to the research budget.
The marketing budget is $100,000.

Correct answer: The marketing budget is $250,000.

A pie chart represents a whole (100%). If a slice takes up half of the chart, it represents 50% of the total. 50% of $500,000 is $250,000, so this is the amount allocated to marketing.

Question 25: A bus timetable shows the Route 12 bus runs every 15 minutes on weekdays but only every hour on Sundays. What is the most reasonable inference?

Sunday buses are faster
Fewer passengers ride Route 12 on Sundays (Correct answer)
Route 12 is being cancelled
The bus drivers prefer working Sundays

Correct answer: Fewer passengers ride Route 12 on Sundays

Transit services usually reduce frequency when demand is lower, so Sunday ridership is likely lower.

Question 26: Which of the following best describes informative writing?

Writing that expresses the author's personal emotions
Writing that uses figurative language to entertain
Writing that argues strongly for one side of an issue
Writing that presents facts and information to educate the reader (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Writing that presents facts and information to educate the reader

Informative writing aims to explain, describe, or educate the reader using factual and objective information.

Question 27: A smartphone is on sale for 20% off its original price. If the original price was $850, what is the sale price?

$170
$680 (Correct answer)
$830
$750

Correct answer: $680

First, calculate the discount amount: 20% of $850 is (20/100) * 850 = $170. Then, subtract the discount from the original price to find the sale price: $850 - $170 = $680.

Question 28: A student is writing a persuasive essay about school uniforms. Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of a colon?

The benefits of school uniforms are: numerous, including improved focus and discipline.
School uniforms are a good idea because: they reduce peer pressure related to clothing.
There is one main reason to support school uniforms: they promote a sense of equality among students. (Correct answer)
We should consider: the positive impact of uniforms on the school environment.

Correct answer: There is one main reason to support school uniforms: they promote a sense of equality among students.

A colon is used correctly here to introduce an explanation or elaboration of the preceding independent clause. The first clause, 'There is one main reason to support school uniforms,' is a complete sentence that is explained by the clause following the colon.

Question 29: An advertisement reads: 'Limited stock — order today to avoid disappointment!' What is the advertiser implying?

The product has unlimited availability
The product may sell out soon (Correct answer)
The product is of poor quality
The product is free of charge

Correct answer: The product may sell out soon

Phrases like 'limited stock' and 'avoid disappointment' imply urgency because supplies may run out quickly.

Question 30: A satirical article claims, 'Scientists confirm Mondays now last 36 hours.' What is the author's most likely purpose?

To entertain through humor and exaggeration (Correct answer)
To persuade readers to work longer
To instruct readers on time management
To inform readers about new science

Correct answer: To entertain through humor and exaggeration

The absurd claim is exaggeration meant to amuse, typical of satire.

Question 31: In informative writing, which of the following should be avoided?

Presenting information in a logical order
Using biased or one-sided language to influence the reader (Correct answer)
Including relevant facts and definitions
Organising information with headings

Correct answer: Using biased or one-sided language to influence the reader

Informative writing should remain objective and neutral; biased language undermines the credibility of the information.

Question 32: A public health poster features a large, bold image of a person washing their hands under a running tap. Below the image, smaller text provides steps for effective handwashing. What is the primary purpose of the large image in this visual text?

To attract attention and convey the main message quickly. (Correct answer)
To advertise a particular brand of soap.
To provide detailed, step-by-step instructions.
To show the location of public sinks.

Correct answer: To attract attention and convey the main message quickly.

In visual texts like posters, large, prominent images are used to immediately grab the viewer's attention and communicate the central theme or message at a glance, which in this case is handwashing.

Question 33: In the sentence, "The old map was so fragile that it had to be handled with extreme care," which word has the closest meaning to fragile?

complicated
ancient
delicate (Correct answer)
valuable

Correct answer: delicate

The word 'delicate' is the best synonym for 'fragile'. Both words mean easily broken or damaged. While the map might also be ancient or valuable, 'fragile' specifically describes its physical condition that requires careful handling.

Question 34: A baker needs 3.5 kilograms of flour for a large order. They only have 750-gram bags of flour. How many full bags of flour must the baker open to have enough flour for the order?

4 bags
5 bags (Correct answer)
3 bags
6 bags

Correct answer: 5 bags

First, convert the total required flour from kilograms to grams: 3.5 kg × 1000 g/kg = 3500 grams. Next, divide the total amount needed by the amount in each bag: 3500 g ÷ 750 g/bag = 4.66.... Since the baker cannot use a fraction of a bag and needs at least 3500 grams, they must open 5 full bags. 4 bags would only provide 3000g, which is not enough.

Question 35: A catering company charges a flat fee of $150 plus $25.50 per person. If 'p' represents the number of people, which equation correctly calculates the total cost (C)?

C = 150 - 25.50p
C = 25.50p + 150 (Correct answer)
C = 150p + 25.50
C = 175.50p

Correct answer: C = 25.50p + 150

The total cost (C) is the sum of the fixed flat fee ($150) and the variable cost, which is the price per person ($25.50) multiplied by the number of people (p). This is represented by the equation C = 25.50p + 150.

Question 36: A rectangular community park measuring 50 metres long and 30 metres wide needs a new fence. The fencing costs $45 per metre. What is the total cost to fence the entire park?

$1,600
$3,600
$7,200 (Correct answer)
$67,500

Correct answer: $7,200

First, calculate the perimeter of the park: (50m + 30m) × 2 = 160 metres. This is the total length of fencing required. Then, multiply the total perimeter by the cost per metre: 160m × $45/m = $7,200.

Question 37: A restaurant bill is $80. A 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is added to this amount. The customer then leaves a 5% tip based on the new total (including GST). What is the final amount paid?

$94.00
$92.40 (Correct answer)
$88.00
$92.00

Correct answer: $92.40

This is a multi-step problem. First, calculate the GST: 10% of $80 is $8. Add this to the bill: $80 + $8 = $88. Now, calculate the tip on this new total: 5% of $88 is $4.40. Finally, add the tip to the taxed amount: $88 + $4.40 = $92.40.

Question 38: Which of the following is essential for correctly interpreting a map's symbols?

The map's title
The scale
The compass rose
The legend or key (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The legend or key

The legend, or key, is a crucial feature on a map that explains what the various symbols, colours, and lines represent, allowing the viewer to understand the information being presented.

Question 39: A scatter plot shows the relationship between the hours students spend studying and their final exam scores. The points on the plot generally trend from the bottom left to the top right. Which of the following is the best interpretation of this plot?

There is a negative correlation between study hours and exam scores.
There is a positive correlation between study hours and exam scores. (Correct answer)
There is no correlation between study hours and exam scores.
Studying for more hours causes a student to fail.

Correct answer: There is a positive correlation between study hours and exam scores.

When data points on a scatter plot trend upwards from left to right, it indicates a positive correlation. This means that as one variable (study hours) increases, the other variable (exam scores) also tends to increase.

Question 40: A student is viewing a line graph that shows the number of library books borrowed each month over a year. The line on the graph shows a steep increase from August to December. What is the most accurate interpretation of this visual data?

The library was open for more hours in December.
Fewer books were borrowed at the end of the year.
The library purchased more books in the second half of the year.
The number of books borrowed per month increased towards the end of the year. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The number of books borrowed per month increased towards the end of the year.

A steep upward slope on a line graph indicates a significant increase in the measured value over time. In this context, it shows that the number of borrowed books grew substantially from August to December.

Question 41: In a bag of 50 marbles, 15 are red. What percentage of the marbles are red?

30% (Correct answer)
50%
15%
35%

Correct answer: 30%

To calculate the percentage, create a fraction representing the red marbles out of the total (15/50). Then, multiply this fraction by 100 to convert it to a percentage. Calculation: (15 ÷ 50) * 100 = 30%.

Question 42: A student's test scores for the semester are: 88, 92, 84, 92, 78. What is the median of these scores?

14
88 (Correct answer)
86.8
92

Correct answer: 88

The median is the middle value in a data set when the numbers are arranged in order. First, order the scores from lowest to highest: 78, 84, 88, 92, 92. The middle number in this ordered set is 88.

Question 43: What is an 'anecdote' in the context of persuasive writing?

A graph showing statistical data
A dictionary definition of a key term
A short personal story used to illustrate a point (Correct answer)
A list of counterarguments

Correct answer: A short personal story used to illustrate a point

An anecdote is a brief personal or real-life story that makes an argument relatable and emotionally engaging.

Question 44: Three angles lie on a straight line. Two of the angles are known to be 40° and 65°. What is the size of the third angle?

105°
85°
255°
75° (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 75°

The sum of angles on a straight line is always 180°. To find the missing angle, add the known angles together (40° + 65° = 105°) and subtract this sum from 180°. The calculation is 180° - 105° = 75°.

Question 45: Kaelan's bank account balance was -$45.60. He then deposited $100 into the account. What is his new bank account balance?

-$54.40
-$145.60
$145.60
$54.40 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: $54.40

Starting with a negative balance of -45.60, a deposit of $100 is an addition. The calculation is -45.60 + 100.00, which equals $54.40. The account is now in credit.

OLNA Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment

The OLNA is a Western Australian assessment that measures whether students in Years 10–12 meet the minimum literacy and numeracy standard required for the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), aligned to Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework.

Questions

50 min

Time Limit

63%

To Pass

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au — Eligibility, passing score, registration deadline, registration, score release, exam dates, exam format, test dates, time limit, test delivery · verified Oct 2026