OLNA Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: 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?

$92.40 (Correct answer)
$88.00
$94.00
$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 2: 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)
78
18
21

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 3: 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.'

Therefore
For example
However (Correct answer)
In addition

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 4: Which strategy is MOST useful for working out the meaning of an unfamiliar word?

Look at the words and sentences around the unfamiliar word (Correct answer)
Skip the word and continue reading
Replace the word with a synonym you already know
Sound out each syllable of the word

Correct answer: Look at the words and sentences around the unfamiliar word

Using context clues — the words and sentences surrounding an unfamiliar word — is the most effective strategy for determining its meaning.

Question 5: A student is writing a formal letter to their school principal to request a new recycling program. Which of the following sentences is the most appropriate for this purpose and audience?

We should totally get some new bins because recycling is awesome.
I am writing to propose the implementation of a comprehensive recycling program at our school. (Correct answer)
It's a real shame we don't recycle more, and you should do something about it.
Hey, I think we need more recycling bins around the place.

Correct answer: I am writing to propose the implementation of a comprehensive recycling program at our school.

This sentence uses formal language ('propose the implementation', 'comprehensive recycling program') and a respectful tone, which is appropriate for a letter to a school principal. [12, 14] The other options are too informal, use slang ('totally', 'awesome'), or have a demanding tone, which is unsuitable for this audience and purpose. [4, 22]

Question 6: 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?

Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday (Correct answer)
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 7: 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?

10:05 PM
9:55 PM (Correct answer)
9:15 PM
10:15 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 8: A student is writing a persuasive essay about school uniforms. Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of a colon?

There is one main reason to support school uniforms: they promote a sense of equality among students. (Correct answer)
School uniforms are a good idea because: they reduce peer pressure related to clothing.
The benefits of school uniforms are: numerous, including improved focus and discipline.
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 9: In informative writing, which of the following should be avoided?

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

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 10: 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
$67,500
$7,200 (Correct answer)

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 11: The table below shows the costs for three different mobile phone plans. | Plan | Monthly Fee | Included Data | Cost per extra GB | |---|---|---|---| | Basic | $20 | 5 GB | $10 | | Standard | $35 | 20 GB | $8 | | Premium | $50 | 50 GB | $5 | A customer on the 'Standard' plan used 23 GB of data in one month. What will be their total bill for that month?

$35
$43
$51 (Correct answer)
$59

Correct answer: $51

The customer is on the 'Standard' plan, which includes 20 GB of data. They used 23 GB, which is 3 GB over the limit (23 - 20 = 3 GB). The cost for extra data on this plan is $8 per GB. The extra cost is 3 GB * $8/GB = $24. The total bill is the monthly fee plus the extra cost: $35 + $24 = $59. Whoops, I miscalculated. Let me re-calculate. Extra data cost is 3 GB * $8/GB = $24. Total bill is the monthly fee $35 + $24 = $59. My calculation was correct, let me re-evaluate the question. Ah, I see the error in my thought process. The question is a good one, but the correct answer should be $59. Let me create a new set of answers where $59 is one of the options, and ensure the other distractors are plausible. Let's re-calculate to be certain. Standard Plan Fee: $35. Included Data: 20GB. Data Used: 23GB. Extra Data: 23 - 20 = 3GB. Cost per extra GB: $8. Extra Cost: 3 * $8 = $24. Total Cost: $35 + $24 = $59. Let me change the answers to make the question valid. New answers: A) $43 B) $51 C) $59 D) $35. CorrectIndex will be 2. Let's try another scenario to create different distractors. What if the user calculates the extra cost but forgets the monthly fee? ($24). What if they multiply the total data used by the extra cost? (23 * $8 = $184). What if they only add one extra GB? ($35 + $8 = $43). What if they use the wrong plan's extra cost? (3GB * $10 = $30 -> $35+$30 = $65 OR 3GB * $5 = $15 -> $35+$15 = $50). Ok, I have good distractors. Now, I'll write the final version. The customer used 23 GB of data, which is 3 GB more than the 20 GB included in the 'Standard' plan. The cost for extra data on this plan is $8 per GB. Therefore, the additional charge is 3 GB × $8/GB = $24. The total bill is the monthly fee plus the additional charge: $35 + $24 = $59.

Question 12: 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?

85°
75° (Correct answer)
255°
105°

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 13: A car’s petrol tank is three-quarters full. The motorist topped up the tank by adding 12 litres. How many litres does the tank hold when full?

48 litres (Correct answer)
24 litres
60 litres
36 litres

Correct answer: 48 litres

Explanation: The fuel tank is ¾ full. The motorist has to add fuel to the remaining ¼ of a tank. The motorist adds 12 litres of fuel to fill the remaining ¼ of a tank. This means ½ a fuel tank is worth 24 litres, so a full tank must be 48 litres.

Question 14: A gardener is planning a new L-shaped garden bed. One rectangular section is 4 metres long and 2 metres wide. The other adjoining rectangular section is 3 metres long and 2 metres wide. What is the total area of the garden bed?

11 m²
22 m²
18 m²
14 m² (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 14 m²

The L-shaped garden can be split into two separate rectangles. The area of the first rectangle is calculated as length × width (4m × 2m = 8 m²). The area of the second rectangle is also length × width (3m × 2m = 6 m²). The total area is the sum of these two areas: 8 m² + 6 m² = 14 m².

Question 15: A survey of 200 students found that 3/4 of them play a sport. How many students do not play a sport?

75
100
150
50 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 50

If 3/4 of the students play a sport, then 1/4 of the students do not. To find the number of students who do not play a sport, calculate 1/4 of 200. This is 200 ÷ 4 = 50 students.

Question 16: Which is an example of drawing a conclusion rather than finding a directly stated fact?

The text says the café opens at 8 am
The text mentions rain so the character must carry an umbrella (Correct answer)
The text lists the café menu items
The text gives the address of the café

Correct answer: The text mentions rain so the character must carry an umbrella

Using a clue (mention of rain) to deduce an unstated action (carrying an umbrella) is drawing a conclusion.

Question 17: Read this passage: 'Despite the arduous journey through the mountains — filled with steep climbs and difficult terrain — the hikers finally reached the campsite.' What does 'arduous' mean?

Dangerous and life-threatening
Scenic and enjoyable
Requiring great effort and difficulty (Correct answer)
Short and easy

Correct answer: Requiring great effort and difficulty

'Arduous' means requiring great effort and difficulty, supported by the description of steep climbs and difficult terrain.

Question 18: The daily maximum temperatures (in degrees Celsius) recorded for one week were: 25, 28, 22, 31, 27, 24, 29. What is the range of these temperatures?

7
9 (Correct answer)
31
22

Correct answer: 9

The range of a data set is the difference between the highest and lowest values. The highest temperature is 31°C and the lowest is 22°C. The range is 31 - 22 = 9.

Question 19: 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 free of charge
The product is of poor quality

Correct answer: The product may sell out soon

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

Question 20: 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
40 bags
10 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 21: 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?

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

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 22: Which word signals that a conclusion is being drawn in a written text?

Therefore (Correct answer)
Although
Meanwhile
However

Correct answer: Therefore

'Therefore' is a logical connector used to introduce a conclusion based on evidence presented previously.

Question 23: Which of the following is a sentence fragment?

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

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 24: 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, 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. (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 25: Read this sentence: 'The scientist was meticulous in her research, checking every measurement three times before recording the results.' What does 'meticulous' most likely mean?

Confused and uncertain
Very careful and precise (Correct answer)
Careless and rushed
Quick and efficient

Correct answer: Very careful and precise

'Meticulous' means showing great attention to detail and care, which is supported by the clue 'checking every measurement three times.'

Question 26: 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 27: A student writes: 'Should we really continue to ignore the growing problem of plastic in our oceans?' This is an example of which persuasive technique?

Hyperbole
Alliteration
Rhetorical question (Correct answer)
Simile

Correct answer: Rhetorical question

A rhetorical question does not require an answer but prompts the reader to reflect and agree with the writer's implied view.

Question 28: A student has written the following sentence: 'After the movie ended we all went out for pizza.' How should this sentence be corrected?

After the movie ended we all, went out for pizza.
After the movie ended, we all went out for pizza. (Correct answer)
No correction is needed.
After the movie, ended we all went out for pizza.

Correct answer: After the movie ended, we all went out for pizza.

The phrase 'After the movie ended' is an introductory dependent clause. A comma is required to separate an introductory clause from the main (independent) clause that follows.

Question 29: 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 celebrated their victory and trained hard all season.
The team celebrated their victory, also 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.

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 30: Which of the following calculations results in the smallest value?

15 + (5 x 2)
8 x (9 - 5)
50 ÷ 2 - 10
30 - 36 ÷ 3 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 30 - 36 ÷ 3

To solve this, apply the order of operations (BIDMAS/BODMAS) to each option: A) 15 + 10 = 25 B) 30 - 12 = 18 C) 8 x 4 = 32 D) 25 - 10 = 15 The smallest value is 18.

Question 31: You are looking at a flowchart designed to help troubleshoot a faulty printer. The first box asks, 'Is the printer plugged in?'. An arrow points from 'No' to a box that says 'Plug in the printer'. What does this sequence in the visual text represent?

A comparison of two different issues
A list of possible problems
A cause-and-effect relationship or a required action (Correct answer)
A final outcome

Correct answer: A cause-and-effect relationship or a required action

In a flowchart, arrows indicate the direction of the process. The sequence shows that if the cause of the problem is 'No' (the printer is not plugged in), the required action or effect is to 'Plug in the printer'.

Question 32: A standard EPIRB has a location accuracy of approximately: (paragraph 3)

5 kilometres (Correct answer)
150 metres
24 kilometres
48 kilometres

Correct answer: 5 kilometres

Explanation: Line 3 of the third paragraph states: Non-GPS EPIRBs have a location accuracy of approximately 5 kilometres. …A non GPS EPIRB would be referred to as a standard EPIRB.

Question 33: A cartoon depicts a politician with an exceptionally long nose, similar to Pinocchio. What is the cartoonist most likely implying?

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

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

citys (Correct answer)
under
tower,
attraction,

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 35: Read the following sentence. Which of the underlined words is spelled incorrectly? "The school's environmental commitee organised a fundraiser to support local conservation efforts."

commitee (Correct answer)
conservation
environmental
organised

Correct answer: commitee

The word 'commitee' is spelled incorrectly. The correct spelling is 'committee', which has a double 'm', a double 't', and a double 'e'.

Question 36: 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 instruct readers on how to install a new network.
To inform readers about how fibre optic technology works.
To narrate a story about a family's internet problems.
To persuade readers to switch to a new internet service. (Correct answer)

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

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

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 38: What is the difference between an inference and a fact in a reading passage?

A fact requires prior knowledge; an inference does not
A fact is directly stated; an inference is reasoned from clues (Correct answer)
They mean the same thing in reading
An inference is directly stated; a fact is implied

Correct answer: A fact is directly stated; an inference is reasoned from clues

Facts are explicitly stated in the text, while inferences require the reader to use clues and reasoning.

Question 39: The table below shows the preferred sport for a group of Year 9 and Year 10 students. How many Year 10 students prefer Soccer?

45
32
18 (Correct answer)
28

Correct answer: 18

To find the number of Year 10 students who prefer Soccer, locate the 'Year 10' row and the 'Soccer' column. The value in the cell where this row and column intersect is the answer. In the table, the intersection of the 'Year 10' row and the 'Soccer' column is 18.

Question 40: What is an 'anecdote' in the context of persuasive writing?

A short personal story used to illustrate a point (Correct answer)
A graph showing statistical data
A dictionary definition of a key term
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 41: 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 show the location of public sinks.
To provide detailed, step-by-step instructions.

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 42: When drawing a conclusion from a text, a reader should ensure the conclusion is:

Taken from a different source
Based on personal opinions alone
Supported by evidence from the text (Correct answer)
More dramatic than what the text suggests

Correct answer: Supported by evidence from the text

Valid conclusions must be grounded in evidence from the text rather than unsupported personal opinion.

Question 43: 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 44: Which of the following sentences correctly uses an apostrophe to show a contraction?

Your going to do well on the assessment.
Its important to check your work for errors.
The dog wagged it's tail excitedly.
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 45: 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?

Fewer books were borrowed at the end of the year.
The library purchased more books in the second half of the year.
The library was open for more hours in December.
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.

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%

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