PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) — Questions and Answers

Question 1: BIRD MIGRATION Bird migration is a seasonal large-scale movement of birds to and from their breeding grounds. Every year volunteers count migrating birds at specific locations. Scientists capture some of the birds and tag their legs with a combination of colored rings and flags. The scientists use sightings of tagged birds together with volunteers' counts to determine the migratory routes of birds. Most migratory birds gather in one area and then migrate in large groups rather than individually. This behavior is a result of evolution. Which of the following is the best scientific explanation for the evolution of this behavior in most migratory birds?

Flying in large groups allowed each bird to have a better chance of finding a nesting site.
Birds that migrated individually or in small groups were less likely to survive and have offspring. (Correct answer)
Birds that migrated individually or in small groups were more likely to find adequate food.
Flying in large groups allowed other bird species to join the migration.

Correct answer: Birds that migrated individually or in small groups were less likely to survive and have offspring.

Explanation: Option A suggests that migrating in large groups provides protection from predators and increases the chances of survival and reproduction, which promotes the evolution of this behavior in migratory birds.

Question 2: The PISA Mathematical Literacy Framework organizes mathematical content knowledge into four categories. Which of the following is NOT one of these categories?

Algebra and functions (Correct answer)
Change and relationships
Quantity
Uncertainty and data

Correct answer: Algebra and functions

The four content categories in the PISA 2022 Mathematical Literacy Framework are: Quantity, Uncertainty and data, Change and relationships, and Space and shape. While algebra and functions are important mathematical topics, they are integrated within these broader categories (especially 'Change and relationships') rather than standing as a separate top-level category.

Question 3: Which of the following best describes the two-stage stratified sampling methodology used to select students for the main PISA assessment?

First, administrative regions are selected, and then all 15-year-old students within the largest school in each region are tested.
First, all 15-year-olds in a country are listed, and a random sample is drawn directly from this national list.
First, schools volunteer to participate, and then the PISA National Center selects a representative sample of students from the volunteer pool.
First, schools are randomly selected from a comprehensive national list, and then a random sample of 15-year-old students is selected from within those chosen schools. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: First, schools are randomly selected from a comprehensive national list, and then a random sample of 15-year-old students is selected from within those chosen schools.

PISA uses a two-stage sampling process. In the first stage, schools with 15-year-old students are systematically sampled from a comprehensive national list, with the probability of selection being proportional to the school's size. In the second stage, a fixed number of eligible 15-year-old students are randomly sampled from within each of the selected schools.

Question 4: The PISA framework defines global competence as a multidimensional capacity. Which of the following is NOT one of the four core dimensions of global competence?

To engage in open, appropriate, and effective interactions across cultures.
To take action for collective well-being and sustainable development.
To examine issues of local, global, and intercultural significance.
To achieve fluency in at least two foreign languages. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To achieve fluency in at least two foreign languages.

While language skills can contribute to global competence, PISA's framework does not define multilingual fluency as a core dimension. The four dimensions are: 1) examine issues of local, global, and intercultural significance; 2) understand and appreciate the perspectives and worldviews of others; 3) engage in open, appropriate, and effective interactions across cultures; and 4) take action for collective well-being and sustainable development.

Question 5: Within the PISA framework for global competence, the dimension 'Take action for collective well-being and sustainable development' primarily involves a student's capacity to:

Understand and articulate the viewpoints of different cultural groups on climate change.
Reflect on their potential role and responsibility in addressing local and global challenges. (Correct answer)
Identify and analyze the causes of a global problem like poverty.
Critically evaluate the reliability of information found online about a human rights issue.

Correct answer: Reflect on their potential role and responsibility in addressing local and global challenges.

The 'Take action' dimension is about moving from awareness to engagement. It assesses a student's sense of agency and their ability to consider how their own actions can contribute to improvements, reflecting on their responsibility as a global citizen. The other options relate more to the dimensions of 'Examining issues' or 'Understanding perspectives'.

Question 6: In a well-designed scientific experiment, what is the purpose of a 'control group'?

To test multiple variables at the same time on one group.
To provide a baseline for comparison with the experimental group. (Correct answer)
To have a group that can be stopped if the experiment goes wrong.
To ensure the researchers have control over the weather.

Correct answer: To provide a baseline for comparison with the experimental group.

The control group is a group in an experiment that does not receive the experimental treatment. By comparing the results of the experimental group (which receives the treatment) to the control group, scientists can determine if the variable they are testing has a significant effect. It serves as a baseline to measure the change against.

Question 7: In PISA, what distinguishes surface-level knowledge from deep understanding in financial literacy assessment?

Surface-level knowledge is always sufficient for professional practice
Deep understanding only requires memorizing more facts
Deep understanding involves applying concepts to novel situations and explaining reasoning (Correct answer)
There is no meaningful difference between the two

Correct answer: Deep understanding involves applying concepts to novel situations and explaining reasoning

Deep understanding goes beyond memorization to include the ability to apply knowledge in new contexts, analyze problems, and articulate the reasoning behind decisions.

Question 8: A national education ministry is analyzing its country's PISA results. They use data from the School Principal Questionnaire to investigate the relationship between school autonomy in curriculum and student performance. This scenario is a direct application of which aspect of the Contextual Questionnaire Framework?

Assessing individual student creativity.
Evaluating teacher certification programs.
Informing evidence-based education policy. (Correct answer)
Monitoring curriculum compliance.

Correct answer: Informing evidence-based education policy.

A key function of the PISA contextual data is to provide policymakers with evidence to inform and guide education policy decisions. By linking school-level factors like autonomy (from the principal questionnaire) to student outcomes (from the cognitive tests), policymakers can investigate which system-level conditions are associated with better performance, thereby informing potential reforms.

Question 9: The PISA for Development (PISA-D) initiative adapted the standard contextual questionnaires for use in low- and middle-income countries. What was a primary reason for this adaptation?

To translate the questionnaires into more languages than the standard PISA.
To make the questionnaires significantly shorter and easier to administer.
To better capture the wider range of life experiences and risk factors relevant to students in these contexts. (Correct answer)
To focus exclusively on out-of-school youth and exclude those enrolled in formal education.

Correct answer: To better capture the wider range of life experiences and risk factors relevant to students in these contexts.

The PISA-D initiative enhanced the contextual questionnaires to make them more relevant for developing countries by including a wider range of risk and protective factors and taking into account the different life experiences of children, including those who may be out of school. This allows for a more nuanced understanding of student performance in these specific contexts.

Question 10: What does PISA's 'collaborative problem-solving' framework, assessed in 2015, measure in a computer-based context?

Students' ability to build spreadsheets collaboratively
Students' network security knowledge
Students' ability to code in pairs
Students' ability to work with virtual agents to solve shared tasks (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Students' ability to work with virtual agents to solve shared tasks

PISA 2015 collaborative problem-solving measured how well students worked with simulated virtual agents to reach a common solution.

Question 11: Which PISA 2022 innovative domain assessed students' ability to evaluate the credibility of online information?

Creative thinking
Global competence
Financial literacy
No domain; it was embedded in reading literacy (Correct answer)

Correct answer: No domain; it was embedded in reading literacy

In PISA 2022, evaluating the credibility and reliability of online information was embedded within the reading literacy framework rather than treated as a separate domain.

Question 12: Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the PISA mathematical process of 'formulating situations mathematically'?

Explaining why a particular statistical model is a better fit for a dataset than another.
Reading a real-world problem about designing a garden and identifying the key variables, constraints, and mathematical relationships needed to create a budget. (Correct answer)
Calculating the area of a complex geometric shape using a given formula.
Using a calculator to find the final value of an investment with compound interest.

Correct answer: Reading a real-world problem about designing a garden and identifying the key variables, constraints, and mathematical relationships needed to create a budget.

'Formulating situations mathematically' involves translating a real-world problem into a mathematical structure. This includes identifying variables, recognizing mathematical relationships, and making simplifying assumptions to create a model that can be solved mathematically.

Question 13: On a humid day, small droplets of water form on the outside of a glass of ice-cold water. Which of the following statements best explains this phenomenon scientifically?

The ice inside the glass is melting and seeping through microscopic pores.
The cold temperature causes the glass to sweat out water from within its structure.
Water vapor from the surrounding air cools and condenses into liquid on the cold surface. (Correct answer)
Oxygen and hydrogen atoms from the air spontaneously combine to form water on the glass.

Correct answer: Water vapor from the surrounding air cools and condenses into liquid on the cold surface.

This is an example of condensation. The air contains invisible water vapor. When the warm, moist air comes into contact with the cold surface of the glass, it cools down. This causes the water vapor to change its state from a gas to a liquid, forming droplets.

Question 14: An analyst observes that Country A has a mean mathematics score of 510 and Country B has a mean score of 500. To determine if Country A's performance is genuinely higher, what is the most critical piece of information the analyst must consider?

The OECD average score for that assessment cycle.
The standard error of the mean for each country. (Correct answer)
The raw scores of the highest-performing students in each country.
The number of students who participated in the assessment from each country.

Correct answer: The standard error of the mean for each country.

PISA results are estimates based on a sample of students. To determine if the difference between two mean scores is 'real' and not just due to random sampling variation, one must conduct a test of statistical significance. The standard error is essential for this test, as it measures the uncertainty around the mean score. A small difference in means may not be statistically significant if the standard errors are large.

Question 15: Which of the following is a core principle behind the selection of reading, mathematics, and science as PISA's three major assessment domains?

They are the only subjects for which reliable longitudinal trend data can be collected.
They represent foundational literacies considered essential for students to apply knowledge and skills to real-life challenges. (Correct answer)
They are the easiest subjects to translate and adapt for culturally diverse international student populations.
They are the subjects most commonly taught in the final year of compulsory schooling across all OECD countries.

Correct answer: They represent foundational literacies considered essential for students to apply knowledge and skills to real-life challenges.

PISA is designed to assess how well students, as they near the end of compulsory education, can apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Reading, mathematics, and science are considered the foundational literacies that are essential for this 'readiness for life' and for full participation in modern society.

Question 16: In a world dominated by digital devices and social media platforms, the author calls for a reevaluation of our relationship with technology. While acknowledging the benefits of connectivity and information access, the author warns against the potential pitfalls of over-reliance on digital devices. Instead, advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes real-world connections and mindfulness in technology use. Which statement best summarizes the author's perspective on the subject?

The author believes that technology has more drawbacks than benefits.
The author suggests that society should completely reject digital devices.
The author argues that social media is detrimental to interpersonal relationships.
The author advocates for a balanced approach to technology use. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The author advocates for a balanced approach to technology use.

Explanation: The author's perspective on the subject is that a balanced approach to technology use, rather than complete rejection or excessive reliance, is preferable for individuals and society.

Question 17: Which PISA domain was used as the primary vehicle to assess students' ability to navigate digital reading environments in PISA 2009?

Science literacy
Digital reading (Correct answer)
Financial literacy
Mathematical literacy

Correct answer: Digital reading

PISA 2009 introduced a digital reading component that measured students' ability to navigate and interpret electronic texts.

Question 18: Which of the following best encapsulates the PISA 2022 definition of creative thinking?

The capacity for rapid, spontaneous thought and unconventional problem-solving.
The competence to engage productively in generating, evaluating, and improving ideas. (Correct answer)
The ability to produce aesthetically pleasing artistic works.
A fixed, innate talent for innovation that is primarily domain-specific.

Correct answer: The competence to engage productively in generating, evaluating, and improving ideas.

The PISA 2022 framework defines creative thinking as 'the competence to engage productively in the generation, evaluation and improvement of ideas, that can result in original and effective solutions, advances in knowledge and impactful expressions of imagination.' This definition emphasizes a cyclical and malleable process rather than focusing solely on artistic output, speed of thought, or the idea of it being an innate talent.

Question 19: What does PISA's 'growth mindset' measure assess in the student questionnaire?

Students' willingness to switch schools
Students' belief in economic growth policies
Whether students believe intelligence is fixed or can be developed through effort (Correct answer)
Students' physical growth over the school year

Correct answer: Whether students believe intelligence is fixed or can be developed through effort

PISA's growth mindset measure captures whether students believe their abilities and intelligence can be improved with effort, a concept linked to academic persistence.

Question 20: According to the PISA 2022 framework, creative thinking is viewed as a malleable skill that can be developed through practice. This aligns with the concept of:

Ideational fluency
'Big-C' creativity
Domain-specific expertise
'little-c' creativity (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 'little-c' creativity

The PISA framework explicitly aligns its definition with 'little-c' creativity, which refers to the everyday creative thinking that all individuals can demonstrate and develop. This contrasts with 'Big-C' creativity, which is associated with eminent, genius-level contributions. The focus on creative thinking as a malleable skill accessible to all is a core principle of the assessment.

Question 21: PLANT PHOTOSYNTHESIS Plants undergo photosynthesis, a process where they convert light energy into chemical energy, primarily in the form of glucose. This process occurs in chloroplasts, where chlorophyll captures light energy. Which of the following is a direct product of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?

Carbon dioxide
Water
Oxygen (Correct answer)
Glucose

Correct answer: Oxygen

Explanation: Oxygen is a direct product of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, which take place in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts. During these reactions, water molecules are split into oxygen, protons, and electrons, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

Question 22: How are financial literacy assessment standards typically updated in PISA?

Through periodic review by expert panels incorporating new research and best practices (Correct answer)
By popular vote among all practitioners
Only when government legislation requires changes
Standards never change once established

Correct answer: Through periodic review by expert panels incorporating new research and best practices

Professional standards are periodically reviewed and updated by expert panels who incorporate new research findings, technological advances, and evolving best practices.

Question 23: Which approach best supports preparation for financial literacy assessment in PISA?

Memorizing answers without understanding concepts
Only reviewing materials the day before the test
Systematic study of core concepts combined with practice problems (Correct answer)
Skipping foundational topics and focusing only on advanced material

Correct answer: Systematic study of core concepts combined with practice problems

Effective preparation requires systematic study of fundamental concepts reinforced with practice problems that build understanding and application skills.

Question 24: A student selected to participate in PISA has a formally documented disability and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that allows for accommodations like extended time. Which of the following is a primary way the PISA administration addresses this student's needs while maintaining standardization?

The student may be offered a separate testing session with extended time or the shorter 'Une Heure' (UH) assessment form. (Correct answer)
The student is given the test with all other students but their results are flagged and not included in the national average.
The student's classroom teacher is allowed to paraphrase difficult questions.
The student is automatically excluded to ensure data is comparable.

Correct answer: The student may be offered a separate testing session with extended time or the shorter 'Une Heure' (UH) assessment form.

PISA aims to be as inclusive as possible. For students with special educational needs, accommodations such as separate testing sessions and extended time are permitted. For students who cannot participate in the full two-hour assessment, a special one-hour test form (the 'Une Heure' or UH form) is available.

Question 25: According to the PISA 2018 framework, the ultimate purpose of fostering global competence in students is to equip them to:

Appreciate foreign art, music, and literature at a higher level.
Pass standardized tests on world history and geography.
Compete effectively in the international job market.
Thrive in an interconnected world and promote collective well-being. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Thrive in an interconnected world and promote collective well-being.

The PISA definition states that global competence is the capacity to "...act for collective well-being and sustainable development." This highlights the framework's focus on preparing students to be constructive, responsible, and engaged citizens who can contribute to more inclusive and sustainable societies, not just for personal economic gain or academic knowledge.

Question 26: According to the PISA 2022 Mathematical Literacy Framework, which of the following best defines mathematical literacy?

An individual's capacity to reason mathematically and to formulate, employ, and interpret mathematics to solve problems in a variety of real-world contexts. (Correct answer)
The ability to perform complex calculations and recall advanced mathematical formulas.
A student's knowledge of theoretical mathematics, primarily in the domains of calculus and linear algebra.
The skill of using mathematical software and technology to solve abstract algebraic problems.

Correct answer: An individual's capacity to reason mathematically and to formulate, employ, and interpret mathematics to solve problems in a variety of real-world contexts.

The PISA 2022 framework defines mathematical literacy as the ability to reason mathematically and apply mathematical concepts to solve real-world problems. This involves a cycle of formulating a situation mathematically, employing mathematical concepts and procedures, and interpreting the results in the original context.

Question 27: For a country's PISA data to be deemed valid and included in the main international comparisons, it must meet rigorous technical standards for participation. What are the minimum required response rates for schools (after replacement) and students, respectively?

80% for schools and 85% for students
80% for schools and 75% for students
85% for schools and 80% for students (Correct answer)
90% for schools and 80% for students

Correct answer: 85% for schools and 80% for students

The OECD's technical standards for PISA require a minimum school participation rate of 85% after including any replacement schools that were sampled. Additionally, within the participating schools, a minimum student response rate of 80% is required.

Question 28: Which PISA finding about extracurricular activities and well-being has been replicated across multiple cycles?

Only sports activities improve well-being
Extracurricular participation has no effect on well-being
Students who participate in extracurricular activities tend to report higher sense of belonging and life satisfaction (Correct answer)
Extracurricular activities reduce academic performance

Correct answer: Students who participate in extracurricular activities tend to report higher sense of belonging and life satisfaction

Across PISA cycles, students who participate in extracurricular activities consistently report stronger sense of belonging and higher life satisfaction than non-participants.

Question 29: The majestic Niagara Falls, located on the border between the United States and Canada, is one of the most iconic natural wonders in North America. With its thunderous roar and breathtaking cascade of water, Niagara Falls captivates millions of visitors each year. Standing at the edge of the falls, one can feel the power and magnitude of nature's force as gallons of water plummet over the precipice every second. Whether viewed from the Canadian side in Ontario or the American side in New York, the beauty and grandeur of Niagara Falls leave an indelible impression on all who behold it. What is the primary sensory experience described in the passage?

The smell of mist and water vapor
The sound of roaring water (Correct answer)
The taste of freshwater from the falls
The touch of smooth rock surfaces

Correct answer: The sound of roaring water

Explanation: The passage describes the thunderous roar and sound of water cascading over Niagara Falls.

Question 30: A student is presented with a scenario about a new community garden that is struggling with a pest problem without using chemical pesticides. The student is asked to propose one highly original and effective solution. This task primarily assesses the student's ability to:

Generate a creative idea. (Correct answer)
Demonstrate scientific literacy.
Evaluate diverse solutions.
Engage in visual expression.

Correct answer: Generate a creative idea.

This task asks for a single solution that is both original (novel) and effective (valuable). According to the PISA framework, this directly assesses the cognitive process of 'generating creative ideas.' While it is in a scientific context, the primary skill being measured is the creativity of the idea itself, not the student's formal scientific knowledge. Evaluating ideas would involve assessing a pre-existing list of solutions.

Question 31: At the system level in PISA, what does the 'resilience' indicator capture?

The proportion of students who must repeat a school grade
The percentage of schools with formal disaster preparedness plans
The share of socioeconomically disadvantaged students who achieve high performance by international standards (Correct answer)
The recovery rate of students who initially fail a standardized test

Correct answer: The share of socioeconomically disadvantaged students who achieve high performance by international standards

System-level resilience in PISA refers to the percentage of low-ESCS students who nonetheless perform at or above PISA proficiency Level 4 internationally, showing that socioeconomic disadvantage does not predetermine low achievement.

Question 32: BIRD MIGRATION Bird migration is a seasonal large-scale movement of birds to and from their breeding grounds. Every year volunteers count migrating birds at specific locations. Scientists capture some of the birds and tag their legs with a combination of colored rings and flags. The scientists use sightings of tagged birds together with volunteers' counts to determine the migratory routes of birds. Most migratory birds gather in one area and then migrate in large groups rather than individually. This behavior is a result of evolution. What is the primary purpose of tagging migratory birds with colored rings and flags?

To help volunteers count migrating birds more accurately.
To attract other bird species to join the migration.
To ensure that the birds can be easily identified during migration.
To determine the migratory routes of birds by tracking their movements. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To determine the migratory routes of birds by tracking their movements.

Explanation: Tagging migratory birds with colored rings and flags allows scientists to track their movements and gather data on their migratory routes. By observing the sightings of these tagged birds along with counts conducted by volunteers, scientists can piece together the paths that migratory birds take during their seasonal migrations. This information helps researchers better understand bird migration patterns and behavior.

Question 33: As his friends gathered to scale the towering cliff, Alex hesitated. Despite their enthusiastic encouragement, he remained rooted to the ground, his instincts warning him of the potential danger ahead. While his friends ventured forth, he chose to explore the safer path along the shoreline, trusting his intuition to guide him away from harm's way. What can be inferred from the author's description of the protagonist's actions?

The protagonist is introverted and prefers solitude.
The protagonist is adventurous and enjoys taking risks.
The protagonist is cautious and avoids dangerous situations. (Correct answer)
The protagonist is compassionate and cares for others.

Correct answer: The protagonist is cautious and avoids dangerous situations.

Explanation: The author's description of the protagonist's actions suggests that they are cautious and prefer to avoid dangerous situations, as evidenced by their reluctance to join their friends in risky activities.

Question 34: A national education ministry is preparing for the PISA 2028 cycle, where reading will be the major domain. Which of the following activities would be most directly informed by this specific cycle focus?

Analyzing detailed student performance results on subscales such as 'accessing and retrieving information' versus 'integrating and interpreting texts'. (Correct answer)
Comparing their country's average science scores to the OECD average for the first time.
Reviewing the logistical protocols for computer-based testing, as it will be the first year it is used.
Gauging student proficiency in the innovative domain of 'Learning in the Digital World'.

Correct answer: Analyzing detailed student performance results on subscales such as 'accessing and retrieving information' versus 'integrating and interpreting texts'.

When a domain is the major focus, as reading will be in 2028, the PISA results provide a much more granular analysis of performance. This includes detailed reporting on subscales and proficiency in different aspects of the subject, offering deeper insights for policy-making than are available for the minor domains in that cycle.

Question 35: Which of the following is NOT a primary dimension along which the PISA reading literacy domain is organized?

Situations (e.g., personal, public, educational)
Text (e.g., source, format)
Reading processes (e.g., understanding, evaluating)
Author's background and biography (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Author's background and biography

The PISA reading framework is organized along three key dimensions: the cognitive processes readers use, the types of texts they read, and the situations or contexts for reading. While an author's background might be relevant for evaluating a specific text, it is not a fundamental organizational dimension of the assessment framework itself.

Question 36: Reflecting on the advancements of the past century, the author expresses hope for a brighter future. Despite the challenges faced by society, there is a sense of optimism in the air, as humanity continues to strive for progress and innovation. With perseverance and determination, we can overcome obstacles and create a better world for generations to come. What is the tone of the passage?

Critical
Optimistic (Correct answer)
Nostalgic
Objective

Correct answer: Optimistic

Explanation: The tone of the passage is optimistic, as it emphasizes the potential for positive change and improvement in the future.

Question 37: In the bustling metropolis of New York City, Central Park stands as a verdant oasis amidst the concrete jungle. Spanning over 840 acres, this iconic urban park offers respite from the chaos of city life, with its winding paths, picturesque landscapes, and diverse wildlife. As joggers weave through the tree-lined trails and families picnic on the lush lawns, Central Park becomes a vibrant tapestry of activity and tranquility. With its iconic landmarks like Bethesda Terrace and the Central Park Zoo, this green sanctuary serves as a beloved retreat for both locals and tourists alike. How does the author describe the atmosphere in Central Park?

Quiet and desolate
Vibrant and tranquil (Correct answer)
Chaotic and overwhelming
Dull and monotonous

Correct answer: Vibrant and tranquil

Explanation: The passage describes the atmosphere in Central Park as vibrant and tranquil.

Question 38: A graph in a health report shows that as ice cream sales increase, the number of drowning incidents also increases. The report concludes that eating ice cream causes drowning. Why is this conclusion likely flawed?

The conclusion ignores a likely third variable, such as warm weather, that causes both to increase. (Correct answer)
The study should have been conducted in winter to get more accurate results.
The conclusion is valid because the data shows a clear positive correlation.
The graph is probably inaccurate because ice cream is a solid and can't cause drowning.

Correct answer: The conclusion ignores a likely third variable, such as warm weather, that causes both to increase.

This is a classic example of confusing correlation with causation. While the two variables increase together (correlation), one does not necessarily cause the other. A third, unmentioned variable—warm weather—is the likely cause of both increases. In warm weather, more people buy ice cream, and more people go swimming, which leads to a higher number of drowning incidents.

Question 39: What role does critical analysis play in PISA financial literacy assessment?

It only applies to theoretical contexts
It is not relevant to this field
It replaces the need for factual knowledge
It enables evaluation of information quality and identification of logical reasoning (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It enables evaluation of information quality and identification of logical reasoning

Critical analysis is essential for evaluating information, identifying valid reasoning, recognizing errors, and making well-supported decisions in professional contexts.

Question 40: PISA assesses mathematical literacy within various real-world contexts. A question asking a student to analyze a household's monthly budget and make financial decisions would fall primarily under which context category?

Scientific
Societal
Personal (Correct answer)
Occupational

Correct answer: Personal

The four context categories are Personal, Occupational, Societal, and Scientific. A problem focused on an individual's or family's finances relates directly to one's private life and personal decision-making, which is the essence of the 'Personal' context.

Question 41: A student is asked to read three different online articles about climate change and synthesize the information to form a coherent understanding of the issue, noting any contradictions between the sources. This task primarily assesses which PISA reading competency?

Accessing and retrieving information
Detecting and handling conflict (Correct answer)
Reading fluently
Acquiring a representation of the literal meaning

Correct answer: Detecting and handling conflict

This scenario requires the student to go beyond simply understanding each text individually. They must compare information across multiple sources and identify discrepancies, which is a key component of the 'Detecting and handling conflict' sub-process within the broader 'Evaluating and reflecting' competency.

Question 42: The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," is the largest tropical rainforest in the world, spanning nine countries in South America. This vast expanse of lush vegetation plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Home to an astonishing variety of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth, the Amazon Rainforest is a biodiversity hotspot of global significance. However, rampant deforestation, driven by logging, agriculture, and urban expansion, poses a grave threat to this invaluable ecosystem and the indigenous communities that depend on it for their livelihoods. What metaphor is used to describe the Amazon Rainforest?

World's Greenhouse
Lungs of the Earth (Correct answer)
Garden of Eden
Heart of biodiversity

Correct answer: Lungs of the Earth

Explanation: The passage refers to the Amazon Rainforest as the "lungs of the Earth," emphasizing its role in producing oxygen and regulating the planet's climate.

Question 43: What is the primary purpose of financial literacy assessment in PISA - Program for International Student Assessment?

To generate revenue for testing organizations
To assess competency in financial literacy assessment concepts and application (Correct answer)
To replace all other assessment methods
To limit the number of qualified professionals

Correct answer: To assess competency in financial literacy assessment concepts and application

Financial Literacy Assessment assessment evaluates understanding and application of core concepts, ensuring candidates meet established competency standards.

Question 44: The PISA 2022 creative thinking assessment is structured around four content domains. Which of the following is NOT one of these domains?

Digital and Media Literacy (Correct answer)
Scientific Problem Solving
Social Problem Solving
Written Expression

Correct answer: Digital and Media Literacy

The PISA 2022 Creative Thinking assessment includes four domains: written expression, visual expression, social problem solving, and scientific problem solving. Digital and Media Literacy, while an important 21st-century skill, is not one of the four specific domains used to contextualize the creative thinking tasks in this PISA framework.

Question 45: ELECTRICITY CONDUCTION Electrical conductivity is a property of materials that describes their ability to conduct electric current. Metals are known for their high electrical conductivity due to the mobility of electrons in their atomic structure. Which of the following materials is an example of a good electrical insulator?

Copper
Aluminum
Silver
Glass (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Glass

Explanation: Glass is an example of a good electrical insulator because it does not allow electric current to flow easily through it. Unlike metals, which have loosely bound electrons that can move freely and conduct electricity, insulating materials like glass have tightly bound electrons, making it difficult for electricity to pass through them.

Question 46: A PISA report shows that the performance gap in reading between students in the top and bottom quarters of the PISA index of economic, social, and cultural status (ESCS) is 95 points in Country X. Which of the following is the most accurate interpretation of this finding?

Country X has a larger reading performance gap than all other participating countries.
Socio-economic background is strongly associated with student performance in Country X. (Correct answer)
Educational resources are the only factor influencing reading scores in Country X.
Students from wealthy families in Country X are guaranteed to have high reading scores.

Correct answer: Socio-economic background is strongly associated with student performance in Country X.

The PISA index of economic, social, and cultural status (ESCS) is a composite measure used to capture students' family and home background. A large point difference between students at the top and bottom of this index indicates a strong relationship between socio-economic background and academic performance, suggesting significant equity challenges within the education system.

Question 47: A student is presented with two online articles about a recent international trade agreement. One article, from a government agency, highlights the economic benefits. The other, from a non-governmental organization, focuses on the negative impact on small farmers. The PISA cognitive assessment of global competence would most likely ask the student to:

Memorize the key statistics presented in both articles.
Evaluate the purpose and intended audience of each source to understand their different perspectives. (Correct answer)
State their personal feelings about the trade agreement.
Choose which article is more interesting to read.

Correct answer: Evaluate the purpose and intended audience of each source to understand their different perspectives.

A key cognitive process in the PISA global competence assessment is the ability to evaluate information, sources, and perspectives. This involves recognizing that sources have different purposes and biases which influence how they present information. This skill is crucial for making sense of complex global issues by analyzing data and arguments from multiple viewpoints.

Question 48: What type of PISA item allows students to construct a written response rather than select from options, and is scored using rubrics?

Hot-spot item
Drag-and-drop item
Selected-response item
Constructed-response item (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Constructed-response item

Constructed-response items require students to type or write answers in their own words and are evaluated against rubrics, capturing skills that multiple-choice items cannot.

Question 49: According to the PISA 2018 framework, which of the following cognitive processes is most concerned with assessing the quality and credibility of a text?

Understanding
Evaluating and reflecting (Correct answer)
Reading fluently
Locating information

Correct answer: Evaluating and reflecting

The PISA framework for reading literacy explicitly defines 'Evaluating and reflecting' as the process that involves assessing the quality and credibility of a text, reflecting on its content and form, and detecting and handling conflict.

Question 50: Which three components are combined to create the PISA ESCS index?

Income, housing quality, and parental age
Parents' highest occupational status, parents' highest educational level, and home possessions (Correct answer)
School type, class size, and teacher qualifications
Student GPA, attendance rate, and extracurricular participation

Correct answer: Parents' highest occupational status, parents' highest educational level, and home possessions

ESCS is derived from the highest parental occupational status (HISEI), highest parental educational level (PARED), and the index of home educational possessions (HOMEPOS).

Question 51: A student conducts an experiment to test the hypothesis that caffeine increases the heart rate of daphnia (water fleas). She places a daphnia on a microscope slide in a drop of water and measures its heart rate. She then adds a drop of caffeine solution and measures the heart rate again. To ensure the reliability of her results, which of the following is the most important next step?

Using a stronger concentration of caffeine to get a more obvious result.
Publishing her single result immediately to claim the discovery.
Repeating the experiment multiple times with different daphnia. (Correct answer)
Testing a different type of organism to see if it reacts the same way.

Correct answer: Repeating the experiment multiple times with different daphnia.

In scientific enquiry, repeatability is crucial for establishing reliability. A single result could be an anomaly. By repeating the experiment with multiple subjects under the same conditions, the student can determine if the observed effect is consistent and not due to chance or individual variation in the daphnia.

Question 52: When a student is asked to explain the main message of a short story by integrating different pieces of information from the narrative, they are primarily demonstrating the competency of:

Searching for and selecting relevant text
Constructing an integrated representation of text (Correct answer)
Reflecting on the content and form of a text
Reading fluently

Correct answer: Constructing an integrated representation of text

This task requires the student to move beyond literal meaning and build a holistic understanding of the text. 'Constructing an integrated representation of text' is a sub-skill of the 'Understanding' process and involves connecting different parts of the text to grasp the overall message or theme.

Question 53: A Test Administrator is preparing for the PISA assessment session. The session consists of two main parts: the cognitive test and the student questionnaire. According to standard PISA procedures, what is the approximate total duration of these two parts combined?

180 minutes
90 minutes
120 minutes (Correct answer)
60 minutes

Correct answer: 120 minutes

The standard PISA computer-based assessment is designed as a two-hour (120-minute) session for the cognitive test. The student questionnaire is designed to take approximately 35 minutes, but the overall testing window is managed as a single block that typically totals two hours for both components.

Question 54: What accommodation does PISA offer students who lack sufficient computer familiarity when administering computer-based tests?

They are excluded from the sample
A paper-based version of the assessment is available (Correct answer)
They may use a calculator for all tasks
They receive additional time only

Correct answer: A paper-based version of the assessment is available

PISA maintains a paper-based option for countries or students where computer access or familiarity is limited, ensuring comparability of participation.

Question 55: Data from the student questionnaire on topics like 'sense of belonging at school' and 'anxiety about mathematics' are primarily used by PISA analysts to:

Adjust students' final mathematics scores up or down.
Investigate relationships between student dispositions and academic achievement. (Correct answer)
Diagnose individual students with learning disabilities.
Create a global ranking of the happiest students.

Correct answer: Investigate relationships between student dispositions and academic achievement.

The contextual questionnaires gather data on various non-cognitive and metacognitive constructs, such as student attitudes, motivations, and well-being. This information is not used to rank students on these traits or alter their cognitive scores but to conduct research and analysis on how these factors correlate with and potentially influence academic performance in reading, math, and science.

Question 56: A team of researchers wants to investigate the effects of a new running shoe on athletic performance. Which of the following questions is a scientific question that can be investigated through their experiment?

Does running in the new shoes affect a runner's 100-meter sprint time? (Correct answer)
Does wearing the new shoes make runners feel happier?
Is the price of the new running shoes fair for the technology they use?
Do the new running shoes look better than the old ones?

Correct answer: Does running in the new shoes affect a runner's 100-meter sprint time?

A scientific question must be testable and allow for the collection of measurable data. Sprint time is a quantifiable variable that can be measured and compared between runners wearing the new shoes and those wearing other shoes. The other options are based on subjective opinion (looks, happiness) or economic judgment (fair price), not direct scientific measurement.

Question 57: A student reads a blog post that claims, 'Using a smartphone for more than two hours a day is guaranteed to cause brain damage.' As a scientifically literate citizen, what should be the student's most critical first step?

Look for the evidence and the source of the claim to evaluate its credibility. (Correct answer)
Share the blog post with friends to warn them of the danger.
Accept the claim as true because it sounds serious and scientific.
Immediately stop using their smartphone for more than two hours.

Correct answer: Look for the evidence and the source of the claim to evaluate its credibility.

A core competency of scientific literacy is to evaluate scientific information and its sources. Extraordinary claims require strong evidence. Before accepting or acting on such a claim, a scientifically literate person would question the source, look for supporting data from reputable studies, and consider whether the claim is based on scientific research or opinion.

Question 58: In PISA computer-based reading tasks, what does 'multiple-source integration' require students to do?

Translate texts between languages
Synthesize information across several digital documents to answer a question (Correct answer)
Identify grammatical errors in emails
Read one long passage carefully

Correct answer: Synthesize information across several digital documents to answer a question

Multiple-source integration tasks require students to synthesize and compare information from two or more digital documents to construct an answer.

Question 59: Country Y's mean science score was 490 in PISA 2018 and 505 in PISA 2022. Country Z's mean science score was 510 in 2018 and 515 in 2022. Based only on this information, which conclusion is invalid without further statistical analysis?

Country Y showed more significant improvement than Country Z. (Correct answer)
Both countries saw an increase in their mean science scores.
Country Z performed better than Country Y in both cycles.
Country Y's score increased by 15 points.

Correct answer: Country Y showed more significant improvement than Country Z.

While Country Y has a larger point increase (15 points vs. 5 points), we cannot conclude its improvement is more 'significant' in a statistical sense without considering the standard errors for the scores in both years for both countries. A larger point change might not be statistically significant if the uncertainty around the estimates is high, while a smaller change could be.

Question 60: How does PISA's parent questionnaire contribute to understanding the learning environment?

It gathers data on parents' educational expectations, home learning activities, and views on the school (Correct answer)
It is used to assess teacher performance
It measures parental income only
It collects parental test scores

Correct answer: It gathers data on parents' educational expectations, home learning activities, and views on the school

The optional parent questionnaire collects information on parental expectations, home learning support, and satisfaction with the school, enriching the picture of students' learning environment.

Question 61: What term does PISA use to describe the type of problem-solving that requires students to use a computer interface to explore an unfamiliar system?

Interactive problem-solving (Correct answer)
Collaborative problem-solving
Static problem-solving
Paper-based problem-solving

Correct answer: Interactive problem-solving

PISA uses 'interactive problem-solving' to describe tasks where students must explore and manipulate a digital environment to find solutions.

Question 62: What is one key advantage of computer-based delivery cited by PISA for adaptive testing designs?

It removes the need for trained test administrators
It eliminates the need for scoring rubrics
It makes all items multiple-choice
It allows item difficulty to adjust based on student responses, improving measurement precision (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It allows item difficulty to adjust based on student responses, improving measurement precision

Computer-based delivery enables adaptive testing where item difficulty adjusts in real time to each student's performance, increasing measurement accuracy across ability levels.

Question 63: What does PISA's 'school climate' concept encompass?

Students' and teachers' shared perceptions of the social and academic atmosphere of the school (Correct answer)
The weather patterns near the school
The school's financial budget
The school building's energy efficiency

Correct answer: Students' and teachers' shared perceptions of the social and academic atmosphere of the school

School climate in PISA refers to the collective perceptions of students and teachers about the social, emotional, and academic environment within the school.

Question 64: GENETIC INHERITANCE In genetic inheritance, traits are passed down from parents to offspring through genes. In Mendelian genetics, traits are often inherited according to specific patterns. Which term refers to the genetic makeup of an individual for a particular trait?

Heterozygous
Genotype (Correct answer)
Phenotype
Homozygous

Correct answer: Genotype

Explanation: The genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an individual for a particular trait, representing the combination of alleles inherited from the individual's parents. This genetic composition determines the observable characteristics, known as the phenotype, which may vary based on the specific alleles present.

Question 65: Which policy intervention does PISA research most consistently identify as effective for improving educational equity?

Shifting resources from teacher salaries to school infrastructure
Extending the school day uniformly for all students
Universal access to quality early childhood education and care (Correct answer)
Increasing standardized testing frequency to identify underperformers earlier

Correct answer: Universal access to quality early childhood education and care

PISA and OECD research consistently link access to quality early childhood education with reduced socioeconomic performance gaps, as early interventions yield the highest long-term returns for disadvantaged children.

Question 66: In PISA's computer-based assessment, what is the primary purpose of 'scenario-based' units?

To assess programming skills
To embed questions in a realistic digital context requiring navigation (Correct answer)
To measure hardware proficiency
To test typing speed

Correct answer: To embed questions in a realistic digital context requiring navigation

Scenario-based units place students in realistic digital contexts—such as websites or email threads—so they must navigate and reason about authentic situations.

Question 67: What is the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge in PISA financial literacy assessment?

It replaces the need for specialized knowledge
It is unnecessary and distracting from core competencies
It provides broader context and enhances problem-solving through multiple perspectives (Correct answer)
It only matters for senior professionals

Correct answer: It provides broader context and enhances problem-solving through multiple perspectives

Interdisciplinary knowledge enriches understanding by providing multiple perspectives, enabling more comprehensive analysis and more creative problem-solving approaches.

Question 68: What is the most commonly observed gender trend in PISA mathematics across OECD countries?

Boys tend to score slightly higher than girls, though the gap varies by country (Correct answer)
No gender difference has ever been found in mathematics
Girls outperform boys only in East Asian education systems
Girls significantly outperform boys in all countries

Correct answer: Boys tend to score slightly higher than girls, though the gap varies by country

Boys tend to score slightly higher than girls in PISA mathematics on average across OECD countries, though the gap is smaller than in reading and varies considerably by country.

Question 69: In the age of technology, the art of letter writing has become a relic of the past. Once cherished as a means of conveying thoughts and emotions across vast distances, handwritten letters have been largely replaced by digital communication. Yet, within the yellowed pages of old correspondence lies a treasure trove of memories, each word imbued with the essence of the writer's soul. As we navigate the fast-paced world of the digital age, perhaps it is time to rediscover the beauty and intimacy of putting pen to paper. What does the phrase "relic of the past" suggest about letter writing?

It is outdated and obsolete. (Correct answer)
It is modern and innovative.
It is ubiquitous and essential.
It is cherished and valued.

Correct answer: It is outdated and obsolete.

Explanation: The phrase suggests that letter writing is no longer commonly practiced and is considered outdated.

Question 70: Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining good health. Exercise helps to strengthen muscles, improve cardiovascular function, and boost overall well-being. Whether it's brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, finding an activity you enjoy can make it easier to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. So, lace up your sneakers and get moving for a healthier you! What is the main idea of the passage?

The significance of sleep for cognitive function
The impact of technology on modern lifestyles
The importance of exercise for physical health (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The importance of exercise for physical health

Explanation: The main idea of the passage focuses on the benefits of exercise for physical health, as indicated by the details provided in the text.

PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment)

The OECD PISA assessment measures 15-year-old students' ability to apply knowledge in reading, mathematics, and science to real-world challenges, administered every three years across 80+ countries.

Questions

120 min

Time Limit

41%

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