ATAR Notes: Forum

VCE Stuff => Victorian Education Discussion => GAT (General Achievement Test) => Topic started by: ninwa on June 10, 2012, 07:58:18 pm

Title: GAT tips
Post by: ninwa on June 10, 2012, 07:58:18 pm
The General Achievement Test (GAT) is a three-hour general competence test consisting of  two writing tasks and 70 multiple-choice questions. You can find instructions here: http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/exams/gat/stepbystep.html

The instructions provided in the link will also be on your GAT paper, and therefore there is no need to memorise them. You can if you want, of course. It'll save you precious reading time if you don't need to read the instructions as well!

- Read all the information carefully
- Read each question carefully and try to pick out the key ideas and information
- For the multiple-choice questions, try to quickly reject choices that appear wrong, then read the question again and select the answer most likely to be right
- Attempt all questions and don’t spend too much time on any one question. Questions can also be revisited later.

Don't forget to go back and read over your answers! Because this is very important test.

Do your best! Remember, you've GAT nothing to lose!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Lasercookie on June 10, 2012, 08:01:04 pm
I have a few questions:

Since the GAT is being marked online this year, does that mean we can't use pencil for the essay?

Also, it says on the cover "Do not waste time on one particular multiple-choice question. If you find a question very difficult,
return to it later." Is this the exam strategy we should use? Is it better to rush and possibly get more questions wrong, or take your time and only provide answers that you know are correct?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: ninwa on June 10, 2012, 08:04:53 pm
You should use pencil for the multiple choice and pen for the essay bits. Do you really want to risk bits of your essay being accidentally rubbed out?

On that note, don't forget to bring at least 10 backup pens and pencils.

It is better to take your time. However, make sure to check out how the marks are distributed and set aside time for each section accordingly. I recommend that you bring a watch as well as a desktop clock to keep track of the time.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Lasercookie on June 10, 2012, 08:10:24 pm
A desktop clock?! I never thought of that. It'd have to be an analog one right? There's a chance that I wouldn't be able to find a powerpoint for my digital clock in the exam room.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: ninwa on June 10, 2012, 08:14:19 pm
Oh yes, can you imagine if your watch died?!? Take an analogue one definitely.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Deleted User on June 10, 2012, 08:52:54 pm
What forms should I use for my informative and persuasive pieces? A diary entry? A newspaper article? Which forms did you use last year and what mark did you get for your writing?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Deleted User on June 10, 2012, 08:55:38 pm
Is it actually worth doing practice GATs? Is the GAT actually that important if you sit all your exams?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: pi on June 10, 2012, 08:57:11 pm
Is it actually worth doing practice GATs? Is the GAT actually that important if you sit all your exams?

How can you be sure you are going to sit all your exams?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Stick on June 10, 2012, 09:01:26 pm
In my school's trial GAT, I rushed my essays to make sure I had both of them done so that I got through the multiple choice, only to have half an hour at the end of the exam. How come they recommend doing the essays first, and is time really going to be an issue for the exam?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: golden on June 10, 2012, 09:04:31 pm
Is it actually worth doing practice GATs? Is the GAT actually that important if you sit all your exams?

It's up to you on this one, usually people don't bother though, but after all it's after the exams so if you're bored then go for it lol.

If you sit your exams, if something went wrong that prevented you from doing as well during your studies eg. sickness then you can get a derived examination score.

Otherwise in terms of your ATAR it has no bearing.

Have fun in the GAT! For me it was fun lol.

In reply to Stick, you will probably finish like an half to one hour early if you are a person who takes it more seriously.

Doing the essays first is dependent on the person, but many like to get it done first and can be more relaxed on the multiple choice.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Russ on June 10, 2012, 09:09:59 pm
In my school's trial GAT, I rushed my essays to make sure I had both of them done so that I got through the multiple choice, only to have half an hour at the end of the exam. How come they recommend doing the essays first, and is time really going to be an issue for the exam?

Because you can always fill in the multiple choice randomly if you run out of time, but half finished essays will just be failed. I feel it's best to adopt a pretty standard approach to the essays, since you'll probably want to be drawing on the practice ones you've done and just rephrasing them for the real exam :)
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: ecvkcuf on June 10, 2012, 09:39:37 pm
My coordinator said the GAT directly effected our scores, which scared a lot of people.. his bullshit fear mongering tactics once again have been refuted by cold-hard facts.. cheers AN!

Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Gloamglozer on June 10, 2012, 10:14:18 pm
Do your best! Remember, you've GAT nothing to lose!!!!!!!!

If I do my best, do I GAT to party afterwards, or do I have to GAT back to study for end of year exams?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: |ll|lll| on June 10, 2012, 10:40:29 pm
One has to take all these tips SERIOUSLY, seeing that they're coming from ninwa who has taken the GAT thrice, and GAT three GAT scores!!!
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: ninwa on June 10, 2012, 10:49:42 pm
And on my third go I got 50 in written communication!!!!

didn't get 50 for English though, fuck you VCAA
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: ecvkcuf on June 10, 2012, 10:51:17 pm
Just curious, why did you take the GAT three times?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: pi on June 10, 2012, 10:52:04 pm
Just curious, why did you take the GAT three times?

Doing unit 3/4 subjects in yr10, 11 and 12 means 3xGAT too
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: ecvkcuf on June 10, 2012, 10:52:49 pm
Oh cool. Must've been a joy to do that wonderful achievement test 3 times. I wish I had the same opportunity.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Gloamglozer on June 10, 2012, 10:53:47 pm
One has to take all these tips SERIOUSLY, seeing that they're coming from ninwa who has taken the GAT thrice, and GAT three GAT scores!!!

Yeah that's so true.  It's best to GAT as many tips as you can so that you can GAT the most marks and GAT ahead of other people in the state.  After all, if you do GAT sick and the GAT is needed, you'd be kicking yourself since you didn't follow ninwa's advice and ultimately didn't GAT where you wanted to be.

It's as easy as 1,2, GAT.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: ninwa on June 10, 2012, 10:56:59 pm
Oh cool. Must've been a joy to do that wonderful achievement test 3 times. I wish I had the same opportunity.


Yep, you sure missed out
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Phy124 on June 10, 2012, 11:00:54 pm
My coordinator said the GAT directly effected our scores, which scared a lot of people.. his bullshit fear mongering tactics once again have been refuted by cold-hard facts.. cheers AN!


I would assume he did it to help those few people who it will affect at the end of the year (derived Exam scores and such), rather than them being disappointed when they realise it will affect their score and they did not try.

p.s. effect/affect? (I'm fucking retarded. No offense to retarded people - I wouldn't want to be associated with me)
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: golden on June 11, 2012, 09:23:18 am
My coordinator said the GAT directly effected our scores, which scared a lot of people.. his bullshit fear mongering tactics once again have been refuted by cold-hard facts.. cheers AN!


I would assume he did it to help those few people who it will affect at the end of the year (derived Exam scores and such), rather than them being disappointed when they realise it will affect their score and they did not try.

p.s. effect/affect? (I'm fucking retarded. No offense to retarded people - I wouldn't want to be associated with me)

You're right with the affect.

#English Language
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Deleted User on June 11, 2012, 10:41:39 am
Please help me! What forms should I use for my informative and persuasive pieces? A diary entry? A newspaper article? Which forms did you use last year and what mark did you get for your writing?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Eddiee on June 11, 2012, 11:13:57 am
Wait I'm confused, is this a troll thread or serious?  ???
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Deleted User on June 11, 2012, 11:22:40 am
For the informative piece, do I have to discuss all the information presented or just some of it?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: ninwa on June 11, 2012, 01:19:07 pm
Wait I'm confused, is this a troll thread or serious?  ???

it was supposed to be a troll thread but I guess people took me seriously :( :(
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Deleted User on June 11, 2012, 01:43:28 pm
Can you help me ninwa? Answer my question above please!!!!!
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Stick on June 11, 2012, 03:21:45 pm
For the informative piece, do I have to discuss all the information presented or just some of it?

I believe you need to present all of it for the better marks. I did in my trial GAT and received a 10/10 in that section. (Don't ask what I got for the persuasive piece - that was complete rubbish in comparison).
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: WhoTookMyUsername on June 11, 2012, 03:38:00 pm
you had a trial gat... marked?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Stick on June 11, 2012, 03:41:37 pm
Our school has this teacher who just takes substitute classes and also acts as an English and GAT exam assessor (she is also an official one for VCAA). We share her with our local sister school. :)
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: BlameJuice on June 11, 2012, 07:11:41 pm
The GAT is a bit of a laugh...
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Sinanator on June 11, 2012, 07:29:19 pm
If you're like me and you have no humanities subjects, or you're doing 'The Asian 5', then I suggest you do this:

 - Read through the Mathematics questions thoroughly in the reading time.

 - Complete all Maths questions first. If you are a strong student this shouldn't take more than 30-45 minutes.

 - Return to the essays at the front. You should have just over 2 hours to left. Split that into an hour for each essay.

 - Make sure to write expository/informative type essays without retelling the given information.

 - In the last 5 minutes, go back to the multiple choice and fluke the remaining questions.

GAT complete. I did this last year, finished the GAT in under an hour and a half (couldn't be bothered with essays) and got 31/35 for the maths section. Break a leg end of year. :P
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: ecvkcuf on June 11, 2012, 07:56:33 pm
Our school has this teacher who just takes substitute classes and also acts as an English and GAT exam assessor (she is also an official one for VCAA). We share her with our local sister school. :)

Is it just me, or does that sound a little wrong?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: paulsterio on June 12, 2012, 04:04:14 am
Is it actually worth doing practice GATs? Is the GAT actually that important if you sit all your exams?

How can you be sure you are going to sit all your exams?

Knowing myself, I'd probably prefer to rock up to the exam half dead and give it my best shot than get a Derived Score - I'm just not comfortable with the fact that I could get any number and have no grounds to argue on - not exactly fair
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: charmanderp on June 12, 2012, 05:16:51 pm
^this. Short of breaking my right arm before an exam which involved length extended responses nothing could stop me from sitting an exam.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: InsaneMcFries on June 12, 2012, 06:41:31 pm
You guys realise your derived score doesn't overtake your exam score right? The highest score out of the two is chosen.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Deleted User on June 12, 2012, 09:19:12 pm
For the persuasive piece, do we have to follow the structure of the persuasive essays that we usually write (ie. text response essays)? Or could it be a freestyle piece?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Stick on June 12, 2012, 10:35:56 pm
The task is: "Based on one or more of the statements, develop a piece of writing presenting your point of view." This implies:
1. You do not need to directly address the statements - simply use them as a starting point.
2. It does not have to be a 'persuasive essay.' By asking to present your point of view, other acceptable forms of writing include diary entries, personal letters, letters to the editor and editorials.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Sinanator on June 13, 2012, 12:46:20 am
Essays should be more expository than persuasive. Never present an argument, but also remember to avoid retelling the story. For maths, I wouldn't mind the derived score of my GAT. I doubt I'll get 45 raw for specialist.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: meemz on June 13, 2012, 12:59:03 am
Essays should be more expository than persuasive. Never present an argument, but also remember to avoid retelling the story. For maths, I wouldn't mind the derived score of my GAT. I doubt I'll get 45 raw for specialist.
dude you're in my cohort.. with our teacher, anything is possible :P
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: MJRomeo81 on June 13, 2012, 02:23:54 am
Someone has to upload this year's GAT after the examination. "A man delicately sucking a lemon" (2011 GAT) cracks me up every time.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: max payne on June 13, 2012, 09:19:21 am
If you're like me and you have no humanities subjects, or you're doing 'The Asian 5', then I suggest you do this:

 - Read through the Mathematics questions thoroughly in the reading time.

 - Complete all Maths questions first. If you are a strong student this shouldn't take more than 30-45 minutes.

 - Return to the essays at the front. You should have just over 2 hours to left. Split that into an hour for each essay.

 - Make sure to write expository/informative type essays without retelling the given information.

 - In the last 5 minutes, go back to the multiple choice and fluke the remaining questions.

GAT complete. I did this last year, finished the GAT in under an hour and a half (couldn't be bothered with essays) and got 31/35 for the maths section. Break a leg end of year. :P
good tips I just wished I did that last year instead of trying for the full 3 hours like a naive year 11. Does anyone know how the GAT marking works? I got 33/35 for the maths and science section last year and got a 44 so Im guessing you need you need full marks to get a 50? but then how do they decide who gets a 45 or 49?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Destiny on June 13, 2012, 10:23:50 am
We share her with our local sister school. :)
o.O
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: soccerboi on June 13, 2012, 03:47:21 pm
Since i don't have any humanities subjects, should i just focus my time on maths/science questions and guess any humanities questions?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: InsaneMcFries on June 13, 2012, 03:49:27 pm
I wouldn't say guess, just do MST questions, make sure you are happy with them, and then do humanities. But make sure you are also happy with your english pieces.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: SenriAkane on June 13, 2012, 04:42:38 pm
No tips really, just make sure you do everything you can. It's the least of any worries one can have. 
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: charmanderp on June 13, 2012, 04:45:12 pm
I spent about an hour on each of my written pieces last year and completely took the piss out of them to get full marks for that component. Just try to be original and creative and have fun with them. But try to maintain some sort of relevance to the task.

Got 22/35 and 28/35 for the MC sections though so probably don't actually spend twice the recommended time for the written section like I did haha.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: dossie58 on June 13, 2012, 05:24:36 pm
For these essays, do you have to do a properly structured expository or persuasive essay? Or can you do like a diary entry or editorial for part 1? Also, does anyone have examples?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Destiny on June 13, 2012, 05:27:42 pm
No, you can do whatever you want, so long as it fulfills the criteria.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: charmanderp on June 13, 2012, 05:29:51 pm
For these essays, do you have to do a properly structured expository or persuasive essay? Or can you do like a diary entry or editorial for part 1? Also, does anyone have examples?


I wrote a David Attenborough style monologue for part 1.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Destiny on June 13, 2012, 05:37:38 pm
I wrote about bees as if I were a beekeeper. :3
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Deleted User on June 13, 2012, 05:50:58 pm
For these essays, do you have to do a properly structured expository or persuasive essay? Or can you do like a diary entry or editorial for part 1? Also, does anyone have examples?


I wrote a David Attenborough style monologue for part 1.

And what score did you got?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Deleted User on June 13, 2012, 05:51:26 pm
Is it possible to get 95 for your ATAR and fail your GAT?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: charmanderp on June 13, 2012, 05:52:13 pm
For these essays, do you have to do a properly structured expository or persuasive essay? Or can you do like a diary entry or editorial for part 1? Also, does anyone have examples?


I wrote a David Attenborough style monologue for part 1.

And what score did you got?
I got 40/40 for the written component so presumably full marks for that essay.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: bevanweerasinghe on June 13, 2012, 06:16:13 pm
does anyone know where I can find the writing tasks so that I can practice ,  I seem to be only finding MC questions  on the vcaa site  :-\
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: brenden on June 13, 2012, 06:22:30 pm
Is it possible to get 95 for your ATAR and fail your GAT?
Yes.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Deleted User on June 13, 2012, 06:29:34 pm
For these essays, do you have to do a properly structured expository or persuasive essay? Or can you do like a diary entry or editorial for part 1? Also, does anyone have examples?


I wrote a David Attenborough style monologue for part 1.

And what score did you got?
I got 40/40 for the written component so presumably full marks for that essay.

Did you include all the information that was presented in your monologue? How much creative elements did you include?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Wazzup on June 13, 2012, 06:30:10 pm
I wish my school had an assessor we could share :(
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Sinanator on June 13, 2012, 06:35:35 pm
If you're like me and you have no humanities subjects, or you're doing 'The Asian 5', then I suggest you do this:

 - Read through the Mathematics questions thoroughly in the reading time.

 - Complete all Maths questions first. If you are a strong student this shouldn't take more than 30-45 minutes.

 - Return to the essays at the front. You should have just over 2 hours to left. Split that into an hour for each essay.

 - Make sure to write expository/informative type essays without retelling the given information.

 - In the last 5 minutes, go back to the multiple choice and fluke the remaining questions.

GAT complete. I did this last year, finished the GAT in under an hour and a half (couldn't be bothered with essays) and got 31/35 for the maths section. Break a leg end of year. :P
good tips I just wished I did that last year instead of trying for the full 3 hours like a naive year 11. Does anyone know how the GAT marking works? I got 33/35 for the maths and science section last year and got a 44 so Im guessing you need you need full marks to get a 50? but then how do they decide who gets a 45 or 49?
It gives you a standardised score. So it pretty much follows the bell curve. I finished the gat in under 90 minutes last year. It really shouldn't take you too long.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Jezza on June 13, 2012, 06:40:04 pm
This is the first time I'm sitting the GAT.

Are we allowed a dictionary and calculator?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: pi on June 13, 2012, 06:41:08 pm
This is the first time I'm sitting the GAT.

Are we allowed a dictionary and calculator?

Yes to dictionary (get a good one), no calc
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: ninwa on June 13, 2012, 06:43:12 pm
Okay because it appears like my failttempt to troll completely went over people's heads...

THE GAT IS A STUPID TEST AND USELESS 99.99999% OF THE TIME. JUST RELAX AND TRY TO HAVE AS MUCH FUN IN IT AS YOU CAN. IT IS A WASTE OF TIME TO DO PRACTICE GATS. SERIOUSLY, JUST CHILL.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: astone788 on June 13, 2012, 06:50:57 pm
I've never written anything coherant in my life. Does anyone know how many marks the two essays account for? I still havnt worked out a gameplay yet, but I'm thinking I'll just work on as many Multiple choice questions and then work on the two essays. I say this because I am very slow when it comes to writing. Either it's got to be 100% perfect (i know i have OCD), or its 100% vomit.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: ninwa on June 13, 2012, 06:52:56 pm
Just write anything it doesn't matter
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Russ on June 13, 2012, 06:54:33 pm
Just write anything it doesn't matter

Quote
The instructions provided in the link will also be on your GAT paper, and therefore there is no need to memorise them. You can if you want, of course. It'll save you precious reading time if you don't need to read the instructions as well!

I'm getting mixed signals here nina...
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: max payne on June 13, 2012, 06:54:54 pm
Okay because it appears like my failttempt to troll completely went over people's heads...

THE GAT IS A STUPID TEST AND USELESS 99.99999% OF THE TIME. JUST RELAX AND TRY TO HAVE AS MUCH FUN IN IT AS YOU CAN. IT IS A WASTE OF TIME TO DO PRACTICE GATS. SERIOUSLY, JUST CHILL.
Soooo....I shouldn't pull an all nighter cramming trial gats? :o
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: pi on June 13, 2012, 06:57:06 pm
I would :')
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: ninwa on June 13, 2012, 06:57:23 pm
yes of course you should, what about that 0.00001%

god
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: astone788 on June 13, 2012, 07:05:02 pm
how many marks are up for grabs in each essay?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: charmanderp on June 13, 2012, 07:06:38 pm
Pull an all-nighter and then describe in detail as your essay.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: kensan on June 13, 2012, 07:07:21 pm
In all seriousness though, if we do happen to have a really bad accident or something horrible happens, they use the GAT to derive an exam score yes?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: astone788 on June 13, 2012, 07:09:19 pm
yes, you got nothing to loose. think it as an insurance policy - only free  :)
source: http://www.vcehelp.com.au/the-gat-is-it-really-a-waste-of-time-676/
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: astone788 on June 13, 2012, 07:10:32 pm
how many marks are up for grabs in each essay?
Thinking of skipping the writing taks altogether unless ofcoarse they equate to a large portion of the overall GAT mark.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Destiny on June 13, 2012, 07:12:39 pm
Just write anything it doesn't matter
YES, EVERYONE DO THIS.
So I score better in the GAT than YOU.
>:P
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: max payne on June 13, 2012, 07:14:36 pm
yes of course you should, what about that 0.00001%

god
oh thank god! You had me in a little scare. A 50 in the gat would make my life complete :')
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Special At Specialist on June 13, 2012, 07:29:38 pm
People are only saying that the GAT is worthless because it is a statewide competition and they want you to perform badly so that they can achieve a higher ranking.
If you value your ATAR score, you will take the GAT seriously and do at least 1 practice GAT before the real thing (practice makes perfect).
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: charmanderp on June 13, 2012, 07:30:45 pm
People are only saying that the GAT is worthless because it is a statewide competition and they want you to perform badly so that they can achieve a higher ranking.
If you value your ATAR score, you will take the GAT seriously and do at least 1 practice GAT before the real thing (practice makes perfect).
Yes. This must be it. Aside from the fact that you get question about what the significance of men squeezing lemons is and have to write about essays about wolves and diamonds and the influence of fashion in society.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: WhoTookMyUsername on June 13, 2012, 07:31:26 pm
People are only saying that the GAT is worthless because it is a statewide competition and they want you to perform badly so that they can achieve a higher ranking.
If you value your ATAR score, you will take the GAT seriously and do at least 1 practice GAT before the real thing (practice makes perfect).
At least 1? Are you joking? At least 10. If you haven't done 10 have an alnighter and do 10.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: pi on June 13, 2012, 07:33:22 pm
People are only saying that the GAT is worthless because it is a statewide competition and they want you to perform badly so that they can achieve a higher ranking.
If you value your ATAR score, you will take the GAT seriously and do at least 1 practice GAT before the real thing (practice makes perfect).
At least 1? Are you joking? At least 10. If you haven't done 10 have an alnighter and do 10.

+1

See GOOD LUCK!
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Wazzup on June 13, 2012, 07:34:36 pm
People are only saying that the GAT is worthless because it is a statewide competition and they want you to perform badly so that they can achieve a higher ranking.
If you value your ATAR score, you will take the GAT seriously and do at least 1 practice GAT before the real thing (practice makes perfect).
At least 1? Are you joking? At least 10. If you haven't done 10 have an alnighter and do 10.

GAT to agree with Bazza on this one... How can you possibly go into the GAT with 1 practice, I mean that's like spraying yourself with pepper spray!
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Destiny on June 13, 2012, 07:34:44 pm
Okay because it appears like my failttempt to troll completely went over people's heads...

THE GAT IS A STUPID TEST AND USELESS 99.99999% OF THE TIME. JUST RELAX AND TRY TO HAVE AS MUCH FUN IN IT AS YOU CAN. IT IS A WASTE OF TIME TO DO PRACTICE GATS. SERIOUSLY, JUST CHILL.
If I'm not allowed to downvote, oh please tell me.
Congratulations, you may have made people fail. 
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Eddiee on June 13, 2012, 07:35:10 pm
People are only saying that the GAT is worthless because it is a statewide competition and they want you to perform badly so that they can achieve a higher ranking.
If you value your ATAR score, you will take the GAT seriously and do at least 1 practice GAT before the real thing (practice makes perfect).

(http://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/facepalm.jpg?w=500)
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Destiny on June 13, 2012, 07:36:08 pm
People are only saying that the GAT is worthless because it is a statewide competition and they want you to perform badly so that they can achieve a higher ranking.
If you value your ATAR score, you will take the GAT seriously and do at least 1 practice GAT before the real thing (practice makes perfect).

(http://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/facepalm.jpg?w=500)
(http://verydemotivational.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/demotivational-posters-quadruple-facepalm.jpg)
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Eddiee on June 13, 2012, 07:37:31 pm
People are only saying that the GAT is worthless because it is a statewide competition and they want you to perform badly so that they can achieve a higher ranking.
If you value your ATAR score, you will take the GAT seriously and do at least 1 practice GAT before the real thing (practice makes perfect).

(http://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/facepalm.jpg?w=500)
(http://verydemotivational.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/demotivational-posters-quadruple-facepalm.jpg)

(http://i.chzbgr.com/completestore/2010/2/9/129101859135779445.jpg)

Okay I think the point has been made lol.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Mao on June 13, 2012, 07:42:30 pm
: http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk197/oldspice2451/facepalm-combo.jpg
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: WhoTookMyUsername on June 13, 2012, 07:43:26 pm
possibly some questions are weighted more? idk
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: SenriAkane on June 13, 2012, 07:44:01 pm
Do around 20 GAT papers tonight (http://forum10.hkgolden.com/faces/agree.gif) (http://forum10.hkgolden.com/faces/agree.gif) (http://forum10.hkgolden.com/faces/agree.gif) (http://forum10.hkgolden.com/faces/agree.gif)



Serious: Just relax and deal with it in the best manner you can. (http://forum10.hkgolden.com/faces/hoho.gif) (http://forum10.hkgolden.com/faces/hoho.gif) (http://forum10.hkgolden.com/faces/hoho.gif) (http://forum10.hkgolden.com/faces/hoho.gif)
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: ninwa on June 13, 2012, 07:47:55 pm
If I'm not allowed to downvote, oh please tell me.
Congratulations, you may have made people fail. 

1) downvote away
2) LOL FAIL THE GAT WHO CARES
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: brenden on June 13, 2012, 07:48:21 pm
I am considering writing a series of knock-knock jokes for tomorrow. Full marks for me.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Stick on June 13, 2012, 07:58:58 pm
I believe universities have access to GAT results. If you end up in the middle band, I hope your decisions tomorrow won't be detrimental to your placement.

Anyway, I'm in Year 11 so who cares?!?!?! :P
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: astone788 on June 13, 2012, 08:06:18 pm
Anyone know how each section is marked. Do the multiple choice weigh more than the essays??
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: pi on June 13, 2012, 08:07:41 pm
Anyone know how each section is marked. Do the multiple choice weigh more than the essays??

Multi choice are used to make your Humanities and Maths/Science scores, written parts for your English score :)
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: charmanderp on June 13, 2012, 08:08:31 pm
Anyone know how each section is marked. Do the multiple choice weigh more than the essays??
written parts for your English score :)
And for moderation of SATs for Art and Technology subjects
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: astone788 on June 13, 2012, 08:19:22 pm
thanks for clarifying. My mentality has completely chnaged. Im going to focus heavily on the english tasks seeing as english is my weaker subject. In the off chance that I freeze up in one of the end of year exams, it would definitely be the english one.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: ImAlmostNotCrazy on June 13, 2012, 09:12:51 pm
So if I dont do any maths and science subjects (except for psychology) should I mainly focus on the humanities and essays in the GAT?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: brenden on June 13, 2012, 09:13:49 pm
...F-Focus? ... In... the GAT?!
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Destiny on June 13, 2012, 09:15:12 pm
(http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa54/Seyss_album/Sherlock/moriarty01.jpg)
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: pi on June 13, 2012, 09:20:54 pm
So if I dont do any maths and science subjects (except for psychology) should I mainly focus on the humanities and essays in the GAT?

Yeah, but sometimes it may be hard to tell whether a questions is hums or science (as apparently psych is a science - I know, it's a terrible mistake by vcaa). So I'd just focus on all the questions just in case :)
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: zKskita on June 13, 2012, 09:30:32 pm
So if I'm doing Chinese, Biology and Latin this year, which parts of GAT do I need to focus on? If I don't do English until next year, do I need to pay any attention to it at all?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Destiny on June 13, 2012, 09:37:45 pm
So if I'm doing Chinese, Biology and Latin this year, which parts of GAT do I need to focus on? If I don't do English until next year, do I need to pay any attention to it at all?
Chinese/latin -> humanities/english area
Biology -> sciences.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Destiny on June 13, 2012, 09:38:07 pm
Read books, stop spam.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: astone788 on June 13, 2012, 09:50:14 pm
Enough of the frivolity. Time to bring it and go super-hard. For me the GAT is like hitting the skatepark like a kid. I don't care if i fall flat on my face. Aslong as I go super hard and play to win, the outcome is completely irrelevant.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Fyrefly on June 13, 2012, 10:18:56 pm
Please take the GAT seriously.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Surgeon on June 13, 2012, 10:27:23 pm
Alright, so aside from all of the trolling and the "the GAT is a complete and utter waste of time" stigma associated with the GAT, I don't think you need to sit down for 3 hours and do a whole practice exam.

However - in my opinion, you should take the time to familiarise yourself with the sorts of questions you can expect to be faced with and the type of essays you will have to write.

Here http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/exams/gat/gat.html you can find the GAT papers from past years.

Don't completely mess around in the GAT - just in case you are subjected to an unfortunate situation in which VCAA looks at your GAT mark to help determine a Derived Examination Score and you've completely stuffed around.

By all means, have some fun but don't completely put it aside.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: astone788 on June 13, 2012, 10:47:22 pm
Also, do you normally do doing the reading time? Should i think of the how to go about writing the essays, or is it worth visually scanning through the entire handout to get a feel for it and quickly distinguish the 'easier'questions so that they can be knocked out of the way early on.

- Whats you're game plan?
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: pi on June 13, 2012, 10:50:56 pm
Also, do you normally do doing the reading time? Should i think of the how to go about writing the essays, or is it worth visually scanning through the entire handout to get a feel for it and quickly distinguish the 'easier'questions so that they can be knocked out of the way early on.

- Whats you're game plan?

Think about essays imo, then go to MCQs
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Mao on June 13, 2012, 10:53:58 pm
Also, do you normally do doing the reading time? Should i think of the how to go about writing the essays, or is it worth visually scanning through the entire handout to get a feel for it and quickly distinguish the 'easier'questions so that they can be knocked out of the way early on.

- Whats you're game plan?

As the questions deal with science, humanities AND language, it is essential to have a deep moment of reflection so you are in a mindset ready to answer these tough questions. Your train of thought should be along the lines of:

- Is this the real life?
- Or is this just fantasy?
- Caught in the landslide?
- No escape from reality?

And then you should open your eyes, look up to the sky and see.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Surgeon on June 13, 2012, 10:58:42 pm
Also, do you normally do doing the reading time? Should i think of the how to go about writing the essays, or is it worth visually scanning through the entire handout to get a feel for it and quickly distinguish the 'easier'questions so that they can be knocked out of the way early on.

- Whats you're game plan?

As the questions deal with science, humanities AND language, it is essential to have a deep moment of reflection so you are in a mindset ready to answer these tough questions. Your train of thought should be along the lines of:

- Is this the real life?
- Or is this just fantasy?
- Caught in the landslide?
- No escape from reality?

And then you should open your eyes, look up to the sky and see.

I'm just a poor boy.. I need no sympathy...
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: astone788 on June 13, 2012, 10:59:38 pm
interesting. plant the seeds early on (observe and question the content) and go from there. Alternatively, just answer the damn question!
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: Soul_Khan on June 14, 2012, 12:14:04 am
Have you any of you guys studied for it? Would I be at a disadvantage if I haven't studied for it (done past GAT papers).. I done it last year and went alright in it. Should I just focus on improving my technique of reading/answering the question?

Ty for the help.
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: pi on June 14, 2012, 12:16:08 am
Have you any of you guys studied for it? Would I be at a disadvantage if I haven't studied for it (done past GAT papers).. I done it last year and went alright in it. Should I just focus on improving my technique of reading/answering the question?

Ty for the help.

Haha, in all seriousness, the GAT does NOT need to be studied for :) You're at no disadvantage, so don't stress!

Just focus on the questions, read the essay stuff first (to get some ideas getting created) and do the best you can :)
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: brenden on June 14, 2012, 01:57:07 pm
If year elevens are still looking for GAT tips, maybe for next year, here is an example of a full marks piece, credit to my sister - year 11 (this girl is your competition, guys)

The thing about Mt everest is its GAT low oxygen. You GATta take an oxygen tank with you. If I were you, Id be taking GATorade too.You GATta take your own food and shelter. The summit is 8488m, GAT's really high y'know! Theres only so many people GAT have GATten to the top, a figure GAT has increased since people got better GATgets and technology.
Thinking about Mt everest GATs me really excited. Imagine GATing to the top after GAT many days of anticipation. GAT's a big achievement man! The people to first get to the summit were Sheripa Tenning NorGAT and Edmund Hilary. They GAT an award for their efforts. Mt. Everest is in Nepal, neighbour to afGATistan. George Mallory believes we want to climb Everest, 'cause we GATta do something GAT's worthwhile. GATs all folks, laters AliGATors! xo
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: ninwa on June 14, 2012, 02:33:40 pm
(http://i.neoseeker.com/mgv/20291-Dynamite/291/115/103469d1316030180deadhorsetestdead_horse_display.gif)
Title: Re: GAT tips
Post by: ThyJovan on June 14, 2012, 05:27:29 pm
Majority of the math questions had me going

(http://anongallery.org/img/4/1/i-have-no-idea-what-im-doing-dog.jpg)