iDAT
About the Test
- It is the International Diagnostic and Admissions Test
- Used by many K-12 international schools, including the Chinese International School (CIS) in Hong Kong
- Online test with 6 stages depending on age
Test Format
An adaptive online assessment made up of 4 components:
1. English
2. Mathematics
3. Global Knowledge
4. Character
1. English (65-95 mins)
(i) Grammar & Vocabulary (20-25 multiple choice questions)
(ii) Reading Comprehension (2 readings; up to 10 questions per reading)
(iii) Writing (2 questions; no spell check; type an extended prose about what they see in the picture)
(iv) Listening & Speaking (10 interview questions asked by an avatar; expected to give lengthy answers; limited to 2 minutes per answer)
2. Mathematics (15-35 mins)
- 24-48 multiple-choice questions, depending on the test stage
- 2-3 questions per type of math topic
- For questions requiring a calculator, the calculator will appear on the screen for students to use
- Blank paper and a pencil will be provided
- Cannot return to the question after submitting the answer
3. Global Knowledge (15-20 mins) – only the Logic section is tested in CIS assessment
- 18 multiple choice questions
- 3 sections included:
(i) Logic: IQ testing questions such as transformation, patterns, problem-solving and deduction
(ii) Critical Thinking: assumption, deduction, interpretation, inference and evaluation of sources
(iii) Science and Technology
4. Character (25 mins)
- 36 multiple-choice questions: demonstrate a student’s skill level and appetite for risk-taking, collaboration, self-awareness, communication and creative thinking
- No ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers
- Areas involved: self-awareness, risk-taking, adaption, resilience, creativity, problem solving, communication and empathy
Ampla’s CIS Test Prep Courses
Following our initial assessment, students will receive a customised plan based on the following curriculum which is designed to imitate CIS assessments.
English: Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading and Writing
- Reading comprehension of short stories for detail, main idea, information, summary and purpose
- Reading to compare and contrast
- Text types: procedures, narratives, explanatory and argumentative
- Write a narrative using compound & simple sentences
- Explain a process
- Spelling
- Phonics
- Punctuation & Capitalisation
- Apostrophes & Question Marks
- Suffixes, Prefixes & High-Frequency Words
- Parts of speech
- Past & present tense
- Everyday & High-Frequency words
- Direct & indirect speech
- Modals & phrases
- Verb tenses (present, past, future, perfect & passive)
- Idioms, Noun phrases, & Root Words
- Paragraph constructions and varied sentence types
English: Listening & Speaking
- Formal Interview Questions
- Listening to & retelling stories
- Telling stories
- Show interest in detail in interview answers
- Listen to and summarise a short story with details
- Listening to information and relating to self in spoken response
- Extended speaking about students’ strengths
- Responding to and giving opinions and points of view
- Listening to imagery and description for details
- Spoken descriptions with imagery
Maths Skills
- Problem Solving
- Angles
- Algebra & Patterns
- Equations
- Integers & Ordering
- Measurement – Time & Length
- Patterns & Place Value
- Addition & Subtraction
- Multiplication & Division
- 2D and 3D Geometry
- Area & Volume
- Fractions & Decimals
- Statistics
- Transformation
- Chance, Rate & Ratios
- Time & Scale
- Means, Graphs & Tables
- Pythagoras & Right-Angled Triangles
- Sine & Cosine Rules
- Arithmetic & Geometric Sequence
- Trigonometric Sequence
- Binomial Theorem
- Real & Complex Number (Imaginary)
- Conjugate Complex Numbers
- Operations of Complex Numbers
- Matrices
- Probability
Global Knowledge
- Logic – IQ style testing of patterns, space & problem solving
- Critical Thinking – inference, interpretation, assumption, deduction and evaluation of sources
- Science
- Technology
Ampla’s CIS Test Prep Course Highlights
- 24/7 on-demand tutoring with our experienced team of Hong Kong international school specialists
- Flexible scheduling: online/ face-to-face/ home tutoring lessons available
- Tailor-made lesson plan complemented by weekly timed quizzes and progress report
Strategic Plan
A week-by-week study plan specifically designed for you.
Targeted Approach
Review each topic with a focus on weaker areas, with condensed notes and study materials provided.
Practical Skills
Cover test-taking strategies including time management, making informed guesses and how to handle stress.
Exam Drill
Familiarise with different exam styles/ techniques/ mark schemes through practice papers.
HK Schools Admissions
Ampla's HK International School Admissions Services range from consultation, school selection, application essay guidance to exam preparation, interview coaching and extra support.
Consulting ServicesAdmissions Success
Our consultants have helped students gain admission to top Hong Kong international schools, such as CIS, CDNIS, ESF, GSIS, IMS, ISF, Harrow, HKIS, Kellett, SIS, VSA and more.
Track RecordInterview Training
Designed and delivered by Ampla's school admissions specialists, our customised interview courses provide excellent preparation for students attending school interviews.
Interview PreparationComplimentary Consultation
Contact us now to schedule a mock test and arrange a complimentary meeting with our dedicated HK international school specialists.