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.
Complimentary Consultation
Contact us now to schedule a mock test and arrange a complimentary meeting with our dedicated HK international school specialists.
