How to Revise International A-Level Thinking Skills

Develop your International A-Level Thinking Skills with practice on problem solving, critical thinking, and logical reasoning.

Revision Strategy

Revising Thinking Skills requires a dual approach: learning theoretical concepts and practising practical problem-solving. For theory topics like data representation, networking, and systems architecture, use active recall with flashcards and practice questions. For programming and algorithms, the only effective revision is writing and tracing code.

Practise tracing through algorithms by hand. Exam questions frequently ask you to follow the execution of pseudocode or identify errors in programs. Being able to work through code step by step, tracking variable values in a trace table, is a skill that improves dramatically with practice and is worth a significant number of marks.

Understand the connections between topics. Thinking Skills is a subject where concepts build on each other — for example, understanding binary representation helps with data storage, compression, and networking. When revising, actively look for these connections and make sure you can explain how different areas of the subject relate to one another.

Study Tips for International A-Level Thinking Skills

✓ Practice problem-solving exercises daily using a variety of puzzle types. The key to success in Thinking Skills is regular exposure to unfamiliar problems, not memorisation of content.
✓ Develop systematic approaches to different problem types (spatial reasoning, numerical sequences, logical deductions) and practise applying them under timed conditions.
✓ For critical thinking, learn to identify argument structures (premises, conclusions, assumptions, flaws) and practice analysing arguments from newspapers, speeches and academic texts.
✓ Work through Cambridge TSA and BMAT past papers as additional practice, since these test similar skills to the Thinking Skills qualification.

Exam Tips for International A-Level Thinking Skills

✓ In problem-solving questions, read the information carefully and identify what is being asked before starting to calculate. Many errors come from misunderstanding the problem rather than faulty reasoning.
✓ For critical thinking questions, focus on the logic of the argument rather than whether you agree with the conclusion. The question is testing your reasoning, not your opinions.
✓ Manage your time strictly. Thinking Skills papers contain many short questions, and spending too long on one difficult question can prevent you from attempting easier ones later in the paper.

Topics to Cover

8 topics in International A-Level Thinking Skills

Problem Solving

Critical Thinking

Logical Reasoning

Decision Making

Argument Analysis

Data Analysis

Spatial Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning

Available Exam Boards

International A-Level Thinking Skills specification guides for each exam board

Cambridge International

Frequently Asked Questions

What is International A-Level Thinking Skills? +

It is a Cambridge International qualification that develops and assesses critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Unlike traditional subjects, it does not have subject-specific content to learn. Instead, it focuses on transferable reasoning skills applicable across all disciplines.

Is Thinking Skills a real A-Level? +

Yes. It is a full A-Level qualification awarded by Cambridge International. However, not all universities accept it as one of their required A-Levels. Some consider it a valuable fourth subject. Check the requirements of your target universities.

How does Thinking Skills help with university admissions? +

Many selective universities use aptitude tests (TSA, BMAT, LNAT) as part of their admissions process. These tests assess the same critical thinking and problem-solving skills developed in the Thinking Skills qualification, so students who have studied it are well prepared.

Can I self-study International A-Level Thinking Skills? +

It is possible, as the qualification does not require memorising subject content. However, regular practice with past papers and structured feedback on your reasoning are very beneficial, so guided study is recommended.

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