Conquer International A-Level Thinking Skills
Develop your International A-Level Thinking Skills with practice on problem solving, critical thinking, and logical reasoning.
Content reviewed February 2026 · Aligned to current specification
About International A-Level Thinking Skills
International A-Level Thinking Skills develops advanced critical thinking, problem-solving and reasoning abilities. Offered by Cambridge International, the syllabus covers problem-solving (spatial reasoning, numerical analysis, logical deduction) and critical thinking (argument analysis, evaluating evidence, constructing arguments), providing a unique qualification that strengthens intellectual skills applicable across all disciplines.
Assessment is through written examination papers testing the ability to solve unfamiliar problems, analyse arguments, evaluate evidence and construct well-reasoned responses. There is no subject-specific content to memorise - instead, the focus is on developing transferable cognitive skills that can be applied to any domain.
International A-Level Thinking Skills is particularly valued by universities that use aptitude-based admissions processes. It develops skills directly tested in university admissions assessments such as the TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment) used by Oxford and other selective institutions. The qualification is also excellent preparation for any degree that requires strong analytical reasoning.
Topics Covered
Exam Boards
International A-Level Thinking Skills is available from these exam boards
How UpGrades Helps
Exam-Style Questions
Practice with Thinking Skills questions that mirror the format and difficulty of real International A-Level exams.
Detailed Explanations
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Progress Tracking
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Study Tips for 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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