Cambridge International Education Thinking Skills AS & A Level

Organise Information

Ability to interpret information presented as text, tables, charts, or diagrams.

Example of Organising Information

A bus timetable (table) + a route map (diagram) + a paragraph describing delays (text) → you combine all to choose the best bus.

Extract relevant information

Selecting only the information needed to solve the problem.

Example of Extracting Relevant Information

A word problem mentions ages, names, and prices, but the question asks only for total cost → ignore ages and names.

Extract data from related data sets

Combining information from multiple sources to solve a problem.

Example of Extracting Data from Related Data Sets

One table shows hourly pay; another shows hours worked → combine to calculate weekly pay.

Simple models

A rule or system showing how inputs produce outputs.

Example of Simple Models

Taxi fare = $3 + $1.50 per km.

Necessary and sufficient conditions

Necessary: Must be true for something to happen; Sufficient: Guarantees the result by itself.

Example of Necessary Condition

Having a ticket is necessary to board a plane.

Example of Sufficient Condition

Scoring 100% is sufficient to pass an exam.

Deduce information from processed data

Using summaries (averages, totals, graphs) to infer properties of original data.

Example of Deducing Information from Processed Data

If average score is 95% with low variation, most students scored high.

Use information appropriately

Choosing and performing the correct calculations or steps.

Example of Using Information Appropriately

Multiply price × quantity to find total cost.

Apply a model

Substitute real values into a given rule or formula.

Example of Applying a Model

Cost = 3 + 1.5×10 = 18.

Search through possible solutions

Checking all options to find those that meet every condition.

Example of Searching through Possible Solutions

From a list of students, choose those over 16 and with perfect attendance.

Identify unmet criteria

Spotting which rule a proposed solution breaks.

Example of Identifying Unmet Criteria

A schedule fits all lessons but violates 'no lessons after 5 pm.'

Draw appropriate deductions

Drawing new conclusions from given information.

Example of Drawing Deductions

If A > B and B > C, then A > C.

Recognise alternative representations

Seeing that different formats show the same data.

Example of Recognising Alternative Representations

A bar chart and a pie chart showing the same proportions.

Identify features of a model from representations

Interpreting graphs/tables to understand model behaviour.

Example of Identifying Features of a Model from Representations

Gradient of a distance–time graph = speed.

Suggest explanations for trends

Giving plausible reasons for patterns or changes.

Example of Suggesting Explanations for Trends

Sales rise in December → holiday shopping.

Consider impact of a change

Considering how a scenario change affects your solution.

Example of Considering Impact of a Change

Road closure increases travel time → adjust schedule.

Assess credibility

How believable evidence is.

Example of Assessing Credibility

A peer-reviewed study is more credible than an anonymous blog.

Assess inference

Checking whether a conclusion logically follows.

Example of Assessing Inference

'Some students cheat → all students cheat' is invalid.

Recognise an argument

Identifying when reasons support a conclusion.

Example of Recognising an Argument

'Ban cars because they cause pollution.'