Thinking Skills 9694
Explore the topics below through clear explanations, worked examples and practice. Choose a section to begin learning.
What you'll cover
- 2026–2027 · Problem solving
- 2026–2027 · Critical thinking
- 2028–2030 · Problem solving
- 2028–2030 · Critical thinking
Published syllabus exam years: 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030. Confirm exam-series and centre availability with your school and Cambridge.
Thinking Skills 9694 · examination-year skills maps
2026–2027 Version 2 · revised 2028–2030 Version 2
54 of 54 exam-year skill entries have teaching and practice
Start the learning pathwayStudy options and assessment
Thirty-four original lessons include 102 guided, independent and application tasks. All 15 earlier section entries and 39 revised skill entries link to teaching; a linked map is not proof of full exam readiness. Both AS and A Level study the whole content, with more demanding combined tasks at A Level. Original StudyForA scenarios and formative model answers; no Cambridge marks, predicted grades or certified mastery. Alternative reasoned answers may be valid. Full-length unseen papers, a wider mixed-problem bank and calibrated specialist teacher marking remain outstanding. June and November entries are available, including private candidates. Confirm the exam year, administrative-zone timetable and centre entry with your exams officer. AS uses Papers 1 and 2 in the same series; full A Level uses all four papers, either together or through an authorised staged route. Carry-forward rules and time limits must be checked for the relevant series.
June and November entries are available, including private candidates. Confirm the exam year, administrative-zone timetable and centre entry with your exams officer. AS uses Papers 1 and 2 in the same series; full A Level uses all four papers, either together or through an authorised staged route. Carry-forward rules and time limits must be checked for the relevant series.
Choose your paper route
- AS · both versionsPaper 1: 90 minutes, 50 marks · Paper 2: 105 minutes, 50 marks
Each contributes 50% of AS. Both are taken in one series and assess the full subject content. Tasks are less combined and demanding than the A Level papers.
- Full A Level · 2026–2027Papers 1–4 · 50 marks each · Paper 3: 120 minutes, four compulsory questions · Paper 4: 105 minutes
Each paper contributes 25%. Three assessment objectives: information, processing/evaluation, and explanations/construction. Paper 4’s final argument is 27 marks. Calculators are allowed throughout and essential for Paper 3.
- Full A Level · 2028–2030Papers 1–4 · 50 marks each · Paper 3: 120 minutes, five compulsory questions · Paper 4: 105 minutes
Each paper contributes 25%. Paper 3 has a 5-mark opener, three 10-mark questions and one 15-mark question; the 15-mark question need not be last. Paper 4’s final argument changes to 24 marks, with three marks moved earlier and its 50-mark total unchanged. Two revised assessment objectives cover information/evaluation and reasoning/communication. Use Version 2 specimen corrections.
Cambridge recommends prior English and mathematics equivalent to IGCSE or O Level. Prior Thinking Skills study is not required.
View syllabus coverage
Prefixes 26- and 28- distinguish the two syllabus versions; the numbers after them identify Cambridge sections. The 54 entries include overlapping skills across years, not 54 distinct topics. Older data-transformation and model-development lessons remain explicitly linked to the earlier map. Original StudyForA scenarios and formative model answers; no Cambridge marks, predicted grades or certified mastery. Alternative reasoned answers may be valid. Full-length unseen papers, a wider mixed-problem bank and calibrated specialist teacher marking remain outstanding.
2026–2027 · Problem solving
- 2026–2027 · 1.1 · Read and extract information26-1.1
- 2026–2027 · 1.2 · Interpret relationships and conditions26-1.2
- 2026–2027 · 2.1 · Choose operations and apply models26-2.1
- 2026–2027 · 2.2 · Find cases satisfying constraints26-2.2
- 2026–2027 · 2.3 · Deduce and compare outcomes26-2.3
- 2026–2027 · 3.1 · Convert data and spatial representations26-3.1
- 2026–2027 · 3.2 · Interpret trends and fit parameters26-3.2
- 2026–2027 · 4.1 · Reassess changed situations26-4.1
- 2026–2027 · 4.2 · Build and improve models26-4.2
2026–2027 · Critical thinking
- 2026–2027 · 5.1 · Judge evidence quality and presentation26-5.1
- 2026–2027 · 5.2 · Explain, infer and judge using evidence26-5.2
- 2026–2027 · 6.1 · Analyse an argument’s structure and assumptions26-6.1
- 2026–2027 · 7.1 · Explain reasoning flaws26-7.1
- 2026–2027 · 7.2 · Assess weak support and rhetorical devices26-7.2
- 2026–2027 · 8.1 · Build a persuasive case26-8.1
2028–2030 · Problem solving
- 2028–2030 · 1.1 · Read different representations28-1.1
- 2028–2030 · 1.2 · Select relevant facts28-1.2
- 2028–2030 · 2.1 · Plan calculations28-2.1
- 2028–2030 · 2.2 · Use simple rules28-2.2
- 2028–2030 · 2.3 · Deduce from simple relations28-2.3
- 2028–2030 · 2.4 · Search a small possibility set28-2.4
- 2028–2030 · 2.5 · Schedule dependent tasks28-2.5
- 2028–2030 · 3.1 · Interpret patterns and relationships28-3.1
- 2028–2030 · 3.2 · Combine interacting model rules28-3.2
- 2028–2030 · 3.3 · Deduce from linked aggregates28-3.3
- 2028–2030 · 3.4 · Search complex constraints28-3.4
- 2028–2030 · 3.5 · Prove the best feasible value28-3.5
- 2028–2030 · 3.6 · Adapt to changed rules28-3.6
- 2028–2030 · 4.1 · Explain a reasoning chain28-4.1
- 2028–2030 · 4.2 · Justify a solution or bound28-4.2
- 2028–2030 · 4.3 · Disclose modelling assumptions28-4.3
2028–2030 · Critical thinking
- 2028–2030 · 5.1.1 · Assess credibility and corroboration28-5.1.1
- 2028–2030 · 5.1.2 · Assess samples and selection28-5.1.2
- 2028–2030 · 5.1.3 · Assess visual data presentation28-5.1.3
- 2028–2030 · 5.1.4 · Compare perspectives28-5.1.4
- 2028–2030 · 5.2.1 · Evaluate proposed explanations28-5.2.1
- 2028–2030 · 5.2.2 · Propose alternative explanations28-5.2.2
- 2028–2030 · 5.3.1 · Judge evidence significance28-5.3.1
- 2028–2030 · 5.3.2 · Evaluate an inference28-5.3.2
- 2028–2030 · 5.3.3 · Draw a supported inference28-5.3.3
- 2028–2030 · 5.3.4 · Evaluate a challenge to an inference28-5.3.4
- 2028–2030 · 5.3.5 · Form a relevant challenge28-5.3.5
- 2028–2030 · 5.3.6 · Justify a multi-source judgement28-5.3.6
- 2028–2030 · 6.1.1 · Recognise an argument28-6.1.1
- 2028–2030 · 6.1.2 · Explain argument elements28-6.1.2
- 2028–2030 · 6.1.3 · Identify missing reasoning bridges28-6.1.3
- 2028–2030 · 6.2.1 · Evaluate informal reasoning flaws28-6.2.1
- 2028–2030 · 6.2.2 · Assess weak support and counter-positions28-6.2.2
- 2028–2030 · 6.2.3 · Assess appeals and comparisons28-6.2.3
- 2028–2030 · 6.3.1 · State a persuasive conclusion28-6.3.1
- 2028–2030 · 6.3.2 · Supply supporting reasons28-6.3.2
- 2028–2030 · 6.3.3 · Develop connected reasoning strands28-6.3.3
- 2028–2030 · 6.3.4 · Link intermediate conclusions28-6.3.4
- 2028–2030 · 6.3.5 · Strengthen a case with relevant elements28-6.3.5
Exam-year guidance
- Exam-year selection and entry routeEXAM-YEARS · Supplemental StudyForA practice, not a syllabus section
Content-depth gap
- Wider mixed-problem and multi-document bankMIXED-DEPTH · Assessment limitation, not a syllabus sectionTeacher, centre, or specialist assessment required
Assessment gap
- Full-length unseen papers and calibrated specialist markingFULL-PAPERS · Assessment limitation, not a syllabus sectionTeacher, centre, or specialist assessment required
Practice the papers
Practice the papers
- Problem solving at AS and A Level demandPapers 1 and 3 · 17 lessonsRead and select informationCalculate and apply simple modelsMake simple deductionsSearch simple solutions systematicallyCreate schedules from dependenciesFind patterns and logical relationshipsApply complex models and bottlenecksMake complex deductions from linked totalsSearch constrained combinationsFind and prove optimal solutionsAdapt solutions when conditions changeExplain and justify a solutionState and test model assumptionsTransform data and spatial representationsExplain trends and fit model parametersDevelop and refine modelsSelect your exam year and paper route
Choose the year-specific topic map. Short and multi-constraint tasks practise methods; full 90/120-minute unseen papers and broader mixed modelling scenarios remain to be built.
- Evidence, argument and applied reasoningPapers 2 and 4 · 18 lessonsAssess evidence credibilityAssess sample representativenessEvaluate data presentationCompare perspectives in evidenceAssess and suggest explanationsAssess and draw inferencesAssess challenges to inferencesJudge an issue using multiple sourcesRecognise and map argumentsIdentify unstated assumptionsEvaluate conditional reasoningEvaluate meaning shifts and circularityEvaluate causal and general claimsEvaluate opponents, options and predicted chainsAssess weaknesses and their impactAssess appeals and analogiesConstruct persuasive argumentsSelect your exam year and paper route
Original short source scenarios and arguments rehearse skills. Full five-question Paper 2, multi-document Paper 4 and calibrated teacher marking remain outstanding.
Lessons and worked examples
Choose where to begin
Choose a lesson, try the practice and explain the idea without your notes. Your study checks help you decide what to review.
- 01
Read and select information
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 02
Calculate and apply simple models
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 03
Make simple deductions
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 04
Search simple solutions systematically
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 05
Create schedules from dependencies
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 06
Find patterns and logical relationships
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 07
Apply complex models and bottlenecks
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 08
Make complex deductions from linked totals
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 09
Search constrained combinations
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 10
Find and prove optimal solutions
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 11
Adapt solutions when conditions change
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 12
Explain and justify a solution
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 13
State and test model assumptions
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 14
Transform data and spatial representations
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 15
Explain trends and fit model parameters
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 16
Develop and refine models
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 17
Assess evidence credibility
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 18
Assess sample representativeness
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 19
Evaluate data presentation
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 20
Compare perspectives in evidence
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 21
Assess and suggest explanations
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 22
Assess and draw inferences
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 23
Assess challenges to inferences
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 24
Judge an issue using multiple sources
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 25
Recognise and map arguments
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 26
Identify unstated assumptions
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 27
Evaluate conditional reasoning
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 28
Evaluate meaning shifts and circularity
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 29
Evaluate causal and general claims
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 30
Evaluate opponents, options and predicted chains
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 31
Assess weaknesses and their impact
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 32
Assess appeals and analogies
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 33
Construct persuasive arguments
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started - 34
Select your exam year and paper route
Learn the method · Practise with help · Try it yourself · Apply the idea
Not started
These checks record your study activity and self-assessment, not a mastery score. Check the course coverage map for available lessons and remaining topics.
Practise this subject
Topic tests: Easy, Normal and Difficult
Choose a topic, save your answers and compare your reasoning with worked models. See available tests and any coverage gaps.
Browse 54 topics →No StudyForA practice set is published for this exact qualification yet. Use the official papers below or in the resource guide.