“I Don’t Know What This Question Is Asking” — A Common LANTITE Numeracy Struggle

Written By Barbara Pupiec

One of the most common things I hear from students preparing for the LANTITE Numeracy Test is:

“When I read the question, I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”
“I’m not sure if it’s number, algebra, or units — I get myself mixed up.”

If this sounds like you, please know this is very common — and it’s something that can be improved with the right approach.

Why LANTITE Numeracy Questions Feel So Hard

The LANTITE Numeracy Test is different from school maths.

Most questions are:

  • Real-life scenarios

  • Written in words (not formulas)

  • Designed to test practical numeracy, not memorised methods

That’s why trying to label a question too quickly often causes confusion.

Tip 1: Don’t Label the Topic First

One of the biggest mindset shifts is this:

👉 Stop asking “Is this algebra or geometry?”
👉 Start asking “What is actually happening in this situation?”

For example:

  • Someone paying, saving, or comparing prices → think real-life money

  • Time, speed, distance, or schedules → think everyday logic

  • Measurements or quantities → think units and scale

Once the situation makes sense, the maths usually becomes clearer.

Tip 2: Read the Question Like a Real-Life Problem

LANTITE questions are designed to feel like everyday situations.

Try this:

  • Read the question slowly

  • Underline key information

  • Ask yourself: “What would I do in real life?”

This helps stop overthinking and reduces exam panic.

Tip 3: Independent Practice Is Essential

This is where confidence is actually built.

Practice tests help you:

  • Recognise common LANTITE question styles

  • Improve reading accuracy

  • Apply logic under time pressure

Struggling during practice does not mean you’re failing — it means you’re learning.

Tip 4: Everyone Learns at a Different Pace

With the test often only 2–3 weeks away, it’s easy to feel discouraged — but try not to.

Some students:

  • Understand concepts quickly

  • Need more repetition

  • Benefit from completing a course more than once

This is completely normal and doesn’t mean you can’t pass.

What matters most is making the best use of your revision time.

Tip 5: Get Structure and Support

Many students see the biggest improvement when they combine:

  • Clear explanations

  • Guided practice

  • Extra revision sessions focused on exam-style questions

That’s exactly why my LANTITE Numeracy course and additional revision webinars are structured the way they are — to help students practise recognising questions, applying logic, and building confidence step by step.

Final Thoughts

If you’re reading LANTITE questions and thinking “I don’t even know where to start”, you are not alone.

Confidence in LANTITE Numeracy doesn’t come first.
It grows through practice, structure, and consistent revision.

If you’re serious about improving your LANTITE Numeracy results, focus on understanding the question, applying real-life logic, and getting as much targeted practice as possible.

Onwards and upwards,
Barb 💙
LANTITE Numeracy Tutor

Barbara Pupiec
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