What would be the best way to prepare for section two of the TSA?

The second section of the TSA can seem daunting due to its essay-based format. The important thing to remember is that this is a thinking skills assessment first and foremost. In my experience, having done the TSA twice and passing both times, the best way to prepare for the essay section is to practice and review your style of writing an essay. The important thing to get right in this case is the way in which you consider and argue the topic at hand, its important to be clear in your discussion and in presenting your arguments. Subject knowledge should not be something to worry about as the questions are open-ended and in general do not require any particular knowledge to answer effectively, though no doubt knowledge can be applied it should not take precedent in your preparation over the honing of your essay-writing skills.

Answered by TSA Oxford tutor

2049 Views

See similar TSA Oxford University tutors

Related TSA Oxford University answers

All answers ▸

What is the best preparation for the Oxford TSA?


A publisher produces magazines, all of which have a number of pages which is a multiple of 32. Thus, a magazine can have 32, 64, 96....... pages. The front cover is always counted as page 1. The centre spread of the magazine could have pages numbered


How should I structure my essay?


How do I approach the essay section of the TSA?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning