What are Oxford tutors looking for in the essay part of the TSA?
Oxford Tutors are looking for three key points when it comes to the TSA:
1. A clear argument
2. A clear structure
3. The ability to think outside the box
The first two points are particularly important. Prospective applicants (and the teachers at my secondary school) tend to overemphasise the final point. While creative thinking is useful, tutors have explicitly told me that they are looking for the ability to persuade and to structure an argument. The first year of Oxford, for the social sciences and the humanities, is largely focused around improving these skills. Demonstrating them will give you a significant advantage!
CL
Related TSA Oxford University answers
All answers ▸[Question and answer both written in the 'answer' box because the question is long]
Simon is three times older than Cheryl. In five years, the sum of their ages will be 74. How old is Simon?
What are tutors looking for in the "Oxford Interview" and how can I show this?
Every year 1000 people fall off their boats into the water, yet some boats still do not carry life jackets. If all boats did carry life jackets then the number of people falling into the water would be reduced. What is the flaw in this argument?