The full TSA consists of two sections, but not all applicants will take both.

Section 1: Thinking Skills (90 minutes)
Required by all applicants taking the TSA.
50 multiple-choice questions split between:
1.Problem Solving (ca. 20 questions)
– Numerical reasoning
– Logical reasoning
– Spatial and abstract reasoning
2. Critical Thinking (ca. 30 questions)
– Understanding and analyzing arguments
– Identifying assumptions
– Drawing and evaluating conclusions

Problem Solving Questions:
These involve:
– Interpreting and analyzing numerical data (tables, graphs)
– Deductive logic puzzles
– Applying rules to unfamiliar problems

Critical Thinking Questions:
These test your ability to:
– Understand reasoning in short passages
– Spot errors in argumentation
– Recognize flaws, assumptions, and the structure of reasoning

Each question has five multiple-choice options.

Section 2: Writing Task (30 minutes)
Only required for Oxford applicants applying to certain courses (e.g., PPE, Human
Sciences, Psychology & Philosophy).
– Choose one essay question out of three options
– Topics are broad and philosophical, often related to:
o Ethics
o Politics
o Social or logical dilemmas

Example prompts:
– “Should governments prioritize individual freedom or collective safety?”
– “Can war ever be justified?”
– “Is it more important to be right or to be kind?”
Assessment Criteria:
– Clarity of thought
– Logical structure and coherence
– Strength of reasoning
– Ability to argue a position persuasively

Scoring and Results
Section 1 Scoring:
– Raw score (out of 50) is converted to a scale from 0 to 100

– Each question is weighted equally
– Scores are standardized so that 50 is the average
– A score of 70+ is typically considered competitive for Oxford’s more selective
courses
There is no pass/fail mark — results are interpreted relative to other applicants.
Section 2 Scoring:
– Not numerically scored
– Marked by admissions tutors in each college
– Essays are used as a qualitative part of your overall application (alongside personal
statement, A-levels, references, etc.)

– Courses That Require TSA
At Oxford, TSA is required for:
– PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics)
– Experimental Psychology
– Human Sciences
– Psychology & Philosophy
– Psychology & Linguistics
At Cambridge:
– Sometimes required for Land Economy (some colleges)
– Check individual college/course requirements carefully
Other Universities:
– UCL and the University of Leeds have used TSA in the past for certain courses

When and Where Do You Take the TSA?
– Administered in late October or early November each year (usually around first
week of November)
– You must register in advance, typically by early October
– Test is taken at:
o Your school (if registered as a test center)
o An authorized testing center (if your school isn’t registered)
– Administered by Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing (CAAT)

How to Prepare Effectively
1. Understand the Format
– Read the official test specification
– Familiarize yourself with the question types
2. Practice Past Papers
– Cambridge Assessment provides official past papers (go back at least 5–7 years)
– Time yourself strictly — time management is a huge part of success
3. Analyze Your Mistakes
– For every wrong answer, ask: Why did I get it wrong? Was it a misreading? A logic
error?
– Track the type of questions you are struggling with
4. Improve Reading Comprehension
– Read editorials and opinion columns (e.g., The Economist, The Guardian)
– Practice identifying assumptions, implications, and weaknesses in reasoning
5. Practice Essay Writing (Section 2)
– Write concise, structured, and logical essays
– Aim for clarity over length
– Get feedback from teachers or tutors if possible
6. Use TSA Prep Books
– “Thinking Skills” by John Butterworth and Geoff Thwaites – widely
recommended
– Other books specifically aimed at the TSA, e.g., The Ultimate TSA Guide by UniAdmissions
7. Online Platforms
– Practice question banks (e.g., ApplyTSA, Medify, TheTSA.org – some are free, others
paid)
– YouTube videos and walkthroughs can also help with strategy

Final Tips
– Start early (ideally by July or August if applying to Oxford)
– Practice under exam conditions

– Don’t get discouraged by low scores early on — improvement is very possible with
targeted practice
– Your TSA score is just one part of your application — admissions tutors look at the
whole picture
If you need help preparing for the TSA or understanding how it applies to specific
universities, feel free to ask!