About the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) Oxford
The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) Oxford is a 2-hour pre-interview test for applicants to undergraduate courses at the University of Oxford. It is designed to help tutors assess whether candidates have the skills and aptitudes needed to study the following courses:
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Economics and Management
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Experimental Psychology
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Geography
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Philosophy and Linguistics
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Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
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Psychology and Linguistics
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Psychology and Philosophy.
Because these subjects require a range of abilities, and candidates come from a wide variety of subject backgrounds, admissions decisions are complex. The TSA helps admissions tutors make an informed selection.
Test format
The TSA Oxford is a pen-and-paper test. It consists of two sections:
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Section 1: Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA)
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Section 2: Writing Task.
Separate answer sheets will be provided for each section. Calculators cannot be used.
Section 1: Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA)
Section
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What does it test?
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Questions
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Timing
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Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA)
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Problem-solving skills, including numerical and spatial reasoning. Critical thinking skills, including understanding argument and reasoning using everyday language.
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50 multiple- choice questions
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90 minutes
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Section 2: Writing Task
Section
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What does it test?
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Questions
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Timing
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Writing Task
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The ability to organise ideas in a clear and concise manner, and communicate them effectively in writing. Questions are not subject-specific.
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Candidates must answer one essay question from a choice of four
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30 minutes
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