TSA (Thinking Skills Assessment) Tips and Tricks

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 27. 07. 2024

Komentáře • 198

  • @hussainlokhandwala4025
    @hussainlokhandwala4025 Před 3 lety +85

    I simply cannot thank you enough for how much of a great help you have been! You are an absolute saviour to International students such as me who do not really have access to any references or help for these tests. Thank you again!

  • @aashkatank
    @aashkatank Před 3 lety +53

    This was immensely helpful! Your logic with spatial reasoning is a gamechanger for me ( like you, I find visualising shapes difficult too). Thank you so much, Dr. Williams.

  • @yvonnef.1965
    @yvonnef.1965 Před 3 lety +14

    This is exactly what I need as i am still struggling with TSA. Thank you so much!!

  • @ozboz888
    @ozboz888 Před 3 lety +50

    Thank you for investing your time in making these videos. They are marvellously helpful.

  • @owlproductiones
    @owlproductiones Před 3 lety +24

    Just took the exam, your tips were very helpful mate! Thanks a lot for investing your time for people who don't have the advantages some applicants have!

  • @vedantsinghvishwanath3265

    Thank you so much for making time for these videos. They're a gamechanger

  • @annies8026
    @annies8026 Před 3 lety +3

    Just what I need - thank you CZcams recommendations!!

  • @giacomo8227
    @giacomo8227 Před 3 lety +18

    Thanks, that's excatly what I need rn!

  • @tonygudkov
    @tonygudkov Před 3 lety +1

    Yet another very helpful video Dr. Williams, thank you!!

  • @ifssdns
    @ifssdns Před 3 lety +2

    Thank you so much for making these videos! They are incredibly helpful

  • @tobinrose2330
    @tobinrose2330 Před 2 lety +1

    Thank you so much! The time saving tips of reading the prompts first and eliminating unnecessary information was really useful. I cannot thank you enough!

  • @sanaashaikh4463
    @sanaashaikh4463 Před 3 lety +4

    Thank you so much for this video, i was just going to look up tips and tricks and this video popped up in my dash. Thanks! :)

  • @Uzairali123456789
    @Uzairali123456789 Před 2 lety

    I have the assessment in an hour but just wanted to thank you for all your help! It's been very useful.

  • @williamfahey6066
    @williamfahey6066 Před 3 lety +1

    Great Video, I Love watching your videos.
    You add so much to my life. I love Learning. A lot
    of the time I have to watch a video more then once
    to really get it. That is part of the enjoyment.
    Thank You, Matt.
    Jeff

  • @minecraftfunner
    @minecraftfunner Před 3 lety

    Once again another great video. Thank you

  • @crxtallite
    @crxtallite Před 2 lety

    Thank you so much for teaching me these new tips! They have been very useful to me. Keep it up!

  • @Kay-fx7uj
    @Kay-fx7uj Před 3 lety +2

    Thank you so much for your videos! I was struggling with practice papers and kept getting questions wrong. After watching a few of your videos I have tried other papers and been getting the answers correct! You're really teaching me how to look at these questions and understand what they are looking for!

  • @richtorum5136
    @richtorum5136 Před 2 lety +11

    just found out ive been shortlisted for a PPE interview with Pembroke College, i genuinely cant thank you enough for your fantastic guidance with these videos, especially the 2nd writing task which was extremely difficult for me as i hadn't taken any linguistic subjects for my A levels

  • @gwynethgunawan4759
    @gwynethgunawan4759 Před 3 lety +2

    Thank you so much, this was a super helpful video! I'm taking my TSA tomorrow and this really changed my perspective on how to tackle the questions. Thank you so much :)

  • @KingCharles3
    @KingCharles3 Před 3 lety +3

    Brilliant video, thank you 😊

  • @winnieshi9557
    @winnieshi9557 Před rokem

    Thanks for such powerful explanation!!!!!!!! I really like the way to read questions first and that saves me lots of time.

  • @emmahigginson9652
    @emmahigginson9652 Před 2 lety

    Thank you so much for these videos, I found them so helpful. One of the reasons I'd love to go to Oxford is that in every outreach video I've watched, the tutors seem so brilliant: friendly, and explaining the questions in such an understandable way. I hope that anybody reading this found the exam alright today!
    I was wondering if I could ask you about today's test - I had some pretty bad technical difficulties which made the test far more difficult. My screen kept freezing and things like selecting new questions or clicking on answers were very slow. There were more than a few occasions when the timer was still going whilst the screen was frozen and I couldn't see the question, which was of course very stressful and isn't what you want in such a time pressured test. I was really disappointed by this: I've put a huge amount of time into practicing the test over the last few months and trying different methods/time-saving tips, so much so that in practice, my scores have gone from the low 60s to the 80s, and once even the 90s. I was aiming for at least 80 today but unfortunately ran out of time quite badly and so didn't get to attempt all of the questions, and I had to rush a lot of them in order to answer a decent number in the time. I've emailed Worcester College, which is where I'm applying, and explained the difficulties in the hopes that they will be considered extenuating circumstances, but can I ask you what this means? Will my score be considered contextually, or just as a smaller part of my application, so my grades and references will be considered more? Will a low score impact me as negatively as it would have in a normal year, when the exam was on paper?
    Thanks again for this video!

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 2 lety

      Thanks for your message. Emailing the college is absolutely the right thing to do. There have been a lot of people facing difficulties with the tests, unfortunately. I wish you all the best.

  • @kseniavishninskaya6680
    @kseniavishninskaya6680 Před 3 lety +1

    Thank you very much for all your videos! I've found them extremely helpful even though I need to sit MLAT including the Philosophy section

  • @danielsong7705
    @danielsong7705 Před rokem

    Thank you for making this!

  • @WoodyJeffay
    @WoodyJeffay Před 3 lety +8

    Please can you go through the 2020 TSA Question Paper on here? I've seen the Oxford Maths Department have done it for the 2020 MAT. It would be really helpful if you could do the same.

  • @tln_577
    @tln_577 Před 3 lety

    Thank you for making this video. I am applying for Philosophy at Cambridge however the two addmisons assessments are very similar to one another so your tips are extremely useful!

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety

      Good to know! Best of luck

    • @tln_577
      @tln_577 Před 2 lety +1

      @@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you, just to say I got a place at your sister college Jesus in Cambridge.

  • @absolutelybuttons7164
    @absolutelybuttons7164 Před 3 lety +8

    For the third essay prompt, wouldn't there be a difference between "change their race" vs. "choose to change their race"? Love all of your content!

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +12

      Good question! I like that nuance. I think this is a case where you should tell me that distinction is relevant, rather than ask for my permission. In essays, we're often looking for students to take charge of the problem and say, "I argue there is a conceptual distinction to be made between changing and choosing to change". Great point!

  • @schloop3828
    @schloop3828 Před 2 lety

    I just took it yesterday, why am I watching this. Gahhh I just wanna get my results!!!

  • @Doublefish0319
    @Doublefish0319 Před 3 lety +4

    day before the test squad

  • @ibrakhimbayezed5916
    @ibrakhimbayezed5916 Před 3 lety +1

    Please make more more like this video, thanks

  • @KatyVLOGS12
    @KatyVLOGS12 Před 3 lety +6

    Hi, thank you so much for making this video!
    Would you recommend answering one type of questions first and then do the next one e.g. if I’m more comfortable with critical thinking I would do all critical thinking first and then move on to problem solving? Or is it better to do the questions in the chronological order as they are?

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +5

      Good question! Personally I would answer the questions in their given order. You need to show your abilities in both types of question. If you segregate them, you run the risk of being tired out by the time you switch from one type of question to the other.

  • @heyitsadelinaaa
    @heyitsadelinaaa Před 2 lety +5

    Thank you for making this video! For the spatial reasoning question at 18:54, could you please explain how you got the angles 100, 270 and 360?

  • @batoolwzaidi6676
    @batoolwzaidi6676 Před 2 lety +3

    Hi Mr Williams, thank you for all your TSA related videos I’ve found them immensely helpful in my preparation! I started my TSA prep last week (due to difficult family circumstances) and I’ve been getting a score of around mid 60s in the Section 1. However there’s two main problems I’ve been facing:
    1) understanding all the information given in a problem solving question (eg I didn’t know what a cheque was until I asked my family about it!)
    2) getting tired towards the end of a paper and missing key details in questions that help you reach the answer
    I was wondering, do you have any advice in countering these two problems? Thank you so much!
    - Batool

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 2 lety +1

      Thanks for your comment. With regards to the first matter, the questions don’t assume any particular knowledge. For example, you don’t really need to know what a cheque is to be able to answer the question. As regards the second point, everyone gets tired! It’s a very tiring exam. The best approach is to ensure you are well slept and fed prior to the exam. It’s also a good idea to practice as many questions as possible, so that you become more efficient in answering them. Good luck!

  • @user-cz7sb1ow5d
    @user-cz7sb1ow5d Před rokem

    Thank you very much

  • @nishthefish2861
    @nishthefish2861 Před 3 lety +4

    Another great video Dr Williams! What sort of score would you say gives you a good chance at an interview? Would high 60’s give you a good chance? Or do I need 70 minimum to be assured of an interview?

    • @anantsharma7955
      @anantsharma7955 Před 3 lety +1

      Being in the 65+ range will give you a greater chance for being called for an interview.

  • @lilyscamera2914
    @lilyscamera2914 Před 3 lety +4

    Could you explain what you mean by there being four right angles (on the dice question). I wasn't quite sure of your reasoning. Thank you for the excellent video - just what I needed.

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +3

      It is tricky. Tbh, I had to make a dice just to be sure I wasn't fooling myself! I really don't like the spatial questions.
      Essentially, when folding the dice, there are four 90 degree folds where the faces shift round clockwise, as well as some folds where there is no circular motion (just up/down) folds. That means that we can say the 'V' face will move all the way round in a full circle as we construct the dice, until it is upright again next to the 'IV'.

  • @ricklongley9172
    @ricklongley9172 Před 3 lety +3

    Fantastic video as always! Thank you! Could someone please explain the reasoning behind the 90° turns between figures on the cube net around 17:30?
    I don't follow at all 😪

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +5

      Sorry for being unclear. The idea is the 'IV' face stays upright, and then if we make the cube, we can work out which faces must turn 90o relative to 'IV' to make the cube. There are four such turns needed to form a cube, which means that the 'V' face moves all the way round the clock and finished upright again. Try making a cube for real and hopefully it will be clearer. (That's what I did in the end, just to be sure I wasn't losing my mind!)

  • @Mia-ve9ec
    @Mia-ve9ec Před 3 lety +5

    Hi Prof! For me, I find annotating the question to be very helpful for the critical thinking, and especially for some problem solving questions when dealing with graphs. I am slightly worried about how having the test done online would affect this ability. Do you think that the average score for this years test may be lowered due to the fact that it will be sat online? And if so, would what is considered a 'good' score also be lowered as a result and relativised? Thank you very much!

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +9

      Yes, I suspect that average scores will be pushed down because of the new format. And, yes, that means we will revise down what a competitive performance looks like.
      Good luck!

  • @romanstaszak244
    @romanstaszak244 Před rokem

    Thank you Matt for your useful videoes as always. Currently I am preparing myself for the BMAT test and the Section 1 of it covers the TSA questions. I am struggling to understand them to give the correct answer as English is my second language. Any useful resources with simple and clear explanation on how to prepare successfully for it will be great appropriation. Have a good day 🌞🌞😃😃 All best wishes, Roman

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před rokem

      Hi Roman, thank you for your message! There is this video on BMAT: czcams.com/video/8JWJLX7RUto/video.html what I would note that there are many people taking the test with English as a second language, so keep practising and you will get better!

    • @romanstaszak244
      @romanstaszak244 Před rokem

      @@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you Matt for your words and encouragement 😃😃 Have a good day whatever you do 😃👍

  • @abhinavgupta1880
    @abhinavgupta1880 Před 3 lety +5

    These videos are really helpful and amazing!
    Also, excluding exceptional circumstances, what would you consider a competitive score on the TSA for Economics and Management?

    • @willaustin117
      @willaustin117 Před 3 lety

      70-75 ish I reckon

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +5

      It varies from year to year, so difficult to say accurately. Usually a score of 65-70 on section 1 and section 2 is competitive.

    • @frankied8924
      @frankied8924 Před 3 lety

      @@JesusCollegeOxford1571 would that be the same as PPE?

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +5

      @@frankied8924 PPE is marginally lower in terms of competitiveness that E&M, but it is a very small margin. Again 65> is roughly what is needed, but this changes year on year.

    • @frankied8924
      @frankied8924 Před 3 lety +1

      @@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you Dr Williams!

  • @misscoco159
    @misscoco159 Před 3 lety +1

    Great advice, thank you for this! In the TSA section 2, would you suggest picking the essay title that is 'best suited' to your degree? It seems as though there is always an economics related question, a philosophy one and a political one. So for instance would it be preferable for an E&M applicant to pick the economics question or does it not really matter?

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +1

      It doesn’t matter which essay you pick. Choose whichever you think will best show off your thinking skills.

    • @ac_1273
      @ac_1273 Před 9 měsíci

      I thought E&M applicants only need to do S1?

  • @daisy-ui4ix
    @daisy-ui4ix Před rokem

    thanks king

  • @malanhemal6574
    @malanhemal6574 Před 2 lety +1

    for question 48, to find the day to have 550g sourdough,
    what I did was only look at sourdough ignoring water content, because no matter how much water I have, what I have been asked is 550g of sourdough
    so it's simply 50g sourdough each day * 10 = 500g so that's 10 days which makes it a Thursday but with an additional 50g it will be one more day which is the next day which happens to be a Friday.
    I hope my reasoning was valid and indeed true.

    • @longname6117
      @longname6117 Před 2 lety +1

      You actually got lucky, since you have misunderstood the question (sorry for being blunt).
      -sourdough is made up of BOTH water and flour
      -doubling the weight means it’s more appropriate (even if it is) to do something like 100 x 2^x
      I can explain in greater if you have gone through the video and still have questions! The key takeaway is it takes 4 days, not 11 days!

    • @malanhemal6574
      @malanhemal6574 Před 2 lety +1

      @@longname6117 I understood, thanks 😎👍🏾

  • @sujalgandhi5279
    @sujalgandhi5279 Před rokem

    6:14
    for question 46: option c,
    suppose, psi= damage in hearing, phi= listening to loud music.
    this clearly shows that phi implies psi, and the next statement shows that not psi implies not phi.
    this same logic can be applied above, phi=cake will be tasty, psi= fresh ingredients from market.
    here also, not psi implies not phi.
    thus option c is correct.

  • @audreywilliams7548
    @audreywilliams7548 Před 2 lety

    Thank you so much for this video, it was very helpful! Just did the TSA and I’m a bit worried as I don’t think I did as good as I should’ve. Have people who have been interviewed received a relatively bad TSA score but had very good other elements?

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 2 lety

      Yes, it's not unusual for candidates to have done relatively badly on the TSA, but compensated for it elsewhere in the application. Best of luck!

  • @zhoumaggie1576
    @zhoumaggie1576 Před 3 lety +1

    Thank u so much for this helpful video Dr Williams! I have a question tho, due to the change of the test form this year, i was interrupted abruptly due to my computer's techinical problems, and i think i didnt do it well. So if i want to write to profs and beg them reconsider about my application, who should i write the email to? Just the college ive be arranged to or i should ask the college about E&M profs' email address and write to them directly?

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety

      Hi, you should contact the college you've been assigned to urgently. You may need to submit a Special Circumstances Form. Best of luck.

  • @un-hyphenated1463
    @un-hyphenated1463 Před 3 lety

    How should BMAT section 3 questions be deconstructed? They are statements rather than questions, so it is difficult to determine a hook word.

  • @twomwar8042
    @twomwar8042 Před 3 lety

    Hi Dr Williams,
    As with your other insightful videos, thank you so so much for taking the time and effort to help students with their application! Tomorrow is the day of the TSA assessment, and while I probably shouldn't be too fixated on this question, I can't help but wonder whether Oxford colleges shortlist candidates based on country averages or global averages (the TSA average for Singaporean candidates is one of the highest in the world - does that put me at a massive disadvantage?). Also, since this year's TSA is computer-based, will be get our results immediately after the test?
    Thank you!

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +2

      Shortlisting for TSA is based on global averages. And results won’t be available until the admissions process is over, in January. Good luck!

  • @anastasiakravtsova4627
    @anastasiakravtsova4627 Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks for this very helpful video! Just a quick stylistic question, is the use of 'I' acceptable in the essay?

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +3

      Yes, absolutely. Just be careful with what comes after I/me/my. "I argue" or "It is my contention" are fine. "I believe" or "It is my opinion" are no good.
      Beliefs and opinions are simply too subjective. Imagine a lawyer going into court and declaring that "I believe my client is innocent of all charges"! Their client would end up in prison!

  • @jolyonlittle7547
    @jolyonlittle7547 Před 2 lety +1

    Thank you so much! This video is immensely helpful. One question, when writing the essay task should I avoid only partially agreeing or disagreeing with the prompt, in favour of fully agreeing/disagreeing to improve my arguments? For example should I avoid saying that I agree with X to an extent, but Y should also be considered.

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 2 lety +3

      You can provide a nuanced answer (as in not agreeing wholly with the prompt) provided that answer is clear and consistent throughout the essay. Best of luck!

    • @jolyonlittle7547
      @jolyonlittle7547 Před 2 lety

      @@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you, this has cleared up the doubts I had, I really appreciate it.

  • @ginevramigone7568
    @ginevramigone7568 Před 2 lety

    Thank you for the video, you really are an angel! One question, how would use suggest to prepare for the Problem Solving part? It looks like I am never improving!

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 2 lety

      Thank you for your message! Problem-solving questions just take practice.
      Don't be too downhearted if you are struggling, because they are very difficult. But the more you practice, the better you will get. Little and often is the key. Aim at about 30 to 40 minutes per day of practice.

  • @anvartamabaev500
    @anvartamabaev500 Před 2 lety

    Hey, I want to ask you. How can I prepare for this Critical Thinking section, maybe some books, websites or what?

  • @Mia-ve9ec
    @Mia-ve9ec Před 3 lety +1

    For section 2, my general plan for the essay is point 1 (for), point 2 (against) and point 3 (for). Within each paragraph should I include objections for the main argument within the paragraph? Or combine these into one balance paragraph to have a more focused essay, with one point per paragraph? Many thanks!

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +3

      Your approach sounds fine. The key thing is to make sure your argument is as comprehensible as possible. So if you think you will achieve that by having points against in a separate paragraph at the end of the essay, then do that. You also want to avoid seeming to sit on the fence. You must have a clear line of argument throughout.

  • @guillaumespecht4837
    @guillaumespecht4837 Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks for your video, it’s great ; and I was wondering, does anyone know if we’re aloud to go back on questions we skipped earlier in the test and if we’ll have any scratch paper? Thanks!

    • @solanada8450
      @solanada8450 Před 3 lety +2

      When I did the demo test the other day it allowed you to skip a question and go back to it, it highlights the questions you have done, so you can see which ones you've skipped :)

  • @yaminisamineni2551
    @yaminisamineni2551 Před 3 lety

    Thank you so much! The video was immensely informative and helpful. Also, how many words do you recommend we write in section two? I normally can’t write more than 400-450 within the given time.
    And is directly defining verbs like “should” and “could” acceptable?

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +3

      Yes, 400-450 words should be fine. And, yes, where could/should are hook words (as there are in the video) you should (!) define them, but can do so briefly.

    • @yaminisamineni2551
      @yaminisamineni2551 Před 3 lety

      @@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Great thank you!

  • @saaraho2132
    @saaraho2132 Před 3 lety

    Hi, I don't understand why you specifically chose those corners to be marked with the 90 degree symbol? (at 18.06). Thanks!

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety

      It was because in imagining the corners that would be turned to form a cube, the corners drawn describe how the flat surface should change in relation to the 'IV' face.

  • @lameesrahman220
    @lameesrahman220 Před rokem

    Hi thank for your video it was super useful - I just wanted to ask for the TSA section two - is it worth having an entire paragraph evaluating your like judgement or do you think say for the restrictions in AI question only the 3 paragraphs on the different types of restriction is what is needed

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před rokem

      It's helpful to evaluate your argument, even if only with a sentence or two. It shows that you can appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of what you're claiming.

  • @hu6909
    @hu6909 Před 3 lety

    thanks so much,it’s really helpful for me. Could you explain more exercise about TSA? Like not only the last four questions in the video. It’s very struggling me to difference between different types of questions.

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety

      My other TSA videos are a lot longer and may be more helpful. Let me know if not.

    • @hu6909
      @hu6909 Před 3 lety

      @@JesusCollegeOxford1571 yesss pls, more videos about TSA

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety

      @@hu6909 czcams.com/video/JaR0hdf8Zhc/video.html

  • @KiishanJeyanayagam
    @KiishanJeyanayagam Před 2 lety +2

    Do you think that in the essay, its okay to give two arguments in favour of a point, and one argument against? I find that this is as much as I can write in an essay, but I'm worried that it makes my essays unbalanced?

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 2 lety +2

      Yes, that sounds about right in half an hour. The essay ultimately has to be somewhat unbalanced, because you can only make one case and have to make it well.

    • @KiishanJeyanayagam
      @KiishanJeyanayagam Před 2 lety +1

      @@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thanks for the response!

  • @WooperPiano
    @WooperPiano Před 3 lety

    Is it best to argue for both sides of the argument when it comes to the essay? Or should we follow the structure you outlined in your previous video on essay writing:
    1) Intro - where you define your hookword
    2) Point 1
    3) Point 2
    4) Balance - But still insist on your initial stance and why
    5) Conclusion

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety

      Yes, follow my suggested structure. You need to argue a single case, rather than argue two or more cases.

    • @romanstaszak244
      @romanstaszak244 Před rokem

      @@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you once again Matt. Keep doing the good work 🌞😃👍

  • @rebeccalines1401
    @rebeccalines1401 Před rokem

    Do you need to take the TSA for the foundation course for PPE? I know this is a new course and wanted to check if it was required/. Thanks for any advice Becky

  • @marufarahman77
    @marufarahman77 Před 3 lety

    Can you please explain how to answer assumption, concludono and flaw questions

  • @booyah7394
    @booyah7394 Před 3 lety

    Is the problem solving and critical thinking score also calculated separately? If so, are interview decisions based on how people perform overall or also on how they performed in the individual sections within section 1?

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +2

      The sections are calculated separately, so at interview we can gauge an individual’s strengths and relative weaknesses. For a degree like PPE, It’s not unusual for (as an example) the philosophers to push for a candidate with excellent critical thinking skills over the heads of the economists who are perhaps slightly concerned about their problem-solving abilities.

  • @premalsanghavi7342
    @premalsanghavi7342 Před 3 lety

    Hi Prof. Williams. Great helpfull video. To start the preparation Could you please recommend books we students need to refer for further practice or we should just focus on past papers only.

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety

      Thank you! There are some books recommended on the TSA website, but I think practising past papers is probably the most useful thing to do at this stage.

  • @darshpant4351
    @darshpant4351 Před 3 lety +1

    Thank you so much for making these videos! I had a question regarding the introduction.
    So essentially the introduction should have three things:
    1) Very clearly answer the question in your opening sentence.
    2) Define the hook word and other key words
    3) Provide an outline of the essay (possibly by dissecting the hook word into its components)
    Is there anything else that a "good" introduction has?

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety

      Yes, that's it. Try to do all three things in about 100-150 words. Keep it brief.

  • @johnpark330
    @johnpark330 Před 3 lety

    John Park
    Hi great video really helpful. Regarding the exam, will we be given paper to do working out on ? Also how would you go about defining ‘should’

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +1

      I believe you will have access to writing materials. But it's worth checking with your test centre to be sure.
      Should can be defined in multiple ways, but a simple definition is that should can have intrinsic and instrumental components -- EG "You should vote, because it's the right thing to do" [intrisic good], "You should vote if you want change" [instrumental good]

    • @romanstaszak244
      @romanstaszak244 Před rokem

      @@JesusCollegeOxford1571 This was also useful and good to know. Thank you so much ❤️😃🌞

  • @lazaraado
    @lazaraado Před rokem

    i know this is super late in terms of when i am posting this comment, but i was wondering if the TSA is the tipping point when applying for oxford? for example, if i did exceptionally well in other areas i.e grades or section 2 (i struggle with section 1 much more), would i still be considered?

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 11 měsíci

      You would certainly be considered, yes, but section 1 does weigh quite heavily in the scales. Please note that a) everyone struggles with section 1, and b) the more you practice, the better you will be. There is really no such thing as natural acuity when it comes to tests like section 1 TSA. It truly is a test of skill, and skills take practice, not natural gifts.

  • @aimabintzia825
    @aimabintzia825 Před 3 lety

    Thank you Sir for these amazing videos! I am a student from Pakistan and I have applied to Cambridge University for a Law degree this year, I would be grateful to you if you take out some time to go through my personal statement. I tried to email you my essay before; however, an error popped up. I know I'm late and I've already submitted my UCAS application but I would still love to hear your comments about my personal statement.

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +1

      Sorry, I didn't receive your email. Could you try sending it again? Let me know if you have further difficulties. All best, M

  • @bushramukadam990
    @bushramukadam990 Před 3 lety +1

    I am worried that I am at a disadvantage for section 2 because I am a very slow typer and I feel like I won’t be able to convey my argue in the time give. Do you have any tips for that?

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +1

      This is not an unusual problem. I have the same issue!
      Focus on quality over quantity of writing. Don't worry about being very descriptive (demonstrating knowledge) and focus on being analytical (deconstructing the question and evaluating different solutions). Even if you only write ~3-400 words, but they are highly analytical and sophisticated, you'll be doing well.

  • @saumyashah152
    @saumyashah152 Před 2 lety +1

    In the computer-based exam, can I start doing the later questions first?

  • @frankied8924
    @frankied8924 Před 3 lety

    Thank you for your advice! Are mini whiteboards permitted in the exam and how are the TSA essays used, do they hold a certain weight in comparison to section 1? THANK YOU!

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +1

      Mini white boards are being used for the LNAT test. I'm not entirely sure about the TSA. It may depend on what your test centre says. It'll be worth contacting them to be sure. Thanks for your message! Good luck

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +1

      The essays are marked in house by Oxford academics. They are marked in the same scale as section 1, but section 1 is weighted more by the colleges.

    • @frankied8924
      @frankied8924 Před 3 lety

      @@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you, I will look into it!

    • @frankied8924
      @frankied8924 Před 3 lety

      @@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Sorry what do you mean by the same scale?

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety

      @@frankied8924 Section 1 and 2 are scaled to be out of 100. (Actually section 1 is a little off a being a proper out-of-100 percentage for complex reasons). So the two scores are broadly comparable. But section 1 tends to be given more weight.

  • @thomastbrowne
    @thomastbrowne Před 2 lety

    15:55 the largest possible peanut content is 40% not 50% the chart says peanuts can only make up 30-40% so it is impossible for there to be more than 40% peanuts.

  • @ryshasultania6894
    @ryshasultania6894 Před 2 lety

    thank you for this! I was wondering how to score myself on Section 1 after doing a Test given that it is out of 50... I'm confused how to check if I'm reaching 70 or not

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 2 lety +1

      It's very difficult to mark your own work, because the questions have a weighting depending on how many or few people are able to answer them. You can have a rough idea by multiplying your score out of 50 by 2, but it will be a very rough idea.

    • @ryshasultania6894
      @ryshasultania6894 Před 2 lety

      @@JesusCollegeOxford1571 thanks so much

  • @MP-nl6he
    @MP-nl6he Před 3 lety

    Does the E&M course only acquire the 50 multiple choice quiz - not the essay but - just wanted to clarify

  • @user-cz7sb1ow5d
    @user-cz7sb1ow5d Před rokem

    This year TSA being online, regarding working out on paper, do we bring in our own scrap paper or is it something the school should provide? And would I need to submit any scrap paper that I have written my workings on ? I am asking as If I don’t need to hand in the scribbled workings then I don’t have to worry about it being tidy or legible as it is just workings for me. Kindly advise. Thank you so much. Can I also ask (if its ok to ask )are TSA section 1 question generally same style questions year to year or can they change fundamentally from year to year?
    Much appreciate your help. Thank you

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před rokem

      TSA questions are similar from year to year. I’m afraid I cannot answer your other questions. You may need to contact the centre where you are taking the TSA. This may be your school. Good luck with it.

  • @doorfloorkitchen
    @doorfloorkitchen Před 2 lety

    Thank you very much for keeping up with questions a year after this video was posted, with section 2 - in deconstructing should, are deontological/utilitarian the only ways to do so, what other methods could you use? Also, do you have to do 2 separate paragraphs if you were to use those 2 categories. For example, capitalism creates helpful innovation (utilitarian), capitalism rewards hard work (deontological) as two separate points

    • @doorfloorkitchen
      @doorfloorkitchen Před 2 lety

      Also how would you introduce the deconstruction, something like "should implies an appeal to morality and therefore this essay will look at the matter from both a Kantian and instrumental perspective."

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 2 lety +1

      There are other ways to define should, such as “logical” or “habitual”.

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 2 lety

      There’s no need for two paragraphs per se, provided it’s clear what points you’re making in each.

    • @doorfloorkitchen
      @doorfloorkitchen Před 2 lety

      @@JesusCollegeOxford1571 what do you mean by logical and habitual, as in it is rational to do something and habitual being that is the way we have usually responded to such issues? Also, with the essay, is it just the idea of looking at something from multiple aspects (social, economic) not necessarily with specific categories?

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 2 lety

      @@doorfloorkitchen You can define should how you like, I've just suggested a few. But, yes, logical "should" might mean that given certain predicates, the conclusion follows by logic. Habitual "should" implies that you've behaved a certain way n times in the past, so might be expected to do the same on the n+1th occassion.
      Don't overcomplicate things. All we are looking for is a clear essay structure that helps you express your views. It can be helpful to split up the key question wording like should, and perhaps the easiest way is moral and consequential, but there are other ways.

  • @onedabber6991
    @onedabber6991 Před 3 lety +1

    Hello sir, to what extent is the TSA used to give interviews and offers? I am applying for Experimental Psychology, but I am not doing that well (around 50-60) in section 1... However, I have extremely high IB predicted grades (45/45) and also what I believe to be a strong personal statement, so could you please tell me how badly the TSA could affect my chances of getting an interview in this context?

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +2

      The TSA is considered alongside the rest of your application. It is weighted highly, but a relatively low score on the TSA will not necessarily be the end of the road.

    • @onedabber6991
      @onedabber6991 Před 3 lety +1

      @@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Ok, thank you! Also, will my TSA score be compared with EVERYONE who has done the TSA (regardless of course), or are they compared separately for each course? e.g. If I apply for EP, then my score will only be compared against other EP students. I am asking this because I feel that some course applicants (e.g. which requires mathematics HL like E&M), will simply score higher overall because they just work better with numbers.

  • @trucdang7018
    @trucdang7018 Před 3 lety

    Hi, can you give more information on how many marks are there for section 2 and the 'mark scheme' if there is one? Thank you for the helpful videos!

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety

      You can see break downs of the marks here: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/tests/tsa
      For example, for 2019: www.admissionstesting.org/Images/572961-explanation-of-tsa-section-oxford-2019.pdf

  • @yolamoondaughter4660
    @yolamoondaughter4660 Před 3 lety +1

    Hi, anyone applying for PPL currently preparing for the TSA? :)

  • @tara5047
    @tara5047 Před 3 lety

    do you think you would be able to do a video like this on the mlat if possible? :)

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +2

      Mlat is not a test I'm familiar with, but I'll take a look if it would be feasible.

    • @tara5047
      @tara5047 Před 3 lety

      @@JesusCollegeOxford1571 ah thank you so much! don't worry if you don't end up doing one, all of your videos have been so helpful! :)

  • @KatyVLOGS12
    @KatyVLOGS12 Před 3 lety +1

    Also, are there any time management tips for doing section 1? When I go through papers after doing them I realize that my score would have been much higher if I had enough time to do some questions, but the time constraint just ruins it for me

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +4

      First thing to note is that you're far from alone in this! Most people don't finish section 1. But you should certainly try to, and, if you have to, guess the answers! I've tried to describe some time management tips in these videos, but another one to bear in mind is that you should know how long you've got to answer 10 questions, 20 questions etc, and sticking to those time constraints. Also, don't move on without answering a question, because you probably won't have tome to come back to it, and it's very inefficient to read through a question multiple times.

  • @adamj6970
    @adamj6970 Před 3 lety

    Just wanted to ask whether you think something similar to what the mathematics department has done with the MAT answers for this year (they've published them on youtube) will happen for the TSA before the official results day?

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +1

      I'd like to do that, but am stretched for time at the moment. It's certainly my ambition!

    • @WoodyJeffay
      @WoodyJeffay Před 3 lety

      @@JesusCollegeOxford1571 is there anyway you could share the paper with us though? Or are you holding onto it until results day?

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +1

      @@WoodyJeffay We don't have the paper. It is administered by Cambridge Assessments. So, no, we're not holding on to the paper. My hope is to produce a video as soon as the paper is available.

    • @adamj6970
      @adamj6970 Před 3 lety

      @@JesusCollegeOxford1571 When do you think the first PPE interviews will be sent out? Thanks

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety

      @@adamj6970 Should be in the next week or so. It depends on the college. Feel free to contact the college you've been assigned to if you'd like more info.

  • @kristiyanvalev1869
    @kristiyanvalev1869 Před 3 lety

    Can you make a video helping us being better at doing any test?

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +1

      I'm planning to upload some videos for other admissions tests, but this is a good idea! Thanks.

    • @kristiyanvalev1869
      @kristiyanvalev1869 Před 3 lety

      @@JesusCollegeOxford1571 I would also like to be elucidated whether or not there are going to be any incentives or basically help for eu students who are not quite capable of paying the augmented tuition fees after Brexit. Indeed i know the university is extremely successful, prominent and glamorous, i belive, but right now as I am from a european country i am not able to affort it. I would be happy if you were to comfy me a bit by saying there are going to be some new scholarships in the future to help us financially in order to be able to apply for an undegraduate degree . Another thing i would like to point out is that your videos are extremely, extremely helpful, full of knowledge and have made me a better person.

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety

      @@kristiyanvalev1869 thank you very much for your kind message. There will continue to be scholarships available for non-UK students. You can perform a search here, to find out what you may be eligible for: www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/fees-and-funding/fees-funding-and-scholarships/search
      All best wishes,
      Matt

  • @AlokJadva
    @AlokJadva Před 3 lety +1

    7:49 How do we know it wont be a trick question?

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +1

      Trick questions are rarely helpful for the person asking the question. If you're trying to trick someone, you likely won't get an accurate assessment of their abilities. Tricks will simply disrupt any attempt to measure your thinking skills accurately.

  • @KiishanJeyanayagam
    @KiishanJeyanayagam Před 2 lety

    Do you have any tips for time management?

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 2 lety +1

      Note that you have 1 minute and 48 seconds for each of the multiple choice questions. Make sure you know how many questions you need to have done at certain way markers, such as quarter of the way through and half way through the test. Try to stick to time as far as possible. You're not penalised for incorrect answers, so guess if you need to. Otherwise, it's very important to make sure that you sleep and eat well before the test, because fatigue will affect your performance substantially.

  • @aidenstonehouse9651
    @aidenstonehouse9651 Před 2 lety

    The video is good. However, I am really struggling with your parallel reasoning method. This does not seem to work for passages which are very wordy and don't share similar patterns whatsoever. HELP

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 2 lety +1

      You need to edit out wordiness by focusing on those words that matter. These will be analytical rather than descriptive words (i.e. where an author makes a claim, rather than states a fact). The language associated with claim making often (but not always) relies on adjectives and adverbs, and highlighting these can be a good way of cutting through the noise.

  • @---_277
    @---_277 Před 3 lety

    Hi sorry but I get the bag of nuts question different from you..you say ' the peanut content is the largest possible', but how do you know that? It only says 'What is the largest possible peanut content' which then must be 40%? Help me?

    • @---_277
      @---_277 Před 3 lety

      Ok got it it's me reading the question wrong sorry..

    • @---_277
      @---_277 Před 3 lety

      It's ok I misread the question!

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety

      @@---_277 It's a tricky question for sure. I had to re-read it a few times as well!

  • @yaguzi
    @yaguzi Před 3 lety

    Great video! Thanks a lot. I have a question though: will we be able to write on a piece of paper during section 1, even though we're taking the exam on a computer? I sure do hope so.

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety

      I believe so, but you may want to check with your test centre. Best of luck with it!

  • @guillaumespecht4837
    @guillaumespecht4837 Před 3 lety

    Thanks for your video, it’s great ; and I was wondering, does anyone know if we’re aloud to go back on questions we skipped earlier in the test and if we’ll have any scratch paper? Thanks!

    • @JesusCollegeOxford1571
      @JesusCollegeOxford1571  Před 3 lety +2

      Yes, I believe that, time permitting, you can go back to missed questions. It's not the most efficient method, however, to read questions, skip them and come back. You should have access to writing materials. Good luck!