How should I structure my essay?
The TSA essay can be very off-putting - unlike normal exams, you can't revise lots of facts and the chances are the questions are not going to match what you've been studying for A levels/IB. But Oxford professors know this, and they are not looking for you to solve the question, but to make a case for one particular point of view. I think there are three important factors to a good TSA question:
- Choose the question that interests you the most, not the question that you find easiest. The essay is about demonstrating your interest and academic potential which you will show off best by engaging with the issues you care about. 2) Answer the question. Don't go off on a tangent - you don't have the time, and Oxford professors don't like waffle (trust me)! 3) Take a stance and argue why it's correct. You should show that you are aware that there are alternative points of view, but don't let your essay become too descriptive. Use criticisms to advance your own argument.
