TARA Past Paper Questions

The TARA (Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions) was introduced from the 2025/2026 admissions cycle. It was first introduced for 2026 entry at UCL. From 2027 onwards, Oxford will also use TARA for applications to Economics, PPE, History, Human Sciences and Psychology courses. This test is designed to assess how students think and reason. Candidates will be required to distinguish between strong and weak arguments, recognise hidden assumptions, evaluate competing viewpoints and write persuasively.

As there are no past paper questions currently, students can use BMAT questions to prepare.

The TARA comprises 3 modules, each lasting 40 minutes. All modules are compulsory for all candidates.

• Critical Thinking (22 Multiple Choice Questions)

• Problem Solving (22 Multiple Choice Questions)

• The Writing Task (One Essay)

TARA Content Specification

TARA Question Guide

The Critical Thinking and Problem Solving modules are separately scored, on a scale from 1.0 to 9.0. The Writing Task is not scored, instead a copy of your response is sent to the universities you applied to. University admissions teams will then review your answers.

Critical Thinking Module

This section looks at how well you can understand and logically evaluate arguments. This is an important skill across many academic subjects. Questions in this section will ask candidates to do one of the following in relation to provided passages:

• Strengthen or weaken an argument

• Identify the conclusion of an argument

• Identify the flaw in an argument

• Identify the principle of an argument

• Identify parallels between arguments

Problem Solving Module

This module assesses your reasoning and logical thinking using numbers and data. This focuses on applications using numerical skills. Mathematical skills you need include:

• Number concepts: fractions, place value, percentages

• Numerical operations: basic math, percentage calculations, everyday calculations

• Quantities: time and calendar, money, measurements

• Unit relationships: converting between km, m, cm, kg, g

• Space and spatial reasoning: area, perimeter, volume

• Tables, graphs, charts

Writing Task

In this task, you will be given three prompts and will choose one to answer. Each prompt provides a statement, and you need to answer the following questions in your essay:

• Explain what you think is meant by the statement. 

• Give a reasoned argument against the statement. 

• To what extent do you agree with the statement?

The word limit is 750 words so you need to plan your response carefully before diving straight in. This question assess your ability to think critically about a topic and clearly express your ideas.