TARA Preparation Guide - Critical thinking, problem solving, essay answer skills

Preparing for the TARA Admissions Test?

Success in the TARA requires more than practising a few questions. Students need to be able to think critically, solve unfamiliar problems and communicate their reasoning clearly under time pressure.

This comprehensive TARA preparation resource brings together four dedicated guides covering the key skills students need across the test.

1. TARA Essay Question Bank

A substantial bank of 54 TARA-style essay questions across 18 sets, covering a wide range of ethical, political, social, scientific and philosophical issues.

1. TARA Section A – Critical Thinking Guide

Develop the reasoning skills needed to approach challenging TARA questions systematically.

1. TARA Section B – Problem Solving Guide

A dedicated guide to approaching TARA problem-solving questions.

The emphasis is not simply on getting an answer, but on developing a repeatable method for tackling unfamiliar problems.

1. TARA Section C – Writing Guide

A structured guide to producing a strong TARA essay under examination conditions.

Why is this different from simply doing practice papers?

Because practice only becomes useful when students know how to learn from it.

A student can write dozens of essays without substantially improving if they continue making the same mistakes: weak definitions, undeveloped arguments, superficial counterarguments, repetition or unsupported conclusions.

This resource instead provides students with a framework for improvement.

For students

A structured programme for independent preparation, giving you material to practise with and methods for understanding why an answer is effective.

For parents

A comprehensive resource covering critical thinking, problem solving and written argument, rather than a collection of disconnected practice questions.

For teachers and tutors

A ready-to-use resource for lessons, homework, timed practices, essay marking and admissions preparation.

Whether you are preparing independently, supporting a child through the admissions process, or teaching TARA candidates, this resource provides a single, structured foundation for TARA preparation.