Thank you very much for this fantastic video! I have my test tomorrow, and this video, without a doubt, dramatically helped me with planning and thinking. You are a true lifesaver and a great teacher! Keep it up!
I want to thank you for making such a great video! I will be taking the TSA in about one month, and your video has provided me with many useful information about the examiner and easy-to-follow methods of how to succeed in the test. So far, I have not seen any TSA video better than this one.
Brilliant video! It's so helpful to have the specifics how the TSA is marked be broken down like this. It's also a joy to see you approach the question yourself and it highlights the differences in peoples approaches. I myself, instantly began to think of defining 2 separate branches of forgiveness for this question. 1) being about personal forgiveness and exploring religion eg. "Forgive us of ours transgressions "etc. 2) how forgiveness should be considered both in law, and when to comes to questions of game theory when the 'wrong' choice is to hold a grudge-( I'm constantly thinking of the Veritaserum video which first introduced me, and the computer simulation ran ). Thanks again for such a helpful resource!
@@yolamoondaughter4660 It certainly does! I'm sure you'll show them what they missed out on. I'm currently hoping to study Econ & Management... :/ I've barely touched the TSA since I'm trying to balance revision for the A-level itself...
@@AlokJadva You've already started studying for your test in November?? If so, that'd be absolutely insane, I'd definitely focus more on your a levels, I have to prepare my finals as well atm and that's certainly enough to worry about
Thank you for the amazing video, it really is the best one out there! I do have one question though. Where I live, the TSA will be computer-delivered due to Covid 19 measures, so I'm supposed to write 750 words max rather than two sides of A4 max. Do you think writing around 400 words is enough? I tend to struggle quite a lot with time management and I don't think I'll be able to do more than that. If you could give me some tips on that overall, I would be immensely thankful too :)
Thank you very much for all the work you've done in making this process more accessible. Do you have any tips on what to do in the days leading up to the TSA and managing the stress/anxiety?
Make sure you look after yourself -- get good sleep, eat well, drink plenty of water. Keep practicing, but little and often -- about 15-30 mins a day of practice questions to keep your eye in. Manage your expectations. You're not going to get perfect marks, so don't be hard on yourself if you struggle with the test.
A brief single-sentence synopsis of your reasoning. This can also form a 'roadmap' for the essay: "To make this case I will analyse in turn the intersection of factors....x, y and z"
Thank you for this video! As an international student applying to PPE without any support from my school, this channel has been super helpful in preparation (and actually made me decide to apply to Jesus College)! In the part centered on the second question, you focused very strongly on the "should". Would you say an argumentation could be equally convincing if the focus was different, while still answering the question? My argumentation splits the question into two parts: 1. Should any type of punishment be relative to monetary conditions? 2. Should parking fines specifically be determined by a driver's income specifically? Since the first part is not really the question asked, I use it only shortly as a framework for the second question (so basically, I break down the essay question into its core). I found this useful as it allowed me to dig into the nature of parking fines (punishment vs. educational/symbolic purposes), equality vs equity and the nature of a driver's income vs. for example wealth as the right metric to base parking fines on. In the end, my arguments were actually quite similar to yours (i.e. a fine isn't really a punishment for a wealthy person, comparisons to tax, etc.), but my framework is slightly different. I guess what I'm asking is whether it is required to focus on should (and instrumental to achieving a good mark), or whether it's simply a matter of which part of the question you choose to focus on, given the short timeframe of the TSA S2?
Thanks for your comment! No, it's definitely not necessary to structure everything around "should", although "should" should be used in framing your answer! I.E. "Parking fines SHOULD be determined by..." My point was more to encourage everyone to focus on the question wording. Your approach does that as well, so all is fine.
Just wondering how important it is to reference specific readings or theories when making a point. I’ve been looking at past questions and for many of them I’ve had an opinion and arguments for it, however I haven’t been able to think of specific named theories or books to back them up and this is what my teacher has told me is important. Thanks!
No, you don't need to reference specific readings or theories. You can do this, but be sure not to allow other authors to speak on your behalf. So, if you quote someone, explain how you would add to their argument. Don't just write something like: "Plato argues xyz and I entirely agree" Write something closer to: "Plato may have argued xyz, but I would add abc to improve it." Ultimately we are keen to read *your* thinking, and it can be distracting if you quote lots of other people.
Both! Good structure is important to communicate your ideas, but creative ideas are particularly highly prized. You do not need to be utterly original, but just be clear that the argument is your own and is not a warmed up version of somebody else's argument.
Thank you so much for making this video, it was incredibly useful! Just a question, besides doing past papers, is there any other way to prepare for the TSA? Especially with 5 months left!
Sounds strange to say, but sleeping and eating well are good preparation. The TSA is as much a test of cognitive endurance as it is a test of cognitive ability. Those with well nourished and rested brains are likely to perform better.
Hi, I really appreciate this video- it's really really helpful as a lot of guides are much more vague as to what is expected, alongside not being authoritative (actually from Oxford) on the subject. However, if you don't mind me asking, is it expected that one evaluate or analyze one's points within the point itself? For example, for "wrong pt. 1" on the first question, if you had a critique of that point, would it be better to analyze that there (at the end of the paragraph/point) or inside the balance paragraph? Thank you so much!
It doesn't much matter where your critical evaluation is placed in the essay, provided your readers can easily understand your argument and can appreciate that you understand its limitations. In a short essay, it is typically fine to keep all critical reflection of your case to a single balance paragraph, but you may feel it's clearest if you reflect on each point as you make them. This is a matter if judgement. Just work out what makes your argument strongest.
I wrote that gender inequality is in the hands of the patriarchy, a social order that is so deeply entrenched you cannot blame men as individuals, And I would argue that the solution is in the hands of everybody as there is no way to get rid of such entrenched social differences if not everybody is on board. As well as this, it is easy to assume gender inequality merely disadvantages women but I would argue that these patriarchal ideas are a huge part of why men struggle more to share their emotions, and thus have worse mental health statistics.
Thank you so much for the useful video! I was wondering for 2008 TSA question 3, is it possible for me to agree with the first half of the sentence “The cause of gender inequality is in the hands of men” but disagree with the second part “the solution is in the hands of women”? Thank you!
Very useful video, thank you! However, I am wondering whether all TSA Section 2 essays get marked, regardless of the mark obtained in Section 1. More specifically, if one was to score below the cut-off point in Section 1 but wrote a fantastic essay, would that be acknowledged and taken into account?
Thank you for the great video on TSA. This video helped me a lot to clarify some points preparing for the test next week. I am wondering if I should write two points against provided that I have written two points for to balance the argument, or is it better to write one point against to emphasise the point for? Thank you!
The number of points is less important than their individual weight. If you think there is only one major caveat, you don't need to speak to two. But if there are two separate and important caveats, it would be worth mentioning them both quickly.
Hi! I was just wondering if it's better to have more points that are less developed or less point that are more developed. Also, whether you would recommend putting examples. Thank you for all the help!
It is better to have fewer points that are developed, than lots of underdeveloped points. To that end, I suggested you could only realistically cover two separate points in any depth within 30 mins. Examples can be helpful in illustrating your point, but keep them brief. It is your critical thinking (your argument in other words) that really counts. Good luck!
For the 3rd question, could your you say that it poses a false dilemma, and that both men and women are the reasons for the cause and the needs for the solution of gender inequality. Or would it be better to just stick with one option?
Hi! I am applying for E&M and while watching the video I noticed that some questions on section 2 may be economics-related. Would you say that it is better to do an economics-related question if applying for E&M as it show interest for the course or should I chose the one I like the most and the question you choose does not affect the application? In the 2008 paper you showed in the beginning of the video, I really liked both 1 & 2 but 2 seems more pertinent to an economic discussion, for example. Thanks for all of the recent helpful videos!!
It won't adversely affect your application for E&M if you do not answer a question that appears more focussed on economics. The aim of the essays is to test your writing and critical thinking skills, not your subject knowledge. So pick whichever question you feel will best show off your argumentative skills.
For the second question are you not arguing on the basis of overall wealth, as opposed to income? Would you need to stick to the question so much so that you’d need to say those on higher incomes don’t necessarily have more money? Someone’s income could be low but they have a lot of inherited wealth. Or can you just go with the assumptions implied in the question?
Good question. Yes, you must stick ruthlessly to the question. But of course you're right to distinguish wealth from income. Meaning that a cash-poor/asset-rich individual could escape a parking fine based on income, despite having ample means to pay. There could also be an individual from a high earning family with no autonomous income. This would be an excellent conceptual distinction to make and could be made without deviating form the question wording. "Parking fines should not be based on a driver's income, because income is only a single (imperfect) metric of an individual's wealth, discriminating on which is ultimately the principle underlying such a policy."
The essay is marked out of 100, just as with undergrad essays at Oxford. A good performance would be 2:1 standard (60>), very good would be 70>. Even though it is marked out of 100, that doesn't mean it is weighted double the section 1 marks (out of 50). Actually section 1 is weighted usually more highly.
Hi Matt, I plan my essays carefully and believe they are quite well thought-out, however they are often only 320 words long - would this cause them to be marked down despite their content being good?
Would our 'balance,' point need to directly contrast/argue against our main arguments, or would they be a separate point, that goes against the thesis statement.
The balance point would typically go against your own argument, so as to show that you're sensitive to what others may be thinking. But, be sure to then rebut that counter argument or it will look like you're indecisive.
I think another balance for the second question is that someone's income may not dirrectly correlate to their wealth. If they had a huge inheritance, or a really well paying job for just a few years, or if they are retired, they would have no income, in which case fining someone based on their income is not progressive
Thanks, this video was very helpful. But I still have a question: what should I write in the conclusion? Should l only sum up what I've said or would it be better if "expanded" my argument?
You should sum up what you've said, but could also draw out the implications of what you have said. For example, given your argument, should there be changes in public policy, or regulations?
Do you know, by any chance, if the structure of the TSA essay is the same structure examiners are looking for in the Cambridge philosophy at-interview assessment? It seems to me that the questions asked are very similar - posing moral dilemmas etc - however for the Cambridge essay you are given 40 mins - does this allow for more comprehensive planning, or would discussion of more points/counter-points be how this extra time should be used?
I'd imagine a similar structure would work. I'm not familiar with the Cambridge assessments, but I imagine they too would appreciate a clear argument that is well structured. In 40 mins you probably can deepen your analysis. You don't necessarily need to make more points, think about deepening the points you make.
Would it be enough to discuss one point arguing your point of view, or would we need to do 2 (as suggested) to show that you can come up with various ideas?
You could argue a single point if you felt it was sufficient to make your case. It does depend on what constitutes a single point. Most arguments have at least two premises to establish a conclusion, but this is more a rule of thumb. POINT 1 Socrates is human POINT 2 All humans are mortal CONCLUSION Therefore Socrates is mortal
Hello, I found this video incredibly useful, however, I am finding it hard to identify the hook. Do you think you could possibly explain it more and also if there are any resources to read more on in identifying the hook?
Imagine you're being asked these questions out loud, by an interviewer. They ask "When if ever is forgiveness wrong?" and you want to answer as accurately to the question wording as possible, so you say "Forgiveness is wrong when..." Here you have identified "wrong" as the hook word, because it is the focus of the question and your answer. If you just think about how in your essay's opening line you will respond to the question, using the question wording, then the central focus (or focusses) of the question should become clear. As another example, most questions that start with "Should" can only accurately be answered with a sentence such as "Yes, we should" or "No we should not" -- making "should" the hook word, and the focus of the essay.
Thank you for your reply. So would you say the hook word is the thing you have to justify? "Forgiveness is wrong when .... (insert justification for when it is wrong)". So in the question "Is reducing inequality always a good thing?" At first I thought the hook word was good thing. However, one would answer the question by saying yes, reducing inequality is always a good thing or no reducing inequality is not always a good thing. So "always" is the hook word because in the different answer it is the word "always" that is changing or has to be justified? Speaking of Should, in the second example of the video, you analyzed "should parking fines be based on the driver's income?" You mentioned that one is going to have to define what it means "that something should or should not happen". This in my mind meant to define what the word "should" means by itself. However, you seem to incorporated the definition of should with the natures of fines. Are you saying that the definition of "should" is based on the specific event?ie In this case, should is defined together with the parking fine as one. Thus, leaving the definition of should to when parking fines should happen?
@@CCZhao-gu2ey Good questions! On "always a good thing", you're right. It is "always good" that focusses the debate. On "should", it is an auxiliary verb. IE it also acts in concert with another main verb (based in this example). So you are again correct in conjoining "should" and "based" to anchor your argument.
Hi dear. It was really an enlightening video. How can I get all videos on essay writing? Do you offer video lectures on essay writing?Thanks in advance!
Thank you for the video as it has helped me prepare for section 2. I worry that I have started preparing too late ( i started this week and i will take the 4th November test) how many hours a week should i be putting aside for my TSA?
Focus your preparation on section one, as that is weighted more highly. Spend about half an hour a day practising questions. Little and often is the key. Also, try and think of it not as work, but as a bit like doing a brain teaser or crossword. If you think of it in those terms, it becomes much more enjoyable and you’re more likely to do it. Good luck!
Hello Mr Williams, thank you so much for the informative and interesting video - as always! May I ask if it would be possible/somehow irrelevant for me to define “men” as “mankind”, such that both men & women are the “solutions” to gender equality? Thank you!
Thank you for your comment! I think the intent of the question is to divide the genders with regards to the causes and solutions to gender inequality. Therefore, if you define men as mankind it may miss the point of the question. You could, however, conclude that it is not solely down to one or other of men or women to solve gender inequality without deviating from the question.
This was really helpful. Thank you! I was wondering if for q3 it would be okay to argue that gender inequality is in the hands of men, but the solution is in the hands of both Women and men?
You said we should give a clear yes or no answer to questions that seem to ask for it but there was one last question that asked if abortion is equivalent to infanticide or something along those lines and my response would be that it is beyond a certain date. In order to avoid giving an “it depends” answer would I just take such question to be asking if ALL abortion is equivalent to infanticide (although that’s not what is specifically asked) and therefore disagree with the statement?
Your proposed answer is good. You can give "it depends" responses, provided you state upon what your answer depends. I'm not saying that all questions demand a YES/NO response, but what can be frustrating is where students avoid answering the question by not saying what their answer might depend on and without describing explicitly how to resolve the intellectual puzzle at hand. You aren't guilty of ducking the question with your proposed answer. It is nuanced without being vague.
I have to admit I’ve never seen that. If you felt it answered the question, then you probably could. But, I suspect you wouldn’t really have sufficient time and you would likely not gain much credit for having produced a graph. Fundamentally what the examiners are looking for is a clear argument, and evidence does not weigh heavily in the scale.
I almost always define the keywords or hook in my introductions. For the TSA, should I write a separate paragraph just to define the hook? Or, is it fine to incorporate it in my introduction? Also, should I use a P.E.E. or P.E.T.E.R. structure to write the paragraphs?
It's fine to define keywords in your introduction, provided the introduction doesn't become too wordy. Typically a short punchy opening is preferable to a long intro that's performing a lot of tasks. Where possible in a short essay, go for PETER structure, because it encourages you to deepen your analysis.
How much is the essay being reviewed for the content itself and how much for the grammar and complex words use ? Let's say the person who writes isn't a native language speaker, so it doesn't use all available complex words and grammar isn't always on point, but the content and logical explanation is done for 100% ?
The essay is primarily being graded on content. Specifically, we are looking for a clear answer to the question that is well structured and easy to follow. Minor grammatical mistakes will not cause you much trouble, because, as you say, there will be many test takers who are not native English speakers. The use of complex word is absolutely not required.
Hi! Thank you for the video. I usually have more of a journalistic style of writing, and I was wondering if rhetorical devices (such as rhetorical questions) are useful or not. I suppose that examiners favour substance over style, but is style still useful?
Substance is more important, but there's not much harm in style! Rhetorical questions are fine when used sparingly. The problem with posing lots of questions, is that it may obscure what your answers are.
I am a GCSE student and I personally find these videos useful. I know this is a bit of a random comment but is there anything I can currently do to better my chances now?
Have you seen this video? ua-cam.com/video/gCbODYzXxQs/v-deo.html Basically, you should have as much fun as possible! Explore some intellectual problems that matter to you. Read widely and critically in pursuit of answers to these problems.
@@indigopillow8260 Start by framing a question you'd like to answer: EG "Why don't mammals have green fur?" "Does my phone get heavier when I download apps onto it?" Then go and look up lectures and vlogs about these topics on UA-cam. Then look for podcasts. Then read some academic articles from Google Scholar. You can search for key words related to your question there.
For this essay, how much ‘balance’ is required? In this video, it seems like one should write one counter point and then counter that point immediately after. Does that mean we only require one small argument against our position? Also, what would you actually write when defining what ‘should’ means because I would find that very hard to do. Any help would be great thanks!
For such a short essay, it is sufficient to demonstrate balance with a single paragraph. You don't need to (and cannot really) write much more than that. 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]
Not necessarily. We consider all of your application materials holistically -- meaning that some good scores can and will compensate for other weaker scores.
Thank you very much for the illuminating exposition. For the conclusion, could the link to implications have a theoretical background? For example, for whether and where forgiveness is wrong, an implication of forgiving many offences could mean that people aren't adequately discouraged from committing them in the future. Here, if I referred to Kant's categorical imperative in a slightly atypical way, as in, what if everybody forgave those who committed crimes - would it be sufficiently sound? Because of the time constraint, I doubt I could come up with an example at the moment. Even in general, if the essay has thought experiments and detailed arguments, would want of a practical example make it less effective? Also, could I rebut the 'balance' paragraph which would for me be that forgiveness facilitates peace, with say, the concepts of retributive and restorative justice while linking it to International Criminal Tribunals, which prevent long term resentment and so forth? Or would that be slightly tangential? Thanks again!
Thought experiments can work very effectively, in lieu of or in support of empirical evidence. Bear in mind the essay is not testing knowledge. As such you do not need to refer to theorists (like Kant), nor do you need to provide empirical evidence. You're primarily being tested on your skills of argumentation, and the clarity of your writing. In short, you can refer to Kant, but you won't get any credit for it. You might be better off using a thought experiment of your own design that encapsulates Kantian ethics, without name dropping him.
can you be creative in your essays ? for eg If given the right to choose when and how one will die can I imagine a world where this is true in the essay?
You can definitely be creative in essays. We like to see some originality. If you imagine a world, that's usually described as a thought experiment and is a common methodology used in political theory. The thing to be careful with when being creative is to ensure that you're going to be convincing. If you're saying something fresh and original, then you need to make sure your audience comes with you.
Would it be considered poor structure to acknowledge an opposing viewpoint at the beginning (after the intro) before going to on give reasons for your own argument?
You are trying to sell your argument, so it might confuse your readers if you start by describing your critics' arguments. Imagine you're presenting a new product or business idea on Dragon's Den. If you start your two-minute pitch by describing your competitors, it might lessen the impact of *your* ideas, which is what everyone wants to hear. But, that said, it's not necessarily poor structure to start by describing opposing viewpoints. You could no doubt think of a way to extract maximum impact from this structuring approach. Just always remember that it is *you* and *your ideas* that your readers want to read in an essay. If your ever hiding or diminishing your voice then that will often be suboptimal. You would only quote another author or condor another viewpoint as a mechanism for emphasising *your* position. Essay writing is simultaneously selfish and sharing! You are stating your own thoughts, but in an attempt to share them with a wider audience. I typically advise my students to always push themselves to the front! Best of luck!
Thank you. Additionally may I ask if you have any advice on what do to if none of the questions seem to be answerable? So far I haven’t found a past paper where I couldn’t answer at least one, however in the 2018 paper I wasn’t sure of the EXACT definition of humanism yet would have described it as having the belief that we should put humanity first and that it is our responsibility to look after our own species. Would making an error in the definition of something and then going on to argue based upon that wrong (but stated as if it’s true) definition make the entire essay flawed?
It could be a problem if you write an essay based on a false premise, or incorrect definition. In fact, your definition of humanism is good and would work well as the basis for an essay. The test doesn't assume foreknowledge of concepts like humanism, so if you don't know some canonical definition of terms like this, that's fine. Candidates who know and have read a lot about humanism are no more likely to perform well, because they may fail to express their own arguments. The TSA essay is not an opportunity to show off what you know, but how you think. So, trust your instincts, which are good.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Hi Jesus College Oxford, I just want to follow up on this point where you mention the false premise or incorrect definition could be a problem. How can you differentiate between a false premise or incorrect definition from your personal understanding of the word as the definition of the word may be different for everyone.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 For example, before seeing your video, I answered the question, "When, if ever, is forgiveness wrong?" Forgiveness was the word I defined; Forgiveness, the inner peace people found within oneself by no longer holding grudge against the person or event to be forgiven. I then argued that it is never wrong to forgive and concluded that by forgiving, we are not saying what happened was right, or ok, or even forgetting about it but simply moving forward and finding inner peace. How do you know if the premise is false or incorrect definition or is it just simply my interpretation of the word? Thank you.
For the 3rd question, could your you say that it poses a false dilemma, and that both men and women are the reasons for the cause and the needs for the solution of gender inequality. Or would it be better to just stick with one option?
For the 3rd question, could your you say that it poses a false dilemma, and that both men and women are the reasons for the cause and the needs for the solution of gender inequality. Or would it be better to just stick with one option?
Thank you very much for this fantastic video! I have my test tomorrow, and this video, without a doubt, dramatically helped me with planning and thinking. You are a true lifesaver and a great teacher! Keep it up!
Thank you! I really appreciate that. Best of luck in the test!
best video on TSA. Seriously, the BEST. So many tips and insights are in this video.
That's really kind of you! Thanks!
I want to thank you for making such a great video! I will be taking the TSA in about one month, and your video has provided me with many useful information about the examiner and easy-to-follow methods of how to succeed in the test. So far, I have not seen any TSA video better than this one.
Great! Best of luck
You might wanna check this out ua-cam.com/video/Cet2-b7_zsY/v-deo.html
Brilliant video! It's so helpful to have the specifics how the TSA is marked be broken down like this. It's also a joy to see you approach the question yourself and it highlights the differences in peoples approaches. I myself, instantly began to think of defining 2 separate branches of forgiveness for this question. 1) being about personal forgiveness and exploring religion eg. "Forgive us of ours transgressions "etc. 2) how forgiveness should be considered both in law, and when to comes to questions of game theory when the 'wrong' choice is to hold a grudge-( I'm constantly thinking of the Veritaserum video which first introduced me, and the computer simulation ran ). Thanks again for such a helpful resource!
Thank you for your kind comment!
This has been extremely helpful in preparation for the TSA next week :)
Great -- thank you! Good luck
Did you get in??
@@AlokJadva I did not unfortunately, I was quite devastated but life goes on. Did you apply or do you plan to?
@@yolamoondaughter4660 It certainly does! I'm sure you'll show them what they missed out on.
I'm currently hoping to study Econ & Management... :/
I've barely touched the TSA since I'm trying to balance revision for the A-level itself...
@@AlokJadva You've already started studying for your test in November?? If so, that'd be absolutely insane, I'd definitely focus more on your a levels, I have to prepare my finals as well atm and that's certainly enough to worry about
Amazingly helpful, thank you so much!
Thank you for the amazing video, it really is the best one out there! I do have one question though. Where I live, the TSA will be computer-delivered due to Covid 19 measures, so I'm supposed to write 750 words max rather than two sides of A4 max. Do you think writing around 400 words is enough? I tend to struggle quite a lot with time management and I don't think I'll be able to do more than that. If you could give me some tips on that overall, I would be immensely thankful too :)
Yes, ~400 words should be sufficient to answer the question. Quality is more important than quantity.
Thank you very much for all the work you've done in making this process more accessible. Do you have any tips on what to do in the days leading up to the TSA and managing the stress/anxiety?
Make sure you look after yourself -- get good sleep, eat well, drink plenty of water. Keep practicing, but little and often -- about 15-30 mins a day of practice questions to keep your eye in. Manage your expectations. You're not going to get perfect marks, so don't be hard on yourself if you struggle with the test.
Thank you so much for this really useful video! Other than stating which side we will be arguing, what else should we include in the introduction?
A brief single-sentence synopsis of your reasoning. This can also form a 'roadmap' for the essay: "To make this case I will analyse in turn the intersection of factors....x, y and z"
Thank you for your response! One more quick question. What should be included in the conclusion?
Thank you for this video! As an international student applying to PPE without any support from my school, this channel has been super helpful in preparation (and actually made me decide to apply to Jesus College)!
In the part centered on the second question, you focused very strongly on the "should". Would you say an argumentation could be equally convincing if the focus was different, while still answering the question? My argumentation splits the question into two parts:
1. Should any type of punishment be relative to monetary conditions?
2. Should parking fines specifically be determined by a driver's income specifically?
Since the first part is not really the question asked, I use it only shortly as a framework for the second question (so basically, I break down the essay question into its core). I found this useful as it allowed me to dig into the nature of parking fines (punishment vs. educational/symbolic purposes), equality vs equity and the nature of a driver's income vs. for example wealth as the right metric to base parking fines on. In the end, my arguments were actually quite similar to yours (i.e. a fine isn't really a punishment for a wealthy person, comparisons to tax, etc.), but my framework is slightly different.
I guess what I'm asking is whether it is required to focus on should (and instrumental to achieving a good mark), or whether it's simply a matter of which part of the question you choose to focus on, given the short timeframe of the TSA S2?
Thanks for your comment! No, it's definitely not necessary to structure everything around "should", although "should" should be used in framing your answer! I.E. "Parking fines SHOULD be determined by..." My point was more to encourage everyone to focus on the question wording. Your approach does that as well, so all is fine.
Thank you so much! This is the most useful help I have got!
Just wondering how important it is to reference specific readings or theories when making a point. I’ve been looking at past questions and for many of them I’ve had an opinion and arguments for it, however I haven’t been able to think of specific named theories or books to back them up and this is what my teacher has told me is important. Thanks!
No, you don't need to reference specific readings or theories. You can do this, but be sure not to allow other authors to speak on your behalf. So, if you quote someone, explain how you would add to their argument. Don't just write something like: "Plato argues xyz and I entirely agree" Write something closer to: "Plato may have argued xyz, but I would add abc to improve it." Ultimately we are keen to read *your* thinking, and it can be distracting if you quote lots of other people.
Really useful video! I was wondering are you merited for creative ideas to an answer or is the examiner just looking at the structure of your work?
Both! Good structure is important to communicate your ideas, but creative ideas are particularly highly prized. You do not need to be utterly original, but just be clear that the argument is your own and is not a warmed up version of somebody else's argument.
Jesus College Oxford thanks !!
Thank you so much! This was extremely helpful.
Thanks a lot - lovely video.
Thank you so much for making this video, it was incredibly useful! Just a question, besides doing past papers, is there any other way to prepare for the TSA? Especially with 5 months left!
Sounds strange to say, but sleeping and eating well are good preparation. The TSA is as much a test of cognitive endurance as it is a test of cognitive ability. Those with well nourished and rested brains are likely to perform better.
Hi, I really appreciate this video- it's really really helpful as a lot of guides are much more vague as to what is expected, alongside not being authoritative (actually from Oxford) on the subject. However, if you don't mind me asking, is it expected that one evaluate or analyze one's points within the point itself? For example, for "wrong pt. 1" on the first question, if you had a critique of that point, would it be better to analyze that there (at the end of the paragraph/point) or inside the balance paragraph? Thank you so much!
It doesn't much matter where your critical evaluation is placed in the essay, provided your readers can easily understand your argument and can appreciate that you understand its limitations. In a short essay, it is typically fine to keep all critical reflection of your case to a single balance paragraph, but you may feel it's clearest if you reflect on each point as you make them. This is a matter if judgement. Just work out what makes your argument strongest.
I wrote that gender inequality is in the hands of the patriarchy, a social order that is so deeply entrenched you cannot blame men as individuals, And I would argue that the solution is in the hands of everybody as there is no way to get rid of such entrenched social differences if not everybody is on board. As well as this, it is easy to assume gender inequality merely disadvantages women but I would argue that these patriarchal ideas are a huge part of why men struggle more to share their emotions, and thus have worse mental health statistics.
That's very convincing. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for such a brilliant video! ! ! It helps me a lot :p
Thank you so much for the useful video! I was wondering for 2008 TSA question 3, is it possible for me to agree with the first half of the sentence “The cause of gender inequality is in the hands of men” but disagree with the second part “the solution is in the hands of women”? Thank you!
Yes, you can do that. That's a nuanced way of solving the problem. Good luck!
Very useful video, thank you! However, I am wondering whether all TSA Section 2 essays get marked, regardless of the mark obtained in Section 1. More specifically, if one was to score below the cut-off point in Section 1 but wrote a fantastic essay, would that be acknowledged and taken into account?
Yes, all essays are marked, regardless of performance in section 1.
Is this mr bruff from gcse English Channel , I thought I would never have to hear this voice again😂
I'm sorry to inform you that the isn't mr bruff
Thank you for the great video on TSA. This video helped me a lot to clarify some points preparing for the test next week. I am wondering if I should write two points against provided that I have written two points for to balance the argument, or is it better to write one point against to emphasise the point for? Thank you!
The number of points is less important than their individual weight. If you think there is only one major caveat, you don't need to speak to two. But if there are two separate and important caveats, it would be worth mentioning them both quickly.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you very much!
Hi! I was just wondering if it's better to have more points that are less developed or less point that are more developed. Also, whether you would recommend putting examples. Thank you for all the help!
It is better to have fewer points that are developed, than lots of underdeveloped points. To that end, I suggested you could only realistically cover two separate points in any depth within 30 mins.
Examples can be helpful in illustrating your point, but keep them brief. It is your critical thinking (your argument in other words) that really counts.
Good luck!
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you so much for the help!
For the 3rd question, could your you say that it poses a false dilemma, and that both men and women are the reasons for the cause and the needs for the solution of gender inequality. Or would it be better to just stick with one option?
Hi! I am applying for E&M and while watching the video I noticed that some questions on section 2 may be economics-related. Would you say that it is better to do an economics-related question if applying for E&M as it show interest for the course or should I chose the one I like the most and the question you choose does not affect the application? In the 2008 paper you showed in the beginning of the video, I really liked both 1 & 2 but 2 seems more pertinent to an economic discussion, for example. Thanks for all of the recent helpful videos!!
It won't adversely affect your application for E&M if you do not answer a question that appears more focussed on economics. The aim of the essays is to test your writing and critical thinking skills, not your subject knowledge. So pick whichever question you feel will best show off your argumentative skills.
Jesus College Oxford thank you so much for all the help!
For the second question are you not arguing on the basis of overall wealth, as opposed to income? Would you need to stick to the question so much so that you’d need to say those on higher incomes don’t necessarily have more money? Someone’s income could be low but they have a lot of inherited wealth. Or can you just go with the assumptions implied in the question?
Good question. Yes, you must stick ruthlessly to the question. But of course you're right to distinguish wealth from income. Meaning that a cash-poor/asset-rich individual could escape a parking fine based on income, despite having ample means to pay. There could also be an individual from a high earning family with no autonomous income.
This would be an excellent conceptual distinction to make and could be made without deviating form the question wording. "Parking fines should not be based on a driver's income, because income is only a single (imperfect) metric of an individual's wealth, discriminating on which is ultimately the principle underlying such a policy."
This was so insightful! How much is this essay marked out of? I was wondering since section1 has a specific marking (out of 50)
The essay is marked out of 100, just as with undergrad essays at Oxford. A good performance would be 2:1 standard (60>), very good would be 70>. Even though it is marked out of 100, that doesn't mean it is weighted double the section 1 marks (out of 50). Actually section 1 is weighted usually more highly.
Hi Matt, I plan my essays carefully and believe they are quite well thought-out, however they are often only 320 words long - would this cause them to be marked down despite their content being good?
Not necessarily. Quality always trumps quantity.
Would it be risky to argue against a mainstream view? Or would this be beneficial as it would allow a more unique viewpoint?
Nothing is risky if you can defend yourself. Original thinking is typically rewarded, provided it is robustly defended.
Would our 'balance,' point need to directly contrast/argue against our main arguments, or would they be a separate point, that goes against the thesis statement.
The balance point would typically go against your own argument, so as to show that you're sensitive to what others may be thinking. But, be sure to then rebut that counter argument or it will look like you're indecisive.
I think another balance for the second question is that someone's income may not dirrectly correlate to their wealth. If they had a huge inheritance, or a really well paying job for just a few years, or if they are retired, they would have no income, in which case fining someone based on their income is not progressive
lol, you said it right after i responded
Thanks, this video was very helpful. But I still have a question: what should I write in the conclusion? Should l only sum up what I've said or would it be better if "expanded" my argument?
You should sum up what you've said, but could also draw out the implications of what you have said. For example, given your argument, should there be changes in public policy, or regulations?
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 aah now I get it. Thanks a lot
Do you know, by any chance, if the structure of the TSA essay is the same structure examiners are looking for in the Cambridge philosophy at-interview assessment? It seems to me that the questions asked are very similar - posing moral dilemmas etc - however for the Cambridge essay you are given 40 mins - does this allow for more comprehensive planning, or would discussion of more points/counter-points be how this extra time should be used?
I'd imagine a similar structure would work. I'm not familiar with the Cambridge assessments, but I imagine they too would appreciate a clear argument that is well structured. In 40 mins you probably can deepen your analysis. You don't necessarily need to make more points, think about deepening the points you make.
Would it be enough to discuss one point arguing your point of view, or would we need to do 2 (as suggested) to show that you can come up with various ideas?
You could argue a single point if you felt it was sufficient to make your case. It does depend on what constitutes a single point. Most arguments have at least two premises to establish a conclusion, but this is more a rule of thumb.
POINT 1 Socrates is human
POINT 2 All humans are mortal
CONCLUSION Therefore Socrates is mortal
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Okay, thanks so much!
Hello, I found this video incredibly useful, however, I am finding it hard to identify the hook. Do you think you could possibly explain it more and also if there are any resources to read more on in identifying the hook?
Imagine you're being asked these questions out loud, by an interviewer. They ask "When if ever is forgiveness wrong?" and you want to answer as accurately to the question wording as possible, so you say "Forgiveness is wrong when..." Here you have identified "wrong" as the hook word, because it is the focus of the question and your answer. If you just think about how in your essay's opening line you will respond to the question, using the question wording, then the central focus (or focusses) of the question should become clear.
As another example, most questions that start with "Should" can only accurately be answered with a sentence such as "Yes, we should" or "No we should not" -- making "should" the hook word, and the focus of the essay.
Thank you for your reply. So would you say the hook word is the thing you have to justify? "Forgiveness is wrong when .... (insert justification for when it is wrong)". So in the question "Is reducing inequality always a good thing?" At first I thought the hook word was good thing. However, one would answer the question by saying yes, reducing inequality is always a good thing or no reducing inequality is not always a good thing. So "always" is the hook word because in the different answer it is the word "always" that is changing or has to be justified?
Speaking of Should, in the second example of the video, you analyzed "should parking fines be based on the driver's income?" You mentioned that one is going to have to define what it means "that something should or should not happen". This in my mind meant to define what the word "should" means by itself. However, you seem to incorporated the definition of should with the natures of fines. Are you saying that the definition of "should" is based on the specific event?ie In this case, should is defined together with the parking fine as one. Thus, leaving the definition of should to when parking fines should happen?
@@CCZhao-gu2ey Good questions!
On "always a good thing", you're right. It is "always good" that focusses the debate.
On "should", it is an auxiliary verb. IE it also acts in concert with another main verb (based in this example). So you are again correct in conjoining "should" and "based" to anchor your argument.
Hi dear. It was really an enlightening video. How can I get all videos on essay writing? Do you offer video lectures on essay writing?Thanks in advance!
ua-cam.com/video/uk7bcYFHqgA/v-deo.html
All best wishes,
Matt
Thank you for the video as it has helped me prepare for section 2. I worry that I have started preparing too late ( i started this week and i will take the 4th November test) how many hours a week should i be putting aside for my TSA?
Focus your preparation on section one, as that is weighted more highly. Spend about half an hour a day practising questions. Little and often is the key. Also, try and think of it not as work, but as a bit like doing a brain teaser or crossword. If you think of it in those terms, it becomes much more enjoyable and you’re more likely to do it. Good luck!
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Thank you so much for the advice!
Hello Mr Williams, thank you so much for the informative and interesting video - as always! May I ask if it would be possible/somehow irrelevant for me to define “men” as “mankind”, such that both men & women are the “solutions” to gender equality? Thank you!
Thank you for your comment! I think the intent of the question is to divide the genders with regards to the causes and solutions to gender inequality. Therefore, if you define men as mankind it may miss the point of the question. You could, however, conclude that it is not solely down to one or other of men or women to solve gender inequality without deviating from the question.
This was really helpful. Thank you! I was wondering if for q3 it would be okay to argue that gender inequality is in the hands of men, but the solution is in the hands of both Women and men?
Yes, you could argue that. Sounds good!
You said we should give a clear yes or no answer to questions that seem to ask for it but there was one last question that asked if abortion is equivalent to infanticide or something along those lines and my response would be that it is beyond a certain date. In order to avoid giving an “it depends” answer would I just take such question to be asking if ALL abortion is equivalent to infanticide (although that’s not what is specifically asked) and therefore disagree with the statement?
Your proposed answer is good. You can give "it depends" responses, provided you state upon what your answer depends. I'm not saying that all questions demand a YES/NO response, but what can be frustrating is where students avoid answering the question by not saying what their answer might depend on and without describing explicitly how to resolve the intellectual puzzle at hand. You aren't guilty of ducking the question with your proposed answer. It is nuanced without being vague.
Could I use economic graphs to help support my answer to a question? Thanks
I have to admit I’ve never seen that. If you felt it answered the question, then you probably could. But, I suspect you wouldn’t really have sufficient time and you would likely not gain much credit for having produced a graph. Fundamentally what the examiners are looking for is a clear argument, and evidence does not weigh heavily in the scale.
I almost always define the keywords or hook in my introductions. For the TSA, should I write a separate paragraph just to define the hook? Or, is it fine to incorporate it in my introduction?
Also, should I use a P.E.E. or P.E.T.E.R. structure to write the paragraphs?
It's fine to define keywords in your introduction, provided the introduction doesn't become too wordy. Typically a short punchy opening is preferable to a long intro that's performing a lot of tasks.
Where possible in a short essay, go for PETER structure, because it encourages you to deepen your analysis.
How much is the essay being reviewed for the content itself and how much for the grammar and complex words use ?
Let's say the person who writes isn't a native language speaker, so it doesn't use all available complex words and grammar isn't always on point, but the content and logical explanation is done for 100% ?
The essay is primarily being graded on content. Specifically, we are looking for a clear answer to the question that is well structured and easy to follow. Minor grammatical mistakes will not cause you much trouble, because, as you say, there will be many test takers who are not native English speakers. The use of complex word is absolutely not required.
Hi! Thank you for the video. I usually have more of a journalistic style of writing, and I was wondering if rhetorical devices (such as rhetorical questions) are useful or not. I suppose that examiners favour substance over style, but is style still useful?
Substance is more important, but there's not much harm in style! Rhetorical questions are fine when used sparingly. The problem with posing lots of questions, is that it may obscure what your answers are.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Great! Thank you so much!
I am a GCSE student and I personally find these videos useful. I know this is a bit of a random comment but is there anything I can currently do to better my chances now?
Have you seen this video? ua-cam.com/video/gCbODYzXxQs/v-deo.html
Basically, you should have as much fun as possible! Explore some intellectual problems that matter to you. Read widely and critically in pursuit of answers to these problems.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 thank you! Do you have any books you would recommended to get started (=
@@indigopillow8260 Start by framing a question you'd like to answer: EG "Why don't mammals have green fur?" "Does my phone get heavier when I download apps onto it?"
Then go and look up lectures and vlogs about these topics on UA-cam. Then look for podcasts. Then read some academic articles from Google Scholar. You can search for key words related to your question there.
From Where can I watch Oxford university English writing videos ?
For this essay, how much ‘balance’ is required? In this video, it seems like one should write one counter point and then counter that point immediately after. Does that mean we only require one small argument against our position?
Also, what would you actually write when defining what ‘should’ means because I would find that very hard to do. Any help would be great thanks!
For such a short essay, it is sufficient to demonstrate balance with a single paragraph. You don't need to (and cannot really) write much more than that.
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]
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 thank you very much for replying. My test is very soon and this is very helpful 👍
Hi thanks for this Video. If I score highly in section one (e.g. 70+), will a poor essay harm my chances of an interview significantly for PPE?
Not necessarily. We consider all of your application materials holistically -- meaning that some good scores can and will compensate for other weaker scores.
Would it be ok to integrate the balance/other side of argument into each point?
Yes, you can do that, provided that your argument doesn’t become muddled as a consequence.
Thank you very much for the illuminating exposition. For the conclusion, could the link to implications have a theoretical background? For example, for whether and where forgiveness is wrong, an implication of forgiving many offences could mean that people aren't adequately discouraged from committing them in the future. Here, if I referred to Kant's categorical imperative in a slightly atypical way, as in, what if everybody forgave those who committed crimes - would it be sufficiently sound? Because of the time constraint, I doubt I could come up with an example at the moment. Even in general, if the essay has thought experiments and detailed arguments, would want of a practical example make it less effective?
Also, could I rebut the 'balance' paragraph which would for me be that forgiveness facilitates peace, with say, the concepts of retributive and restorative justice while linking it to International Criminal Tribunals, which prevent long term resentment and so forth? Or would that be slightly tangential?
Thanks again!
Thought experiments can work very effectively, in lieu of or in support of empirical evidence. Bear in mind the essay is not testing knowledge. As such you do not need to refer to theorists (like Kant), nor do you need to provide empirical evidence. You're primarily being tested on your skills of argumentation, and the clarity of your writing. In short, you can refer to Kant, but you won't get any credit for it. You might be better off using a thought experiment of your own design that encapsulates Kantian ethics, without name dropping him.
@Jesus College Oxford, thank you so much!
@@aashkatank Not a problem! Best of luck.
can you be creative in your essays ? for eg If given the right to choose when and how one will die can I imagine a world where this is true in the essay?
You can definitely be creative in essays. We like to see some originality. If you imagine a world, that's usually described as a thought experiment and is a common methodology used in political theory.
The thing to be careful with when being creative is to ensure that you're going to be convincing. If you're saying something fresh and original, then you need to make sure your audience comes with you.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 thank you !
Would it be considered poor structure to acknowledge an opposing viewpoint at the beginning (after the intro) before going to on give reasons for your own argument?
You are trying to sell your argument, so it might confuse your readers if you start by describing your critics' arguments.
Imagine you're presenting a new product or business idea on Dragon's Den. If you start your two-minute pitch by describing your competitors, it might lessen the impact of *your* ideas, which is what everyone wants to hear.
But, that said, it's not necessarily poor structure to start by describing opposing viewpoints. You could no doubt think of a way to extract maximum impact from this structuring approach. Just always remember that it is *you* and *your ideas* that your readers want to read in an essay. If your ever hiding or diminishing your voice then that will often be suboptimal. You would only quote another author or condor another viewpoint as a mechanism for emphasising *your* position.
Essay writing is simultaneously selfish and sharing! You are stating your own thoughts, but in an attempt to share them with a wider audience. I typically advise my students to always push themselves to the front! Best of luck!
Thank you. Additionally may I ask if you have any advice on what do to if none of the questions seem to be answerable? So far I haven’t found a past paper where I couldn’t answer at least one, however in the 2018 paper I wasn’t sure of the EXACT definition of humanism yet would have described it as having the belief that we should put humanity first and that it is our responsibility to look after our own species. Would making an error in the definition of something and then going on to argue based upon that wrong (but stated as if it’s true) definition make the entire essay flawed?
It could be a problem if you write an essay based on a false premise, or incorrect definition. In fact, your definition of humanism is good and would work well as the basis for an essay. The test doesn't assume foreknowledge of concepts like humanism, so if you don't know some canonical definition of terms like this, that's fine. Candidates who know and have read a lot about humanism are no more likely to perform well, because they may fail to express their own arguments. The TSA essay is not an opportunity to show off what you know, but how you think. So, trust your instincts, which are good.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 Hi Jesus College Oxford, I just want to follow up on this point where you mention the false premise or incorrect definition could be a problem. How can you differentiate between a false premise or incorrect definition from your personal understanding of the word as the definition of the word may be different for everyone.
@@JesusCollegeOxford1571 For example, before seeing your video, I answered the question, "When, if ever, is forgiveness wrong?" Forgiveness was the word I defined; Forgiveness, the inner peace people found within oneself by no longer holding grudge against the person or event to be forgiven.
I then argued that it is never wrong to forgive and concluded that by forgiving, we are not saying what happened was right, or ok, or even forgetting about it but simply moving forward and finding inner peace.
How do you know if the premise is false or incorrect definition or is it just simply my interpretation of the word? Thank you.
Would I get marks for putting rhetorical questions in my essay?
This guy's explanation of the "Hook" makes no sense, just saying
33:50 Another poor old lady. what a stereotype.
For the 3rd question, could your you say that it poses a false dilemma, and that both men and women are the reasons for the cause and the needs for the solution of gender inequality. Or would it be better to just stick with one option?
For the 3rd question, could your you say that it poses a false dilemma, and that both men and women are the reasons for the cause and the needs for the solution of gender inequality. Or would it be better to just stick with one option?