The TARA syllabus is primarily a skills specification, not a list of academic topics to memorise. TARA tests Critical Thinking, Problem Solving and your ability to construct a clear written argument. Basic mathematics is used in Problem Solving, but specialist subject knowledge is not required.
Start with our TARA Exam 2027 guide if you still need dates, fees, registration details or the list of Oxford and UCL courses.
TARA Exam Format
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 22 multiple-choice questions | 40 minutes |
| Problem Solving | 22 multiple-choice questions | 40 minutes |
| Writing Task | 1 response chosen from 3 prompts | 40 minutes |
| Total | 44 MCQs and 1 written response | 120 minutes |
The modules are separately timed and taken in order. You cannot return to an earlier module after moving on, and unused time does not transfer. Calculators and dictionaries are not permitted.
The official TARA page confirms the current format. For worked examples, use the 2027 TARA Question Guide.
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking assesses how well you understand and evaluate arguments written in everyday language. The official guide groups questions into seven types:
| Question type | What you need to do |
|---|---|
| Identifying the Main Conclusion | Find the central claim the argument aims to establish |
| Drawing a Conclusion | Decide what follows from the information given |
| Identifying an Assumption | Find an unstated claim the reasoning depends on |
| Assessing the Impact of Additional Evidence | Judge whether new information strengthens or weakens the reasoning |
| Detecting Reasoning Errors | Identify a flaw or gap in the argument |
| Matching Arguments | Recognise another argument with the same logical structure |
| Applying Principles | Apply a stated general rule to a new case |
You need to distinguish reasons, intermediate conclusions and the main conclusion. Pay close attention to words such as “because”, “therefore”, “however” and “unless”, but rely on the logic rather than keywords alone.
There are five options and one correct answer for each question. With 22 questions in 40 minutes, the average is about 1 minute 49 seconds per question. There is no negative marking, so answer every question.
Problem Solving
Problem Solving measures your ability to use numerical and logical reasoning in unfamiliar situations. Its three broad question types are:
| Question type | What you need to do |
|---|---|
| Relevant Selection | Identify which information is needed and ignore distractions |
| Finding Procedures | Develop or combine steps that solve the problem |
| Identifying Similarity | Recognise that two differently presented problems share a structure |
A single problem may draw on more than one skill. The main challenge is usually selecting an efficient approach, not performing advanced mathematics.
Maths You Need for TARA
The assumed mathematics is basic. You should be comfortable with:
- whole numbers, decimals, fractions, ratios and percentages
- the four arithmetic operations and order of operations
- percentage increases, decreases and comparisons
- averages
- time, calendars, money and common measurements
- area, perimeter and volume of simple shapes
- spatial reasoning and interpreting diagrams
- extracting and combining data from tables, graphs and charts
- common metric relationships such as 1 km = 1,000 m and 1 kg = 1,000 g
Because calculators are prohibited, practise accurate mental arithmetic, estimation and written working. The questions reward deciding what calculation is necessary and checking whether the result is reasonable.
Writing Task
The Writing Task presents three prompts; you answer one in 40 minutes, with a maximum of 750 words.
A prompt typically gives a short statement and asks you to explain it, develop a reasoned argument against it and discuss how far you agree. A strong response should:
- interpret the statement accurately
- take a clear, defensible position
- give relevant reasons and examples
- consider a serious counterargument
- maintain a logical paragraph structure
- reach a conclusion consistent with the argument
- use precise, readable language
The task does not require specialist factual knowledge. Choose the prompt that lets you reason most clearly, not the one that sounds most impressive.
How TARA Is Scored
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving each produce a separate score from 1.0 to 9.0, reported to one decimal place. Raw correct-answer totals are converted to the scale. There is no universal pass score, and universities decide how to use results.
UAT-UK does not score the Writing Task. It sends the response to the relevant universities where you applied for a TARA course. An institution or individual course may decide how much weight to give it, so check the relevant course page.
What TARA Does Not Test
TARA is not designed to test:
- detailed knowledge of politics, economics, psychology or computer science
- advanced algebra or calculus
- memorised essay facts
- legal or philosophical terminology
- speed-reading without accurate reasoning
Familiarity with common argument structures and careful numerical reasoning matters far more than subject revision.
Next Steps
Use the official preparation materials to see authentic examples, then follow our TARA preparation guide for a section-by-section plan. For logistics and scoring questions, see the TARA FAQs.