TARA vs ESAT vs TMUA
Your course page decides the test. TARA tests reasoning and writing. ESAT tests fast maths and science. TMUA tests mathematical reasoning.
The formats
| Feature | TARA | ESAT | TMUA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | Reasoning and written argument | School maths and science | Mathematical reasoning and logic |
| Structure | CT in , PS in , Writing | questions in minutes per module | Two papers of in minutes |
| Result | Separate CT and PS scores | One score per module | One overall score |
| Seconds per question |
None allows a calculator.
What a TARA problem looks like
Worked example Rotating volunteers
Stations A, B and C begin with , and volunteers. After each round, one person moves A to B, one B to C and one C to A. What must be true after any whole number of rounds?
Why this works: Each station loses one and gains one, so nothing changes.
Why the tempting route fails: Adding the moves as though they create volunteers confuses movement with growth.
The arithmetic is basic. The insight is structural. That is TARA.
If you need two tests
- TARA and TMUA share clean arithmetic and logic.
- TARA and ESAT share estimation and fast multiple choice.
- Give more time to the earlier sitting and the weaker test.