TARA Writing Task timer
An argument, not a story
Explain the statement, argue against it, then say how far you agree. 40 minutes, up to 750 words, no spellchecker. UAT-UK does not score it; universities read it.
Start the clock below. Plan 10, write 26 (explain 8, argue against 12, judge 6), check 4.
“Schools should prepare young people to adapt rather than training them for particular careers.”
- 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?
Spellcheck is off, as in the test. Your draft stays in this browser only.
How long is the TARA Writing Task?
40 minutes for one answer, chosen from three prompts. Answers are limited to 750 words; that is a ceiling, not a target. Dictionaries and spell-checkers are not allowed.
What does a TARA Writing Task prompt ask?
Prompts typically ask you to explain what a statement means, give a reasoned argument against it, and say to what extent you agree. Answer every part.
How should I split the 40 minutes?
Plan for 10 minutes, write for 26 and check for 4. Within the 26: explain the statement for 8, argue against it for 12 and judge how far you agree for 6. This is our suggested plan, not an official rule; the bands on this page follow it.
Is the TARA Writing Task scored?
UAT-UK does not give it a score. Your answer is sent to the universities that ask for it, and they read it themselves. Check whether your course uses it: Oxford lets applicants whose only TARA course is Economics and Management, or History and Economics, skip it.
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How we work this out
Write a TARA Writing Task answer on the real 40-minute clock, with stage bands that keep time for the counterargument and the conclusion, a live count against the 750-word maximum and a check against the three parts. Free, no login.