Think You Can Think?: Cracking the Thinking Skills Assessment

Nelson has two pet tortoises, one called Wellington and one called Napoleon. Wellington is twice as old as Napoleon. In 10 years, the sum of their ages will be 47. How old is Wellington? A 27 B 18 C 17 D 9 E 11. Think you could answer 50 questions like this in 90 minutes? Every day we think, draw conclusions and make decisions. But how critically do we really think about things? Do we always make logical choices? Do we spot flaws and assumptions in arguments? Do we question what we read or do we let statistics and spin startle us? How do we really think? After a lot of thinking, the team behind "So You Want To Go To Oxbridge? Tell Me About a Banana..." brings you the guide to tackling numerical and verbal reasoning problems effectively and efficiently. Written for students, parents and teachers (and everyone who likes to think), "Think You Can Think?" explores the art of critical thinking and the logic of solving problems. From choosing the cheapest cherries in a supermarket, to scrutinising political debates, this book discusses how to take the most logical approach every time. "Think You Can Think?" is a practical guide to cracking the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA), an admissions test required for a number of courses at Oxford and Cambridge universities. Packed full of juicy advice and in-depth analysis, this book gives students the opportunity to pit their logical wits against challenging critical thinking questions and complex exercises. The book includes three mock tests that replicate the real thing - each has a separate answer section and an extensive commentary, enabling students to see the different methods of finding answers as well as understanding the theory and logic behind the questions. Written by Minesh Tanna and a team of Oxbridge graduates and edited by Oxbridge Applications, the independent research consultancy that has helped over 50,000 applicants, "Think You Can Think?" equips you with the skills and expertise required for a logical, enquiring mind, both in the heat of the examination room and in everyday life. And as for Nelson's pet tortoises...? You'll find out if you got it right on the inside back cover.

Minesh Tanna read Law with Law Studies in Europe at Worcester College, Oxford where he graduated with first class honours. He is now a Trainee Solicitor with international law firm Herbert Smith. Minesh has mentored students in the critical thinking skills required for Law university applications and the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) at Oxford and Cambridge. He has led seminars and written numerous exercises, designed to support students in their preparation for tests and interviews. The aim of this book is to make the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) more accessible to applicants. Whilst no specific knowledge is required for the test, understanding and practising the types of questions that arise, honing critical thinking skills and working through mock question papers, ensures applicants tackle the test to the best of their ability. In writing this book, Minesh was supported by a team of Oxford and Cambridge graduates with backgrounds in English, History, Law, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Natural Sciences, Philosophy and Physics.