TARA practice test: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving in the real timing
The TARA has two multiple-choice modules, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, each 22 questions in 40 minutes, then a Writing Task. This practice test follows that shape: 44 original questions with five options each, every module on its own 40-minute clock in our test player, no calculator, then your score by question type and an explanation for every answer. Booking for the January 2027 sitting (4 to 8 January; 7 January only in China, Hong Kong and Macau) opens on 26 October 2026. UAT-UK says applicants to UCL courses that require the TARA, and to Oxford's Astrophoria Foundation Year in PPE, can sit in October or January with no advantage either way, if they have not already sat it this cycle. Start with the 3 free questions.
- 44questions
- 2timed modules
- 40minutes each
- 3free
UAT-UK reports Critical Thinking and Problem Solving separately on a 1.0 to 9.0 scale set against the year's candidates. A count of correct answers on a practice test is a guide to your accuracy and pace, not a TARA score.
The modules
Double-checked questions Real exam pattern Free sample · 3 questions
TARA Practice Test · Free sample
Free sampleInstant score, answer review and weak-topic diagnosis
TARA Practice Test 1 · Critical Thinking
Instant score, answer review and weak-topic diagnosis
TARA Practice Test 1 · Problem Solving
Instant score, answer review and weak-topic diagnosis
Writing Task practice
One practice prompt in the three-part shape UAT-UK's Question Guide describes (explain the statement, argue against it, say how far you agree), with a 40-minute clock and a 750-word counter. In the test you choose one prompt from three and write up to 750 words, and the Writing Task is not marked by UAT-UK: a copy goes to the universities you applied to for courses that require the TARA.
What is in the test
- Critical Thinking, 22 questions in 40 minutes: the seven question types UAT-UK lists (the main conclusion, drawing a conclusion, assumptions, the impact of additional evidence, reasoning errors, matching arguments and applying principles)
- Problem Solving, 22 questions in 40 minutes: the three kinds UAT-UK lists (relevant selection, finding procedures and identifying similarity), with only the basic maths in its specification and no calculator. Ours are in words and tables; UAT-UK says questions may also require identifying reflections or rotations of simple shapes, or manipulations of 2D and 3D objects, which this set does not cover
- Five options per question and one correct answer, as UAT-UK describes the modules
- Each module separately timed, as in the test, where unused time does not carry over
See our guide to the TARA format and the courses that use it. UAT-UK's own specimen and practice tests, in the Pearson test player used on the day, are free on its preparation page and are worth doing too.
Before you buy
What do I get?
One TARA practice test of the two multiple-choice modules: Critical Thinking (22 questions, 40 minutes) and Problem Solving (22 questions, 40 minutes), 44 original questions in all, each module in our test player with its own clock. When you submit a module you see your score, your score by question type and an explanation for every answer. Retake either module as often as you like. You also get our Writing Task practice prompt with a 40-minute clock and a 750-word counter.
Is this the current TARA format?
It follows the format UAT-UK describes for the October 2026 and January 2027 sittings: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, 22 multiple-choice questions in 40 minutes each, then a Writing Task of one prompt chosen from three, up to 750 words in 40 minutes. No calculator or dictionary, and no marks lost for wrong answers. Two differences: we give one Writing Task prompt where the test gives a choice of three, and our Problem Solving questions are in words and tables only, while UAT-UK says questions may require identifying reflections or rotations of simple shapes, or manipulations of 2D and 3D objects.
Will it give me a TARA score?
No. UAT-UK reports Critical Thinking and Problem Solving separately on a 1.0 to 9.0 scale set against that year's candidates, which is why its own practice tests give no score. A count of correct answers cannot be presented as an official TARA score. You see how many you got right, by question type, which shows where to practise.
Is the Writing Task marked?
Not by us, and not by UAT-UK: UAT-UK does not mark the Writing Task. It sends a copy of your response to the universities you applied to for courses that require the TARA, and they decide how to use it. Our prompt is for practising the 40 minutes and the three parts of the task.
Are these real TARA questions?
No. Every question is original, written to the question types in UAT-UK's TARA Question Guide. UAT-UK's own specimen and practice tests, and the past BMAT Section 1 and TSA papers it points to, are free on its site.
How were the answers checked?
Problem Solving answers were worked out in code. Every question was then answered again, independently and without the key, before release; a question went in only when those answers matched ours and nobody raised an objection to it.
Is it official?
No. This is independent practice by ProSyllabus, not produced, endorsed or checked by UAT-UK, the University of Oxford or UCL.
How do I pay and get access?
One payment by card (or PayPal where offered), handled by our payment provider. In the UK the price is charged in pounds; in other countries in your own currency where we support it, otherwise in Indian rupees with the local figure shown as an estimate. Access opens on this device straight after payment. Sign in afterwards to keep it on your account. Purchase policy.
Format last checked: 23 Oct 2026, on UAT-UK's TARA page and the TARA Content Specification. Independent practice material, not written or endorsed by UAT-UK, the University of Oxford or UCL. These are original questions, not TARA test questions. Course requirements change: the university course page and UAT-UK are the authority.