TSA TSA Essay Writing 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A TSA prompt asks 'Is it ever right to break the law?' What must your essay do first?
- Interpret key terms such as 'right' and 'the law' (Correct answer)
- Immediately list historical examples
- State that the question cannot be answered
- Describe your personal legal experiences
Correct answer: Interpret key terms such as 'right' and 'the law'
Defining ambiguous terms frames the argument and shows analytical control.
Question 2: What role should examples play in a TSA essay?
- Support and illustrate the argument, then be analysed (Correct answer)
- Replace the argument entirely
- Fill space when you run out of ideas
- Demonstrate memorised facts unrelated to the claim
Correct answer: Support and illustrate the argument, then be analysed
Examples earn credit only when they are explained and tied back to the point.
Question 3: Which conclusion is most effective in a TSA essay?
- One that synthesises the argument and gives a reasoned judgement (Correct answer)
- One that introduces a brand-new argument
- One that simply says 'in conclusion, it depends'
- One that copies the introduction word for word
Correct answer: One that synthesises the argument and gives a reasoned judgement
A good conclusion resolves the discussion rather than opening new lines or sitting on the fence.
Question 4: How should you handle a two-part TSA prompt with a linked sub-question?
- Address both parts and show how they connect (Correct answer)
- Answer only the part you find easiest
- Treat them as two unrelated essays
- Ignore the sub-question to save time
Correct answer: Address both parts and show how they connect
Both elements must be engaged, with the relationship between them made explicit.
Question 5: What is a common weakness that lowers TSA essay scores?
- Asserting claims without supporting reasoning (Correct answer)
- Using clear topic sentences
- Defining terms early
- Considering counter-arguments
Correct answer: Asserting claims without supporting reasoning
Unsupported assertion signals shallow thinking, which examiners penalise.
Question 6: In a TSA essay, what does a 'topic sentence' at the start of a paragraph do?
- Signals the single point that paragraph will argue (Correct answer)
- Summarises the entire essay
- Provides a quotation to impress the reader
- Repeats the essay question verbatim
Correct answer: Signals the single point that paragraph will argue
Topic sentences guide the reader through the argument one point at a time.
Question 7: Why should you avoid trying to include every possible point in a TSA essay?
- Depth of a few well-argued points beats a shallow list (Correct answer)
- Examiners count the number of points only
- Longer lists always score higher
- It fills the time better regardless of quality
Correct answer: Depth of a few well-argued points beats a shallow list
The time limit rewards developed reasoning over a broad but superficial sweep.
TSA TSA Essay Writing 3
A TSA prompt asks 'Is it ever right to break the law?' What must your essay do first?