It might be a dream for many aspirant academics to walk through the hallowed halls of prestigious institutions such as the University of Oxbridge. In addition to their stellar academic reputation, these universities are well known for their demanding admissions policies, which sometimes involve difficult and occasionally odd interviews.
These esteemed universities use interviews to evaluate applicants’ critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and enthusiasm for the subjects they want to study. The bizarre questions that applicants ask, which often deviate from the accepted academic language and explore the unexpected, distinguish these interviews, nevertheless. If you are preparing for an Oxbridge interview, continue reading till the end.
Most Bizarre Questions Asked in Oxbridge and How to Answer Them
Here are some of the most bizarre questions that are asked in the Oxbridge interview and how can one answer Oxbridge Cambridge interview questions
1. Medicine, Cambridge: How would you poison someone without the police finding out?
The purpose of this question in the Cambridge interview is not to elicit a nefarious response but to evaluate problem-solving abilities and ethical issues. One strategy can be to highlight the moral and ethical ramifications of the hypothetical situation while talking about it. Instead of coming up with destructive ideas, you can shift the topic of discussion to the value of medical knowledge in preventing poisoning or promoting ethical issues in healthcare.
2. Law, Cambridge: Do you think you’re clever?
Rather than answering with a simple “yes” or “no,” think about talking about what it means to be “clever”. Consider your educational background, experiences, and critical thinking techniques while tackling challenging problems. Give examples from your experiences when your intellect or analytical abilities helped you succeed in your endeavours to back up your statement.
3. English, Oxford: Would you rather be a novel or a poem?
Consider the qualities of both types of literature as you creatively approach this subject. Consider how a poem’s impact is immediate and powerful while a novel is more in-depth and nuanced. You can link your choice to personal qualities or goals and indicate your preference for richness and narrative (novel) or concise presentation of feelings and concepts (poem).
4. Social and Political Sciences, Cambridge: Instead of politicians, why don’t we let the managers of IKEA run the country?
This question assesses your ability for critical thought on organisational structure and governance. You can talk about the benefits of effective management in a business environment like IKEA and discover the challenges in implementing such ideas in a complicated political environment. Think about talking about the distinctions between corporate governance and management while emphasising the necessity for a variety of abilities in political leadership.
Also Read: The Ivy League vs Oxbrige: What’s The Difference?
5.Theology, Oxford: Is it morally wrong to attempt to climb a mountain?
This question stimulates a conversation on moral reasoning and personal viewpoints. You might examine the action’s moral ramifications, taking into account factors such as the effect on the environment, cultural importance, and individual purpose. In the end, while answering, you can discuss the many moral positions and how context matters when making moral decisions.
6. History, Oxford: How do you organise a successful revolution?
Examine historical examples and discuss the elements leading to successful revolutions while addressing this topic. A few things to think about include sociocultural conditions, public support, leadership, grassroots movements, and strategic planning. Stress how complicated it is to organise social change.
7. Natural Sciences, Cambridge: What would you do if I were a magpie?
Think beyond the box and explore activities or behaviours that are connected with magpies, which are noted for their curiosity and affinity to shiny items. You can jokingly point out sparkling items or talk about how magpies can solve problems. Relate these characteristics to natural science exploration, scientific curiosity, or adaptability.
8. Biochemistry, Oxford: Why is there salt in the sea?
Take a scientific approach to this and discuss how natural processes like mineral leaching, erosion, and volcanic activity affect the amount of salt in the sea. Emphasise sodium chloride’s function in the water cycle and how important it is to preserve the equilibrium of the ecosystem and marine life.
9. Experimental Psychology, Oxford: How many monkeys would you use in an experiment?
Consideration of ethics and scientific reasoning are needed for this topic. The discussion should centre on ethical experimental standards, with a particular focus on minimising animal suffering and ensuring statistically meaningful outcomes. Consider other approaches, such as employing the fewest number of monkeys required for reliable results or computer modelling.
10. Medicine, Cambridge: Would you rather be a seedless or “non-seedless” grapefruit?
This question could probe your inclination towards characteristics like ease of use (seedless) or inherent features (non-seedless). Make connections between each type’s attributes and qualities or ideals you own or strive for, highlighting how this decision represents your personality, problem-solving style, or capacity for adaptation.
Also Read: Top Tips For Oxbridge Interviews
If you are doing Cambridge and Oxbridge interview preparation, get to know some of the effective tips that can help you handle these bizarre questions.
Tips on Answering Bizarre Questions
Whether interviewing for a job or admittance to a university, such as Oxbridge interviews, you should always answer bizarre or unusual questions with poise and a strategic mindset. Here are some tips on how to appropriately answer these bizarre questions :
1. Remain Calm and Composed
Remain composed, even if the question surprises you. Before answering, give yourself some time to collect your thoughts. Remember that the interviewer is more interested in your ability to reason and mental process than your quick response.
2. If Required, Please Clarify The Question
If there is any doubt or ambiguity in the question, don’t be afraid to ask for further information. To make sure you understand the questions being asked during the interview, politely request more information or details.
3. Think Aloud
As you consider the question, explain what’s going through your mind. Describe your approach to the situation, the perspectives you are keeping in mind, and the reasons for your potential decision. This gives the interviewer a better understanding of your analytical abilities.
4. Showcase Critical Thinking
Stress your capacity for analytical and critical thought. Divide the question into its constituent parts and investigate other viewpoints or possible answers. Emphasise the rationale behind every action or choice you make.
5. Exhibit Originality and Creativity
Answers to bizarre questions should frequently be innovative. Don’t be scared to suggest novel concepts or look beyond the box. Being creative can help you stand out and demonstrate your capacity for coming up with original ideas.
6. Relate Your Answer to Your Field or Experience
If feasible, relate your answer and your area of study or related experiences. This shows that you can apply your knowledge to real-world or imagined situations.
7. Consider the Moral and Ethical Consequences
There may be moral or ethical conundrums in some questions. Recognise and discuss the ethical issues raised by your response. Talking about the moral implications shows that you are mature and informed of ethics.
8. Be True to Yourself
Steer clear of providing responses that are only predicated on what you believe the interviewer wants to hear. Rather, concentrate on giving authentic answers that represent your own beliefs, values, and points of view.
9. Remain Enthusiastic and Positive
Approach these questions with a positive outlook and a good attitude. Make eye contact, interact with the interviewer, and respond with excitement. Positivity has the power to make an impression.
10. Practise Ahead
Although you can’t know for sure what questions will be asked, you may improve your ability to think quickly by practising your responses to unusual topics. Practise interviews by doing simulated ones or coming up with odd questions to ask colleagues or mentors.
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Also, Take a Look at Editing and Crafting Techniques: An Impactful Personal Statement for Oxbridge
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