Academic Scholarship | Guidance for Interview & Presentation Overview On Scholarship Day, each candidate will have a single 20-minute interview slot, comprising three phases:
1. Presentation (up to 5 minutes) You will deliver your “Listen, Wonder, Connect” talk—up to five minutes—on a topic of your choosing. 2. Discussion of Your Talk (approx. 5 minutes) The interviewer will ask follow-up questions about your motivations, the ideas you explored, and any further points you wish to add. 3. Unseen Extract Activity (remaining time) o
You’ll be given a short passage or data vignette.
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Read it aloud so we can hear how you interpret tone and emphasis.
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We’ll then discuss its main ideas, techniques, and your critical response.
In addition to this interview, applicants must complete, compile, and print out the following materials: •
Bibliography using Harvard referencing, demonstrating a range of research into their chosen topic.
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500-word essay to accompany their presentation (450–550 words).
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Optional: If presentation software is used, a print-out of the entire slide deck.
1. Choosing & Developing Your Topic •
Independent Focus: Select a subject beyond your normal curriculum—something you’ve discovered through books, articles, podcasts, documentaries, or personal enquiry.
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Example Topics (for inspiration only):
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The implications of the Sunk Cost Fallacy in everyday decisions
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The mechanics of micro-flight in hummingbirds
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Reflections on a favourite essay or podcast episode
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A personal research project (e.g., coding, genealogy, creative exploration)
(These are illustrative; we expect you to choose an area that genuinely interests you.)
Research Journal: As you explore, record key points, questions, and full source details to aid your bibliography.