Modern and Medieval Languages Interview-style Questions

Note: Oxford and Cambridge do not publicly release any interview questions because they often reuse questions across application cycles. Below are interview-style questions of suitable difficulty that will help you prepare for your Oxbridge interview.

Modern and Medieval Languages vary greatly depending on the language(s) the candidate is applying for. Below are some general questions about language as well as motivations for applying to your chosen course.

Question 1

What causes a language to evolve? Can this be stopped? How?

Question 2

In a world where English is a global language, why learn another language?

Question 3

Can you only understand or analyse a text properly in its original language?

Question 4

What makes a language ‘modern’?

Question 5

Why do some languages have genders when others don't?

Interview Tips

  • Think out loud: The interviewer will be assessing your ability to think through complex problems. They can only do this if they know your thought process.

  • Be familiar with your syllabus: The interviewer can ask you a question from any topic you have been taught already in your A level/IB syllabus.

  • Practice: There is no better way to prepare than to practice.

For comprehensive guidance, visit our Oxbridge Interview Guide.