I think it&#x27;s more like a parody of general learning, and reminiscent of what the UK&#x27;s Oxbridge entrance papers used to be like (but aren&#x27;t so much now) - with the difference that the Oxbridge exams were looking for evidence of curiosity and broad intellectual exposure, and not so much fishing for specifics.<p>200 words is enough to show you&#x27;ve heard of the topic and produce some superficial content related to it. I suppose you get extra points for being able to write persuasively and with authority. But it&#x27;s nowhere near enough to demonstrate deep or original insight, never mind creative problem solving - all of which would be far more useful for an effective civil service.<p>Broad but shallow knowledge doesn&#x27;t equate to sharpness. Insight equates to sharpness, and I&#x27;m not convinced these papers are a good way to select for it.