“Interviews … are designed to give candidates a chance to show their real ability and potential.” (Want a place at Oxford? Then answer this one, 13 October). My interview at Oxford, 14 December 2010: “Wouldn’t you [as someone with dyslexia] be better off applying to a university where the essay requirement is one a term, rather than one a week?” I wonder whether Oxford is also planning to release these types of questions which reduced me, as a 17-year-old, to tears?
Hannah Bushell
Buckingham
• One of the most amusing cases of mistaken identity arose when Churchill expressed the wish to meet Isaiah Berlin, the philosopher and historian who had helped keep up British morale during the second world war through his radio broadcasts (Deaton wins Nobel. Not you Mr Deayton, 13 October). A dinner invitation was extended to Berlin and during the meal Churchill asked him what he felt was his most important contribution to the war effort. “White Christmas”, came the answer – from Irving Berlin.
Dr Allan Dodds
Nottingham
• In his excellent and comprehensive list of reasons for a teacher shortage Professor Michael Bassey (Letters, 11 October) has omitted one crucial reason: parents. Many parents now harass teachers with their own homespun expertise and often aggressive defence of their perfect children who are being shortchanged by their teachers.
Bernard Tucker
Old Alresford, Hampshire
• I wonder if the University of Leeds has a department of Archers studies? I only ask as your recent contributors on this issue (Letters, passim) are all ex-colleagues from that esteemed institution.
Kevin Ward
Leeds
• So the press is concerned about what clothes a man is wearing? (Robert Peston warned against ‘dressing down’, 13 October) How refreshing!
Rosalind Garton
Pitscottie, Fife
