How does it work?
The precise mechanics of supervisions are decided by the individual supervisor and the students concerned. However, the general aim is for undergraduates to pass their exams, for you, the supervisor, to prepare them for these exams.
You should bear in mind that students in Arts, Humanities and Social Science subjects are for the most part assessed through essays written under examination conditions, whilst their supervisions are traditionally focussed on discussion of carefully prepared and foot-noted essays. This difference does require addressing and preparation through 'timed essays'.
Supervisions for students in Arts, Humanities and Social Science subjects are traditionally focussed on discussion of purpose-written essays. These are submitted prior to the supervision and read by the supervisor, who also marks them and provides written feedback.
In supervisions essays are used as a basis for discussion, to raise further points, to consider different interpretative approaches, to improve style and presentation of argument, and to suggest further and broader reading.
Essays are also set in many Science subjects; alternatively, students may work on examples sheets.
See also ‘Guidance for supervisors’