The last semi-final is reserved for the four highest-scoring losers in the whole of the first-round programmes. The competition has been intense and the four who made it now compete for the last place in the final. The location is the University of Leicester. John Crippin (teacher) The life and works of Raymond Chandler

David Kirkman (teacher) The history of the City of York

Christine Hancock (teacher) The English novel, 1870-1970 Keith Scott (chartered accountant) The life and works of Anton Chekhov