For those who have to do the MLAT test at Oxbridge, I find it very odd that you don't want to do morphology and linguistics (and cynically, all you want the tutor to do is to give you the keys to the undone exercises). Two things come to mind: the total prohibition of some religions against alcohol, a natural occurring substance that even monkeys use to get a buzz (fermented fruit). That's how MLAT feels to me when it is requested "sans" linguistics. The film A beautiful Mind illustrates the ability to see patterns - how they jump at you off the page if you are able to see them. But best of all, you need to describe these phonological or morphological patterns. And what best doing it via syntax.