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Writing essays in European universities -
specifics and tips for foreign students






So, you've decided to study in Europe. Congratulations! You are about to embark on an amazing adventure, one that will broaden your horizons and allow you to experience new things.

One thing that you will quickly discover is that the educational system in Europe is quite different from what you are used to at home. One of the biggest differences is the fact that in many European universities, essays are a very important part of the assessment process.

This can be a bit daunting for foreign students, but don't worry! This guide will give you all the information you need to know about writing essays in European universities.


The peculiarities of writing an essay in Europe

There are a few things that you need to keep in mind when writing an essay for a European university. First of all, it is important to remember that the assessment process in Europe is usually very different from what you are used to.

In many cases, your essays will be read by professors who do not know you personally, and they will only have your essays to go on when making their decisions. This means that it is very important to make a good impression with your writing.

Another thing to keep in mind is that European universities often place a lot of emphasis on structure and clarity. Your essay should be well-organized and easy to read, or else you will lose marks.

Finally, remember that plagiarism is taken very seriously in Europe. Make sure to cite all of your sources correctly.

European universities may be slightly different, but many writing rules and principles are universal. Here are a few tips that will help you write great essays no matter where you are studying:
  1. Start early

    Tip number one is to avoid waiting until the last minute to start working on your college essay. This will only lead to rushed, sloppy work. Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, research, and write. The sooner you start, the better. That way, you will have enough time not only to research and write the paper but also to inspect it carefully before submitting it.


  2. Do your research

    Before you start writing, make sure to do your research. This will help you back up your arguments with evidence and make your essay more convincing. When researching, try to find sources that are both reliable and relevant to your topic.


  3. We are talking about resources like books, scholarly articles, and official websites. Even though they are popular - and sometimes even credible - you should avoid using unreliable sources like random blog posts or Wikipedia. These may contain helpful information, but they are not always accurate or well-researched.

  4. Create an outline

    Once you have done your research and gathered all of your ideas, it is time to create an outline for your essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and structure your paper in a logical way. An outline should typically include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.


  5. Each section should have a specific purpose, and each paragraph should have a clear topic sentence. This will make your essay easier to follow and more cohesive.

  6. Write clearly and concisely

    Another important tip is to write clearly and concisely. This means using simple, straightforward language and avoiding unnecessarily complicated sentence structures. It is also important to be as clear and concise as possible when writing your thesis statement and topic sentences.

    Your goal should be to make your argument easy to follow so that the reader can easily understand what you are trying to say. This is particularly important in Europe because some readers may not be perfect English speakers. Therefore, you should make it easier for them to understand your thoughts, ideas, and concepts.


  7. Use active voice

    Whenever possible, try to use an active voice when writing your essay. That means making the subject of the sentence does the verb, rather than the other way around. For example, "The professor wrote a book" is in active voice, while "A book was written by the professor" is in passive voice.

    Active voice is generally more concise and easier to read, so it is a good idea to use it whenever possible. However, there are some cases where passive voice may be more appropriate. Just use your best judgment.


  8. Edit and proofread your work

    Once you have finished writing your essay, it is important to edit and proofread your work before submitting it. This will help you catch any errors or typos, and it will also allow you to make sure that your argument is clear and concise.

    If possible, ask someone else to read over your essay and give you feedback. This could be a friend, family member, or even a tutor. They may be able to spot errors that you missed and give you helpful suggestions on how to improve your paper.

    An even better solution is to ask for help. A professional content writing service that can take your essay to the next level by polishing it. All you need to do is send them your paper, and they will take care of the rest.


  9. Close an essay with a convincing statement

    When you reach the end of your essay, it is important to close it with a convincing statement. This could be a call to action, a final thought on the topic, or even just a brief summary of what you have discussed in the paper.

Whatever you choose to write, make sure that it is powerful and impactful. This will leave a lasting impression on the reader and make them more likely to remember your essay.


Conclusion

These are just a few tips that will help you write great essays in European universities. However, keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to writing. Each assignment is unique, so be sure to follow the specific instructions provided by your professor.

If you take the time to do your research, create a clear and concise argument, and edit your work thoroughly, you should have no trouble writing essays that will get top grades in European universities. Good luck!