The most important rule for new or strange essays, or for essays in general, is to READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! =)
Most of these essays are about writing about
an event or person in your past
how things will be different in the future
your ideas/opinion on something (often in the form of an article for a newspaper or a magazine) -> These essays have been put in their own category as they are quite common.
The big exception was autumn 2018 where, for the first time, there was a poem you could write about.
New in autumn 2021: write the script for a podcast.
-> Podcastissa ei tarvitse käyttää yhtä tietynlaista aloitus- tai lopetustapaa.
-> Ei esim. tarvita yleisön tervehtimistä alussa tai nimeä lopussa.
Option 15
Spring 2024
The European Union: how to engage young people?
A recent survey carried out for the European parliament found that when it comes to young people “[a] majority (55%) of respondents say they don’t understand much or anything about the EU, while 42% say they understand a great deal or a fair amount.” How should the EU approach young people to make itself more understandable? Write your answer to a follow-up survey.
Vastauksen pituus on enintään 1300 merkkiä. Ylityksestä seuraa pistevähennys.
Option 14
Autumn 2021
Podcast on friendship across cultures
We at the International Cultural Youth Exchange are looking for young people from all over the world to create a series of podcasts. We are inviting sample files as auditions for the series. Create your own contribution on the importance of friendship across cultures. Write the script for what you will say as an introduction to the topic.
Option 13
Spring 2021
My language biography
The Council of Europe wants to develop understanding of the languages spoken in Europe. They are inviting young Europeans to write their language biographies. What languages or dialects do you speak? Where and with whom do you use those languages? What language or languages are the most important for you? Write your own language biography.
Option 12
Spring 2019: a report!
You are studying in an international programme at a university of applied sciences. You have an assignment to write a report on your previous work practice/summer job. If you haven’t got any work experience yet, imagine where you could have worked and write about that. In your report describe, for example:
– your work place
– what your duties were
– what skills the work required
– what you liked about your work and why
– what you didn’t like and why not
Option 11
Spring 2019: a presentation a sales pitch!
You have a summer job with Image Wear, a Finnish clothing company. They are expecting a foreign partner for a visit and have asked you to present their operation in English. Use the Finnish slides as a support and write your presentation in English.
(note: you're not just presenting the company, you're also trying to sell something. Try to be entertaining and remember to flatter the potential buyers/customers!) -> tämä opettajan huomio EI löydy YO-kokeesta!
Option 10
Autumn 2018: a poem!
(note: The instructions tell you to write about your THOUGHTS and FEELINGS, so just read the poem, think about it, and write about your thoughts and feelings. Remember to refer to the poem!!) -> tämä opettajan huomio EI löydy YO-kokeesta!
Option 9
Spring 2018: a piece of news or a text on a cultural topic.
17.1
The BBC’s Journalism Trainee Scheme is the flagship journalism entry and training scheme run by the BBC Academy. Since 2007 we have recruited and trained scores of high-quality journalists, many of whom continue to work on high-profile programmes and in newsrooms across the BBC. The scheme offers vocational journalists the opportunity to immerse themselves in BBC News for a year of high quality training and work experience. Successful applicants need to be able to demonstrate creativity, resilience in a high-pressure environment, and a thorough understanding of the role of the BBC’s journalism.
Video: BBC Journalism Trainee Scheme
Avaa aineisto (Huom - YO-kokeessa oli vain ensimmäiset 35 sekuntia tästä videosta!)
You have decided to apply for the BBC Journalism Trainee Scheme. You can watch the video, if you like, to get a better idea of the scheme. To apply you are required to write either a piece of news or a text on a cultural topic (sports, theatre, fine arts, music, etc.). Write your text.
Option 8
Autumn 2018: write about something in your past
Option 7
SPRING 2018: write about something in the future
17.2 Robots will soon make human labour unnecessary.
The EU Joint Technology Initiatives wants to know young people’s views on automation. Write an essay discussing the revolution that is going on in different areas of working life from manufacturing to the care business: robots are being developed to carry out even more complex tasks and even to think for themselves. You can either pick one area, or discuss automation in general.
Option 6
Autumn 2017: write about something in the future
3. The next innovation that will change the world
What will be the next innovation that will change our lives and the world we live in? Write to an online magazine Future Forecasts and describe the innovation that you see coming and how it will change our everyday life.
Option 5
Autumn 2016: write about something in your past
3. My teacher taught me!
World Teachers’ Day has been held annually on October 5th since 1994. Its aim is to mobilize support for teachers and to ensure that the needs of future generations will continue to be met by teachers. To commemorate this day, The Guardian is asking for stories about your favourite teachers and the best advice they gave you. Write your story.
Option 4
Autumn 2015: give advice
Dear Agony Aunt
For parents and their children, conversations about healthcare, finances, moving out, and other issues related to approaching adulthood can be tough. Write to the advice column of an online magazine explaining some of these things from your perspective, asking for the Agony Aunt’s advice on how to make your parents understand.
Option 3
Autumn 2015:
Option 2
Spring 2015: write a storyline for a film
Bond Films in the UK has launched a competition for all lovers of thrillers to write a storyline for a new film. The best story will be awarded and the winner will be invited to visit the studios and meet the cast. Write the beginning of the story to enter the competition.
Option 1
Spring 2014: ART
Eternal art
A group of artists has launched an international online campaign for teenagers to promote “all things cultural”. Your text should deal with one item of fine arts, music, literature, architecture, photography, etc. that has really touched you. Describe this work of art and explain why it is so important to you. The best texts will be published online.