The aim of essays is to train students in academic thinking and writing, and in using literature to discuss a specific topic. Students learn independent acquisition and critical utilization of information. The essay is intended to show the author’s knowledge and personal view of the subject matter. It is an original piece of work that provides an answer to a question.

The scope of the essay is restricted, and it is based on source material discussed in the student’s personal style and listed in a bibliography. The text should display the author’s own point of view, argumentation and conclusions in relation to the source material. The idea is to distance oneself from the sources and discuss the subject independently. Thus, the essay is not a summary of the source material. Note that direct copying (plagiarism) is strictly forbidden!

Typically, the length of the essay varies between a few pages to about twenty, depending on the assignment. The basic principle is that the text is written in popular style, so that it is understandable to readers who are not experts in the field. The writer is expected to master the subject in both form and content. The main points regarding the subject are realised, and the text is logically structured. In the beginning, the objectives of the text are presented. They are followed by discussion of the topic, and the text finishes with conclusions. The essay is written in academic style.