Some ideas about writing your essay for the concorso regarding content, organization and argument

1)    There should be a clear content that demonstrates your knowledge of current affairs and, where appropriate, the position of Italy, the EU, the UN and the Italian diplomatic corps and its work)

2)      The content should not be purely theoretical

3)      The content should not be purely historical

4)      The content should not be one point repeated again and again but a series of points in an argument addressing the statement or question in the essay title.

5)      The essay should respond to the question posed (or issue raised) in the title and interpret it where necessary.

6)      The content of the essay should be organized in a step-by-step structure that the carries the reader from an initial response to, and interpretation of, the question to a logical and balanced conclusion. Your paragraphing should respect the structure you choose, e.g. for and against / cause and consequence / hypothesis, application, objections / contrasting definitions /fact, interpretation /evidence-based logical steps / an extended analogy / narrative and comment

7)      Argue a position. Your line of argument should flow from your introduction and should be easy to follow. Your essay should not be a series of disconnected points.

8)      Wherever it is possible, give practical examples drawn from current international relations

9)      Your essay should be informed, up to date and balanced (diplomatic).

10)  Your handwriting should be good enough to be fully legible

11)  Language – Use the formal, standard English for international relations found on the EU site, the UN site the Italian Foreign Ministry site and the site of Italy’s Permanent Mission to the UN, plus any high-frequency expressions that you have found in reputable sources.