Written Test - Economics (essay, Drafting Rules, Languages, Topic Hints

European Economics The written test

Interactive Tests & Preparatory Material for Open Competitions

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1. Introduction Purpose On the one hand checks general comprehension skills, ability to analyse and summarise and drafting skills On the other hand checks specific knowledge in the field of competition

Types of exercises Essay File (dossier)

 Duration about 2 hours 30 minutes In the first 5 minutes identify the type of exercise Time management – apportion your time! Presentation, clarity and legibility are also important! 2

2. Types of written tests (1) - essay  possibility to choose between several (3-5) topics  descriptive analysis of a term, practice or procedure in the specific field  place the topic in a larger context, but in the same time try to concentrate on the subject chosen  find the relevance of the topic to the field of competition  be critical – don’t forget to discuss the limitations and drawbacks of a procedure or practice 3

2. Types of written tests (2) - file  dossier based written test  technical exercise – you receive a document on which are supposed to give an opinion, draft a proposal, or analyse from a specific point of view  close to real life: the source is often composed of one or more valid legal act, opinion or proposal  first read and understand the questions, then read the documents  rapid appraisal of documents (primary, secondary, etc.)  complete reading of selected documents  active reading – underlining, highlighting, etc.

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3. Aim of the written test (1)  general drafting and phrasing abilities  precise, clear drafting  transparent, logical structure  emphasising (underlining, highlighting), “message”  ability to prioritise – analytical approach  ability to tell relevant from irrelevant  understanding the specific purpose of the task  ability to summarise 5

3. Aim of the written test (2)  language skills  important but not most important!  choice of language: usually English, German or French (may be different than language of preselection test  role of the “jargon”  not a piece of literature: avoid synonyms of professional vocabulary  at least 50% has to be reached at the written test  not allowed: signature or distinctive marks

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4. Written test examples (1) - essay

1. Provide a critical analysis of the Stability and Growth Pact in the light of recent developments of public finances in some Member States 2. Give your arguments for or/and against an EU-tax in the light of future development of the Union and it’s policies 7

4. Written test examples (2) - file

1. You receive an extract of the Kok report on the Lisbon Strategy. On that basis assess the achievements of the targets set for the EU in the Lisbon strategy, and outline the way to move forward 2. You receive the most recent BEPGs and the stability and convergence programme of a Member State. Draft a recommendation to that Member State aimed at ensurng that it follows growth- and stability oriented macroeconomic policy in coherence with the BEPGs

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