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!
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 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
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 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. 4
 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
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 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 6
 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
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 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 8