Engelske essays – modelltekster for VGS

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English Exam Essays – Model Answers

Model answers at top level — argumentation, discussion, and text analysis for Norwegian VGS English exams.

What is an English exam essay?

An exam essay in English at Norwegian VGS requires you to write a structured, coherent text in response to a given prompt. You may be asked to argue a position, discuss multiple viewpoints, analyse a text or image, or reflect on a theme.

Unlike creative writing, an exam essay is judged on argumentation, structure, and language accuracy. A clear introduction with a thesis, developed body paragraphs, and a decisive conclusion are essential.

Introduction

Open with a hook (a surprising fact, a quotation, or a bold statement), give brief background context, and end the introduction with a clear thesis statement that previews your argument.

Body paragraphs (PEEL)

Each body paragraph should follow the PEEL structure:

• Point – State your argument or sub-claim
• Evidence – Quote from a text, use a statistic, or give an example
• Explanation – Analyse how the evidence supports your point
• Link – Connect back to the thesis or introduce the next point

Conclusion

Restate the thesis in new words, summarise your main arguments briefly, and end with a broader reflection or call to action — not a repetition of what you have already said.

Language and style tips for top marks

The following techniques consistently appear in top-scoring English essays:

• Vary sentence length — Mix short, punchy sentences with longer, more complex ones.
• Use hedging language — "It could be argued that…", "Evidence suggests…", "While it is true that…"
• Cohesive devices — "Furthermore", "On the other hand", "As a result", "In contrast"
• Academic vocabulary — Replace "good" with "beneficial", "bad" with "detrimental", "shows" with "demonstrates"
• Precise referencing — Name authors, titles, and dates when discussing texts

Common essay topics in English VGS

These themes appear regularly on Norwegian VGS English exams:

• Technology and society — AI, social media, privacy, screen time
• Environment and climate — Sustainability, individual vs. systemic responsibility
• Identity and culture — Globalisation, multiculturalism, belonging
• Media and communication — Fake news, journalism ethics, influencer culture
• Education and youth — Mental health, gap year, future of work
• Equality and human rights — Gender, race, access to education

Browse our model essays below to see how these topics are handled at top level.

Essay Library

No English essays published yet. Essays will appear here once added — each with its own page at /essay-engelsk/:slug.