The International Student Blog

Google took the steps yesterday to implement a ban on all essay editing services, after claims that advertising such services was threatening the integrity of university degrees. The calls to ban these sites and services from Google have mainly come from Colleges and Universities who see these sites as offering students an opportunity to “cheat” their way through courses.

However there are actually 2 categories of essay service – there are those that provide fully written essays and there are those companies that provide editing services of essays written by you. It is not clear if google will ban both types of adverts, however Google is sending a clear message that from next month – no ads will be accepted for companies that sell essays or dissertations.

This does bring up a few discussion points:
1) Is there a difference between an essay writing service and an essay editing service?
2) Is Google right to ban these companies?

Personally, essay editing and essay writing are two very different things. Essay editing is taking your work and simple improving it, and I am sure at some point we have all done this – for example when you were younger and asked your parents to look over your work – effectively they are editing your work for you! An essay writing service will provide you with a fully written essay on a subject of your choice – no work on your part at all. My thought is Google will ban both of these services and will not distinguish – but I think they should!

Secondly, is Google right to ban these companies? Honestly I have not made up my mind on this. Companies that are offering essay writing services are not breaking the law, and are providing a legitimate service to their clients. However, I think its certainly a good move to limit students exposure to companies like this – a University degree should be something you work for – not pay for!

This is a hot topic at the moment – and would be interested to hear your thoughts….

Technorati Tags: essay editing, essay writing, essay writing ban, essay writing google ban

For many students, learning English is the first step in studying abroad. All schools require students to have a certain level of English if you are to be taken as an international student – some schools require the TOEFL, others require the TOEIC. But, whatever your school requires you need to make sure you English is the best it can be!

To help you, there are a number of resources available that offer some great help and advice:

ESL Directory
The ESL Directory provides you with over 1,000 listings of schools from all around the world that provide ESL/ English as a Second Language programs. It costs nothing to use the directory and you can contact schools directly online through the site. This is a great tool if you need to find a school or teacher to help you with your English!

ESL Forum
The ESL Forum provides you with an interactive online forum to ask questions, answer questions and generally meet up with other students who are learning English. What is even better is that ESL Teachers also use the board, so you can ask them questions and get information directly from a teacher if you need assistance!

ESL Podcast
If you have an iPod or mp3 player, then you should also check out the ESL podcast – its packed full of great English Language episodes that you can download onto your iPod and listen and learn. Great if you travel a lot on trains or just to sit back and relax and learn at the same time!

I hope you found this useful – please post any other resources you use to learn English!

Technorati Tags: english as a second language, esl, esl schools

The latest issue of the International Student News has just been released and you should have received it already if you are a subscriber to our free newsletter. The newsletter this month covers:

– iKobo – Money Transfer
– Learn English
– From the Mailbag
– USAcademics.com
– Fun Site of the Month
– Student News
– Language Learning
– Calling Card Links

View issue 99 of the International Student News

You can also sign up for the International Student Newsletter here