Quote Originally Posted by Soft sign View Post
I don’t know what an essay is like. In our Russian school we didn’t use the word эссе.
Сочинение is when you are supposed to write your own thoughts about something (usually, a work of literature).
Реферат is when you are supposed to make a library research, find some sources on the topic and write a brief summary.
An essay is a short piece of writing on a specific topic. Common topics which might be assigned in a public school setting include "Should Homework Be Abolished?" "Why Should You Brush Your Teeth," "What Is Your Favorite Place To Go On Vacation," "What Can We Do To Save Water/Energy," etc. Usually essays are one to three pages in length. Students simply make a thesis statement (usually state an opinion) and then defend that opinion by providing evidence or coherent reasons why the opinion is valid. It sounds like Сочинение captures the basic idea of essay.

In fact... https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%D1%8...BD%D0%B8%D0%B5

Thanks!