These individuals, known as refugees, take a try and travel to a foreign country in order to save themselves.

[dorax]

In an essay a student gave me, she wrote: "These individuals, known as refugees, take a try and travel to a foreign country in order to save themselves." Is there such a phrase as the bolded one, or should she use 'make an effort' or 'give it a try'?

I would also like to ask you about two other phrases in this essay. Should I post my questions here, or open a new thread?

 

[Skrej]

In an essay a student gave me, she wrote: "These individuals, known as refugees, take a try and travel to a foreign country in order to save themselves." Is there such a phrase as the bolded one, or should she use 'make an effort' or 'give it a try'?

'Take a try' is meaningless in this context. If she uses your first suggestion, I'd also add 'to' - 'make an effort to travel'. She could also simply delete 'take a' and just say that 'try and travel' or 'try to travel'.

Some other options (there are many) are:
'attempt/seek/strive/struggle to travel'

I would also like to ask you about two other phrases in this essay. Should I post my questions here, or open a new thread?

Let's keep each question to its own thread.

 

[SoothingDave]

Does she mean that they take a chance? A chance on a better life in a new country, not a chance that their travel will be successful.

 

[teechar]

Is there such a phrase as the bolded one,

No.

or should she use 'make an effort' or 'give it a try'?

You can say something like "go to great lengths" or "take enormous risks" to highlight the gravity of their situation.

I would also like to ask you about two other phrases in this essay. Should I post my questions here, or open a new thread?

Post each one to a new thread please.