Not sure UK person would turn in - give in moreclijely
Agreed . We "hand in" or "give in" essays and assignments.
In the US we say turn in.
Throughout my English schooldays I 'gave in' my work.
What do they mean by 'compositions'? Like music homework? Or writing?
Rather old style English for a creative piece of written work or a piece of music.
I would translate this, 'they hand in their assignments at the last minute'
I would use submit or hand in their essays/assignments