The school 'makes every effort' [=the school does all that it can] 'to help' new students become adjusted to college life.
His novel's surprise ending is not really convincing, but we'll give him 'an A for effort'.
He wanted to contribute in some way to the 'war effort'. [=to the effort to win the war]
(..) who'd have the balls to say that. Let me get this straight. You don't ever tip, huh? I don't tip because society says I have to. If they really put forth the effort, I'll give 'em somethin' extra. But this tipping automatically, it's for the birds. As far as I'm concerned, (..)1992 Reservoir Dogs