who long is a 200 word essay

200 Words Essay Examples & Topic Ideas

How long is 200 words? A 200-word text is perfect for conveying concise and focused thoughts on a topic. It takes less than one double-spaced or 0.4 single-spaced pages , so it requires you to prioritize the most crucial points while preserving clarity and consistency. This word count is typical for abstracts, annotated bibliography entries, discussion board posts, position papers, and book reports.

In this article, we will discuss how to structure a 200-word essay to make it compelling and engaging. As a bonus, you will also receive a list of interesting topics, writing prompts, and practical samples. You can check out IvyPanda free essays for more inspiration!

• ⭐ Best Essay Examples on 200 Words
• 🔝 Best Essay Topics
• 📝 Obesity Essay Examples
• 💡 Essay about Myself
• 🤰 Pregnancy Essay Examples
• ✍️ How to Write a 200-Word Essay
• ⚡ Alternative Energy Essay
• 📱 Social Media Prompts
• 🖊️ Essay Examples on Life after Covid-19
• 📋 Sample Essay Prompts
• 🖥️ Essay about ICT: Samples

263 Best Essay Examples on 200 Words

Fisher’s personal transition curve.

• Subjects: Development Psychology

The Birth of Venus

• Subjects: Art Paintings

My Classroom From Hell: Teacher Experience

• Subjects: Education Teacher Career

Mrs. Dutta writes a letter

• Subjects: American Literature Literature

The Tang Dynasty Analysis

• Subjects: Asia History

French Geopolitics in Europe and Africa

• Subjects: International Relations Politics & Government

Loyola and Calvin’s Beliefs

• Subjects: Religion Theology

The Entrance of Bling H2O Into the Bottled Water Market

• Subjects: Business Business Controversies

Charles Kennedy’s Speech About Drinking Problem

• Subjects: Government Politics & Government

“Howl” by Allen Ginsberg Literature Analysis

Eye glasses market in uae.

• Subjects: Marketing

Stages of a Policy Cycle

Descriptive and inferential statistics’ relationship.

• Subjects: Formal Sciences Statistics

Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives and Adult Learning

• Subjects: Cognition and Perception Psychology

Media’s Role in Public Interest in the Mafia

• Subjects: Entertainment & Media Media Influences

Dropbox Company’s Marketing Tactics and Mistakes

• Subjects: Business Company Analysis

Early Childhood Education Centre in New Zealand

• Subjects: Education Educational Stages

Schein’s Career Anchor Theory in the 21st Century

• Subjects: Business Professions

Egyptian Pharaoh’s Power and Personalities

• Subjects: Ancient History History

Sexual Harassment at the Workplace Issue

• Subjects: Psychological Issues Psychology

Ban Smoking Near the Child: Issues of Morality

• Subjects: Health Law Law

“My Year of No Shopping” by Ann Patchett

• Subjects: Consumer Science Economics

The 2011 Canadian Federal Election

• Subjects: Elections Politics & Government

Robert Browning’s “Porphyria’s Lover”

• Subjects: Literature Poems

“Handling Digital Brains” by Morana Alac

• Subjects: Health & Medicine Healthcare Research

“Where the Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls

Government policies and sources of latecomer firms, consuming technology: why marketers sometimes get it wrong, black death of archbishop and scientific progress.

• Subjects: Philosophy Philosophy of Science

Default: The Student Loan Documentary Critique

• Subjects: Cinematography Documentaries

Redundancy, Its Reasons and Preventive Measures

• Subjects: Employees Management Management

Newcrest Mining Firm’s Risks and Operations

• Subjects: Business Case Study

Online Sales and Economic Activity Monitoring

• Subjects: Economics Macroeconomics

“Capitalism and Freedom” by Milton Friedman

• Subjects: Politics & Government Public Policies

“Winter Dreams” Story by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Due process and fair dismissal of teachers in texas.

• Subjects: Labor Law Law

Bloody Mary Ritual Under Alan Dundes’ Psychoanalysis

• Subjects: Behavior Psychology

Flixborough Disaster and Its Health Effects

• Subjects: Disasters Environment

Cultural Products in Strategic Plan Development

• Subjects: Business Corporate Culture

Practice-Related and Unrelated Diversification Strategies

• Subjects: Business Strategy

Boston Consulting Group Matrix: Benefits and Limitations

• Subjects: Management Strategic Management

Annual Objectives for Strategy Implementation

Divisional organizational structure: pros and cons.

• Subjects: Business Company Structure

Marketing-Mix Component Variables and Examples

Sustainability report and its purpose.

• Subjects: Business Business Ethics

Human Population Growth and Carrying Capacity

• Subjects: Overpopulation Social Issues

How Does an Orange Feel to Touch?

• Subjects: Linguistics Written Speech

The Story “X Number of Possibilities” by Joanna Scott

• Subjects: Formal Sciences Math

Christianity: Core Beliefs and Holy Books

• Subjects: Religion World Religions

Urban Plants’ Role in Insects’ Biodiversity

• Subjects: Ecology Environment

Text Messaging as a Communication Form

• Subjects: Communications Sociology

Development Theories Applied to Ted Kaczynski and Alice Walker

• Subjects: Developmental Theories Psychology

Performance Evaluation Software: IBM vs. Oracle

Francois couperin’s baroque music.

• Subjects: Music

Production Concept in Manufacturing Business

Criminal law: racial profiling by police.

• Subjects: Criminal Law Law

Cultural Hybridity in Cisneros’ “The House on Mango Street”

• Subjects: Concepts in American Novels Literature

The Enable Talk Gloves: Invention’s Pros & Cons

• Subjects: Other Technology Tech & Engineering

Richard Avedon’s Photo Portraits of Celebrities

• Subjects: Art Photography

“Nova: Inside the Megastorm” Documentary

Episode 2 of “strange days on planet earth” series.

• Subjects: Environment Human Impact

“Heat” Environmental Documentary by PBS

The philosophy of total quality management.

• Subjects: Management

Company Overdiversification and Its Reasons

• Subjects: Economics Investment

Workforce Reduction with Across-the-Board Layoffs

• Subjects: Business Workforce

“Sculpture in the Expanded Field” by Rosalind Krauss

• Subjects: Art Sculpture

Factors in Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats Model

National security language initiative for youth program.

• Subjects: Language Development Linguistics

Pet Owner’s Liability in “One Free Bite” Case

• Subjects: Common Law Law

The Concert of Europe: Why Was It Possible?

• Subjects: History Western Europe

Telecommunication Networks and Their Principal Components

• Subjects: Internet Tech & Engineering

“Beyond Lies the Wub” Short Story by Philip K. Dick

“a sound of thunder” short story by ray bradbury, frederic chopin’s “nocturne” analysis.

• Subjects: Music Musical Compositions

The Role of the Nurse in Rehabilitation

• Subjects: Health & Medicine Nursing

Legal Issues of Ending a Relationship

Gnome graphic user interface and workspaces.

• Subjects: Computer Science Tech & Engineering

The Use of Logic in the Declaration of Independence: Following Jefferson’s Argument

• Subjects: History United States

Diets and Climate Change

• Subjects: Climate Change Environment

Coca-Cola and Pepsi Companies’ Competitive Dynamics

Google chrome browser and operating system.

• Subjects: Cloud Computing Tech & Engineering

Computers Will Not Replace Teachers

• Subjects: Tech & Engineering Technology in Education

Macroeconomics: McDonald’s Challenges in 2012

Classroom demographics in brixton, england, public and private budgets.

• Subjects: Budget Economics

Starbucks Corporation’s Problem and Initiatives

Erik erikson’s development theory in education.

• Subjects: Education Education Theories

The Historical Development of Math Transformations/Reflections/Coordinate Planes

• Subjects: Education Pedagogy

My Favourite WordArt Instruments

• Subjects: Design Web Design

Living Wage Issue in Utilitarian Ethics

Formal essays: what you need to know.

• Subjects: Education Writing & Assignments

Miu Miu: The Blending of Opposites

• Subjects: Design Fashion

Owls in the Greek Mythology. A Lecture for Librarians

• Subjects: Literature Mythology

Definition of “Tantric Sex”

• Subjects: Family, Life & Experiences Relationships

Satire as a Literary Work: Road Trip With Kids

Building suburbia by hayden dolores.

• Subjects: Infrastructure Politics & Government

The Legacy of Artemisia Gentileschi: One of the Greatest Female Artists of the 16th-17th Centuries

• Subjects: Art Artists

The Beauty of Photography: An Opinion

“little things mean a lot” by o’connell, the intersectionality theory: overview.

• Subjects: Sociological Theories Sociology

The Single-Payer Healthcare System and Improve Health Insurance Availability

• Subjects: Health & Medicine Healthcare Financing

NASW Code of Ethics: Sexual Contact with Clients

• Subjects: Ethics Sociology

Slavery and Social Death by Orlando Patterson

The swot analysis: cityville, love poetry of the renaissance.

• Subjects: Literature Romantic Literature

Speech and Voice Recognition

Wal-mart’s initial public offering.

• Subjects: Economic Theories Economics

Finance Strategies of Rapidly-Growing Finnish SMEs

• Subjects: Economics Finance

Sleep Apnea, the Heart and the Brain in the Elderly

• Subjects: Geriatrics Health & Medicine

Saccharomyces Cerevisiae: Increasing the Fermentation Rate

• Subjects: Biology Natural Sciences

Success and Money Correlation

• Subjects: Economic Systems & Principles Economics

Passive Versus Actively Managed Funds

Nybrostrand company’s balance sheet.

• Subjects: Accounting Business

7Up Advertisement Objective

• Subjects: Advertising Entertainment & Media

“Tracking Breast Cancer Cells on the Move” by Gomis

Documentary film definition, action potential overview and analysis, purpose and process of the citric acid cycle, bhagavata purana, krishna, and lila.

• Subjects: Philosophy Philosophy of Religion

Conflict and Change in Medical Teams

• Subjects: Administration and Regulation Health & Medicine

🔝 Best 200 Words Essay Topics

• Why is it important to recycle?
• The significance of education in society.
• How does social media influence teenagers’ mental health?
• My role model for my career.
• What are the benefits of being bilingual?
• Effective ways to decrease depression among youth.
• My first trip abroad.
• Modern technology: the key drawbacks.
• People should protect the environment.
• How does fashion impact self-expression?
• Teenage abortion: for or against.
• The value of time management.
• Gambling should be banned in the United States.
• Why is it crucial to forgive?
• The benefits of a positive mindset.

📝 Causes and Effects of Obesity Essay 200 Words: Examples

• “Childhood and Adolescent Obesity”: Article Review In the article “Childhood and adolescent obesity: A review,” the authors examine the different treatment options for obesity and argue that current medication is the most effective approach to addressing this issue.
• “Obesity, Physical Activity, and the Urban Environment” by Lopez Additionally, the study had proved that suburban areas’ features could not be connected to the higher risks of obesity since the inner-city population has higher rates of illness.
• Disseminating Evidence: Childhood Obesity The attendees at the meeting will also publish the proposed solutions and results of the research study. It is also vital to mention that researchers of the study will be expecting feedback after the convention.
• Management of Obesity and Social Issues That Emerge With Its Development The article by Omole focuses on recent shift in the management of obesity and the social issues that emerge with its development, namely, the culture of fat-shaming, by considering some of the alternatives toward evaluating […]
• Obesity Among the Elderly People in Warren Township Obesity among the elderly people living in Warren Township could be a result of different measures of socioeconomic status which may include; the family, cultural factors, biological pathways as well as ethical and sociopolitical factors […]

💡 Prompts for a 200 Words Essay about Myself

Here are some helpful 200-word essay example prompts that you can use to reveal your personality or talk about your life experience:

• Autobiography about yourself 200 words. In your essay, you can describe your place of birth, childhood, or major life events that have shaped your worldview.
• Who am I: essay 200 words. Write about your bad and good habits, values, and hobbies. Also, you can describe your personality traits and preferences.
• 200-word essay about the importance of research to you as a student. Provide the benefits you get from conducting research. Examples include acquiring new knowledge, clarifying complicated concepts, understanding research methods , and balancing between collaborative and individual work.
• How will counseling help you get through with your problems: 200 words essay. Discuss how counseling may be a beneficial resource in dealing with personal issues that prevent you from achieving your ambitions.
• My first job essay — 200 words. Describe your first employment, the lessons you learned from it, and how it shaped your outlook on work and responsibilities.

🤰 Adult & Teenage Pregnancy Essay 200 Words Examples

• Adolescent Pregnancy and School Dropout After COVID-19 in Kenya The article of Zulaika presents the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on adolescent pregnancy and school dropout among secondary school girls in Kenya.
• The National Campaign End Teenage Pregnancy in Ohio The dream of most parents is to ensure their children lead to a successful future which may be affected by the occurrence of unplanned teenage birth.

✍️ How to Write a 200 Word Essay

Writing an essay in 200 words may be difficult since you must present a logical and convincing point in a limited number of words. It requires you to be precise and selective in choosing the information you want to cover, making every word count.

In the following paragraphs, we will discuss the structure of a 200-word essay in detail!

What Does 200 Words Look Like?

A 200-word essay usually consists of 3 parts:

• Introduction (2-3 sentences)
• Main body (4-5 sentences)
• Conclusion (2-3 sentences)

A 200-word essay’s main body should be focused and clearly address your chosen topic. Each sentence should efficiently express your point of view while staying within the word limit.

200 Word Essay Introduction

The introductory paragraph of a 200-word essay is about 50 words in length. Since the paper is short, you can begin your opening paragraph with a strong thesis statement. After the thesis, summarize the points you want to reveal in the body paragraph.

To make the process of writing the introduction easier, use our hook sentence generator , thesis statement tool , and research introduction maker .

200 Word Essay Conclusion

The conclusion of the 200-word article, like the introduction, should be about 50 words. It must briefly outline the main thoughts and restate the thesis statement. Also, the last paragraph should provide the reader with a sense of closure and emphasize the importance of the topic.

We also recommend you use our concluding sentence generator to write your essay’s conclusion quickly and effectively!

How Many References in a 200 Word Essay?

The number of sources depends on the type of work and your teacher’s requirements. On average, for 150 words, you need to include 1 reference. As a result, for a 200-words paragraph, you will need 1-2 sources.

Our citation generator is a helpful online tool that can assist you in creating the reference list for your essay within several seconds.

⚡ Alternative Sources of Energy Essay 200 Words: Examples

• Energy: Types and Conversion Process This process is called energy conversion, and it is one of the most important concepts in understanding energy. An example of energy conversion in daily activities is the shift from electric energy to heat in […]
• The Nuclear Power Passages: Rhetorical Analysis At that, the writer also provides some data utilized by the former vice president and some information to show the negative side of power plants.
• Technology and Wind Energy Efforts by the elite members of the society enlightened the global countries about the benefits of renewable energy sources in conserving the environment prompting the need to consider wind energy.
• Non-Renewable Energy and Gross Domestic Product of China The use of non-renewable energy in China has the negative impact on the GDP, as indicated by the negative values of DOLS and CCR coefficients. The generation of renewable energy has a negligible negative impact […]
• Building Energy Assessment and Rating Tools Houses are rated prior to building them or after building them and the rating depends on the dwelling’s plan; the erection of its roof, walls, windows and floor; and the direction of its windows relative […]

📱 Essay of 200 Words on Social Media: Prompts

Writing an essay on social media? We have prepared for you good writing prompts that can be helpful when crafting a 200-word paragraph on social media. Find a suitable 200-words sample prompt below:

• The advantages and disadvantages of Facebook: paragraph 200 words. Discuss the pros and cons of Facebook. Its benefits can include networking, access to new information, and dating. Among the disadvantages are privacy issues , addiction, unnecessary criticism, etc.
• The impact of social media on mental health: essay 200 words. Explore how social media might damage mental health. You can also come up with possible solutions.
• Impact of social media on youth: essay 200 words. Investigate the effects of social media on young people, emphasizing the benefits and risks social platforms may have for teenagers’ behavior and development.
• Facebook should be banned: essay 200 words. Provide arguments for or against banning Facebook. Support your opinion by sharing your experience using this social media platform.
• 200 words essay on social media addiction. In your essay, you can focus on a specific aspect of social media addiction . For example, you can dwell on its major signs, risks of developing, or ways to deal with it.
• Virtual life and real-life paragraph 200 words. Compare and contrast virtual life with real life, highlighting differences and possible intersections. Discuss how virtual life can make you less social.

🖊️ Essay on Life after COVID-19: 200 Words Examples

• Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Policy Changes The case of COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the necessity for governments to institute new policies swiftly in order to address the spread of infections.
• The Healing Wings Project After COVID-19 The pandemic of COVID-19 did not only pose a threat to the physical health of the population but also put many people in a position in which they had to deal with the loss of […]
• The Issue of Gender Inequality After Covid-19 To date, the role of women in society has increased many times over, both in the economic, social, and political spheres of public life.
• World Medical Relief After COVID-19 In conclusion, patients’ needs for healthcare equipment and supplies are critical, and the failure to receive the appropriate medication might be life-threatening.
• Future of Public Health After the COVID-19 The pandemic acted as a detonator of the problems of the key sphere of life support of the population. In my opinion, public medical institutions will improve themselves under the influence of factors such as […]
• Digital Economy After the COVID-19 Pandemic With the spread of COVID-19 in the world, more and more people work remotely using video conferencing services and instant messengers.

📋 Essay 200 Words: Sample Prompts

Check our writing prompts for a 200-word essay now to receive some more fresh ideas:

• Online classes vs traditional classes essay 200 words. In your 200-words text, you can provide several reasons why online courses can be better than traditional ones. Support your opinion with a real-life example.
• Should smoking be banned: essay 200 words. Examine both sides of the issue while discussing the health, economic, and societal effects of smoking prohibition .
• Essay on Pythagoras in 200 words. You can start by providing a biography of Pythagoras and the most memorable events of his life. Then, dwell on the contribution he made to the philosophy.
• Coping with stress: essay 200 words. Discuss ideas and strategies for efficiently managing stress and preserving mental well-being.
• A trip to Mars essay 200 words. You can describe the fictitious expedition to Mars. Try to provide details about preparation, challenges you may face, and your emotions about such an experience.
• Outdoor activities essay 200 words. Emphasize the physical and mental advantages of participating in outdoor activities and spending time in nature. Then, write more about your favorite outdoor activity.
• You are what you eat: essay 200 words. Discuss how food choices affect general health and well-being. You can also highlight the importance of nutrition in daily life.

🖥️ Essay about ICT 200 Words: Best Samples

• Health Information Technology: The Main Benefits The promising functionality of HIT has attracted media attention, but its eventual implementation faced obstacles such as a lack of technological resources or inability to understand which types of HIT must be used. Thus, HIT […]
• How My Organization Uses Technologies for Communication In addition, new forms of communication are constantly being improved, enhanced, and updated, allowing one to optimize the existing work in the right direction.
• Evaluation of Health Information Technology Since most data will be categorical, this can be a terrifically effective technique of analyzing data because it will also be immensely useful to this project.

📌 200 Word Essay: Answers to the Most Pressing Questions

📌 how many pages is 200 words double spaced.

How many pages are 200 words of academic text? According to the guidelines of all the key citation styles, one page should contain approximately 250 words (12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced). If you follow these guidelines, your 200-word essay will be one page. If you make it single-spaced, it will take half a page.

📌 How Much Is 200 Words in Paragraphs?

How many paragraphs is a 200-word essay? Since a typical paragraph in academic writing contains 50-100 words, an essay of 200 words will consist of 2 to 4 paragraphs.

📌 How Many Sentences Is 200 Words?

How many sentences is a 200-word essay? A typical sentence in academic writing consists of 15-20 words. So, 200 words are not less than 10-13 sentences.

📌 How to Outline a 200-Word Essay?

When you write a 200-word essay, proper planning is the key to success. Such a short piece will consist of three to five concise paragraphs. A 200-word paper outline can contain a short introduction with background information, 1-3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

📌 How Long Does It Take to Write 200 Words?

How long does it take to write a 200-word essay? It will take you 4-8 minutes to type 200 words on your keyboard (the total time will depend on your typing speed). Writing an academic paper will take more time because you’ll have to research, make an outline, write, format, and edit your text. It would be best if you planned to spend not less than 40 minutes for a 200-word paper.

📌 How to Reduce Word Count in a 200-Word Essay?

The easiest way to do that is to get rid of the less important arguments you consider in your 200-word essay. Rank your arguments and eliminate those weaker. Another idea is to edit your paper in order to make sentences shorter. For instance, you can remove some of the adverbs.

How Long Is an Essay? The Ultimate Essay Length Guide

It’s safe to say that most students struggle with the word limit within an essay. Sometimes, it’s hard to find ideas for a text and meet the word requirement for every part of the paper. With so many factors influencing essay length, it’s easy to get confused.

Luckily, our custom-writing team has your back. In this article, our custom-writing experts will answer all your questions regarding essay length. We will also help you write papers with an ideal number of words!

📜 Is Essay Length Important?

📏 essay parts: recommended length.

• 🤔 How to Make Essays Shorter or Longer
• 📑 Essay Length & Formatting
• ❓ Different Academic Levels FAQ
• 📚 Essay Length: Different Types
• ⭐ Other Aspects
• 📝 Essay Examples

🔍 References

Often, the phrase “word limit” causes panic among students. After all, if an essay is too long or too short, your grade will be lowered. However, in reality, there’s nothing to worry about. When it comes to words, limitations are beneficial for both the students and the professors.

Let’s see what exactly it means.

Many people believe that the longer an essay is, the better. However, according to Frontiers, research shows that it’s a bias that couldn’t be further from the truth. A perfect-length paper is one that allows students to express their ideas and showcase their knowledge fully while keeping it clean and simple.

What Influences Essay Length

Various factors determine the length of an essay. Here are the most important ones:

Let’s start with the essentials. Usually, assignment length is given as a number of words rather than pages. Unless your supervisor or instructor mentions any specific limitations, it’s acceptable to be 10% below or above the word limit.

It’s also worth knowing the 80/20 rule . According to it, the body should constitute 80% of the text, while the intro and the conclusion take up the remaining 20%.

Keep reading to learn more about the recommended length of each essay part. The main numbers are shown in the table below:

How Long Should an Introduction Be?

An introduction is the opening section and the face of your essay. For that reason, it needs to be compelling and well-thought-out. Usually, it consists of 3 to 5 sentences or 50 to 80 words .

A hook, some background information, and a thesis statement are the fundamental constituents of an introduction. While the attention grabber and the thesis are usually brief, you may need 2 to 3 sentences for the context. To avoid going overboard, try to stay on topic and don’t add any filler.

How Long Is a Body Paragraph in an Essay?

The length of a body paragraph may vary. Sometimes, it can be limited to a single sentence. In other cases, it may fill a whole page. Usually, it’s recommended to have between 80 and 200 words (5-8 sentences) per body paragraph.

Since the paper’s body comprises the most details, it’s necessary to explain and support your ideas properly. That’s why it’s no big deal if your body sections go slightly over the word limit.

How Many Body Paragraphs Should Be in an Essay?

Like the word count, the paragraph count is defined by the format of a paper and its topic. The minimum is 1. Generally, however, the body consists of 3-5 paragraphs , 1 for each argument.

To improve your paper’s structure, ensure that there are as many subsections as there are points in your thesis statement. Each one should have an objective and support your position. If there’s any fluff, it’s better to get rid of it.

How Long Should a Conclusion Be?

A conclusion consists of 50-80 words like an introduction. It’s essential to keep it plain and only mention the central thoughts. A weak closing sentence may affect the reader’s understanding of the topic and spoil the overall opinion about your paper.

🤔 How to Make Essays Shorter or Longer: Best Tips

Undoubtedly the essay’s content is more vital than the wordcount. But there are times when students go more than 10-15% below or over the limit. How could we overcome this issue?

Below, we will share the most efficient tips to help you stay on point with the word limits. 

How to Make Essays Longer

Since having enough words is principal for a good grade, here is how to lengthen your essay without teachers noticing:

• Use relevant quotations.  You don’t need to litter your essay with citations, but using them whenever relevant is a great idea. For instance, if you’re working on a book analysis, referencing a couple of direct quotes from the original work will make your essay more credible and increase the word count.
• Give examples.  Go through the claims in your paper and provide additional evidence where possible. It will make your essay longer and more informative.
• Use transitional expressions.  Adding transition words and phrases is a natural way of increasing the number of words. It will also improve your essay’s readability. 
• Add more references.  Providing references is always a good idea when writing a formal essay. That way, you will increase the number of words and make your paper more credible.
• Work on your descriptions.  If you struggle to develop new ideas, go over what you’ve already written and consider adding some descriptive words. It’s a great idea for creative essays to include more imagery. 

How to Shorten an Essay

Another struggle of academic writing is cutting down the number of words in your essay to meet a set limit. We are here to tell you that it’s not that hard. Writing straightforwardly and keeping your sentences short is a key to concise content. Here are several strategies you may use to tighten a lengthy essay:

• Choose the active voice.  It takes up less space than passive voice. Using it also makes your writing more professional and compelling.
• Remove needless transitions.  Transitions can indeed maintain the flow of the paper. But some transitional phrases can be easily removed.
• Get rid of unnecessary adverbs and adjectives.  Some students tend to overuse adjectives and adverbs. It adds wordiness to their writing.
• Avoid running starts.  Some students like to start their sentences with long phrases like: “there are,” “it is believed,” or “the fact that.” Getting rid of them makes texts much more concise.
• Delete “that.”  In most cases, the word “that” can often be easily removed from texts.

Another cool trick is to use our summarizing tool as essay shortener. Try it out!

📑 How Long Is an Essay Depending on Formatting?

As stated before, the essay’s length is normally specified by the number of words. Although, sometimes, a teacher may ask you to produce a specific number of pages. This is trickier as the amount of text you can place on the page is conditioned by the formatting. By adjusting the font size and spacing properly, it’s possible to make the paper visually longer or shorter. Let’s discuss it in more detail.

Essay Spacing: How Does It Affect the Length?

• Adjusting the interline spacing.  Try to make the changes as slight as possible. For instance, if you were required to double-space the paper, use 2.1 or 2.2 spacing . Another option is to slightly extend spaces between paragraphs.
• Extending the margin size.  You can enlarge the right and bottom margins by a quarter to make very subtle modifications in length. For example, if the margins are 1 inch , you can set them at 1.25 inches instead.
• Increasing the intercharacter spacing.  It is less evident than the line spacing. Still, try not to overdo it and keep the numbers between 1.2 and 1.5 .
• Modifying the footer.  Add a footer with page numbers to stretch the bottom margin even further.
• Extending the header.  You can lengthen your header by adding your name, e-mail address, or other relevant information. Another option is double-spacing it.

Length of an Essay: Font and Size

• Using the proper type of font.  If your instructor didn’t specify which font you should use, go for the bigger ones. We suggest Arial, Bangla Sangam MN, Cambria, or Quicksand. They will make your text look longer without being too on the nose.  
• Using a bigger font size.  This is one more technique that can come in handy. However, be attentive and don’t grow your font by more than 0.1-0.5 pt .
• Maximizing the size of periods and commas.  This is one of the less perceptible tricks you can utilize. For instance, if your paper’s font is 12 pt ., increase it to 14 pt . only for punctuation marks. Italicizing periods and commas will also add several lines of length to your work.

What to Do if There Are No Length Guidelines

Teachers do not necessarily demand particular word limits for written works. What to do in that case? Begin by asking them to confirm if they have simply forgotten to mention it. But if that’s not the issue, here are several helpful solutions:

• Think of the paragraph number.  Sometimes, you may be given the number of paragraphs instead of words. In that case, you can decide on the number of words depending on how many paragraphs you have. 
• Think about the topic’s complexity.  The length of your paper is also directly circumstanced by the theme. If the topic is simple, 4-5 paragraphs will be enough. A more sophisticated issue may require an in-depth explanation, so your essay can be 6-8 paragraphs long .

❓ Essay Length for Different Academic Levels FAQ

How long is an essay in elementary school.

Elementary school essays are usually short. The basic recommendation for a paper is to have around 3-5 paragraphs, with 4-5 sentences per each. Primary school assignments can be 1-2 paragraphs long.

How long is an essay in middle school?

The word limit for a middle school essay ranges between 300 to 1000 words. The most spread length is 500 words, which is about 5 paragraphs. However, it may differ from institution to institution.

How long is a high school essay?

The length of the high school essay may contrast depending on the school and the complexity of the task itself. Usually, however, a paper is between 300 to 1000 words long.

How long is an undergraduate-level essay?

The length of the undergraduate college essay often falls within the range of 1500 to 2100 words. It translates into roughly 5-7 pages. 5 pages is the most prevalent volume at this level.

How long should an essay be at a graduate college level?

When it comes to the graduate school admission essay, the word limit is regularly between 500 and 1000 words. It’s possible to go slightly over or below the set limit; however, it’s best to stick to the requirements as close as possible.

📚 How Long Should an Essay Be: Different Types

Now, let’s talk about essay types. How long should they be? Keep reading to learn about the volume of college essays, short and extended ones, scholarship essays, and research papers.

How Long Is a College Essay?

When it comes to a college paper, it’s more vital to stick to the word limit than with any other paper. Some teachers may refuse to read it unless it meets all the requirements.

The shortest limit for a college essay is about 250 words which is the shortest length of a Common App personal statement. It’s also rare to see a good college essay with over 650 words . So, an average piece usually has between 150 and 650 words ; you can go over or below the limit by 50 .

How Long Is a Paragraph in College Essays?

A college essay usually comprises 4-5 paragraphs . One paragraph takes about 1/3 of the page, which is roughly 5 sentences . Each sentence corresponds with one of the following components:

• Topic sentence.
• Explanation.
• Transitions.

College Essay Length Requirements: Top 5 Schools

To understand the rules of a college application essay even better, take a look at the table below. It showcases the top 5 schools and their length criteria for personal statements. Keep it in mind when composing your college essay:

How Long Is a Short Essay?

A short essay is usually 500 words long. Using 12pt Times New Roman font with standard margins and double spacing should result in about 2 pages of text.

Extended Essay Length

An extended essay is different from a short or a standard one. It requires extensive research and thorough explanation. That’s why the upper limit for this kind of essay is 4000 words . In this case, a typical essay length is 3500 words or 18 paragraphs .

Scholarship Essay Length

Generally, scholarship papers have a limit of 500 words , which is 1 page in length. Most scholarship programs provide additional requirements that indicate the minimum number of words or pages. If there are no set limitations, you can stick to the limit.

How Long Is a Research Paper?

Typically, a research paper is between 4000 and 6000 words long. Sometimes, there are shorter papers, which have around 2000 words, or in-depth ones with over 10000 words.

⭐ Other Aspects of Essay Length

When it comes to essay length, many different aspects come into play. Here, we’ve gathered all the essential information regarding an essay’s number of pages, paragraphs, words, and references.

How Many Paragraphs Are in an Essay?

Sometimes, it is more convenient to count paragraphs rather than words. Let’s now figure out how many paragraphs are in essays of different lengths. You may also check out the examples to see what such an essay looks like:

• 250 -word essay length is 4 paragraphs Example: The Film “The Great Debaters” by Denzel Hayes Washington
• 300 -word essay length is 4-5 paragraphs Example: Symbols in Ancient Sculptures of Zeus
• 600 -word essays are 7 paragraphs long Example: Shonagon’s “The Pillow Book” as Historical Document
• 800 -word essays are usually 8-9 paragraphs long Example: “A Vindication of the Rights of Women” and “The Subjection of Women”
• 1000 -word essay length is 10 paragraphs Example: Why You Should Not Have Grades in School
• 2000 -word essays are 18-19 paragraphs long Example: Instagram: Ethical and Legal Issues in The Content Production and Distribution

How to Count Paragraphs in an Essay Based on Word Count

You can also count the number of body paragraphs for your essay using the formula below:

Number of body paragraphs (average) = (TWC – TWC*0.16)/100

• TWC – total word count
• 0.16 – an average percentage of total word count for introduction and conclusion
• 100 – an average number of words per paragraph

How Many Pages Are in an Essay?

The number of pages in your essay may vary from subject to subject. But it’s still possible to determine the number of pages based on word count. Check out the numbers below to see the conversions:

250 words = 1 page

Diabetic Nutritional Plan For a 15-Year-Old Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patient

400 words = 1,5 pages

Technology and Dating: Social Media and Committed Relationships

500 words = 2 pages

Aspects of Child Adoption

800 words = 3 pages

Nutritional Supplements, Weight Loss Plans and Working Out

900 words = 3,5 pages

Advantages and Disadvantages of Biotechnology in Improving the Nutritive Value of Foods

1000 words = 4 pages

Prerequisites of Cold War During Yalta Conference

1500 words = 6 pages

College Students’ Weight Gain and Its Causes

You can also use a specialized calculator such as Word Counter to estimate a number of pages in your essay.

What Does an Essay Look Like When Typed? 

Wondering what do essays of different volumes look like when typed? Inspect the table where you can find out the metrics for single- and double-spaced writings.

How Many Pages Are in a Handwritten Essay?

In case you need to turn in a handwritten paper, examine the table below.

Counting Words in a Handwritten Essay

When you don’t have time to count the words manually, here’s the alternative:

• Determine the amount of words in one line. Take the first, middle, and last lines of a page. Let’s say there are 15, 14, and 15 words accordingly. Then, the average would be 15 per line.
• Next, calculate lines on one page. Let’s say there are 17 lines.
• Then, multiply words per line by lines per page. In our case, it is 15 x 17=255 words per page avg.
• Finally, multiply the number of words per page by the number of pages. If your work has 3 pages, it is approximately 765 words long.

How Long Does It Take to Write an Essay? 

It is crucial to know how long the process will take you, more so if you are working on an exam essay or just short on time. Note that you need to consider the time for typing and researching necessary to complete a piece. Research time may fluctuate. Usually, it’s 1-2 hours for 200-250 words .

Below, we’ve gathered the average writing time for average and slower writing speed:

And here are the results in pages:

How Many References Does an Essay Need?

Another essential part of any composition is the reference list. Different academic levels provide different instructions. You’ll discover how many of them should be in your document from the table below!

📝 Essay Examples: Different Length

Finally, we’ve gathered some excellent sample essays of different lengths. Make sure to check them out!

• 200 words: The Impact of Physical, Chemical, and Biological Agents on Marine Mammals
• 400 words: Types of Parenting Styles Analysis
• 500 words: Chemical Reactions and the pH Scale
• 600 words: The Measures of Central Tendency and the Descriptive Statistics
• 800 words: Isolation of Gram Positive and Gram Negative Bacteria
• 900 words: Vacation in Mexico City: Worth Visiting Sites
• 1000 words: The Impact of COVID-19: “The World After Coronavirus” by Y. N. Harari vs. “We Can’t Go Back to Normal” by P. C Baker
• 1500 words: Brown vs. The Board of Education: Reality of the XXI Century
• 3000 words: Lab Experiment on Photovoltaics
• 4000 words: Data Protection: Term Definition

We also recommend you check out our free essay samples sorted by pages:

• 1-Page Essay Examples
• 2-Page Essay Examples
• 3-Page Essay Examples
• 4-Page Essay Examples
• 5-Page Essay Examples
• 10-Page Essay Examples
• 20-Page Essay Examples
• 30-Page Essay Examples
• 40-Page Essay Examples
• 50-Page Essay Examples

Now you know all about essay length, word limits, and ways to lengthen or shorten your text. If you know other interesting tricks, make sure to share them in a comment! Good luck with your writing assignments!

You may also like:

• How to Write a Process Analysis Essay: Examples & Outline
• How to Write a Precis: Definition, Guide, & Examples 
• How to Write a Critical Analysis Essay: Examples & Guide
• How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline: Template & Examples
• How to Write a Formal Essay: Format, Rules, & Example
• Word Limits and Assignment Length: Massey University
• The Paragraph in the College Essay: California State University, Long Beach
• Introductions & Conclusions: The University of Arizona Global Campus
• How Long Should a Paragraph Be?: Daily Writing Tips
• Paragraphing (Length Consistency): Purdue University
• Hitting the Target Word Count in Your College Admission Essay: Dummies.com
• How Long Should Your College Essay Be? What is the Ideal Length?: College Vine
• Writing Personal Statements Online: Issues of Length and Form: Penn State University
• Pen Admissions: Essays: University of Pennsylvania
• Essay Questions: University of Michigan
• Essay Structure: Harvard University
• Components of a Good Essay: University of Evansville
• Write Your Essay: UNSW Sydney
• College Writing: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• 21 Helpful and Easy Tips to Make an Essay Longer: Seventeen
• How to Make a College Paper Longer: ThoughtCo
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