what does a short essay consist of

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How to Write a Short Essay

Last Updated: January 17, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 118,313 times.

Essay writing is a common assignment in high school or college courses, especially within the humanities. You’ll also be asked to write essays for college admissions and scholarships. In a short essay (250-500 words), you will need to provide an introduction with a thesis, a body, and a conclusion, as you would with a longer essay. Depending on the essay requirements, you may also need to do academic or online research to find sources to back up your claims.

Picking a Topic and Gathering Research

• If you have any questions about the topic, ask your instructor. If your essay doesn't respond to the prompt, you likely won't receive full credit.

• If you're writing an essay for an in-class test or for an application, tailor the essay to the given prompt and topic. Quickly brainstorm a few ideas; for example, think of positive things you can say about yourself for a college-entrance essay.
• For example, the topic “depression in American literature” is far too broad. Narrow down your topic to something like “Willie Loman’s depression in Death of a Salesman .”
• Or, you could write about a narrow topic like “the increase in the USA’s national debt in the 1950s” rather than a broad topic like “the American economy in the 20th century.”

• Depending on the field in which you’re writing the essay—e.g., hard sciences, sociology, humanities, etc.—your instructor will direct you towards appropriate databases. For example, if you’re writing a high-school or college-level essay for your English class, visit online literary databases like JSTOR, LION, and the MLA Bibliography.
• If you're writing the essay for a college or graduate-school application, it's unlikely that you'll need to include any secondary sources.
• If you're writing a timed or in-class essay, you may not be able to find research articles. But, still do draw information from texts and sources you've studied both in and out of class, and build from points made in any provided reading passages.

• If you’re writing about current events or journalism topics, read articles from well-known news sites like CNN or the BBC.
• Avoid citing unreliable websites like blogs or any sites that have a clear bias about the topic they’re reporting on.

Composing the Essay

• If you write the essay without outlining, the essay will be poorly organized.

• This thesis statement is far too weak: “ Death of a Salesman shows the difficulty of living in America after WWII.”
• Instead, hone your thesis to something like: “Arthur Miller uses Death of a Salesman to show that the American Dream is materialist and impractical.”

• So, avoid beginning the paragraph by writing something like, “Since the beginning of time, all people have been consumed with the desire for their father’s approval.”
• Instead, write something like, “In the play Death of a Salesman , Willie Loman’s sons compete for their father’s approval through various masculine displays."
• Then, you can say, "To examine this topic, I will perform a close reading of several key passages of the play and present analyses by noted Arthur Miller scholars."

• In a short essay, the conclusion should do nothing more than briefly restate your main claim and remind readers of the evidence you provided.

• So, take the example about Death of a Salesman . The first body paragraph could discuss the ways in which Willie’s sons try to impress him.
• The second body paragraph could dive into Willie’s hopelessness and despair, and the third paragraph could discuss how Miller uses his characters to show the flaws in their understanding of the American Dream.

• Always cite your sources so you avoid charges of plagiarism. Check with your instructor (or the essay prompt) and find out what citation style you should use.
• For example, if you’re summarizing the inflation of the American dollar during the 1930s, provide 2 or 3 years and inflation-rate percentages. Don’t provide a full-paragraph summary of the economic decline.
• If you're writing an in-class essay and don't have time to perform any research, you don't need to incorporate outside sources. But, it will impress your teacher if you quote from a reading passage or bring up pertinent knowledge you may have gained during the class.

• If no one agrees to read the essay, read over your own first draft and look for errors or spots where you could clarify your meaning. Reading the essay out loud often helps, as you’ll be able to hear sentences that aren’t quite coherent.
• This step does not apply to essays written during a timed or in-class exam, as you won't be able to ask peers to read your work.

• It’s always a mistake to submit an unrevised first draft, whether for a grade, for admissions, or for a scholarship essay.
• However, if you're writing an essay for a timed exam, it's okay if you don't have enough time to combine multiple drafts before the time runs out.

Condensing Your Essay

• So, if you’re writing about Death of a Salesman , an article about symbolism in Arthur Miller’s plays would be useful. But, an article about the average cost of Midwestern hotels in the 1940s would be irrelevant.
• If you’re writing a scholarship essay, double-check the instructions to clarify what types of sources you’re allowed to use.

• A common cliche you might find in an essay is a statement like, "I'm the hardest working student at my school."
• For example, this sentence is too verbose: “I have been a relentlessly stellar student throughout my entire high school career since I am a seriously dedicated reader and thoroughly apply myself to every assignment I receive in class.”
• Shortened, it could read: “I was a stellar student throughout my high school career since I was a dedicated reader and applied myself to every assignment I received.”

• Avoid writing something like, “Willie Loman can be seen as having achieved little through his life because he is not respected by his sons and is not valued by his co-workers.”
• Instead, write, “Arthur Miller shows readers that Willie’s life accomplishments have amounted to little. Willie’s sons do not look up to him, and his co-workers treat him without respect.”

• For example, if you’re trying to prove that WWII pulled the USA out of the Great Depression, focus strictly on an economic argument.
• Avoid bringing in other, less convincing topics. For example, don’t dedicate a paragraph to discussing how much it cost the USA to build fighter jets in 1944.

Short Essay Template and Example

Expert Q&A

• When composing the text of your essay, resist the temptation to pull words from a thesaurus in an attempt to sound academic or intelligent. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• If your high school or college has an online or in-person writing center, schedule an appointment. Taking advantage of this type of service can improve your essay and help you recognize structural or grammatical problems you would not have noticed otherwise. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/research_papers/choosing_a_topic.html
• ↑ https://monroecollege.libguides.com/c.php?g=589208&p=4072926
• ↑ https://www.utep.edu/extendeduniversity/utepconnect/blog/march-2017/4-ways-to-differentiate-a-good-source-from-a-bad-source.html
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/essay-outline/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/thesis-statements/
• ↑ https://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/how-to-write-an-essay/essay-introduction
• ↑ https://lsa.umich.edu/sweetland/undergraduates/writing-guides/how-do-i-write-an-intro--conclusion----body-paragraph.html
• ↑ https://mlpp.pressbooks.pub/writingsuccess/chapter/8-3-drafting/
• ↑ https://www.trentu.ca/academicskills/how-guides/how-write-university/how-approach-any-assignment/writing-english-essay/using-secondary
• ↑ https://patch.com/michigan/berkley/bp--how-to-shorten-your-college-essay-without-ruining-it
• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/style/ccs_activevoice/
• ↑ https://wordcounter.net/blog/2016/01/26/101025_how-to-reduce-essay-word-count.html

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What Is Short Essay Format?

Steps to writing a short essay, components of a short essay, six tips for successful short essay writing, how to write a short essay: step-by-step guide with useful tips.

Have you ever faced the daunting task of conveying a complex idea or argument in just a few hundred words? In academic and professional contexts, the ability to articulate thoughts succinctly is invaluable.

A short essay demands this very skill: to be clear, concise, and compelling, all within a limited word count.

This guide is designed to unlock the secrets of effective short essay writing. From understanding the format and components to mastering the writing process, this article will provide you with the tools needed for crafting essays that are both impactful and succinct.

A short essay typically ranges from 200 to 500 words, roughly equivalent to one single-spaced page or two double-spaced pages. Despite its brevity, a short essay must still fulfill the same requirements as a longer essay, including an introduction, a coherent structure, a body of several paragraphs, and a conclusion.

The key challenge is to present a complete argument or narrative within a compact framework. Understanding this format is crucial, as it shapes how you'll approach the writing process, ensuring you deliver your message clearly and effectively without veering off into unnecessary details.

Understanding the Prompt

The first step to writing an effective short essay is to fully understand the prompt. Take the time to read it carefully, identifying key words and what is being asked of you.

Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if anything seems ambiguous. A clear understanding of the task at hand is fundamental to choosing the right direction for your essay.

Research and Notes

Even for a short essay, research is vital. It helps to back up your points with facts, making your argument more credible. However, given the brevity required, your research must be focused and relevant.

As you research, take concise notes to help you remember key points and where you found them. This step ensures you have enough material to support your thesis without overwhelming the essay with unnecessary information.

Outline Creation

Creating an outline is your roadmap through the writing process. Begin with your thesis statement at the top, followed by bullet points for your introduction, each body paragraph, and conclusion.

Each body paragraph should have its main idea or argument, along with evidence to support it. With a short essay, being concise in your outline will help ensure you stay within the word limit.

Writing the Draft

With your outline in hand, begin drafting your essay. Aim to write clearly and directly, staying focused on your thesis and supporting points.

Each sentence should serve a purpose, whether it's introducing a point, providing evidence, or linking ideas together. Since the essay is short, avoid diverging into tangential subjects.

Revising and Editing

Revising and editing are where your essay truly takes shape. Initially, focus on the structure and flow of your essay—does each paragraph smoothly transition to the next? Is your argument or narrative clear?

Afterward, concentrate on word choice, grammar, and spelling. Be ruthless in cutting out unnecessary words or phrases to meet the word count, and ensure every sentence adds value to your essay.

A short essay, while concise, must still include the fundamental elements that constitute any effective essay. These components ensure that your essay has a clear message and structure.

Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for your entire essay. It starts with a hook that grabs the reader's attention—a question, a bold statement, or an interesting fact. Then, it narrows down to your thesis statement, which is the essence of your argument or main point. The thesis should be clear, concise, and reflective of the essay's content.

Body Paragraphs

The body of your short essay is where you develop your argument or narrative. Despite the limited length, strive to include at least two to three paragraphs, each dedicated to a specific point or piece of evidence supporting your thesis.

Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that signals the main idea of the paragraph. Follow this with evidence or examples, and conclude each paragraph by linking the point back to your thesis statement.

The conclusion is your opportunity to wrap up your essay by summarizing the main points and restating the thesis in light of the evidence you've presented. It should bring closure to your argument or narrative.

A powerful conclusion also leaves the reader with something to think about, extending the impact of your essay beyond its final word.

Writing a compelling short essay is an art form. Here are six tips to help you refine your craft:

• Stick to the Point : In a short essay, there's no room for meandering. Every sentence should serve a direct purpose. Avoid digressions or overly complex explanations that could distract from your main points.
• Be Concise : Wordiness can dilute the strength of your argument. Use clear and straightforward language, and choose words that convey your meaning effectively without adding unnecessary length.
• Use Simple Language : Complex vocabulary doesn't necessarily equate to a better essay. It's more important that your ideas are clearly communicated. Simple, clear language ensures that your reader understands your argument and evidence.
• Strong Introduction and Conclusion : These parts of your essay leave the most lasting impression. Spend extra time refining your introduction and conclusion to ensure they are impactful and concise.
• Edit Ruthlessly : Be prepared to cut out portions of your essay in the editing phase, even if you're attached to them. If a sentence or paragraph doesn't contribute directly to your thesis, it's likely a candidate for removal.
• Seek Feedback : Don't underestimate the value of outside perspectives. Share your drafts with peers, mentors, or instructors who can offer constructive feedback. Fresh eyes can catch issues you might overlook and suggest improvements to enhance your essay's clarity and persuasiveness.

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How to Write a Short Essay: Functional Tips

How to compose a short essay? Students of the school, college, or university ask this question more often. This type of work is one of the most popular task examples, and teachers began to use it in homework or an exam paper actively. Writing a short essay format is very useful because it develops students’ creativity and thinking. However, for the students, the writing process immediately needs clarification about where to start and how to write it. Therefore, this article will help you understand how to build a short essay and prove that it is not difficult.

What Is a Short Essay?

A short essay is a small work in which the author raises current topics, describes their problems and expresses his opinion and reasoning.

How long is a short essay? Usually, the short essay length is 200–500 words. Essays are often confused with abstracts or articles. However, this type of writing occupies a separate niche in journalism. You can also write essay fast with us and our practical tips. The main difference between the short essay and other works is that the author needs to make clear conclusions in the essay. He only presents his ideas on a specific problem and does not prove them but encourages the reader to think. A short essay is a prevalent type of work when writing exams for university, college, or employment.

Short Essay Structure Format

The most crucial feature of composing short essays in English is that writers must fit all their thoughts and statements into a limited amount of words. It should be at least 200 words, but at most 500. A lot of students ask the question of how many paragraphs is a short essay. This type of essay can have 3 to 5 paragraphs. In general, the structure of the short essay is as follows: introduction, body, and conclusion. Let’s take a closer look at each of them to understand the short essay format.

Introduction

An introduction paragraph is essential for your short essay. In it, briefly and clearly describe the problem and your topic. Formulate a strong thesis clearly. The introduction’s most important task is attracting the reader’s attention. You have to make him want to read your text to the end. Therefore, the first sentence of the introduction should be intriguing. It can be a quote, a fact, or an unexpected statement. Remember to keep rulings short and to the point.

The central part of the text can be divided into three body paragraphs. They should contain strong arguments in support of the thesis that you have already outlined in the introduction. In the first section, your ideas should be the strongest. Reinforce them with facts, and refer to already known statements. Remember to use connecting words between sections. They will smooth the transitions between chapters and establish a connection between them. In contrast to a short essay, the argumentative essay writer must make a more clear, well-thought-out argument and back it up with facts and evidence.

The conclusion is the final part of the entire text. It must be drawn up in one paragraph. In this chapter, summarize all the information in the central part. Remember to recall a thesis statement from the first paragraph and draw a conclusion. Your decision should answer all the reader’s questions and make him satisfied after reading your text.

How to Write a Short Essay?

Before starting to write an essay, everyone has a question: where to start? You may write a descriptive, persuasive, or expository short narrative essay. Custom essay writing service will also help writing a short essay perfectly or use APA format short essay and analyze other examples. So, we will tell you step by step how to construct your short essay correctly and will reveal short essay writing tips.

Decide on an essay topic

When a student is tasked to compose a short essay, teachers register their requirements for the job. It is not uncommon to find the number of words the article should contain and the questions it should answer. After reading these short essay guidelines, you can roughly understand the topics on which you can build your essay. Sometimes teachers give a list of topics to choose from, then the task becomes more accessible for the student, and he chooses a topic from the already available ones.

The most important thing is to take your time with writing the work. Think carefully about your topic, and consider whether you can fully reveal it or are competent. Also, we advise you to choose something other than popular topics. Choose an area you are interested in that you can discuss and be confident in your statements.

Brainstorm ideas and arguments

A crucial step is to formulate your ideas and the thesis. The short essay should have a central theme around which the short essay will be built. Think about how your view will sound, which you will present in the paper. You should also clearly articulate your arguments and support them in the main body.

Create a plan

We always advise you to assemble a small short essay outline for yourself. It will help your thoughts to be structured well and help you writing short essays. Outline in a few words what you will talk about in each chapter. So you will follow clear actions and make your work easier.

Start writing according to the plan

You have already outlined an essential thing in each paragraph of the plan. So now, your task is to develop the idea for each chapter. Be confident and precise in your statements: form short, superficial judgments. Also, try to write in an active voice. So your essay will look concise and your beliefs will be clear.

Check and reread your work

A tip that most students always overlook is essay proofreading. Remember this critical step. After writing the text, turn your attention to something else for a few minutes and return to checking the essay. Reread your work clearly, and pay attention to whether you have made grammatical errors or answered an essay question. Our descriptive essay writers could also make things easier for you. Remember to use connecting words between body paragraphs. Use sentences supporting evidence. Also, ensure you have made a word count and check against your limits in the task.

So, we have given you the basic and most essential short essay writing tips. By following them, writing this type of work will be fast and fun for you.

Practical Tips for Writing a Short Essay

Writing a piece is an important and challenging job for a beginner. However, it is easy if you have to know the main points. They are common to all and will be very useful for the first attempts at making your short essay. So, let’s take a look at them.

• Choose a topic that interests you

The first and most crucial step is to decide on the topic of your essay. We advise you to choose an informative essay topic that interests you. The best option will be a new, not yet popular topic. This is how you will build your essay unique, undoubtedly attracting readers’ attention and interest.

• Keep your target audience in mind

Don’t forget who your essay is aimed at. If you write an essay for a teacher training course, you should understand that you do not need to explain basic information. In cases with other audiences, you should outline and explain what you are talking about at a level everyone can understand.

To compose beautiful and skillful academic writing, you can analyze another short essay example for the beginning. View works on the Internet, explore how the pronouncements are constructed, the composition of the text, and the conclusion. Even reading an ordinary book will be helpful to you and help you formulate determinations and your notions competently and beautifully.

• Believe in yourself

Don’t give up if it doesn’t work out. Don’t give up halfway. Writing an essay requires inspiration and desire. If you can’t express your ideas, try to take a break, relax, rest, and start with new energy. You have to believe in yourself and be persistent. Also, remember that after building your short essay, the best reward awaits you – the pride of self-satisfaction.

Writing an essay in the short format may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! With the right preparation and tips, it can become an easy and enjoyable task. A short essay typically consists of 200-500 words and is structured with an introduction, the central part, and an ending. It can be an informative, descriptive, or argumentative essay. Custom coursework writing helps to make the process as efficient and effective as possible. With our tips, you will be able to craft a high-quality short essay in no time.

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Useful Tips On How To Write A Short Essay

Updated 23 Jul 2024

Whether you’re a high school student or a freshman at Harvard, your teachers will definitely give you numerous writing tasks. If the assignment involves short essay format, you might feel happy at first. It seems like a simple task, doesn’t it? An hour or two and that’s it. But the truth is, short essay writing can be way more complicated than long paper assignments.

Learning how to write a short essay is important because it will help express one’s thoughts succinctly and clearly. In real life, including in class or when performing job functions, few of us have an option of waxing poetic. Knowing how to talk shortly and directly, both on paper and orally, is essential, just as replying to a prompt fully in as few words as possible. This way, you’ll become a sharp communicator, which is an essential skill in every profession. So, how to start a short essay?

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What Is Short Essay Format?

The main feature of short essay writing is that students must put all their ideas and arguments into a limited amount of space. Usually, short essays take between 200 and 500 words, depending on the topic and teacher’s requirements. So, at first, select good topic and find sources that would be relevant. Generally, there should be just between two and five paragraphs in your essay. Despite such mini essay length , though, conveying the essence of the prompt clearly is vital.

For example, one’s picked a ‘Should capital punishment be abolished in the USA?’ topic. It’s very common, there are tons of materials dedicated to this issue, but instead of being helpful, it only complicates everything. You should focus on selecting the most relevant bits of information to make your short essay wholesome. It means that you should learn how to filter and sort through all data you come across as well as structure them properly.

Fortunately, there are easy ways of how to write a short essay while avoiding redundancy in writing .

Writing a Short Essay

Whether you were assigned to write descriptive, argumentative or  narrative essays of a short size, there are some basic requirements that you should follow. Let’s take a look at all steps involved in the process of short essay writing.

Finding relevant sources is one of the most important tasks. The good news is, since essay is short, you will normally need just a few sources, about two or three. They might be articles from the respectable US journals or books, such as the ones published by Sage Publications. Pay close attention to their date — the more current all sources are, the better, and make sure they’re peer-reviewed. Read an abstract or a summary of the work you’ve found. Does it sound like something that will be useful? Remember, each source must actually contribute something to short essay.    

How to write a short essay without making sense of all ideas first? It’s impossible, so think of what you’d like to explore in particular. In short essays, stay as focused as you can. Each of your sentences must be precise and on-topic. For that, it’s important have to have a clear idea of what you’re going to write about.  

Outline is the next logical step after brainstorming. You’ve come up with all ideas, now it’s time to write them down so as not to lose direction once you start typing. Having an outline is a must, especially if you were assigned a broad topic. Threat of chaotic thoughts is very real here, so before you start working, write down all arguments and possible counterarguments. Dwell on your final goal and decide what information you are going to cover in each paragraph.

Read Also: How to Make an Essay Longer

If you’ve completed the previous steps, writing won’t be hard. You have an outline, you have sources you’re going to use, now just follow the former and add the latter! Don’t forget that you’re writing a short essay, though. Be brief and concise, cover all points quickly but succinctly. 

• Edit/proofread

Editing and proofreading are vital part of your short essay writing. You should read what you wrote to make sure that it sounds good and nothing is rushed or unclear. Writing process is, first of all, the process of creation, and even if your ideas are perfectly expressed, big amount of both grammatical and orthographic mistakes will result in you getting low mark. Prevent it by proofreading your essay; if possible, check it with grammar checkers. Since the essay is of mini length, you won’t have to read for long, so be extra meticulous.

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Now that we’ve seen how to write a short essay, there is another question that must be addressed. What is short essay structure?

Components of a Short Essay

The standard five-paragraph short essays have specific structure: introduction (1 paragraph), thesis, main body ( 3 paragraphs ), and conclusion (1 paragraph). This helps your work be elaborately structured and easier to comprehend.

• Introduction

First impression matters, even if you’re writing a short essay. The purpose of introduction is to attract your readers’ attention and make them interested, so your aim here is to create a hook that will intrigue the audience. Introduction in short essays should be within 5 sentences — you must make it concise, informative, and catchy. In the first sentence, make a claim about the urgency of the problem; persuade the audience that your essay is worth reading. Now you know how to start a short essay.

It is the last sentence of introduction. It must be focused on the main problem you’re planning to explore and contain a claim that you’re going to prove. So, if your topic is too broad or simple, focus on something more specific. Thesis must be debatable and it should motivate the opponents to argue with your position. In addition, everyone should be capable of figuring out your central idea just by reading this argumentative claim. So, if it’s unclear, rephrase it until it is.   

Good structure of standard short essays has particular 5–paragraph format. Three of them must be devoted to the main body, which contains your key ideas along with supporting evidence or facts. It is easier to read a paper where main points are divided into paragraphs according to micro-topics. Put the strongest argument in the first paragraph and support it with the appropriate facts.

Arguments where supporting info is less effective should be placed in descending order. It will give your short essay a great advantage, even more so if your evidence contains quotations. Don't forget to cite them according to the formatting requirements, though! To make your text cohesive, use conjunctions and linking words. That will make a flow of your narration logical because all ideas will appear gradually, changing smoothly from one into another.

Present results of analysis in the final paragraph. Here, show how ideas from the main body support thesis statement, which you should paraphrase. Conclusion isn’t a simple summary of work, it’s synthesis. You must reply to the question raised back in introduction. Your aim is to provide target audience with a new view on the subject, so if the first sentence of introduction should have drawn readers’ attention, last sentence of conclusion should make them satisfied with what they have read.

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Six Tips For Successful Writing

Writing can be tough in general, but academic writing is a sphere of its own, with a set of specific quirks. There are different rules about how to create great fictional story for everyone and how to write a short essay for your professor, for example. Let’s look at the list of six tips for effective academic writing.

• Choose a topic you’re interested in. This is key to crafting an interesting, thoughtful essay that all readers will enjoy. If you want to know about something and if you have personal investment in a topic, you’ll definitely achieve success because you’ll be a part of your own audience. You’ll be sure to choose the most interesting facts. Passion is always evident in writing, even if it’s an academic paper, and it will bring you better results than if you’re to choose something just because you know it’s popular.
• Know target audience. Don’t forget who your audience is. It depends on the task, so make sure you identify people who will be reading such an essay before starting writing. If a professor is this primary audience, then they already have some idea about your topic, meaning that recapping the basics isn’t necessary. In other cases, starting with something broader is better to avoid confusing target readers.
• Read. Academic writing means that you have to possess certain knowledge. Research chosen topic before writing first paragraph. Read the text from the sources you’ve selected at least partly to gain in-depth ideas for your own short essay.
• Avoid distractions. Writing essays while watching TV show to make the process a little more interesting might seem tempting, but unless you’re very experienced writer, don’t do that. Focus on writing an essay entirely. This way, you’ll be able to finish it pretty soon as nothing will distract you, and your content will be specific and on-point.
• Don’t give up. It might feel like writing is getting too difficult and finishing this essay is simply impossible. There are no ideas that could be still used, all inspiration has left long ago, and many much more interesting and engaging tasks are waiting, beckoning closer. Taking a break is great at this point, but giving up entirely?  Definitely not. Relax for some time if it’s necessary for restoring balance, but then continue working. Feeling proud and accomplished in the end of such work is going to be the best reward. Same applies in situations when one’s essay comes back graded poorly. It’s upsetting, sure, but it doesn’t mean putting efforts isn’t worth it. Sooner or later, persistence will pay off and it’ll be reflected in all future grades you get.
• Use online editing/proofreading services. Students are often sure that their short essay writing is flawless, but they are still likely to have made some mistakes. Typos can be nasty, and if someone has just finished writing an essay, these small issues might be easily overlooked even during re-reading process. That’s why it’s better to entrust your text to online grammar checkers. Another option entails using EduBirdie’s editing and rating services so you wouldn’t miss anything.   

Writing The Best Short Essays

Short essay writing is not a difficult task. If you pick an idea you like, research it, and develop an outline, you’re already half done. Just remember general rules of how to write a short essay and it’s likely that a great mark is already in your pocket! Some problems might still occur, though, for a variety of reasons. You might be too exhausted to research and write anything or simply have some other plans. If so, our essay maker team will help you manage your time better by offering to write a paper for you.

EduBirdie guarantees the best results because we cooperate only with the professionals who’ve undergone strict screening process. Our essay writers ’ profiles are open for all our clients, so just look through them and pick the one you like! We provide direct communication option, so our staff will reply to all possible questions right away. Whether you think of ordering college-level short essay or you’re interested in asking a writer to work on a more complex project, it doesn’t matter.

We will deliver your essay on time, with the highest quality you could ask for. If for some reason you aren’t satisfied, you can always ask for revision. Only then will money be released to writer, so you don’t risk anything. Fill in the order form now and relax. We know how to write a short essay. We won’t let you down, and we’ll make sure your professor is impressed.

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Written by Elizabeth Miller

Seasoned academic writer, nurturing students' writing skills. Expert in citation and plagiarism. Contributing to EduBirdie since 2019. Aspiring author and dedicated volunteer. You will never have to worry about plagiarism as I write essays 100% from scratch. Vast experience in English, History, Ethics, and more.

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Tips for writing short essays

Short essays usually involve answering a question related to course content and could be anywhere from 200 words to 750 words long, depending on the professor’s guidelines. The most challenging part of writing a short essay is the length, as you need to select the most important information to cover.

Steps 1-5 Introduction Argument Quotations Conclusion Step 6

Steps 1-5 of 6

1. What are you asked to do?

• Consider the question you have to answer/discuss
•  See if it can be broken into parts; make sure to cover each part in your answer

2. Brainstorm the arguments and points you feel would best answer the question

3. Choose two or three of the strongest points; develop a supporting point/example/reference/argument for each

4. Create an outline to structure these points and link them to the supporting information

5. Write a draft

Introduction

• Get straight to the point
• Introduce your thesis (main argument); incorporate the language of the question to frame your thesis
• Include a sentence that previews the points you will discuss
• Keep it short
• Be specific
• Provide minimal contextual detail
• Stay on topic
• Deal with points in the same order as they are listed in your preview sentence
• Use a clear topic sentence at the beginning of each paragraph to introduce and summarize the paragraph’s point
• Ensure that the key words in the topic sentence echo the words used in your preview sentence so that the reader can see where and how your argument is progressing
• Use sentences, not bulleted points
• Choose quotations carefully—only use them if they back up your points, and do not quote too much (5-10% of paper at most)
• Always document your sources, even if they came from class readings
• Briefly sum up your argument and relate it to your thesis

Step 6 - revise and edit your draft:

• Be direct and concise; remove repetition; make every word count
• Stick to your topic: if there is an idea in your paper that does not serve to answer the question, remove it
• Check grammar and punctuation by reading the draft aloud
• Ensure you have documented all sources fully and correctly

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How to Write Short Essays

Receiving an assignment to draft a short essay might sound easier, at least initially. However, writing a short 5 paragraph essay isn’t all as easier as it looks. You still need to follow all the instructions and abide by every principle to produce a high-quality short paper. Fortunately, mastering how to write this assignment is easy and possible.

This post discusses all the details of composing this essay type. Keep reading to perfect your writing skills.

Table of Contents

What Is a Short Essay ?

Let’s define a short essay before examining its related details. A short paper is a brief writing assignment that focuses on one idea or subject and requires brief coverage. You must focus on a single idea and provide further information supporting your arguments. A short essay can focus on any topic. For instance, you can describe an object, process, event, or person.

This essay usually ranges between 400 and 500 words. Your paper can be a minimum of half a page and a maximum of one page using single spacing.

A Short Essay Format

This paper’s format doesn’t significantly differ from its longer counterpart. An average brief essay can have between two and five paragraphs, depending on your teacher’s instructions. Understanding how to write a 5 paragraph essay can be particularly useful for structuring your short essay effectively. Also, the essay’s word count determines its exact number of paragraphs. While it’s short, you still must write it to convey your topic’s essence and meaning clearly.

Succeeding in this essay type requires you to sharpen your summarizing skills. You should be able to be brief without denying your readers clarity. Thus, hone your ability to explain issues clearly and briefly. Learning how to select data and facts to include into, or exclude from, your short assignment would be best.

Writing A Short Essay : How to Go About It

We stated that composing a short paper doesn’t overlook any general academic writing rules. You should follow the same process you do when drafting other long papers. Below are the steps to follow when writing a brief paper that fetches excellent grades.

• Read the prompt

Start by reading the paper’s question to understand what you should do. This stage ensures you don’t miss any instructions that define and confine your assignment. Don’t fear consulting your tutor for clarification if you don’t capture anything.

After being sure of what you must do, start brainstorming for a relevant topic unless your instructor provided one. This stage allows you to determine appropriate and exciting topics you can write about. Once you find the best topic to write on, move to the next stage and start researching.

Researching is necessary for drafting a successful short assignment. Find out all the relevant sources and take notes. This essay type doesn’t require many sources, and two or three are enough to help you advance in the writing task. You can research it using articles from reputable journals or books.

While researching, please pay attention to the sources’ dates to ensure they’re as current as possible. The most recent academic references are always the best support for any topic. If you use academic journals, ensure that the articles are peer-reviewed.

Outlining is the next step you need in your writing process because you have all the details to include in your brief essay. You must outline your ideas to give them a logical flow and structure while writing. This step helps you focus your thoughts and know where to place the right ideas. Otherwise, you could lose some of your most powerful arguments and misplace others.

After completing these steps, write your short essay. You can begin from anywhere you want. For instance, if you aren’t sure what to include in your intro, you may write it last. This approach is excellent because you will know what to include in the body sections and conclusion by then. Thus, telling the reader what to expect in the paper’s subsequent sections becomes easier.

Editing is just as important as writing. The first draft should be your thoughts’ space holder. That means your editing process can chop whole sentences or introduce new ones. You may also rewrite chapters or sentences to make them flow well. In short, you can remove or add whatever is necessary.

Your editing process must also remove all grammar imperfections. All awkward renderings, repetitions, poor styling, and sloppy punctuations should be ousted. Besides, edit your paper with correct referencing and formatting in mind to ensure it abides by your instructor’s styling requirements.

Don’t forget to double-check whether you wrote the paper according to your professor’s full list of instructions. Lastly, check out for spelling errors your word processor didn’t detect. The spell check should come last because you can make other spelling mistakes while editing the paper.

Parts of a Mini Essay

A standard short essay has three main components: the introductory paragraph, three main body paragraphs, and one concluding paragraph. Let’s get the details below.

The Introduction

This section helps you make your first lasting impression. It should attract and retain your reader’s attention by capturing your audience’s interest. So, spice it up with something that will achieve this initial goal. Your hook can be relevant humor, stats, a quote, or anything that welcomes your readers on board.

Your introduction should also provide your audience with your paper’s context and what to expect from it as the story unfolds.  However, keep it informative and brief to avoid telling your readers everything at once. Instead, let it only tell them what you want to say to them. We can summarize this section as follows:

• Go straight to your points.
• Introduce your thesis statement to give readers a strategic direction.
• Include a sentence that summarizes the ideas you intend to discuss.
• Shorten everything.
• Be specific.
• Provide minimal contextual details.

The Thesis Statement

This statement comes at your intro’s end. It should focus on the main thought you want to drive home. Your thesis should also be debatable because your entire essay will focus on proving it. It should also allow your opponents to debate your stand on a matter. So, make it as clear as possible so that anyone reading your short paper can easily detect it.

The Main Body

An average short paper has between two and five paragraphs. Using the five-paragraph format requires three paragraphs to prove your thesis. These sections must include the necessary evidence and facts to defend your thesis. Your first paragraph must contain your strongest argument, and your last one should have the weakest idea. This way, you are better placed to neutralize all opposition from the start.

The Conclusion

Your paper will also need a closing paragraph. This final section shows how your main body paragraphs defended your thesis statement. It should synthesize your work and answer the question you raised in the introduction. This closing part seeks to give your readers a fresh perspective on your discussion. It must make readers satisfied with what they read. For more insights, you can refer to tips on writing an essay conclusion .

Tips for Writing a Great Short Essay

Here are tips to help you write an A+ short assignment.

• Analyze the question

Take enough time to analyze your assignment’s question because your essay should be a response to a specific question. Thus, ensure you fully understand what your tutor expects of you.

• Define your argument

You also have to define your argument before writing. Consider what this argument will be. Thus, take an informed position on the question you received. This way, you will be better positioned to define and present a specific argument.

Planning is critical to your essay’s success. Take time to brainstorm and organize your ideas for easy writing. You should research your paper to get sufficient materials to write about. Also, outline your paper to enjoy smooth writing.

• Make a strong thesis statement

All your essay’s arguments will be as weak or strong as your thesis statement. Thus, make it as strong as possible.

• Utilize evidence and reasoning

It would help if you bolstered your assignment with reasoning and evidence. These two are necessary for convincing your readers to buy into your main argument.

• Cite sources 

Sources make your essay look more resourceful. So, cite the most authoritative references to prove to your readers that you did your homework well. Your sources must be the most recent and authoritative. You should also pay attention to the referencing requirements your instructor gave.

If the instructions require using a specific citation style like APA, you should follow it to the dot. But irrespective of your style, follow the guidelines and stick to them.

The final step is polishing your short essay through thorough and ruthless editing. The process must ensure your paper abides by all its styling requirements and guidelines, and you address all grammar issues to correct spelling or punctuation errors. If you fail here, you can rest assured that you will fetch low grades.

We hope you are up to date with all the details you need about writing a short essay. The ball is in your court to use them to advance your writing skills in this niche.

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The Student Guide on the Short Essay Format

Short essays typically require a response to a question about the course material and may vary in length from 200 words to 750 words, depending on the instructor’s instructions.

26 students were picked as per a research study of UNED in Spain on ascertaining their writing abilities. Out of them, half rated their essay writing ability as fair.

However, the quality of the essays produced by the students showed a lower level of proficiency than their self-assessments indicated. The short essay format is even more complex in this regard.

Table of Contents

The Challenges of Writing a Short Essay

Before we get to reading the proper short essay format example to learn how to write short and concise essays, let’s try to understand what are the most common challenges students face while writing short essays.

I remember that day when I was tasked to write a short essay by my class teacher. At first, I thought it would be like the essay we usually write. But as I went through a short essay example, I came to realize that it’s a different ball game and the short essay format is challenging as well.

I had difficulties writing one at first but with practice and proper devotion of time, I was able to learn how to write well. I came to know that you have to be very precise and to the point when writing such an essay and so I learn to do that with time. Later on, it became my best skill and helped me a lot in securing some decent marks as well.

What Is A Short Essay?

A short essay is a brief piece of writing that’s all about presenting a specific argument, analysis, or viewpoint on a particular topic. It’s usually not as long as those regular essays you have to write for school.

There’s no super strict rule about how many words it should be, but it’s usually around  250 to 500 words , give or take. It all depends on the situation or what your teacher wants. If it’s a 300 word essay then follow the  300 word essay format guide , and if it’s not a fixed 300 then we have more options for you, keep reading.

A short essay is all about getting your point across in a limited space. Even though it’s short, it still needs to have a proper structure with an intro, body, and conclusion.

You can write about anything, from your thoughts to academic stuff or analyzing specific problems. If you have ever read some one paragraph essay examples, you will know what a short essay is and how a short essay format looks like. 

Due to their limited length, short essays require precise and focused writing. They emphasize the importance of conveying information effectively and efficiently, making every word count.

The Fundamentals

A legit short essay format example typically consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Despite its brevity, it aims to present a concise argument or viewpoint effectively.

You can get a good understanding of the format of such an essay by going through some one paragraph essay examples as well. Here’s an in-depth breakdown of each section:

What Does Intro Have?

Begin with a compelling  hook in essay  to grab the reader’s attention. This could be an anecdote, a startling fact, a quote, or a rhetorical question.

Background Information

Provide brief context or background information on the topic to orient the reader.

Thesis Statement

Present a clear and specific thesis that states your main argument or opinion succinctly. This sets the tone for the essay and guides the reader on what to expect.

What are the Main Things in Body Paragraphs?

An important part of the short essay format is the ability to learn how to write body paragraphs well. The format is in detail available in  paragraph structure examples , you just have to put short data as compared to that.

Topic Sentence

Start each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence that supports your thesis and sets the focus of the paragraph.

Provide Evidence for Support

You must support the topic sentence with solid evidence. Evidence could be in the form of facts, examples, and more. 

Make Use of Transitions

Transitional phrases will connect ideas between paragraphs smoothly. Just ensure that the flow is coherent throughout. 

Must Have Elements in It’s Conclusion

Restating the thesis.

Properly summarize the main  thesis statement , opinion or argument of your essay in a few words. 

Summarize the Key Points

Shortly shed light on the main points discussed in different paragraphs that support your thesis statement.

End with a Good Closing Statement

A memorable closing phrase or sentence will help readers understand the essay’s main idea. 

Don’t Introduce New Information

You must not bring in new ideas in the conclusion paragraph. The conclusion para is only meant to summarize the existing discussion. 

Guidelines for Formatting

Get to know the crux of short essay formatting below whose details are available in the  short essay format  guide. 

Keep it Concise

You must keep this essay short in length..Don’t go for putting in unnecessary details and more. 

Be Clear and Precise

You must present the ideas clearly. Don’t use jargon or difficult vocabulary. 

Organizing it Well

You can enhance the readability of your short essay with proper organization. 

10 Expert Tips And Tricks On A Short Essay Format

Here are some expert tips and tricks for mastering how to write essays short and well.

• Convey your ideas using clear and concise language.
• Properly plan the essay structure before you begin to write.
• Don’t cover too many points too quickly.
• Link evidence back to the main argument.
• There must be a proper coherence between paras.
• You should end your short essay with a striking end statement.
• Cut unnecessary words or phrases before submitting. 
• Get feedback from your colleagues or peers.
• Properly plan, write, and revise your essay.
• Read well-crafted short essay examples to learn the style and structuring.

Writing Rules And The Short Essay Format for APA, MLA

As you may know, APA and MLA writing rules follow a different structure. Here’s how

There is an  APA referencing  maker that will help while writing and implementing Apa short essay format.

• Center the title in the middle of the page.
• Include the student’s name, instructor name and due date at the bottom center.

Introduction of the Paragraph

• Title of the introduction separately.
• Start with the introductory paragraph after the title page.
• Put in a clear thesis statement at the end of intro para.

Body Paragraphs

Just as other essays, body paragraphs look the same in the short essay format as well,

• Use concise topic sentences for each para.
• Each point must be supported with evidence.
• Include in-text citations for information sources.
• Each para must have clear transitions. 
• Conclusion must have no title.
• Main points must be summarized.
• The thesis statement must be restated.
• Offer suggestions where appropriate.
• Put in references at the center of the page.
• All sources must be cited alphabetically with the last name of the author.
• Use APA format for referencing.

Formatting Guidelines

• 12-point Times New Roman font.
• Double-spacing throughout the essay.
• One-inch margins on all sides of the page.
• Include a running head on each page with a shortened title

MLA Short Essay

So you now have a good idea of the Apa short essay format, here’s an example of short essay in MLA format for you, you can also use  MLA referencing  creator while writing!

Main Page 

• No need for a separate title page.
• Include your name, instructor’s name, course title, and date at the top left corner.
• Center the essay’s title below this information.

The Introduction Para

• Put in the intro para after the heading.
• No need for a separate heading.
• The introduction paragraph must be ended with a clear thesis statement.
• Topic sentence at the start of each para.
• Each argument must be supported with evidence and examples.
• Put in-text citations for sourced information.
• Make sure there’s a smooth transition between paragraphs.
• Must have a separate heading for a conclusion.
• Each key point should be summarized without introducing new paragraphs.
• Restate the thesis with concluding thoughts and words.

Works Cited Section

• Works Cited centered at the top of the page.
• List all sources cited in the essay alphabetically by the author.
• Ensure to follow MLA format for citations
• Double-spacing
• One-inch margins on all sides
• Include a header on each page

Why Not Taking Some Essay Help from Professionals?

In our example of a short essay, it is clear that the writer aims to present a thesis or central idea and support it with succinct yet compelling evidence or examples, but all in shortest word count. Overall, it could be a short task but nevertheless very challenging for some students, that’s why we advise consulting the best  essay service  available.

Final Thoughts

A short essay is all about effective communication in a very confined space. To write it well, you must have the ability to convey complex ideas effectively and concisely. The argument must be short but well supported by solid evidence. Hopefully, you now have a good idea about what a short essay format looks like. If you are still confused with it, don’t hesitate to count on our experts.

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Writing an effective and impactful essay is crucial to your academic or professional success. Whether it’s getting into the college of your dreams or scoring high on a major assignment, writing a well-structured essay will help you achieve it all. But before you learn how to write an essay , you need to know its basic components.

In this article, we will understand what an essay is, how long it should be, and its different parts and types. We will also take a detailed look at relevant examples to better understand the essay structure.

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What is an essay?

An essay is a concise piece of nonfiction writing that aims to either inform the reader about a topic or argue a particular perspective. It can either be formal or informal in nature. Most academic essays are highly formal, whereas informal essays are commonly found in journal entries, social media, or even blog posts.

As we can see from this essay definition, the beauty of essays lies in their versatility. From the exploration of complex scientific concepts to the history and evolution of everyday objects, they can cover a vast range of topics.

How long is an essay?

The length of an essay can vary from a few hundred to several thousand words but typically falls between 500–5,000 words. However, there are exceptions to this norm, such as Joan Didion and David Sedaris who have written entire books of essays.

Let’s take a look at the different types of essays and their lengths with the help of the following table:

How many paragraphs are in an essay?

Typically, an essay has five paragraphs: an introduction, a conclusion, and three body paragraphs. However, there is no set rule about the number of paragraphs in an essay.

The number of paragraphs can vary depending on the type and scope of your essay. An expository or argumentative essay may require more body paragraphs to include all the necessary information, whereas a narrative essay may need fewer.

Structure of an essay

To enhance the coherence and readability of your essay, it’s important to follow certain rules regarding the structure. Take a look:

1. Arrange your information from the most simple to the most complex bits. You can start the body paragraph off with a general statement and then move on to specifics.

2. Provide the necessary background information at the beginning of your essay to give the reader the context behind your thesis statement.

3. Select topic statements that provide value, more information, or evidence for your thesis statement.

There are also various essay structures , such as the compare and contrast structure, chronological structure, problem method solution structure, and signposting structure that you can follow to create an organized and impactful essay.

Parts of an essay

An impactful, well-structured essay comes down to three important parts: the introduction, body, and conclusion.

1. The introduction sets the stage for your essay and is typically a paragraph long. It should grab the reader’s attention and give them a clear idea of what your essay will be about.

2. The body is where you dive deeper into your topic and present your arguments and evidence. It usually consists of two paragraphs, but this can vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing.

3. The conclusion brings your essay to a close and is typically one paragraph long. It should summarize the main points of the essay and leave the reader with something to think about.

The length of your paragraphs can vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing. So, make sure you take the time to plan out your essay structure so each section flows smoothly into the next.

Introduction

When it comes to writing an essay, the introduction is a critical component that sets the tone for the entire piece. A well-crafted introduction not only grabs the reader’s attention but also provides them with a clear understanding of what the essay is all about. An essay editor can help you achieve this, but it’s best to know the brief yourself!

Let’s take a look at how to write an attractive and informative introductory paragraph.

1. Construct an attractive hook

To grab the reader’s attention, an opening statement or hook is crucial. This can be achieved by incorporating a surprising statistic, a shocking fact, or an interesting anecdote into the beginning of your piece.

For example, if you’re writing an essay about water conservation you can begin your essay with, “Clean drinking water, a fundamental human need, remains out of reach for more than one billion people worldwide. It deprives them of a basic human right and jeopardizes their health and wellbeing.”

2. Provide sufficient context or background information

An effective introduction should begin with a brief description or background of your topic. This will help provide context and set the stage for your discussion.

For example, if you’re writing an essay about climate change, you start by describing the current state of the planet and the impact that human activity is having on it.

3. Construct a well-rounded and comprehensive thesis statement

A good introduction should also include the main message or thesis statement of your essay. This is the central argument that you’ll be making throughout the piece. It should be clear, concise, and ideally placed toward the end of the introduction.

By including these elements in your introduction, you’ll be setting yourself up for success in the rest of your essay.

Let’s take a look at an example.

Essay introduction example

• Background information
• Thesis statement

The Wright Brothers’ invention of the airplane in 1903 revolutionized the way humans travel and explore the world. Prior to this invention, transportation relied on trains, boats, and cars, which limited the distance and speed of travel. However, the airplane made air travel a reality, allowing people to reach far-off destinations in mere hours. This breakthrough paved the way for modern-day air travel, transforming the world into a smaller, more connected place. In this essay, we will explore the impact of the Wright Brothers’ invention on modern-day travel, including the growth of the aviation industry, increased accessibility of air travel to the general public, and the economic and cultural benefits of air travel.

Body paragraphs

You can persuade your readers and make your thesis statement compelling by providing evidence, examples, and logical reasoning. To write a fool-proof and authoritative essay, you need to provide multiple well-structured, substantial arguments.

Let’s take a look at how this can be done:

1. Write a topic sentence for each paragraph

The beginning of each of your body paragraphs should contain the main arguments that you’d like to address. They should provide ground for your thesis statement and make it well-rounded. You can arrange these arguments in several formats depending on the type of essay you’re writing.

2. Provide the supporting information

The next point of your body paragraph should provide supporting information to back up your main argument. Depending on the type of essay, you can elaborate on your main argument with the help of relevant statistics, key information, examples, or even personal anecdotes.

3. Analyze the supporting information

After providing relevant details and supporting information, it is important to analyze it and link it back to your main argument.

4. Create a smooth transition to the next paragraph

End one body paragraph with a smooth transition to the next. There are many ways in which this can be done, but the most common way is to give a gist of your main argument along with the supporting information with transitory words such as “however” “in addition to” “therefore”.

Here’s an example of a body paragraph.

Essay body paragraph example

• Topic sentence
• Supporting information
• Analysis of the information
• Smooth transition to the next paragraph

The Wright Brothers’ invention of the airplane revolutionized air travel. They achieved the first-ever successful powered flight with the Wright Flyer in 1903, after years of conducting experiments and studying flight principles. Despite their first flight lasting only 12 seconds, it was a significant milestone that paved the way for modern aviation. The Wright Brothers’ success can be attributed to their systematic approach to problem-solving, which included numerous experiments with gliders, the development of a wind tunnel to test their designs, and meticulous analysis and recording of their results. Their dedication and ingenuity forever changed the way we travel, making modern aviation possible.

A powerful concluding statement separates a good essay from a brilliant one. To create a powerful conclusion, you need to start with a strong foundation.

Let’s take a look at how to construct an impactful concluding statement.

1. Restructure your thesis statement

To conclude your essay effectively, don’t just restate your thesis statement. Instead, use what you’ve learned throughout your essay and modify your thesis statement accordingly. This will help you create a conclusion that ties together all of the arguments you’ve presented.

2. Summarize the main points of your essay

The next point of your conclusion consists of a summary of the main arguments of your essay. It is crucial to effectively summarize the gist of your essay into one, well-structured paragraph.

3. Create a lasting impression with your concluding statement

Conclude your essay by including a key takeaway, or a powerful statement that creates a lasting impression on the reader. This can include the broader implications or consequences of your essay topic.

Here’s an example of a concluding paragraph.

Essay conclusion example

• Restated thesis statement
• Summary of the main points
• Broader implications of the thesis statement

The Wright Brothers’ invention of the airplane forever changed history by paving the way for modern aviation and countless aerospace advancements. Their persistence, innovation, and dedication to problem-solving led to the first successful powered flight in 1903, sparking a revolution in transportation that transformed the world. Today, air travel remains an integral part of our globalized society, highlighting the undeniable impact of the Wright Brothers’ contribution to human civilization.

Types of essays

Most essays are derived from the combination or variation of these four main types of essays . let’s take a closer look at these types.

1. Narrative essay

A narrative essay is a type of writing that involves telling a story, often based on personal experiences. It is a form of creative nonfiction that allows you to use storytelling techniques to convey a message or a theme.

2. Descriptive essay

A descriptive essay aims to provide an immersive experience for the reader by using sensory descriptors. Unlike a narrative essay, which tells a story, a descriptive essay has a narrower scope and focuses on one particular aspect of a story.

3. Argumentative essays

An argumentative essay is a type of essay that aims to persuade the reader to adopt a particular stance based on factual evidence and is one of the most common forms of college essays.

4. Expository essays

An expository essay is a common format used in school and college exams to assess your understanding of a specific topic. The purpose of an expository essay is to present and explore a topic thoroughly without taking any particular stance or expressing personal opinions.

While this article demonstrates what is an essay and describes its types, you may also have other doubts. As experts who provide essay editing and proofreading services , we’re here to help. 

Our team has created a list of resources to clarify any doubts about writing essays. Keep reading to write engaging and well-organized essays!

• How to Write an Essay in 8 Simple Steps
• How to Write an Essay Header
• How to Write an Essay Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an argumentative and an expository essay, what is the difference between a narrative and a descriptive essay, what is an essay format, what is the meaning of essay, what is the purpose of writing an essay.

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Your Guide Towards Writing An Outstanding Short Essay!

Essay writing might appear to be easy and quick at first. Most students think it takes an hour or two at most. Still, there are situations when writing a short essay can be extremely difficult. In particular, when you want to say a lot but are unsure of how to express it concisely. In long essays, we can still express ourselves in a broader form and more openly. But, the short or brief essay deals with writing limited and point-to-point.

You might be facing difficulties in writing a 200-word essay or a 500-word essay, but don’t worry as we are here to help you. This blog of All Assignment Help is your ultimate guide to writing short essays without losing any information. Read the blog till the end and find out everything there is to know about the distinctive features, format, structure, and examples of short essays.

What is a Short Essay?

The definition of a short essay is an academic writing assignment in which students must organize their ideas and viewpoints into a proper structure and no more than 500 words. There are instances when the essay is even shorter—only 200 words are needed. Like other essays, it can be narrative, argumentative , explanatory, descriptive, and so on.

The purpose of such essays is to teach the shortest possible way to express thoughts. Students must continue to be laconic and stay away from repetition. There is no need for slang, cliches, or confusing information in this paper. Besides, it only included a viewpoint supported by facts, compelling reasoning, and figures.

Read Here: Structure and Ways of Writing a Short Essay

How Long Should a Short Essay Be?

Well, this is the most asked question of all. A short essay should be:

• A minimum of half a page & a maximum of 1 page if we work single-spaced.
• It can go up to max 2 pages if we work double-spaced.
• It should consist of a maximum of 400 words.
• You can go up to 500 but, if only it’s the need for the topic.

Also, we have given a basic overview of 3-paragraph and 5-paragraph short essay guidelines below.

The 3 Paragraph Short Essay

• The 3-paragraph brief essay is divided into an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.
• The thesis statement of the essay is stated in the first paragraph, the body of the essay offers evidence for it, and the conclusion restates the main ideas.
• This type of short essay is usually written in response to a question that your professor has provided.
• You can get away with just responding to the question and removing the formalities that normally accompany a well-crafted essay.

So, what distinguishes a brief essay like this from a brief response? Not much. That’s why it’s usually best to stick with the five-paragraph essay format if you have been given a short essay to write. However, writing 3-paragraph is not a cup of tea for many students. Hence, they can get an essay writing service online where they will be assisted by expert essay writers.

The 5 Paragraph Short Essay

• The five-paragraph essay format enables you to follow the requirements of the essay structure, which include an introduction, body, and conclusion.
• You will include a brief section outlining your goal and thesis in your introduction.
• The body is composed of three body paragraphs, each of which has a topic sentence and supports your thesis.
• In the conclusion, you restate your main idea and how the body of the paper supported it.

What’s the optimal word count for this? Let’s say 600, but you can even go as high as 900. In 900 words or three pages, you can write a five-paragraph short essay effectively.

Elements of a Short Essay

Some college students find that writing a short essay is more challenging than writing a long one because they don’t have enough room to fully develop and explain their ideas. Just the details required to support your argument should be included. However, while writing a brief essay, make sure the following fundamental elements are included in your essay:

Introduction

It should be one paragraph and not more. Your introduction should build up the interest of the audience, and it should be clear what is the topic. It should be concise, catchy, and informative. However, the first sentence itself should claim the urgency of the topic which becomes worth reading. End the sentence with a precise statement.

It is the final introduction sentence. It needs to be centered on the main problem you are researching and include a claim you intend to support. However, your thesis should be debatable and should inspire those who disagree with you to refute it. Also, you can get thesis help online for assistance in writing a concise thesis for your essay topic.

Topic Sentences

Make your main point clear and concise so that it appears at the start of each paragraph. It should summarize your entire argument. Thus, give a distinct topic sentence for each new point you make. Also, it needs to be presented, backed up and analyzed.

3 paragraphs out of 5, should be of the main body. This part contains your main ideas and supporting evidence or facts. Make sure that your evidence contains quotations and cite them according to the requirements of the format. Use linking words and conjunctions to make your text cohesive. It will bring flow to your narration.

This paragraph is for the final results. It should be 1 paragraph long. In this paragraph, you need to show how your ideas from the body support the statement in the first paragraph. It is not a summary. However, this part will close the question raised in the introduction part.

How to Write a Short Essay?

It takes several key points to write a well-written essay in fewer words. Here is how you can write a short essay:

Identify Your Topic Carefully

The first thing before you initiate the writing process is reading. Read your essay prompt carefully. You can underline important information or encircle the main question. You have to make sure what the question wants you to write. Students sometimes in a hurry fail to understand the topic and end up writing on something else.

Narrow Down Your Argument

You have got the task of writing a short essay, right? So, you cannot discuss everything in the essay. You have to cling to one single topic. Therefore, choose one topic and work on it. For instance, in “Tragedy in Shakespeare’s Plays” this topic is too vast. Here you have to research different plays of Shakespeare to bring out the tragic elements. So, your topic should be, “Discuss Hamlet as a tragedy”. Such a topic will help you to write a short essay easily.

Use Reliable Sources for Collecting Information

If your information is from reliable sources, your chances of getting excellence will be high. For example, if you are writing on any journalism topic, then go for BBC or other well-known news websites. Always avoid the least reliable sources, such as blogs or random articles.

Be Careful About the Essay’s Words

Words are the soul of an essay. If your words are not expressive enough, you might fail to get the desired grade. Students, especially those who are from non-English speaking backgrounds need to be careful about words. While writing the essay focus on words, use transition words in your essays. These words act as a bridge between sentences and ideas.

Remove Verbiage from Your Essay

You have a limit on the word count. Therefore, using excessively long speech doesn’t make sense in a short essay. Remove all lengthy verb phrases, adjectives, etc. Keep your sentences short and explain the meaning perfectly.

Try to Be More Active Than Passive

To make your essay succinct. Thus, make your sentences in the active voice. Active voice will convey to the point meaning in a crisp and clear manner. Write sentences that can help in explaining the meaning in a direct way. This will cut short the words from your essay.

Keep the Relevant Arguments Only

A passionate essay writer always wants to add multiple arguments to his/her essay. But in a brief essay, you have to control yourself. Only put useful arguments and weed out irrelevant ones. But, be alert, never remove the most convincing points, or else your essay will lose its purpose.

Following these 7 tips while composing an essay. Also, you may end up with an excellent piece of writing. If still finding issues in writing a short essay, then you can also check out essay examples for different types of essays such as reflective essay examples, analytical essay examples , expository essay examples, and so on for a better overview for writing brief essays.

Also Read: How to Write the Best 1000-Word Essay

Writing a Short Essay: Do’s and Don’ts

Having Trouble Composing a Short Essay?

Do you require expert guidance to write a short essay? Don’t worry. We have the best essay helpers available to write any type of essay for you. Our skilled writers start each order from scratch. Also, we can guarantee the best essays. Our writers adhere to your specifications and preferences to produce properly formatted, error-free essays.

Besides essay writing help, we also provide online class help , online exam help, and online quiz help. You can get help with your online coursework from our experts no matter what course you are pursuing online.

FAQ’s

Home ➔ Essay Length Questions ➔ How Long Is a Short Essay?

How Long Is a Short Essay?

If you’re wondering how long a short essay should be in words or pages, you probably don’t have a specific length requirement. The words “short,” “brief,” “concise,” or “succinct” here can imply two things — based on what you’re supposed to write. It can be a usual essay they give in schools or a supplemental admissions response to a prompt. Let’s discuss the first case — the school assignment.

According to Janet D. Stemwedel, a philosophy professor at San Jose State University, the answer is:

A short essay is 500 words long , which is about two pages with double spacing and one page with single spacing.

That number is based on the assumption that you use Times New Roman font (12pt) with standard margins. Various formatting styles have different requirements for those elements. Hence, always check if you must adhere to a particular set of instructions before writing.

Let’s consider another example. Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences provides some short essay samples that are personal statements and application essays written by students who wanted to apply for various programs. After looking through them (link in the references section), you can see that all of them are pretty much the same — about 500 words. Within that limit, the applicants had to explain why they wanted to pursue their educational careers in that college.

As for a common short essay, it has a traditional structure: an opening (hook, thesis, etc.), a body section, and a conclusion. In 500 words, you can develop and present an idea adequately, which means your paper will consist of 3–5 paragraphs. That’s generally ample to give background information, incorporate one central point, and wrap it up with a conclusion.

5-Paragraph Short Essay

Usually, five paragraphs are an unspoken minimum for a short essay to accomplish its objectives. This number of sections allows you to introduce your topic or claim, discuss or prove it, and provide the reader with a rational conclusion.

Note: To find out more about the five-paragraph structure, see our article — How to Structure an Essay .

20-60-20 is the best ratio for each main element. Your opening and closing paragraphs should be about the same length. And, the largest chunk should be taken by three body paragraphs.

What About a Short Answer Essay?

You will typically have to write this as a brief supplemental essay when applying to college. It should be smaller than a normal brief essay with an average length of 150–250 words.

Often, you won’t find any precise requirements for short answer essays (like a clearly stated word limit). But, if you’re sending it online, the system won’t let you exceed the recommended number — you just won’t be able to submit it.

One paragraph is a standard length for your answer, and whoever is examining it should be able to read it in about sixty seconds. That’s why you need to make the most out of every word. If your answer is lacking in length, it won’t be meaningful, and if it’s longer, they may even skip reading it.

A “short” essay doesn’t imply worse quality or less effort. Conversely, you need to make every word count and pay special attention to grammar, style, punctuation, and tone.

If you’re allowed to write a 250-word answer, it means the school wants to know more about your personality. Be sure to make your writing compelling for that overworked admissions board officer who has already read hundreds of these answers.

What’s the most suitable length for a brief answer essay? Well, aim for 125–150 words if the instructions don’t implicitly say to write more. This range is enough to elaborate on one of the extracurricular activities or your personal experience.

When composing it, don’t overthink what to tell the board about — be yourself. The foremost goal of this small essay is to show who you truly are and what values you have. It’s easy to see when a person is dishonest. A story about volunteering will not necessarily have a stronger effect than a piece about your science fair project.

Differences Between a Short Essay and a Short Answer

The table below summarizes and compares a regular short essay and an application answer to a question.

Final Tips on Succinct Essays

• Don’t overuse extensive quotes. First, such citations will take up lots of space in your essay, so might not have enough words left to write the actual piece. Express opinions of other people using your own words or use short quotes with further analysis.
• If you can pick the topic, don’t choose something that’s too broad — narrow it down so that you can write about adequately within the 500-word limit.
• Beware of plagiarism. Don’t disguise the viewpoints of others as your own. Besides getting a low grade, you also risk failing the entire course and being subjected to administrative penalties.

We hope now you have a better idea about short essays and their length. If you have more questions, try using our navigation or search bar.

A 5-paragraph structure would be the most common one for this word limit. Hence, to write a short essay, you can follow the guide we linked to earlier in the article. It describes in detail every step involved in essay writing, regardless of length.

It depends on your essay type. If you’re writing an admissions essay, they will give you one or several prompts. Otherwise, go for a topic the discussion of which can fit the word count.

When it comes to opinion pieces, the word “short” implies a broader range — somewhere between 200 and 2000 words. Some of the best short non-fiction essays are: “Phoning It In” by Stanley Bing, “Beer Can” by John Updike, “Of Revenge” by Francis Bacon, “Shooting an Elephant” by George Orwell, “Assassins of The Mind” by Christopher Hitchens, “A Dog’s Eye View of Man” by James Thurber.

The list of references

• Short Essay Guidelines — by Professor Stemwedel
• Short Essay Samples — Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences

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What an Essay Is and How to Write One

• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

Essays are brief, non-fiction compositions that describe, clarify, argue, or analyze a subject. Students might encounter essay assignments in any school subject and at any level of school, from a personal experience "vacation" essay in middle school to a complex analysis of a scientific process in graduate school. Components of an essay include an introduction , thesis statement , body, and conclusion.

Writing an Introduction

The beginning of an essay can seem daunting. Sometimes, writers can start their essay in the middle or at the end, rather than at the beginning, and work backward. The process depends on each individual and takes practice to figure out what works best for them. Regardless of where students start, it is recommended that the introduction begins with an attention grabber or an example that hooks the reader in within the very first sentence.

The introduction should accomplish a few written sentences that leads the reader into the main point or argument of the essay, also known as a thesis statement. Typically, the thesis statement is the very last sentence of an introduction, but this is not a rule set in stone, despite it wrapping things up nicely. Before moving on from the introduction, readers should have a good idea of what is to follow in the essay, and they should not be confused as to what the essay is about. Finally, the length of an introduction varies and can be anywhere from one to several paragraphs depending on the size of the essay as a whole.

Creating a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a sentence that states the main idea of the essay. The function of a thesis statement is to help manage the ideas within the essay. Different from a mere topic, the thesis statement is an argument, option, or judgment that the author of the essay makes about the topic of the essay.

A good thesis statement combines several ideas into just one or two sentences. It also includes the topic of the essay and makes clear what the author's position is in regard to the topic. Typically found at the beginning of a paper, the thesis statement is often placed in the introduction, toward the end of the first paragraph or so.

Developing a thesis statement means deciding on the point of view within the topic, and stating this argument clearly becomes part of the sentence which forms it. Writing a strong thesis statement should summarize the topic and bring clarity to the reader.

For informative essays, an informative thesis should be declared. In an argumentative or narrative essay, a persuasive thesis, or opinion, should be determined. For instance, the difference looks like this:

• Informative Thesis Example:  To create a great essay, the writer must form a solid introduction, thesis statement, body, and conclusion.
• Persuasive Thesis Example:  Essays surrounded around opinions and arguments are so much more fun than informative essays because they are more dynamic, fluid, and teach you a lot about the author.

Developing Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of an essay include a group of sentences that relate to a specific topic or idea around the main point of the essay. It is important to write and organize two to three full body paragraphs to properly develop it.

Before writing, authors may choose to outline the two to three main arguments that will support their thesis statement. For each of those main ideas, there will be supporting points to drive them home. Elaborating on the ideas and supporting specific points will develop a full body paragraph. A good paragraph describes the main point, is full of meaning, and has crystal clear sentences that avoid universal statements.

Ending an Essay With a Conclusion

A conclusion is an end or finish of an essay. Often, the conclusion includes a judgment or decision that is reached through the reasoning described throughout the essay. The conclusion is an opportunity to wrap up the essay by reviewing the main points discussed that drives home the point or argument stated in the thesis statement.

The conclusion may also include a takeaway for the reader, such as a question or thought to take with them after reading. A good conclusion may also invoke a vivid image, include a quotation, or have a call to action for readers.

• What Is Expository Writing?
• Writing an Opinion Essay
• How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech (With Topic Ideas)
• How to Use Anecdotes to Nail Your Next Speech
• Understanding What an Expository Essay Is
• The Ultimate Guide to the 5-Paragraph Essay
• Topical Organization Essay
• Write a Compare and Contrast Essay
• List of Topics for How-to Essays
• How to Write a Great Process Essay
• 100 Persuasive Essay Topics
• How to Write a Response Paper
• Write an Attention-Grabbing Opening Sentence for an Essay
• Essay Writing Contests for Students
• Practice in Supporting a Topic Sentence with Specific Details
• Make Your Paragraphs Flow to Improve Writing

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• Knowledge Base
• How to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples

How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on February 4, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.

A good introduction paragraph is an essential part of any academic essay . It sets up your argument and tells the reader what to expect.

The main goals of an introduction are to:

• Catch your reader’s attention.
• Give background on your topic.
• Present your thesis statement —the central point of your essay.

This introduction example is taken from our interactive essay example on the history of Braille.

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

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Table of contents

Step 1: hook your reader, step 2: give background information, step 3: present your thesis statement, step 4: map your essay’s structure, step 5: check and revise, more examples of essay introductions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.

Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an effective hook.

Avoid long, dense sentences—start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

The hook should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of the topic you’re writing about and why it’s interesting. Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.

Examples: Writing a good hook

Take a look at these examples of weak hooks and learn how to improve them.

• Braille was an extremely important invention.
• The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.

The first sentence is a dry fact; the second sentence is more interesting, making a bold claim about exactly  why the topic is important.

• The internet is defined as “a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities.”
• The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education.

Avoid using a dictionary definition as your hook, especially if it’s an obvious term that everyone knows. The improved example here is still broad, but it gives us a much clearer sense of what the essay will be about.

• Mary Shelley’s  Frankenstein is a famous book from the nineteenth century.
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement.

Instead of just stating a fact that the reader already knows, the improved hook here tells us about the mainstream interpretation of the book, implying that this essay will offer a different interpretation.

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Next, give your reader the context they need to understand your topic and argument. Depending on the subject of your essay, this might include:

• Historical, geographical, or social context
• An outline of the debate you’re addressing
• A summary of relevant theories or research about the topic
• Definitions of key terms

The information here should be broad but clearly focused and relevant to your argument. Don’t give too much detail—you can mention points that you will return to later, but save your evidence and interpretation for the main body of the essay.

How much space you need for background depends on your topic and the scope of your essay. In our Braille example, we take a few sentences to introduce the topic and sketch the social context that the essay will address:

Now it’s time to narrow your focus and show exactly what you want to say about the topic. This is your thesis statement —a sentence or two that sums up your overall argument.

This is the most important part of your introduction. A  good thesis isn’t just a statement of fact, but a claim that requires evidence and explanation.

The goal is to clearly convey your own position in a debate or your central point about a topic.

Particularly in longer essays, it’s helpful to end the introduction by signposting what will be covered in each part. Keep it concise and give your reader a clear sense of the direction your argument will take.

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As you research and write, your argument might change focus or direction as you learn more.

For this reason, it’s often a good idea to wait until later in the writing process before you write the introduction paragraph—it can even be the very last thing you write.

When you’ve finished writing the essay body and conclusion , you should return to the introduction and check that it matches the content of the essay.

It’s especially important to make sure your thesis statement accurately represents what you do in the essay. If your argument has gone in a different direction than planned, tweak your thesis statement to match what you actually say.

To polish your writing, you can use something like a paraphrasing tool .

You can use the checklist below to make sure your introduction does everything it’s supposed to.

Checklist: Essay introduction

My first sentence is engaging and relevant.

I have introduced the topic with necessary background information.

I have defined any important terms.

My thesis statement clearly presents my main point or argument.

Everything in the introduction is relevant to the main body of the essay.

You have a strong introduction - now make sure the rest of your essay is just as good.

• Argumentative
• Literary analysis

This introduction to an argumentative essay sets up the debate about the internet and education, and then clearly states the position the essay will argue for.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

This introduction to a short expository essay leads into the topic (the invention of the printing press) and states the main point the essay will explain (the effect of this invention on European society).

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

This introduction to a literary analysis essay , about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein , starts by describing a simplistic popular view of the story, and then states how the author will give a more complex analysis of the text’s literary devices.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale. Arguably the first science fiction novel, its plot can be read as a warning about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, and in popular culture representations of the character as a “mad scientist”, Victor Frankenstein represents the callous, arrogant ambition of modern science. However, far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to gradually transform our impression of Frankenstein, portraying him in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

College essays

• Choosing Essay Topic
• Write a College Essay
• Write a Diversity Essay
• College Essay Format & Structure
• Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

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• Grammar Checker
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Text Summarizer
• AI Detector
• Plagiarism Checker
• Citation Generator

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

• An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
• Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
• A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

The “hook” is the first sentence of your essay introduction . It should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of why it’s interesting.

To write a good hook, avoid overly broad statements or long, dense sentences. Try to start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

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What does a general audience with Pope Francis consist of?

August 8, 2024 Catholic News Agency News Briefs 1 Print

ACI Prensa Staff, Aug 8, 2024 / 07:00 am (CNA).

On Aug. 7, Pope Francis resumed general audiences at the Vatican after a brief and normal pause during the month of July. The following is an explanation of the nature and purpose of these encounters with the Holy Father.

An important weekly event, the general audience takes place every Wednesday. Together with the Sunday Angelus and the principal celebrations of the liturgical year, they represent the spiritual heart of Pope Francis’ Petrine teaching.

The audiences draw people from all over the world, including non-Catholics, and give the pope the opportunity to share an often simple but profound catechesis on the Christian faith. They typically take place in St. Peter’s Square or in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall.

Since 2013, the first year of his pontificate, Pope Francis has given more than 300 of these short catechetical talks in which he proposes in a simple way the fundamental teachings of the Catholic Church.

The themes of the catechesis have included the sacraments, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the Church, the family, mercy, Christian hope, Mass, baptism, confirmation, the commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, the Acts of the Apostles, the Beatitudes, and prayer, among others.

At the end of the catechesis, the pope usually dedicates a few minutes to making appeals to humanity. In these appeals, he often calls for peace in places ravaged by war; asks for prayers for Christians in the world, in particular for those suffering persecution; and for peoples struck by natural disasters, epidemics, or incidents as well as for migrants.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

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• Catholic News
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• Petrine office
• Pope Francis

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My mother taught that if I had nothing good to say I should keep quiet. I didn’t always obey her, but I often tried. Here goes:

I hope the audience with Francis does some good for some people.

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Where Tim Walz Stands on the Issues

As governor of Minnesota, he has enacted policies to secure abortion protections, provide free meals for schoolchildren, allow recreational marijuana and set renewable energy goals.

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By Maggie Astor

• Aug. 6, 2024

Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, the newly announced running mate to Vice President Kamala Harris, has worked with his state’s Democratic-controlled Legislature to enact an ambitious agenda of liberal policies: free college tuition for low-income students, free meals for schoolchildren, legal recreational marijuana and protections for transgender people.

“You don’t win elections to bank political capital,” Mr. Walz wrote last year about his approach to governing. “You win elections to burn political capital and improve lives.”

Republicans have slammed these policies as big-government liberalism and accused Mr. Walz of taking a hard left turn since he represented a politically divided district in Congress years ago.

Here is an overview of where Mr. Walz stands on some key issues.

Mr. Walz signed a bill last year that guaranteed Minnesotans a “fundamental right to make autonomous decisions” about reproductive health care on issues such as abortion, contraception and fertility treatments.

Abortion was already protected by a Minnesota Supreme Court decision, but the new law guarded against a future court reversing that precedent as the U.S. Supreme Court did with Roe v. Wade, and Mr. Walz said this year that he was also open to an amendment to the state’s Constitution that would codify abortion rights.

Another bill he signed legally shields patients, and their medical providers, if they receive an abortion in Minnesota after traveling from a state where abortion is banned.

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