what's a brief essay

How to Write a Short Essay, With Examples

Writing clearly and concisely is one of the best skills you can take from school into professional settings. A great way to practice this kind of writing is with short essays. A short essay is any essay that has a word count of fewer than 1,000 words. While getting assigned a short essay might seem preferable to a ten-page paper, writing short poses its own special challenges. Here, we’ll show you how to write a convincing short essay in five simple steps.

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What is a short essay?

A short essay is any type of essay condensed to its most important elements. There is no universal answer to what a short essay length is, but teachers generally assign short essays in the 250- to 750-word range, and occasionally up to 1,000 words.

Just because the essays are short doesn’t mean the subjects must be simple. One of the greatest challenges of short essays is distilling complex topics into a few telling words. Some examples of short essay topics are:

• The advantages and disadvantages of social media
• The pros and cons of online learning
• The influence of music on human emotions
• The role of artificial intelligence in modern life
• The ways that climate change affects daily life

Why write short essays?

Short essays have a number of advantages, including effective communication, critical thinking, and professional communication.

Effective communication: In the short essay, you don’t have the space to wander. Practicing short essays will help you learn how to articulate your message clearly and quickly.

Critical thinking: Writing a short essay demands the ability to think critically and identify key points that support the central thesis. Short essays will help you hone your ability to find the most relevant points and shed irrelevant information.

Professional communication: Whether it’s writing a persuasive email, a project proposal, or a succinct report, the ability to convey information effectively in a brief format is a valuable skill in the professional world.

Developing writing skills: As with all writing practice, short essays provide an excellent platform for you to refine your writing skills, such as grammar, sentence structure , vocabulary, and coherence. The more you practice crafting short essays, the more your overall writing proficiency improves.

How to write a short essay

The tactics you use for longer essays apply to short essays as well. For more in-depth guides on specific types of essays, you can read our posts on persuasive , personal , expository , compare-and-contrast , and argumentative essays. Regardless of the essay type, following these five steps will make writing your short essay much easier.

Don’t be afraid of learning too much about a subject when you have a small word count. The better you understand your subject, the easier it will be to write clearly about it.

2 Generate ideas

Jot down key points, arguments, or examples that you want to include in your essay. Don’t get too wrapped up in the details during this step. Just try to get down all of the big ideas that you want to get across. Your major argument or theme will likely emerge as you contemplate.

Outlines are especially helpful for short essays because you don’t have any room for excess information. Creating an outline will help you stay on topic when it comes time to write.

You have to actually write the essay. Once you’ve done your research, developed your big ideas, and outlined your essay, the writing will come more easily.

Naturally, our favorite part of the process is the editing . The hard part (writing) is done. Now you can go back through and make sure all of your word choices make sense, your grammar is checked, and you have cleaned up any unessential or irrelevant information.

Short essay examples

Why small dogs are better than big dogs (209 words).

Small dogs are beloved companions to many, and their unique qualities make them a perfect fit for some pet owners. In this essay, we explore why a small dog might be the right choice for you.

Firstly, the compact size of small dogs makes them ideal for people living in apartments or homes with limited space. As long as you can get your furry friend to fresh air (and grass) a couple of times per day, you don’t have to worry about having a big yard.

Secondly, small dogs require less food, which can be advantageous for those on a budget.

Small dogs are also easier to handle and control. Walks and outdoor activities become less physically demanding, making them a preferable choice for children, the elderly, or those with limited strength.

If you travel a lot for work or family, small dogs are much easier to bring along than their larger counterparts. Some travel companies make dog carriers that tuck neatly under a bus or plane seat.

In conclusion, small dogs offer a multitude of benefits, from their limited space requirements and economic advantages to their ease of handling and portability. These charming qualities undoubtedly make small dogs a cherished choice for pet owners seeking a new companion.

Why big dogs are better than small dogs (191 words)

Big dogs, with their impressive presence and gentle souls, have captured the hearts of countless pet owners. In this essay, we explore why big dogs are better pets than their smaller counterparts.

Firstly, big dogs exude an aura of protectiveness and security. Their size alone can act as a deterrent to potential intruders, making them excellent guard dogs for families and properties. Their mere presence provides reassurance and safety.

Secondly, big dogs tend to have more energy and strength, making them suitable partners for various outdoor activities and adventures. Hiking, jogging, or simply playing fetch becomes an enjoyable experience, fostering an active and healthy lifestyle for both pet and owner.

Lastly, big dogs often have a gentle and patient demeanor, especially when interacting with children and other pets. Their calm nature can bring a peaceful or grounding presence to otherwise chaotic homes.

In conclusion, big dogs possess a captivating blend of commanding protectiveness, physical capacity, and gentle disposition. These qualities make them exceptional companions, providing both security and emotional fulfillment. Big dogs are a great choice for potential pet owners looking for an animal with majestic appeal and a loving heart.

Short essay FAQs

A short essay is any essay that is shorter than 1,000 words. Teachers often assign short essays to teach students how to write clearly, coherently, and concisely.

When do you write a short essay?

Short essays help students practice effective communication, critical thinking, and persuasive writing. While short essays are often assigned in school, they are also useful in professional settings for things like project proposals or reports.

How do you format a short essay?

Short essays should be formatted according to your teacher’s guidelines or the requirements of your workplace. Check your assignment for the word count and stick to it. Make sure your essay flows logically from one idea to the next by presenting a clear thesis, using strong topic sentences, and providing a concise conclusion.

How to Write a Short Essay: Format & Examples

Short essays answer a specific question on the subject. They usually are anywhere between 250 words and 750 words long. A paper with less than 250 words isn’t considered a finished text, so it doesn’t fall under the category of a short essay. Essays of such format are required for personal statements where you need to write about yourself. It might seem easy, but it’s not half.

Expressing and elaborating your idea within the given word limit is the most challenging part of the task. In this article, we’ll explain how to write a great short essay. If you’re working on one of your assignments and need help, keep reading to learn more!

• 💡 What You Need to Know
• 📚 Essay Format
• 📝 Essay Template
• ✨ Guide & Useful Tips
• ✅ Essay Topics

🔗 References

💡 short essay: what you need to know, what is a short essay.

A short essay is an academic paper typically ranging between 200 and 750 words, providing a focused topic exploration. This type of essay follows a standard structure: intro-main body-conclusion, usually presented in a five-paragraph format.

How Long Is a Short Essay?

A short essay typically ranges from 200 to 750 words which can be covered in three to five paragraphs. This concise format translates to less than one page of typed content. However, it’s important to note that specific requirements may vary depending on the college, with some specifying a minimum of 150 words and a maximum of 650 words. Be sure to review the task instructions to ensure you meet the guidelines.

How Many Sentences Is a Short Essay?

In a short essay, the number of words is more important than the number of sentences. It means you can use any number of sentences as long as you stay within the required word limit. However, most of the time, a short essay consists of around 20 to 25 sentences.

📚 Short Essay Format

A short essay follows a standard essay structure : intro – main body – conclusion. You can be creative with the contents of your paper; however, it’s best to stick to the hamburger essay format when it comes to structure.

These are the benefits of having a standard essay structure:

• You always have a template that can help you organize your thoughts.
• You can estimate how many words each paragraph should include, making the writing process faster and easier.
• You can get a high grade by simply following the instructions.

Below you’ll find more detailed information on how to organize each short essay section.

How to Start a Short Essay 

An introduction needs to grab readers’ attention and provide some background information . It’s best to start your essay with a hook. However, be careful and add only the necessary information since your word count is limited.

Here are a couple of tips on how to make your introduction work:

Body Paragraphs

In the body paragraphs, you present and develop the essay’s main points. Each section focuses on a specific idea related to the topic, providing evidence, examples, and analysis to support the overall thesis statement. Here’s the structure of a paragraph:

A summary aims to condense the key ideas and arguments presented in an essay, allowing readers to quickly grasp the essence of the paper without reading the entire content. A good summary should:

📝 Short Essay Template

Use this easy template to quickly structure any short narrative, argumentative, or informative essay.

Introduction

• Hook: an intriguing fact, question, or statistic to grab your readers’ attention.
• Background info: something that provides context.
• Thesis statement: the purpose or central argument of your essay presented in one sentence.
• Topic sentence: a paragraph’s opening sentence that expresses its main idea.
• Supporting sentences: evidence, facts, and examples supporting the topic sentence.
• Transition: phrases or sentences that ensure coherence and cohesion in the essay, allowing for a clear and logical progression of information.
• Summary: a brief recap and conclusion to an essay.
• Restated thesis: a restatement of the main ideas and arguments.

✨ How to Write a Short Essay: Useful Tips

Each essay format has different requirements. Below are some tips to help you ensure you’re on the right track with the short essay format.

1. Follow the Short Essay Format

Mastering the format requirements is crucial, especially when writing a concise argumentative essay. While the five-paragraph structure may not be commonly found in literature, it holds great significance in academic writing for several reasons:

• Adhering to this standardized template makes the writing process more manageable.
• The clear guidelines facilitate reading, checking, and evaluation.
• This format accommodates various essay types, allowing students to excel in most academic texts .

Each paragraph in the short essay format plays a distinct role, making it essential to include all components for a cohesive and impactful essay.

2. Make Your Introduction Meaningful

Here’s how you can make your introduction work:

• When writing the opening paragraph of your essay, be very specific about your topic. It will help you sharpen your argument and clarify your intentions.
• To avoid a generic introduction, consider providing an example of the evidence you will use to support your point.
• Lastly, make sure to place your thesis statement as the concluding sentence of the paragraph, signaling to your readers where they can find the main point of your essay.

3. Write a Strong Thesis

Much has been said about the importance of a thesis statement, but crafting a persuasive one can be challenging. In a short essay, a strong thesis statement plays a crucial role. It summarizes the argument you intend to defend in your paper, setting the stage for your essay. Your thesis statement should be specific, intellectually rewarding by presenting new information, and decisive in expressing your opinion . Let’s take a closer look at some examples to illustrate these principles:

• Bad example: There is a vast diversity of opinions regarding abortions.
• Good example: Every woman must have the right to control her pregnancy which means the right to control her own body, health, and life.
• Bad example: Prisons can harm a convict’s further career.
• Good example: Imprisonment deteriorates a convict’s self-confidence and motivation, lowering their chances for new employment.
• Bad example: Orphans become the beloved children in some families, while in others, they never become natives.
• Good example: This essay aims to confirm that the reasons why adopting families don’t accept children lie within the families’ unreadiness for change.

4. Keep Your Introduction & Conclusion Concise

In the realm of short essay writing, brevity is the key. While it may be tempting to use abstract statements as hooks or delve into distant considerations in the conclusion part, keep an eye on the word count. With a maximum of 75 words each, the introduction elucidates the topic and conveys its significance, while the conclusion reiterates the main claim and reinforces the supporting evidence .

5. Make Topic Sentences from Your Thesis

When it comes to short essays, brevity extends to the main body as well. Typically comprising only 3 to 4 paragraphs, each of them focuses on a distinct aspect of the overall argument. To ensure clarity, we suggest splitting the thesis into multiple parts and transforming them into topic sentences for each paragraph. This structured approach will help you avoid confusion and make the paper more digestible for your readers. Additionally, this method simplifies crafting a well-rounded conclusion.

6. Refer to Reliable Sources

When tackling a short essay, it’s crucial to avoid baseless claims and instead focus on substantiating your arguments. Pay special attention to the sources you cite, as even the slightest inconsistency can catch the reader’s eye.

Enhance your essay’s credibility by incorporating several quotations or research-based facts, demonstrating your awareness of the topic. Even in the case of an in-class essay where extensive research may not be feasible, include relevant information or paraphrase passages you have previously encountered. Use indirect quotations if you can’t remember the exact wording.

7. Revise Your Short Essay

With a 500-word count, every word counts! Here are a few tips you may find helpful:

• Take a moment to assess the length of your essay and eliminate any unnecessary words to ensure a faster and more polished result. Consider using our convenient summarizer to streamline your writing further.
• Sometimes it’s hard to spot your own mistakes while proofreading the essay. Our essay-to-speech tool feature can help you identify weak points by reading your paper out loud. This auditory perspective can help you quickly identify and rectify any areas that require improvement.

✅ Short Essay Topics

Selecting an engaging and captivating topic is vital if you want to showcase your writing skills in a single short essay. Below are some examples to inspire your creativity. They’ll help you brainstorm and find the perfect topic that aligns with your interests and allows you to demonstrate your writing skills .

Short Narrative Essay Topics

• How I see a day in my adult life .
• Personal Experience in the Covert Conflict.
• A loss that will never be replenished.
• The Author’s Personal Experience.
• Describe how you would change the school program.
• Higher Education: Personality and Academic Success.
• What is the critical element of success?
• Photography: Hobby of Millions Unique for Everyone.
• My first love and lessons learned from it.
• Mindfulness Practicing: Personal Experience.
• The longest day of my life.
• Writing: Personal Hobby Analysis.
• A place to find peace in the hurricane of events.
• The Sports Coaching Guidelines and Routines.
• An eye-opening situation that changed the way I treat others.
• Innovation in Operation Management – Personal Experience.
• The worst trait of my character.
• Chapter 8 of “Criminology Today” by F. Schmalleger.
• How I met my best friend.
• Importance of Friendships.

Short Argumentative Essay Topics

• Social media can kill a relationship.
• Smoking in Public Places: Should It Be Banned?
• Animals should live in their natural habitats .
• Should People Be Ashamed of Poverty?
• Mandatory Overtime for Nurses Should Be Eliminated.
• The third wave of feminism is about to end with a half-victory.
• The Importance of Variability in the Food Industry.
• Gender Stereotypes: Should Real Men Wear Pink?
• Pharmacies: A big lie that costs a fortune.
• Police Standards Should Be Modified.
• Genetic cloning is immoral.
• Should Smoking Be Illegal?
• College Athletes Should Not Be Paid.
• We will never be equal because we are all different.
• Mandatory Job Drug Test Should Be Allowed.
• The best economic system has not been developed yet.
• Why Marriage Should Be Based on Love and Not Arranged?
• Reasons Why Kids Should Not Play Tackle Football.
• Owning a gun means you can be killed by chance.
• Should Social Media Be Banned?
• The non-family-friendly TV screen.
• Why Immigrants Should Receive Social Services?
• There’s a lot more sport about video games than we think.
• Should Children Be Taught Sex Education in School?

Short Informative Essay Topics

• How have video games affected modern technologies ?
• Infidelity and Societal Impact on Family Values.
• Meaning of Life in “Half a Day” by Naguib Mahfouz.
• Sociological Research Evaluation: Effects of Parental Imprisonment on Children’s Social and Moral Aspects.
• Climate Change Impacts.
• Explain the importance of the Olympic Games for building intercultural links.
• The Importance of Strategic Management and Planning.
• The Network Strategy of USA Today.
• A prominent artist and their masterpiece.
• Organizational Vision and Its Importance for the Staff.
• How to develop reading habits that last.
• The Impact of Electronic Medical Records.
• New and Old Media: Form, Impact, and Accessibility.
• Declaration of Independence and Cultural Issues Today.
• How does alcohol impact the way we behave?
• The Importance of Diet Monitoring.
• Personal Philosophy of Nursing Care.
• Why do teachers need a study plan?
• The Introduction of a Four-Day Work Week.
• Journalist Profession, Its Pros and Cons.
• The role of capitalism in shaping our idea of democracy.
• Teju Cole Personality’s in Modern American Society.
• The Importance of Medical Ethics.
• Tell a story of a famous and successful startup.
• Power of Advertising: Good and Bad Balance’ Importance.
• Personal and Political Pacifism.
• The cultural importance of divination.
• Important Factors in Personal Investment.
• My way of organizing my daily schedule and staying productive .
• The Impact of “The Marrow of Tradition” on Future American Literature.
• Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451”: Themes and Importance of the Book.
• Writing short essays – Concordia University
• Thesis Statements; The Writing Center – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• What Is an Essay Structure? (With 4 Types and Tips) | Indeed.com
• How to Write a Thesis Statement: Writing Guides: Writing Tutorial Services: Indiana University Bloomington
• Topic Sentences and Signposting | Harvard College Writing Center
• Using Topic Sentences | Writing Advice
• Beginning Proofreading – Purdue OWL® – Purdue University
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Your Guide Towards Writing An Outstanding Short Essay!

Table of Contents

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.

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How to Write a Short Essay

Last Updated: September 11, 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 14 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 125,203 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 0 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 0 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.library.illinois.edu/hpnl/tutorials/secondary-sources/
• ↑ 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://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/evidence/
• ↑ 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://www.antioch.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Academic-Tone-for-Formal-Writing.pdf
• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/ccs_activevoice/
• ↑ https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/academicwriting

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Short Essay

Short essay generator.

A short essay is a concise piece of writing, typically between 250 and 500 words, that presents a focused argument or reflection on a specific topic. Unlike longer essay writing , a short essay requires a clear, narrow topic and a precise thesis statement due to its limited length. It includes an introduction, body, and conclusion, aiming to express ideas effectively within a compact structure. Short essays often prioritize clarity, coherence, and brevity, making every sentence impactful. They are commonly used in academic settings, examinations, and other contexts where concise and well-organized responses, like a free essay , are required to convey information or opinions succinctly.

What is a Short Essay?

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Short Essay Format

A well-organized short essay includes three main parts: the introduction, body, and conclusion. Here’s a breakdown of each section:

Introduction

Purpose: The introduction presents the topic and includes a clear thesis statement to outline the essay’s main point. Length: Usually 2-3 sentences. Tips: Start with a hook to grab attention. Provide some background information before stating the thesis.

Purpose: The body elaborates on the thesis, supporting it with evidence , examples, and explanations. Length: Typically 1-3 paragraphs, depending on the essay’s length. Tips: Each paragraph should focus on a single main idea that supports the thesis. Use transitions to maintain a smooth flow between paragraphs.

Purpose: The conclusion summarizes the main points and reinforces the thesis. Length: Usually 2-3 sentences. Tips: Restate the thesis in a fresh way . Provide a final thought or suggest a call to action , if appropriate.

Short Essay Example

The Importance of Daily Exercise Maintaining a daily exercise routine is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Exercise not only improves physical health by reducing the risk of chronic diseases, but it also enhances mental well-being. Regular physical activity, even for just 30 minutes a day, can boost energy levels, improve mood, and increase overall life satisfaction. For instance, studies show that individuals who engage in daily exercise report higher levels of happiness and lower stress. Additionally, daily exercise promotes better sleep and cognitive function. In conclusion, incorporating daily exercise into one’s routine can lead to substantial health benefits, making it a worthwhile investment in personal well-being.

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Essays usually become a channel for a person to express emotions and ideas about something or someone. A writer can be creative in presenting topics that he/she thinks is relevant and from which people can infer important lessons in life. Thus, there are many ways to write an essay .

Some of the few types of essays are informative essay , analysis essay , concept essay , reflective essay , and many more. These are all different in the way that they are written as well as their objective. Each is unique in its own way. An essay could also be written short or long, which of course, depends on the writer.

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Importance of Short Essay

A short essay is usually contained in just a page and not lengthy words or explanations in necessary to express the main point of the topic. Short essays are important when one is trying to present an important topic without having to write a lot of words or using multiple pages. You may also like concept essay examples & samples.

It presents just the right amount of data or knowledge necessary to feed a hungry mind. As scientific researches has put it, the mind can retain more data when the details are presented in a brief and concise manner. Some people have short attention span so you need to have the writing skills to make your point with just a few words.

How to write a short essay

Writing a short essay involves focusing on clarity and conciseness. With a limited word count, each sentence must add value and effectively convey your ideas. Follow these steps to craft a compelling short essay:

• Understand the Topic Read the prompt carefully to grasp what is required. Identify the main question or theme you need to address.
• Create a Thesis Statement Develop a clear thesis that states your main point or argument. Keep it concise, as this will guide the focus of your entire essay.
• Outline Your Essay Plan the structure: A short essay usually has an introduction, body, and conclusion. List the main points for each section. This helps maintain a logical flow.
• Write the Introduction Start with a hook to grab attention. This could be a question, fact, or a brief anecdote. Introduce your topic briefly and end with your thesis statement.
• Develop the Body Paragraphs Focus on one main idea per paragraph to ensure clarity. Use evidence or examples to support your points. This can include facts, quotes, or personal experiences. Keep paragraphs concise: Aim for around 3–5 sentences per paragraph.
• Write the Conclusion Summarize your main points briefly. Restate the thesis in a new way to reinforce your argument. End with a closing thought or a call to action, if appropriate.
• Revise and Edit Check for clarity and conciseness: Remove unnecessary words and redundant ideas. Proofread for grammar and spelling errors. Ensure your ideas flow logically, with smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs.

Tips for writing short essays

Writing a short essay can be challenging due to the limited space available to convey your ideas. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your essay is concise, focused, and impactful:

• Be clear and specific about your main argument or point.
• Make sure your thesis is concise and sets the direction for the entire essay.
• Keep each paragraph dedicated to a single point that supports your thesis.
• Use topic sentences to introduce the paragraph’s main idea.
• Avoid unnecessary words and fluff. Get straight to the point.
• Choose words that convey your meaning accurately and efficiently.
• Even in a short essay, examples can strengthen your argument.
• Select only the most impactful evidence to support your points.
• Plan your word count for each section (introduction, body, and conclusion) to stay within the limit.

How is a Short Essay Structured?

A short essay usually includes an introduction, one or two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each section should be concise, with the introduction presenting the thesis, the body paragraphs supporting it, and the conclusion summarizing the main points.

How Do You Choose a Topic for a Short Essay?

Choose a focused and manageable topic that can be effectively explored within the word limit. The topic should be specific enough to allow for depth without requiring extensive background information.

What is the Purpose of a Short Essay?

The purpose of a short essay is to express a clear and concise argument, analyze a specific topic, or share insights on a subject. It encourages critical thinking and allows for concise communication of ideas.

How Do You Write a Strong Thesis for a Short Essay?

A strong thesis in a short essay should be clear, specific, and directly answer the essay prompt. It should convey the main argument or point of the essay in one or two sentences, setting the tone for the entire piece.

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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 That Impresses Your Teacher?

Table of Contents

Essays are part and parcel of every student’s educational path. Thus, this form of academic reporting is unavoidable, and you need to master the art of writing to perfection to deal with these tasks on time. Yet, even though most students are afraid they won’t have enough material to cover the assigned word count, in many cases, the situation turns out to be exactly the opposite. They lack the space for voicing all ideas and arguments, and the problem is even more pressing for a short essay format . 

When you have to deal with a mini essay , you have very tight space for everything you want to say. Here, another skill comes to the rescue – an ability for concise writing. In this article, we share valuable tips on how to write a short essay and explain its formatting and structuring nuances. 

What is a Short essay?

The short essay definition is an academic written assignment that requires a writer to formulate their thoughts and opinions according to the proper structure and within 500 words. Sometimes the assignment gets even shorter and requires only 200 words. Just like regular essays, it can be of different types: narrative, argumentative, expository, descriptive, etc.

The point of such assignments is to teach expressing thoughts in the shortest form. Students must avoid repetition and stick to being laconic. The paper doesn’t require cliché phrases, slang, and vague information. Only an opinion and facts, strong arguments, statistics to prove it.

How Long Should a Short Essay Be? 

One of the first challenges students face when trying to make sense of how to write a short essay is the exact length of the assignment. When we’re talking about short essay writing , it’s clear that the content will be shorter in length than a typical essay is. The answer to this question is – 200 to 750 words. Sure, the range is pretty large, meaning that your short essay may take anything from under one page to three full pages. However, the exact length of your mini essay will usually be assigned by the teacher, as every word counts in this assignment, and you will be required to fit your ideas into concrete space.  

If your short essay writing task stipulates a size of 200-300 words, you will need to distribute space as follows: 

• Allocate around 30-40 words (10-15%) to the introduction of the subject. 
• Make a substantial paragraph of 150-200 words that discusses the main content of the assigned topic. 
• Wrap your arguments up in a concise conclusion of 30-40 words (another 10-15% of the essay’s volume). 

Elements of a Short Essay 

The next point to consider when thinking about how to write a short essay is the structural composition of your paper. The short essay format usually includes the following components: 

• Introduction . The opening section is necessary even in short essay writing , as you need to introduce your topic and your main argument about it. If your essay is under one page in length, you may introduce the subject in the first sentence and make the second one a thesis statement. If your essay is at least 500 words long, you can dedicate a separate small paragraph to it. 
• Main evidence . Next comes the main content of your essay. Here, you should lay out your evidence to substantiate your ideas in the thesis statement. Use external evidence and sources to back up the points, but choose only the most relevant materials that will add value to your argument without redundancy. 
• Concluding thoughts . The final section, whether a standalone paragraph or an ending of a one-paragraph short essay, should summarize the main ideas and link them to the initial thesis statement. 

As you can see, short essay writing is very close in structure and organization to that of regular essays. The only thing that you need to grasp when mastering how to write a short essay is the smaller size of each part and more concise writing without too much detail. 

How to Start a Short Essay?

Before you begin the short essay writing, you should do some research. Look through the topical literature on the given theme, pick the best ideas, and strong facts to support your point of view. The preliminary stage serves as a proper foundation for the high-quality paper. It could be reasonable to make a mind map or draw the scheme of how each argument is connected to the other one. Such a visual representation will help you find where to start your text and how to present the rest of the data.

Giving the paper an extraordinary start is the best way to attract readers’ attention. There are plenty of ways to do that:

• Pick a quote from a book or famous person;
• Begin with a rhetorical question;
• Use an unexpected statistical fact;
• Describe the theme without revealing the arguments (since you’ll need them later in the text).

A strong and comprehensive beginning is a foundation for an excellent paper. However, it’s better to keep it simple and laconic. Too complicated or confusing introduction and ruin the impression from your paper.

However, a strong beginning doesn’t guarantee the rest of the text will be equally impressive. Dedicate enough time to the rest of the paper and deliver relevant information to support your ideas.

7 Tips on How to Write a Good Short Essay

Writing essays  is always time- and energy-consuming. It requires good writing skills, enough knowledge about the subject, and attention to detail. In case you don’t feel confident about writing the paper, you can learn more about the writing process beforehand. Discover the list of the most helpful tips on how to write a short essay. It is sure to help you do the best job and write an outstanding essay.

Select an exciting topic you feel passionate about

In case the teacher hasn’t provided a specific topic and gave only general recommendations, do your research. Discover the latest news related to the subject and brainstorm the possible ideas you can dwell on. Pick the topic you are interested in to create a high-quality paper that will inspire others to learn more on the subject.

Mind the readers

It’s not always crucial to know how many paragraphs in a short essay but who will read the paper. Take into account their possible opinions, background knowledge on the topic, and other factors. Use proper stylistic devices to maintain their attention and comprehensively deliver your idea.

Make sure you have enough expertise before writing the text

Read on the chosen topic and learn as much as possible. It’s the most significant thing one should do in the shortest possible time to succeed with the essay’s content. Choosing relevant resources and respected scholars as a foundation for the paper increases readers’ trust and openness to the given information.

Focus on writing, eliminating every distraction

Many students are used to writing while listening to music, watching TV shows, or hearing others talk in the background. Such distractions can impact the text quality a lot. Moreover, it takes more time to write the text. So, to present the facts and arguments properly, it’s better to get rid of all distractions and temptations and focus solely on the topic.

Stick to the given requirements

In case a teacher/instructor/professor has a list of requirements and guidelines, make sure to address the given aspects. Ignoring such details can reflect poorly on the grades. Mark the essential details you must include in the paper and reread the text afterward to verify each requirement was accounted for.

Double-check the paper before submitting

Read the finished text several times to enhance clarity and remove all sorts of possible mistakes: typos, spelling errors, grammar mistakes, stylistic issues, etc. There are lots of websites that offer  free proofreading  software and premium services. Select the most helpful assistance and improve the paper before submitting it.

Delegate the job to professional

Writing a good essay requires lots of time and patience. If you don’t feel like writing the paper and following all the tips above, you can simply hire professional writers who will take care of those assignments for you. You are sure to receive high-quality texts on time and save time for other important things in your life.

Short essay examples for your inspiration 

Still unsure about how to write a short essay ? Use the sample of a stereotype essay provided below to grasp the right approach to structure and content in this form of writing. 

Role of Stereotypes in Human Cognition  

The human brain is an endlessly complex mechanism that determines how people make sense of the world and perceive a variety of phenomena. Like any other organ in the human body, the brain automatically strives to simplify its own work, which means it uses a set of preconditioned reactions and evaluations for familiar things. While the process seems logical and reasonable from a physiological standpoint, in reality, these fine-tuned reactions turn into negative social consequences, as they frequently take the form of stereotypes. 

The concept of stereotype has already obtained a negative connotation in most contexts, as it prevents a person from evaluating the situation, decision, or social interaction critically. Initially meant to serve good purposes by freeing the brain from the need to process similar data over and over again, stereotypes have caused many discriminatory stereotypes to emerge, thus hindering the quality of human interactions and narrowing human open-mindedness and flexibility in a variety of social circumstances. Stereotypes indeed free the brain’s resources for other cognitive tasks. However, they also deprive people of the benefit of taking a fresh look at the accustomed things and breaking the vicious circle of narrowing illusions and prejudices. 

As the presented analysis suggests, stereotypes indeed serve basic physiological needs and simplify brain functioning to avoid overload with repetitive tasks. However, they narrow down the person’s worldview and make people capable of predetermined reactions to related situations, which is ineffective in the dynamically changing world. Therefore, it is vitally important to remain critical and open-minded by challenging stereotypes and subjecting them to scrutiny for the sake of retaining one’s ability to make sense of the world in a greater variety of ways. 

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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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Home / Essay Writing Tutorials / Short Essay: The Definitive Guide to Writing (2022 Update)

Short Essay: The Definitive Guide to Writing (2019 Update)

• Published Date: June 29, 2017

Before we get started, we must first answer “What is a Short Essay?”, and provide it’s true definition.  A short essay is the most basic kind of essay that can be written.  It typically consists of an introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs—each of which supports the main idea of the essay—and a concluding paragraph.

However, sometimes a short essay can be even shorter than that!  It really just depends on the context—i.e., what is being asked and what the word count limit is.  The key to writing a short essay is to be concise:  you should try to make your point as quickly and fluidly as possible while at the same time leaving nothing out that is important to your topic.

Short essays, therefore, can be descriptive, persuasive, argumentative, informative or explanatory.  To better illustrate that point, we’ll give you some short essay examples later on.  Right now let’s dig into what it means to write a short essay.

Table of Contents

• 1 How Long is a Short Essay?
• 2 Short Essay Format
• 3.1 Example #1:  The McMansion
• 3.2 Example #2:  The Park
• 3.3 Example #3:  How to Make Sauerkraut
• 4 What Do These Short Essays Have in Common?
• 5 How We Can Help
• 6 Conclusion

How Long is a Short Essay?

The short essay can range in word count but most will be between 300 and 900 words.  That equates to roughly 1-3 pages of double-spaced 12 pt. font type.  The short essay, in other words, is not very long at all!  In fact, sometimes all you might have to do is write half a page.

Therefore, short essays—obviously—are much different from longer research papers, which require you to look up information in outside sources, cite them and include them in a reference page.  The short essay usually doesn’t need anything like that at all.  It is most commonly used in class when a teacher gives students, say, thirty minutes to write on something they have read.  This means that a short essay is basically like a brief response to some material presented in class.  All it has to consist of is your thoughts—and that can be as much or as little as you can manage to produce in the given time frame.  Most students won’t do much more than a page or two, which is sufficient for a short essay.  Four pages would probably be pushing it!  But, hey, if you have a lot to say and can say it effectively in that amount of time—go for it!  The teacher might just be impressed with your ability to churn out so many words in so short a time.  On the other hand, that might be overkill—so just keep in mind that 500 word target and try to keep it around there if possible.

Short Essay Format

Because a short essay is, well, short, you shouldn’t spend a lot of time introducing your topic.  Get right to the heart of it in as few words as you can.  Try starting your introductory paragraph off with a bang—a good attention grabber that allows you to immediately launch into the point you intend to prove.  Imagine you are passing a friend on the sidewalk of a busy city and you have only a moment to tell him the latest news—that such and such (whatever the point of your short essay is) is that way because of x, y and z!  Grab him by the arms and don’t let him go:  that’s the kind of mindset you should have when you start your short essay.  Be brief, be bold, be practical:  catch your reader’s attention immediately and then state your thesis along with a summation of the reasons that support it.  That’s your introduction in a nutshell.

The second paragraph will cover the first point that needs to be made.  Say your thesis is that chocolate milk is better than strawberry milk.  The first paragraph should cover the first reason it is better.  Say something like—“It just looks better!  From an aesthetic point of view, a glass full of chocolate milk has a much more inviting look to it than a glass full of some thick, pink, chalky-looking liquid that has a quite possible medicinal appearance to it.”  Finally, close out the paragraph with a reiteration of your main point—something like:  “And so that is one reason chocolate milk is better than strawberry milk.  But guess what—there are more reasons as well!”  Use a transitional phrase like the one in the last sentence before launching into your second paragraph.  That helps keep continuity and flow and reminds the reader that while this paragraph was good there is definitely more to come.

The way in which you structure your paper is important too:  if you have three body paragraphs that support your topic, consider placing your best support last so that you have something to build towards.  A short essay should act like a movie that has a beginning, middle and an end.  You’ll want a climax at the end just like in a movie and by using your best supports last you can deliver just such a climax.

Following your last body paragraph, throw in a quick conclusion that wraps it up, summarizes your thesis and briefly recaps the supporting points.  Use your last sentence to say something that you haven’t said yet but that reinforces the main idea of your short essay and gives the reader a parting thought to consider.

Now let’s look at some short essay examples.

Short Essay Examples

The best way to understand a short essay is to see one in real life.  Here are a few examples of short essays that you can use to help guide you in your own writing.  Notice how they start off with an attention grabber and then immediately launch into the thesis and the meat of the essay.  No time is wasted, no words are minced.

Example #1:  The McMansion

The so-called McMansion is supposedly an architectural wonder of the 21st century:  it has bulk galore, usually lots of turrets, two dozen windows of different shapes and sizes, and a little bit of every style of architecture to ever come into existence.  Inside, it has all the latest goings-on and trends that consumers who have a half million dollar line of credit can afford.  However, this paper will show that the McMansions popping up all over the US are really just examples of bad architecture:  they lack aesthetic value, they’re cheaply made, and the only two reasons that so many of them are produced are that 1) people want to flaunt their line of credit and 2) developers get big returns on this kind of product.

The McMansion lacks aesthetic value.  It is ostentatious, pretentious, gaudy, unbalanced, inconsistent, asymmetrical, and an amalgamation of various styles of architecture that clash with one another and suggest that the creator of the house took a bunch of architectural cultural representations, threw them in a blender, took the lid off and let what was inside fly out onto the front lawn.  If form follows function, one can only surmise that the function of a McMansion is to drive everyone who sees it mad.  However, that’s nothing compared to the fact that these “homes” which cost a small fortune actually use foam and fake parts to create an illusion of wealth.

That’s right—McMansions do not even consist of authentic parts!  The shutters serve no purpose other than decoration (they can’t close over the windows but are stapled to the outside walls which imitate stucco and siding), the pillars and columns do not actually do any load bearing (they are made of foam and are holding up plastic), and the roofs, which could easily be expanded resemble hunchbacked nubs that hide the airy nothingness inside.

And if you think that’s bad, consider these two points:  McMansions appeal only to people who think they have wealth and who want to flaunt this perception (having wealth and having a large line of credit are two different things—but that’s another story).  Everyone else hates McMansions:  they are tasteless and an insult to the kind of architectural genius that has produced true masterpieces over time.  The second point is that the only other reason these “homes” get built is that they are lucrative for developers:  yes, you heard it—developers foist these atrocities onto consumers who don’t know any better, selling them a bill of goods with all the latest and finest niceties inside while using discount product to create what is basically a fake house.  They jack up prices and reap in the profits—and consumers pay because, obviously, anything that costs a lot of money surely has value!

In conclusion, the McMansion is the worst type of architecture to yet hit the American shores.  It is born of greed and illusions of grandeur.  It serves no purpose other than to pad the pockets of developers and make consumers feel wealthy.  For everyone else, the McMansion is an eyesore and should be condemned—or at least called what it is:  a funhouse in a carnival created by madmen.

Example #2:  The Park

The park is a place where kids like to play.  There’s a playground, a basketball court, a tennis court, and a place where dogs can run around.  There are also many trees that have grown up nice and big and tall all over the park, providing lots of shade and greenery.  People come to picnic at the park, have celebrations, and just enjoy the weather.  The park is a place that everyone enjoys.

Kids enjoy the park because they have a lot to do there.  They can run around and be free and fall down.  They can climb walls and slide down slides.  They can swing on the swings and run across play bridges.  They can go across monkey bars or throw a ball with friends.  They can move over to the tennis courts and play with rackets if they have them or bring a basketball and shoot hoops on the basketball court.  Kids could practically spend the whole day at the park—and some of them do!

Adults enjoy the park because it gives them a chance to relax and get away from it all.  They can hang out in the shade under the trees, sit on the picnic or park benches, pack a lunch, bring the laptop and surf the Net, toss a Frisbee, walk the dog, or sit in the clubhouse and chat with friends while the kids run around and play.  Adults can also bring a book, spread out a blanket on the grass and read in the sunshine while sipping on a refreshing ice cold beverage like lemonade or sweet tea.

Teenagers enjoy the park because they can ride their bikes there and meet up with friends.  They can rough house in the field, playing football or soccer, or they can play 3-on-3 or 5-on-5 on the basketball court.  Tennis is always another option for teens, too—and so is Frisbee golf.  Teens like to get away from it all just as much as adults do, and the park is so big and so accommodating that teens can find their own little place in the park where they won’t be bothered by anyone else.  They can take walks along the trails through the woods or practice skating on the pavement.

So you see, the park welcomes everyone!  No matter who you are or what your style is, the park will have something for you.  If your inclination is to relax in solitude and quiet, you can find a place for that at the park.  If your desire is to have a blast with friends and have fun playing—guess what?  The park is the place for that!  The park literally has something for everyone and that is why parks are so beloved of so many different people.

Example #3:  How to Make Sauerkraut

The thought of making sauerkraut can be daunting for some people—but making it is actually one of the easiest things in the world to do.  All you need is a head of cabbage, a good sized Mason jar with an air lock lid, a knife and some salt.  This paper will explain how to make sauerkraut using these ingredients and tools.  So get ready to enjoy some fresh, homemade kraut because it is coming up!

To make sauerkraut, the two main ingredients needed are cabbage and salt.  A medium head of cabbage will do and a tablespoon of salt should be sufficient to do the trick.  Go to a nice, clear area where you have lots of room and lay out your knife, cabbage, cutting board (if you have one), and a bowl that you can put your cabbage in as you cut it.  Cut the head of cabbage into fours so that the sections are easier to dissect.  Then take your knife and slice thin ropes of cabbage until that quarter is all finished.  Pick up the pile of thinly sliced cabbage and toss it in the bowl with a little bit of salt.  Use your hands to knead the salt into the cabbage:  you can squeeze the cabbage in your halts to help mix the salt in better.  You’ll notice the salt draws liquid out of the cabbage and a nice pool of juice should start accumulating in the bottom of the pool.  This is the brine and you will want to use it later when you put your cabbage in the Mason jar—so don’t throw it out!

Cut the next quarter in the same way and toss it in the bowl with the first section of sliced cabbage.  Use a little bit more of your tablespoon of salt to get the brine flowing out.  You can go ahead and cut up the other two sections as well and toss in the rest of the tablespoon of salt now.  Mix it up real good and squeeze the cabbage in your hands over and over till a big puddle of juice is seen at the bottom of the bowl.  The cabbage will become a little softer in your hands, which is a sign that the salt is doing its job.

Now get out the Mason jar.  Before throwing the cabbage and brine inside, you’ll want to make sure your jar is sterilized.  So clean it out real well.  You don’t want any extra bacteria in the jar when you seal it up:  the only bacteria that should be in the jar is the good bacteria that is naturally found on cabbage—which is what will turn the cabbage nice and sour once everything is situated in the jar.  Take the clean jar and start filling it with cabbage out of the bowl.  Be sure to press the cabbage down firmly into the jar so that there are no big air pockets.  Once the jar is three-quarters to four-fifths full, you can stop.  Pour the remaining brine from the bottom of the bowl into the jar.  The brine should cover the top of the cabbage in the jar—but don’t worry if it does not.  Over the next few days the salt will leech out more juice so that the brine rises.  (That’s why you want to leave a little bit of room in the jar).  Screw the lid on tight and fill the air lock halfway with water so that the gas let out from the cabbage can escape but no air from outside can get in.

Place the jar in a cool spot in your house and put a bowl under it in case some of the brine rises and spills out the lid.  This can happen from time to time and it’s better to collect the excess brine in a bowl than have to clean it up from the floor!  Let the jar sit where you place it for at least a week.  You will notice, if you check on it in a few days, bubbles forming at the top of the brine in the jar.  This means it’s working!  After a week, you will have some nice, tasty sauerkraut full of good bacteria for your gut.  You can let it sit for longer if you want:  some people let their kraut go for a month before breaking into it—but a week really is sufficient (especially for those of us who can’t wait that long).  Once you open the kraut, keep it in your fridge where it will stay good for a number of months.

That’s it!  That’s all there is to making sauerkraut!  Not so bad, is it?  Now that you know what to do, get out there and try doing it.  There’s nothing better than a homemade batch of kraut to get your day off on the right foot.  So just follow the steps outlined above and you’ll be eating great kraut before you can say, “Mm, boy!”

What Do These Short Essays Have in Common?

These short essays have a few things in common.  First, they all get right to the point and introduce the main idea in the beginning of the introduction.  The essay topic is clearly announced and the reader is able to see what lies ahead.  Second, the body of the essay is concise and stays on topic.  There is no deviation from the intent of the essay, as it is explained in the introduction.  Third, the conclusion of each essay summarizes the main idea and adds a compelling closing that allows the essay to end smoothly and refreshingly.

Short essays can be fun, informative, inventive and persuasive.  The point is this:  identify early on what the aim of your short essay is—then direct all your powers towards achieving this aim.  If you can do that, your short essay will live and be a great success.

How We Can Help

Our writers can help provide you with a great example essay that you can use as a guide when you write your own.  Our model papers have been assisting students for years—no matter the subject, length, or parameters.  We take the instructions you provide us and develop a 100% original essay based on the precise orders given by you.  That way you can see a real life example of how an essay should look—one that pertains to your exact situation.  Do you have to write an essay on sharks?  Send us the instructions and see how we would do it.  Do you have to write an essay on the Bard of Avon?  Order today and let us show you the way.  Learning by example is a great way to develop your own writing—so don’t wait:  come to us and let us give you the custom example essay you need.

Hopefully, these short essay examples and the description of how to format a short essay given above will help you write your own paper!  As the examples should show you, a short essay doesn’t have to be a set number of words—the important thing is to get as much information out as quickly and efficiently as possible.  Avoid repeating yourself, say what you need to say in a way that flows and keeps the reader engaged, and get out!

The short essay is all about calibrating your thoughts down to a tight, narrow spectrum:  keep things focused and on task.  There isn’t room to be side-tracked by tangents.  Keep it simple:  use the Introduction/Body/Conclusion format—five paragraphs total—and everything will turn out fine.  Remember to state your thesis in the last line of the opening paragraph (this will be your main point).  Then use the three body paragraphs to support your main idea, each paragraph devoted to a single segment of the main idea.  Then restate your thesis using new words in your conclusion and summarize your overall thought.  Keep your word count around 500 words if possible, but if you have to go over, no worries.  Anything under 900 words should still be considered short.  The key is to keep it focused.  That’s it!  Good luck!

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