I don’t know about you, but the phrase-“cut it down, it’s too long!” has often sent shivers down my spine.
But let’s face it! No reader ever wishes to wade through the ‘Sahara desert’ of a verbose essay.
Even the most patient one would heave a sigh, or, unfortunately, retreat following the endless scrolls.
Essay length? Ah! It’s more than just a number. It’s almost like the meta game in your writing – requiring tact, precision, and a clear understanding of instructions.
Now, you might be thinking, “Challenges? I’ve got a truckload of it.”
Understanding what to include and exclude, making each word count, and avoiding being repetitive while maintaining coherence, are just some of the most common challenges we face.
Trust me; we have all been there!
Why Shorten an Essay?
Alright, I see you scratching your head, murmuring, “Why do I need to shorten this photo essay of mine?” One word.
Clarity. It’s like giving directions by labeling every single tree along the way. Too much information makes it tough to see the forest for the trees.
Think of reading an essay like dining. Wouldn’t you rather have a well-cooked, tasty meal than a buffet with a dozen dishes tasting generic?
Concise writing makes every word palatable and impactful.
A lengthy essay might dilute the intensity and drown the pain points in a sea of words, thus affecting reader engagement.
7 Tips for Shortening an Essay
Every essay is a symphony of thoughts and ideas. Each sentence strings together a melody of meaning; from original insights to reliable research, it’s all music to the mind.
But what do you do when you ricochet over the word count? How do you bring down the curtain without losing the symphony’s essence or stifling the music? Let’s delve into the symphony hall of words and explore how to harmonize your essay while keeping it within the limit.
The following seven tips will show you how to make every word count.
1. Reduce Redundancies
Redundancy is the chief culprit behind bloated essays. Though it might seem that repetition strengthens your point, it usually only serves to pad the word count.
Spotting Redundant Sentences
- Look for sentences that repeat the same idea in different words.
- Points that you’ve already explained or defined earlier do not need to be reiterated.
Dealing with Redundancy
- Replace repetitive points with concise summaries or references.
- Scrutinize every sentence to ensure it adds value. If it doesn’t, do not hesitate to prune it.
2. Embrace Active Voice
Switching from passive to active voice can drastically reduce your word count. Active sentences are succinct, straightforward, and effective in delivering their message.
Recognizing Passive Sentences
- Sentences where the subject receives the action, rather than performing it, are in the passive voice.
- Phrases like “is being”, “has been”, and “was done” often indicate a passive construction.
Making Sentences Active
- Identify the action’s performer, the action itself, and who receives it.
- Rearrange the sentence: [Performer] [Verb] [Receiver]
3. Chop Unnecessary Details
In the quest to sound erudite, one might include intricate details or elaborate descriptions. However, this can elongate your essay unnecessarily.
Identifying Needless Details
- Specifics that do not add to the main argument or theme can be considered unnecessary.
- Detailed narratives aren’t always beneficial to your argument.
Pruning Needless Details
- Ask yourself, “Does this detail strengthen my argument?” If the answer is no, discard it.
- Keep your focus sharp on your thesis, discarding any diverging or deviating details.
4. Omit Filler Words
Filler words are those that you can remove without altering the sentence’s meaning. Excessive use of conjunctions, adverbs, and qualifiers can inflate your essay.
Recognizing Filler Words
- Overused words such as ‘really’, ‘very’, ‘just’, ‘quite’, ‘actually’, often act as filler words.
- Look for phrases like ‘in order to’, ‘so as to’, ‘due to the fact that’, which can be shortened.
Eliminating Filler Words
- Use adverbs sparingly. Check if their absence changes the meaning of your sentence.
- Replace verbose phrases with concise alternatives. For example, substitute ‘because’ for ‘due to the fact that’.
5. Opt for Single Words over Phrases
A phrase often has a single-word synonym that can replace it without losing meaning.
Identifying Replaceable Phrases
- Look for commonly used idioms or phrases in your essay.
- Evaluate if they are necessary for maintaining context or the style of your writing.
Replacing Phrases
- Use a thesaurus to find shorter synonyms. Be careful not to distort meaning.
- For instance, you can replace ‘in spite of the fact that’ with ‘although’.
6. Tighten Your Intro and Conclusion
Trimming down your introduction and conclusion is vital, as these sections can become wordy due to generalizations or repetition.
Analyzing for Excess
- Inspect your introduction and conclusion for summaries or recaps that may already be in the body of the essay.
- Check for general statements or cliches that add little value to your argument.
Trimming the Excess
- Keep your introduction concise and to the point.
- Make sure your conclusion provides closure without recapping every detail.
7. Regents of Editing: Revise, Revive, Rewrite
Remember, the first draft is just a beginning. Embrace the process of refining your thoughts and streamlining your arguments.
- Revise: Read through your essay multiple times. You often spot redundancies and unnecessary details in subsequent readings.
- Revive: Breathe new life into your ideas by presenting them in a clear and concise manner.
- Rewrite: Don’t be afraid to change sentences or whole paragraphs to improve clarity and conciseness.
It’s vital to realize that writing is just the first step. Fine-tuning your essay through editing and revising is what transforms your prose into a well-orchestrated composition.
Remember the wise words of French philosopher and writer, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry:
“Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”
Your essay should serve as a beautifully curated orchestra that syncs every word to the rhythm of your argument. So, grab your editor’s baton, and let’s trim the excess from your essay. After all, every composition is made compelling not merely by the number of notes played, but by the harmony they create together.
Tools for Essay Shortening
A. Word Count Tools
Gone are the days of counting words manually; several online tools do the heavy lifting.
- Online tools for tracking word count behave like an overly excited dog reminding you to take a walk when you sit idle for too long. Easy to use, they keep you from adding one word too many.
- Don’t forget though, these tools should complement your writing, not control it. Use them like a compass- helpful, yet secondary to the journey.
B. Peer Review
We all need a mind mirror sometimes, don’t we? It sure is nice to have someone reflect our thought process.
- Nothing beats feedback from peers when it comes to refining your essay. It’s like having a second chef in the kitchen adding a dollop of cream to your mashed potatoes.
- Not all criticism should dent your confidence. See the constructive side. It’s like using GPS feedback to navigate more efficiently.
Conclusion
Hit word limit and out of breath? Relax, grab your favorite cookie, and pat yourself on the back! You’ve just climbed the essay shortening mountain.
Embrace the advantageous terrain of concise writing. It’s like going from heavy, clunky boots to comfy, athletic footwear!