Hi, I am writing a research paper for school, and need help with cutting words. The essay can only be 3000-4000 words, and I have 4600 words. Any advice on how to cut that many words without taking away from the quality of the essay? I didn't include the essay since it is so long...thank you!
Help with how to cut 600 words from my research paper
Hi, Heather
It's difficult to talk about it without seeing the essay itself. I would suggest some ideas though.
First, try to restate some long sentences where it's possible. It would add expressivness and shorten the essay.
If there is a requirement on word number, it means that it is possible to discuss thoroughly the topic without exceeding the limit. So you may also delete some sentences in the essay that contain repeated or minor points.
It's difficult to talk about it without seeing the essay itself. I would suggest some ideas though.
First, try to restate some long sentences where it's possible. It would add expressivness and shorten the essay.
If there is a requirement on word number, it means that it is possible to discuss thoroughly the topic without exceeding the limit. So you may also delete some sentences in the essay that contain repeated or minor points.
The essay can only be 3000-4000 words, and I have 4600 words.
Great question! If you wrote that many words, it must be about 15-18 pages, quite an accomplishment.
Yes, as Ershad says, its just necessary to improve efficiency. This is like refining anything... as you refine something, the quality increases as quantity decreases.
Find places where the ideas of 2 paragraphs can be expressed as one paragraph.
Also, remember not to hesitate to "kill your darlings," as Stephen King says. It is hard to cut out words you have written, but do it! Be ruthless!
Be on the lookout for sentences that can be cut and that, by being cut, leave the rest of the paragraph more powerful than is was when it was longer.
Hi,
One thing I've found while writting my essays is that I often try to take on way too much than is necessary (and sometimes possible). I often get a lot of ideas in my head and it takes up alot of room on the essay to tie it all together (and it is often very difficult). Thus I have two suggestions for you. the first is to try to cut down on how many things you are trying to tie in. Focus on one or two, or a good few of them. Also, if you want to go just for length, try deleting an entire topic you talked about, like a certain character or scene.
One thing I've found while writting my essays is that I often try to take on way too much than is necessary (and sometimes possible). I often get a lot of ideas in my head and it takes up alot of room on the essay to tie it all together (and it is often very difficult). Thus I have two suggestions for you. the first is to try to cut down on how many things you are trying to tie in. Focus on one or two, or a good few of them. Also, if you want to go just for length, try deleting an entire topic you talked about, like a certain character or scene.