There are plenty of slick tricks to lengthen an essay, like changing the size of the periods or using extra spaces between words. However, most of the time, your teachers will catch on to what you're doing and will actually lower your grade. That's why you need to put in a little bit of effort in order to lengthen your essays. If you can't think of anything else to say, then use these tips in order to make your paper longer:
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1. Divide into Paragraphs
If you have some super huge paragraphs in your paper, then you should divide them into more than one paragraph. When you do that, you'll give your paper the illusion of looking longer. Plus, you'll need to add an introductory sentence and a closing sentence to each of the new paragraphs, which will also increase the length of your essay.
2. Include Long Quotes
If you're writing a research paper, then you're probably expected to include quotes from sources that you've found. While you don't want to include an irrelevant quote, you can lengthen your essay by choosing long ones that fit with your topic. If it's a certain length when you're writing in MLA style, then you'll even have to turn it into a block quote, which will take up extra space.
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3. Avoid Acronyms
You typically shouldn't be using contractions in an essay, anyway. However, if you write out "it is" instead of saying "it's," it will take up a bit more space in your paper. In addition, if you're writing about NASA, you could choose to write out The National Aeronautics and Space Administration instead of using the acronym.
4. Add to the End
A common problem in essays is that students focus too heavily on body paragraphs and ignore the introductory and conclusion. In order to fix this problem while adding length to your paper, try to extend your first and last paragraphs. The last one should just be a recap anyway, so it shouldn't be too hard to come up with things to say.
5. Extend Your Heading
Don't get too carried away with this one or your teacher will catch on. If she doesn't have specific guidelines on how to format your essay, then you can take up some space by writing a lot of information in your heading. Write your name, then write your class name, then your professor's name, then the date. It can take up a decent amount of space.
6. Write out Numbers
If there's no rule against it, write out the numbers you use. Writing eighty-seven instead of 87 takes up a bit of space that will add up over time if your essay involves a lot of mathematics.
7. Elaborate
Even though you can get your point across in one sentence, you should be able to turn it into five sentences. You're not at a party where others will lose interest if you don't make your points short and sweet. Your teacher wants you to be as specific as possible, so don't be afraid to go into detail.
If you want to get an A, you can't take any shortcuts in order to make your paper longer. You have to put in legitimate, hard work, and your teacher will reward you. What do you usually do when you need to lengthen an essay?
Comments
Emma: I usually try to make the font bigger or totally rewrite it.
Abi: WARNING TO ALL STUDENTS WHO THINK THIS IS GOOD ADVICE: YOU WILL NOT GET MORE MARKS BY DOING THIS!! Quality not quantity people, please, the only things that's going to get you good grades is condensing good information xx
Call: A good trick is to write about something you love or hate. This way you can go on and on about it for a long time
Snowlion: These "tips" do not conform to MLA, APA or any other academic writing style. Just follow real guidelines and you will do fine. This article is rubbish.
-gladys: These tips are actually not that bad. The author obviously isn't telling us how to write the best essay ever, but sometimes- even when one writes a really good paper, one may still be short a a page or a paragraph. These are minor but helpful tips and I actually do some of these when I need a little bit more to finish page length requirements.
sjcarey13: Really bad advice! Teachers are not unwise to these tricks! Except the point about the intro and conclusion, you should place more emphasis on these.
Casey: ps: if you're still writing contractions in your essay, you shouldn't be! ^_^
Marie: Two spaces after each period instead of one 😉
anonymous: lol
Madi: Nice article!!
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