how to start a 200 word essay

Writing a Great 200-Word Essay (Tips & Examples)

While some students often struggle to write longer essays and come up with enough words to hit the required word count, others are challenged to write shorter ones. In fact, 200-word essays are among the toughest to write as students must convey a complicated message in four short paragraphs. In this article you will find effective tips on how to write a great 200-word essay, as well as some examples.

Here’s How to Write a 200-Word Essay

  • Step 1: Understand the Prompt : Clearly understand what the essay is asking. Identify the key points or questions you need to address. Jot down your thoughts, facts, or arguments related to the topic. This step is about gathering content, not worrying about the word limit.
  • Step 2: Create a Thesis Statement : Develop a clear thesis statement that encapsulates the main idea of your essay. This statement will guide the direction of your essay.
  • Step 3: Plan Your Essay Structure : Organize your thoughts and knowledge on the topic into an introduction, body, and conclusion. Given the word limit, plan for a brief introduction and conclusion (about 40-50 words each) and a more substantial body (100-120 words).
  • Step 4: Write the Introduction : Start with a hook to grab attention, then briefly introduce your topic and end with your thesis statement.
  • Step 5: Write the Body : Focus on 1-2 key points that support your thesis. Provide evidence or examples for each point, explain your ideas. Be concise and avoid over-elaborating.
  • Step 6: Write the Conclusion : Summarize the main points and restate your thesis in a new way. Avoid introducing new information.
  • Step 7: Edit and Revise : Review your essay. Ensure each word serves a purpose. Check for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Remove any unnecessary words or phrases. Check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Ensure you’ve met the word count requirement. Read your essay aloud to ensure it flows well and makes sense. Make any last adjustments.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, check our 200-word essay templates and examples below. These will help you create your paper by giving you an idea of the format and writing style to use.

Here are Some 200-Word Essay Examples

Essay example #1 (the impact of technology on modern education), essay example # 2 (the power of music in cultural unification), essay example #3 (the meaning of friendship), general essay writing tips, ✅ brainstorm ideas.

Take another look at the prompts for the essay to gain a deeper understanding of the topic at hand. Make sure you fully understand what your teacher expects before starting to write. Don’t jump into writing an essay blindly without understanding what the paper is supposed to be about. The document may be 200 words, but it still needs a compelling structure like any other essay. Take advantage of all the other fundamentals of essay writing, you know. Create an attention-grabbing introduction and introduce a new idea with each paragraph.

✅ Choose an Appropriate Topic

Choosing a topic you know about and familiar with is vital for any essay, especially a short one. Write your paper on something that means something to you or is otherwise essential to you. Choosing an appropriate subject helps you create an authentic and excellent piece. Your essay reflects your familiarity with the issue. A perfect quality paper increases your chances of achieving your goal, such as landing a scholarship.

✅ Do Some Research

Be sure to dedicate some time to researching the subject. Understand the topic at hand. Doing research gives you the information you can use to write a better essay backed up with facts and figures to convince the audience to your way of thinking.

✅ Give Yourself Enough Time

Be sure to take your time when writing the essay and think about the prompt. Create a plan and draft and revise them to put together the best possible paper. Essays and personal statements that you take the time to write correctly are sure to stand out and improve your chances of success.

You don’t have much room to play with for a 200-word essay. As such, you should keep things brief and avoid using jargon and complicated terminology. Stick to direct and efficient language to send your message.

✅ Have a Thesis Statement

The thesis statement covers the main themes of an essay. The statement introduces readers to what they should expect from the piece. You can develop a short, two-sentence statement after creating an outline for the paper. This statement should introduce the purpose of the essay, so having an outline in mind helps to create one. This statement also gives you something to refer back to when writing the essay.

✅ Write the Introduction

Once you’ve created a thesis statement and written the body of the essay, go back and write a compelling introduction. The introduction fascinates readers and encourages them to keep reading. Busy openings discourage people from reading and send the wrong message. Use an exciting story, quote, summary, revelation, or other hooks to start your paper and introduce the topic. Your hook should tie into the thesis statement.

✅ Write the Essay Body

The essay body is the bulk of the text. This is where you describe your topic and make your arguments. The body is where you discuss the main ideas identified in your outline. Each paragraph in the body introduces one new concept or idea. Don’t forget to give each section an introductory sentence and ensure they serve a purpose.

Explaining the themes and ideas of the essay comes after this introductory sentence. Be sure to back up your claims with credible sources and information. Cite any material you reference or quotes you use according to the assigned essay format.

✅ Stick to the Word Count

The desired word count is one of the most essential parts of writing an essay. If your piece comes with a word limit, then make sure that you respect that word count and convey your message in an appropriate number of words. Slight deviations are acceptable, but don’t severely under-write or over-write your essay. Also, avoid repeating information covered in companion pieces, such as a resume. The paper should be brief and written with perfect grammar. Go through the essay and correct grammar and spelling mistakes.

✅ Write a Conclusion and Proofread the Essay

Make sure the points of your essay are appropriately organized. Avoid writing too much in the paper, or you risk losing control of the writing. Your essay conclusion summarizes the paper and the main points covered. The conclusion should be no more than five sentences long.

Don’t introduce any new ideas during the closing statements. With that said, you can restate your thesis statement. Some people like to write conclusions by restating the introduction. When finished, go through the paper and correct any mistakes or other issues you find.

The Key Features of a Short Essay

  • Thesis Statement . The thesis statement is crucial to any essay, no matter how long it is. However, how you formulate that statement can change. This statement should be placed in the first three sentences of the essay. Ensure that your thesis statement appears at the start of the essay.
  • Opening Sentences . Each new paragraph must begin with a topic phrase. Approach the topic sentences from different angles and choose the most persuasive argument to create the most substantial opening sentences in a 200-word essay.
  • Supporting Phrases . Writing such a short essay means ensuring each paragraph has supporting evidence that backs up the main arguments. However, avoid using over-long sentences or wordy facts to save room in the piece. Remove quotes that don’t add to the paper.
  • Conclusion . Cover the thesis statement in the conclusion and provide a summary of the paper.

How to Reduce Word Count For a 200-Word Essay

Writing a 200-word essay is a challenge for students and professionals. Summarizing a complex idea in 200 words is a challenge for anyone. One way to approach the issue is to write a longer essay and then remove words to bring it down to 200. If your paper is longer than 200 words, you need to go through it and remove unnecessary words and sentences. Here are some tips on how to reduce the word count in a 200-word essay.

  • Highlight key sentences you need in the essay and remove ones that aren’t.
  • Single out and remove unnecessary words to ensure the essay only contains essential data.
  • Evaluate the essay to see if sentences are connected to your main point or not. Delete any unnecessary sentences.
  • Simplify long and complex sentences into simpler and shorter ones.

Writing a 200-word essay is more complicated than it sounds. We hope you understand how to write such a short essay correctly with our advice. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact the best essay writing services if you still need help writing essays of any length, not just 200-word essays.

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, how to write a 200-word college essay.

I need some advice on writing a 200-word essay for one of my college applications. What are some tips for getting my point across effectively and concisely?

When writing a 200-word college essay, it's essential to focus on being concise and making every word count. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:

1. Plan before writing: Take a moment to outline your main ideas and organize your thoughts. This will help you stay on track and present your points in a logical order.

2. Be specific: Choose a narrow topic or specific aspect to focus on, giving you the chance to delve into details without getting too wordy. Avoid trying to cover too much ground or using broad or vague language.

3. Start strong: Begin with a captivating opening sentence or question to grab the reader's attention. This can set the tone for the rest of your essay and engage the reader from the start.

4. Stay focused: With a 200-word limit, it's crucial to stay on topic and not be sidetracked by tangential information. Ensure every sentence contributes to the core message or theme of your essay.

5. Be concise: Write succinctly and avoid redundancy, especially in your word choices. Edit your essay to remove fluff or unnecessary words and phrases, ensuring each word has a purpose.

6. Use concrete examples: Illustrate your points with specific examples that show your experiences, thoughts, or feelings. This will provide the reader with a clearer understanding of your point and make your essay more engaging.

7. Revise and edit: After writing your initial draft, take a break and then come back to it with fresh eyes. This will help you catch any errors, inconsistencies, or areas where you could improve clarity and make better use of limited word count.

8. Seek feedback: Show your essay to someone you trust, like a teacher or family member, to get their perspective and suggestions for improvement. Their feedback might help you identify areas where you can tighten or strengthen your writing.

Remember, the goal here is to effectively convey your point in only 200 words. With careful planning, focus, and revisions, your essay will demonstrate your ability to be both concise and compelling.

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

200 Words Essay Examples & Topic Ideas

How long is 200 words? A 200-word text is perfect for conveying concise and focused thoughts on a topic. It takes less than one double-spaced or 0.4 single-spaced pages , so it requires you to prioritize the most crucial points while preserving clarity and consistency. This word count is typical for abstracts, annotated bibliography entries, discussion board posts, position papers, and book reports.

In this article, we will discuss how to structure a 200-word essay to make it compelling and engaging. As a bonus, you will also receive a list of interesting topics, writing prompts, and practical samples. You can check out IvyPanda free essays for more inspiration!

  • 🔝 Best Essay Topics
  • 📝 Obesity Essay Examples
  • 💡 Essay about Myself
  • 🤰 Pregnancy Essay Examples
  • ✍️ How to Write a 200-Word Essay
  • ⚡ Alternative Energy Essay
  • 📱 Social Media Prompts
  • 🖊️ Essay Examples on Life after Covid-19
  • 📋 Sample Essay Prompts
  • 🖥️ Essay about ICT: Samples

🔝 Best 200 Words Essay Topics

  • Why is it important to recycle?
  • The significance of education in society.
  • How does social media influence teenagers’ mental health?
  • My role model for my career.
  • What are the benefits of being bilingual?
  • Effective ways to decrease depression among youth.
  • My first trip abroad.
  • Modern technology: the key drawbacks.
  • People should protect the environment.
  • How does fashion impact self-expression?
  • Teenage abortion: for or against.
  • The value of time management.
  • Gambling should be banned in the United States.
  • Why is it crucial to forgive?
  • The benefits of a positive mindset.

📝 Causes and Effects of Obesity Essay 200 Words: Examples

  • “Childhood and Adolescent Obesity”: Article Review In the article “Childhood and adolescent obesity: A review,” the authors examine the different treatment options for obesity and argue that current medication is the most effective approach to addressing this issue.
  • “Obesity, Physical Activity, and the Urban Environment” by Lopez Additionally, the study had proved that suburban areas’ features could not be connected to the higher risks of obesity since the inner-city population has higher rates of illness.
  • Disseminating Evidence: Childhood Obesity The attendees at the meeting will also publish the proposed solutions and results of the research study. It is also vital to mention that researchers of the study will be expecting feedback after the convention.
  • Management of Obesity and Social Issues That Emerge With Its Development The article by Omole focuses on recent shift in the management of obesity and the social issues that emerge with its development, namely, the culture of fat-shaming, by considering some of the alternatives toward evaluating […]
  • Obesity Among the Elderly People in Warren Township Obesity among the elderly people living in Warren Township could be a result of different measures of socioeconomic status which may include; the family, cultural factors, biological pathways as well as ethical and sociopolitical factors […]

💡 Prompts for a 200 Words Essay about Myself

Here are some helpful 200-word essay example prompts that you can use to reveal your personality or talk about your life experience:

  • Autobiography about yourself 200 words. In your essay, you can describe your place of birth, childhood, or major life events that have shaped your worldview.
  • Who am I: essay 200 words. Write about your bad and good habits, values, and hobbies. Also, you can describe your personality traits and preferences.
  • 200-word essay about the importance of research to you as a student. Provide the benefits you get from conducting research. Examples include acquiring new knowledge, clarifying complicated concepts, understanding research methods , and balancing between collaborative and individual work.
  • How will counseling help you get through with your problems: 200 words essay. Discuss how counseling may be a beneficial resource in dealing with personal issues that prevent you from achieving your ambitions.
  • My first job essay — 200 words. Describe your first employment, the lessons you learned from it, and how it shaped your outlook on work and responsibilities.

🤰 Adult & Teenage Pregnancy Essay 200 Words Examples

  • Adolescent Pregnancy and School Dropout After COVID-19 in Kenya The article of Zulaika presents the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on adolescent pregnancy and school dropout among secondary school girls in Kenya.
  • The National Campaign End Teenage Pregnancy in Ohio The dream of most parents is to ensure their children lead to a successful future which may be affected by the occurrence of unplanned teenage birth.

✍️ How to Write a 200 Word Essay

Writing an essay in 200 words may be difficult since you must present a logical and convincing point in a limited number of words. It requires you to be precise and selective in choosing the information you want to cover, making every word count.

In the following paragraphs, we will discuss the structure of a 200-word essay in detail!

This image shows the 200-word essay structure.

What Does 200 Words Look Like?

A 200-word essay usually consists of 3 parts:

  • Introduction (2-3 sentences)
  • Main body (4-5 sentences)
  • Conclusion (2-3 sentences)

A 200-word essay’s main body should be focused and clearly address your chosen topic. Each sentence should efficiently express your point of view while staying within the word limit.

Try our outline generator to create a compelling 200-words example outline!

200 Word Essay Introduction

The introductory paragraph of a 200-word essay is about 50 words in length. Since the paper is short, you can begin your opening paragraph with a strong thesis statement. After the thesis, summarize the points you want to reveal in the body paragraph.

To make the process of writing the introduction easier, use our hook sentence generator , thesis statement tool , and research introduction maker .

200 Word Essay Conclusion

The conclusion of the 200-word article, like the introduction, should be about 50 words. It must briefly outline the main thoughts and restate the thesis statement. Also, the last paragraph should provide the reader with a sense of closure and emphasize the importance of the topic.

We also recommend you use our concluding sentence generator to write your essay’s conclusion quickly and effectively!

How Many References in a 200 Word Essay?

The number of sources depends on the type of work and your teacher’s requirements. On average, for 150 words, you need to include 1 reference. As a result, for a 200-words paragraph, you will need 1-2 sources.

Our citation generator is a helpful online tool that can assist you in creating the reference list for your essay within several seconds.

⚡ Alternative Sources of Energy Essay 200 Words: Examples

  • Energy: Types and Conversion Process This process is called energy conversion, and it is one of the most important concepts in understanding energy. An example of energy conversion in daily activities is the shift from electric energy to heat in […]
  • The Nuclear Power Passages: Rhetorical Analysis At that, the writer also provides some data utilized by the former vice president and some information to show the negative side of power plants.
  • Technology and Wind Energy Efforts by the elite members of the society enlightened the global countries about the benefits of renewable energy sources in conserving the environment prompting the need to consider wind energy.
  • Non-Renewable Energy and Gross Domestic Product of China The use of non-renewable energy in China has the negative impact on the GDP, as indicated by the negative values of DOLS and CCR coefficients. The generation of renewable energy has a negligible negative impact […]
  • Building Energy Assessment and Rating Tools Houses are rated prior to building them or after building them and the rating depends on the dwelling’s plan; the erection of its roof, walls, windows and floor; and the direction of its windows relative […]

📱 Essay of 200 Words on Social Media: Prompts

Writing an essay on social media? We have prepared for you good writing prompts that can be helpful when crafting a 200-word paragraph on social media. Find a suitable 200-words sample prompt below:

  • The advantages and disadvantages of Facebook: paragraph 200 words. Discuss the pros and cons of Facebook. Its benefits can include networking, access to new information, and dating. Among the disadvantages are privacy issues , addiction, unnecessary criticism, etc.
  • The impact of social media on mental health: essay 200 words. Explore how social media might damage mental health. You can also come up with possible solutions.
  • Impact of social media on youth: essay 200 words. Investigate the effects of social media on young people, emphasizing the benefits and risks social platforms may have for teenagers’ behavior and development.
  • Facebook should be banned: essay 200 words. Provide arguments for or against banning Facebook. Support your opinion by sharing your experience using this social media platform.
  • 200 words essay on social media addiction. In your essay, you can focus on a specific aspect of social media addiction . For example, you can dwell on its major signs, risks of developing, or ways to deal with it.
  • Virtual life and real-life paragraph 200 words. Compare and contrast virtual life with real life, highlighting differences and possible intersections. Discuss how virtual life can make you less social.

🖊️ Essay on Life after COVID-19: 200 Words Examples

  • Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Policy Changes The case of COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the necessity for governments to institute new policies swiftly in order to address the spread of infections.
  • The Healing Wings Project After COVID-19 The pandemic of COVID-19 did not only pose a threat to the physical health of the population but also put many people in a position in which they had to deal with the loss of […]
  • The Issue of Gender Inequality After Covid-19 To date, the role of women in society has increased many times over, both in the economic, social, and political spheres of public life.
  • World Medical Relief After COVID-19 In conclusion, patients’ needs for healthcare equipment and supplies are critical, and the failure to receive the appropriate medication might be life-threatening.
  • Future of Public Health After the COVID-19 The pandemic acted as a detonator of the problems of the key sphere of life support of the population. In my opinion, public medical institutions will improve themselves under the influence of factors such as […]
  • Digital Economy After the COVID-19 Pandemic With the spread of COVID-19 in the world, more and more people work remotely using video conferencing services and instant messengers.

📋 Essay 200 Words: Sample Prompts

Check our writing prompts for a 200-word essay now to receive some more fresh ideas:

  • Online classes vs traditional classes essay 200 words. In your 200-words text, you can provide several reasons why online courses can be better than traditional ones. Support your opinion with a real-life example.
  • Should smoking be banned: essay 200 words. Examine both sides of the issue while discussing the health, economic, and societal effects of smoking prohibition .
  • Essay on Pythagoras in 200 words. You can start by providing a biography of Pythagoras and the most memorable events of his life. Then, dwell on the contribution he made to the philosophy.
  • Coping with stress: essay 200 words. Discuss ideas and strategies for efficiently managing stress and preserving mental well-being.
  • A trip to Mars essay 200 words. You can describe the fictitious expedition to Mars. Try to provide details about preparation, challenges you may face, and your emotions about such an experience.
  • Outdoor activities essay 200 words. Emphasize the physical and mental advantages of participating in outdoor activities and spending time in nature. Then, write more about your favorite outdoor activity.
  • You are what you eat: essay 200 words. Discuss how food choices affect general health and well-being. You can also highlight the importance of nutrition in daily life.

🖥️ Essay about ICT 200 Words: Best Samples

  • Health Information Technology: The Main Benefits The promising functionality of HIT has attracted media attention, but its eventual implementation faced obstacles such as a lack of technological resources or inability to understand which types of HIT must be used. Thus, HIT […]
  • How My Organization Uses Technologies for Communication In addition, new forms of communication are constantly being improved, enhanced, and updated, allowing one to optimize the existing work in the right direction.
  • Evaluation of Health Information Technology Since most data will be categorical, this can be a terrifically effective technique of analyzing data because it will also be immensely useful to this project.

📌 200 Word Essay: Answers to the Most Pressing Questions

📌 how many pages is 200 words double spaced.

How many pages are 200 words of academic text? According to the guidelines of all the key citation styles, one page should contain approximately 250 words (12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced). If you follow these guidelines, your 200-word essay will be one page. If you make it single-spaced, it will take half a page.

📌 How Much Is 200 Words in Paragraphs?

How many paragraphs is a 200-word essay? Since a typical paragraph in academic writing contains 50-100 words, an essay of 200 words will consist of 2 to 4 paragraphs.

📌 How Many Sentences Is 200 Words?

How many sentences is a 200-word essay? A typical sentence in academic writing consists of 15-20 words. So, 200 words are not less than 10-13 sentences.

📌 How to Outline a 200-Word Essay?

When you write a 200-word essay, proper planning is the key to success. Such a short piece will consist of three to five concise paragraphs. A 200-word paper outline can contain a short introduction with background information, 1-3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

📌 How Long Does It Take to Write 200 Words?

How long does it take to write a 200-word essay? It will take you 4-8 minutes to type 200 words on your keyboard (the total time will depend on your typing speed). Writing an academic paper will take more time because you’ll have to research, make an outline, write, format, and edit your text. It would be best if you planned to spend not less than 40 minutes for a 200-word paper.

📌 How to Reduce Word Count in a 200-Word Essay?

The easiest way to do that is to get rid of the less important arguments you consider in your 200-word essay. Rank your arguments and eliminate those weaker. Another idea is to edit your paper in order to make sentences shorter. For instance, you can remove some of the adverbs.

  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, November 23). 200 Words Essay Examples & Topic Ideas . https://ivypanda.com/essays/words/200-words-essay-examples/

"200 Words Essay Examples & Topic Ideas ." IvyPanda , 23 Nov. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/words/200-words-essay-examples/.

IvyPanda . (2023) '200 Words Essay Examples & Topic Ideas '. 23 November.

IvyPanda . 2023. "200 Words Essay Examples & Topic Ideas ." November 23, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/words/200-words-essay-examples/.

1. IvyPanda . "200 Words Essay Examples & Topic Ideas ." November 23, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/words/200-words-essay-examples/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "200 Words Essay Examples & Topic Ideas ." November 23, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/words/200-words-essay-examples/.

Project Types We Cover

  • Admissions Essay
  • PowerPoint Presentation
  • Research Paper
  • Book Reviews
  • Personal Statement
  • Ph.D Dissertation
  • Proofreading

Academic Fields & Subjects

  • Programming
  • Computer Science
  • Other projects we help with
  • Our Experts
  • Plagiarism Checker
  • Writing Tips

How to Write a 200 Word Short Essay

By: Tasha Kolesnikova

How to Write a 200 Word Short Essay

Writing a decent 200-word essay while in college can be quite challenging, especially if you don't feel inspired or can’t collect your thoughts. But don't worry - with the right approach to choosing ideas, preparing a draft, and then editing it, you will be able to write your own short story successfully.

Step 1 - Makeready

Step 2 - create an outline, step 3 - decide on your essay writing style, points to note, step 5 - editing, how long is a 200 word essay, thesis statement, opening sentences, supporting phrases, concluding section, how do you make the text shorter, what shouldn't you do.

The essay should start with an introduction, in which you need to identify the key points to attract the reader. These are the points of view that you will consider in the central part. If you want to learn how to write college essays, follow these guidelines.

  • Positive environment

You must be ready to write. This is the first step in writing an essay quickly. It is vital to make sure that nothing distracts you and that you have everything you need (paper, computer) close at hand. Create the right environment. If you prefer to work in silence, it's best to head to the library. If you need background noise, turn on music, or work in a cafe.

  • Choice of theme

For a successful essay, you need to have a clear idea of it, so it is essential to decide on the topic. It's easiest to write about what interests you, so try to choose something that will pique your curiosity (if you have a choice). Your teacher can ask you a topic or allow you to pick it yourself. For a 200-word essay, it is crucial to choose a narrow topic to have time to consider it.

  • Collect materials

Working on the text may require the study of additional materials. Use the library, or search for information on the Internet.

If your teacher has given you specific instructions for writing your essay, you should be sure to follow all recommendations.

  • Start with a thesis statement. Formulate the main idea in one sentence. You will embark on it. Think about who will be reading you (and what kind of explanation is needed), what needs to be mentioned first, and why the topic interests you.
  • You need to arm yourself with a notebook and a pen. You can use brainstorming. Write down all your thoughts in free form. Write whatever comes to mind. Don't think about what it looks like. Make sketches to shape them later.

Prompt: To capture your primary thoughts, try to limit yourself to time. For example, mark 5-10 minutes, and write without stopping. This will help you concentrate on your writing.

  • A diagram can help you. Place your main idea in the center of the page, and circle it. There may be a thesis statement. At this stage, it is important to highlight the central theme.

Prompt: Place related subtopics around the main topic. Try to draw at least 5-6 circles. Next to the subtopics, write down any associations you have. You will begin to notice the connections between topics and connect them with lines. This will create a kind of web, and you will be able to understand how your main ideas echo and what follows from this or that thought.

  • Rewrite your thoughts in a more explicit form - they should be deep and complete. Work your text and paragraph order carefully. What information should be communicated to the reader first? In what order should you place the paragraphs for the most convincing text?

Prompt: Often, a short text is the result of a quick jump to the main ideas without introductions and explanations that would prepare the reader.

It is essential for writing a good essay. The style should match your theme. In order to convince the reader of the correctness of your research, it is not necessary to use expressive vocabulary. At the same time, we do not advise you to drop down to everyday speech; otherwise, you risk looking unprofessional. Although, if you are writing about personal matters, you can use more informal vocabulary.

The attitude towards what you write about is expressed in the essay writing style. It can be very different: neutral or enthusiastic, naive or skeptical, suspicious, or humorous. The main thing is that the writing style matches what you write about.

For example, if you are writing a serious essay about laboratory research, your writing style should be neutral and as objective as possible. Avoid making any judgments. But if you're thinking about dating on social media, use a more fluent style.

Step 4 - Composition

So, the preparatory stage has passed. You have understood your thoughts, arranged them, and are ready to write the essay's text.

  • Write the main part. This step is done fairly quickly if you have a plan. In our case, the main body usually contains one paragraph. It should support your claim. This part must include a supporting example. This is where you need to find the best arguments for your thesis. You need to keep within 3-5 sentences, which is about 100-120 words.
  • Now it will be much easier for you to write the introduction and the ending part. The introduction should become a reference point and be able to interest the reader in reading the entire work. The optimal number of sentences in the introduction is three. The first sentence grabs attention, serves as a pledge for the reader. In the second sentence, place words of support for the first one, and smoothly move to the thesis statement. The introductory paragraph can take approximately 60-70 words.
  • The conclusion ends the essay by reminding the reader of your reasons and their importance. Support the main idea, summarize what was said, and complete your text on an upbeat note. It can take two to three sentences, 40-50 words long.
  • It is worth noting that if the professor set you the task of writing a 200-word essay, this does not mean that there really should be exactly 200 words. If, in order to fully present your thought, you need a little more or fewer words, you can slightly deviate restrictions - within about 20 words.
  • The first sentence should interest and attract attention. So work on it. You can start with a showcase or a quote mark.
  • The language should be direct and concise. Don't write pompously. Make natural statements that are easy to apprehend. Don't use a whole phrase where you can leave one word. Use words that the reader understands. There is no point in artificially decorating an essay, relying on synonyms, because your arguments should be understandable.
  • You can make it easier to write an essay - just use a ready-made essay example . There will be a proposal template of 200-word work in front of you, with a well-developed format, style, and structure.
  • Don’t forget about the headline. The title should be brief but concise. It specifies the topic and should be simple and straightforward. It is essential to continually remember the headline during editing because good ideas are often born when reading the text.

Despite the small number of words in the essay, you can make a large number of mistakes. Therefore, at this stage, it is very important to check everything thoroughly.

  • Get distracted. Correct carefully, then reread the text again. Before doing this, your brain needs to rest. Clear your mind so that you can reasonably objectively evaluate your text during the editing process. It will be easier for you to spot mistakes with a fresh mind. Be sure to take a break from your work for at least a couple of minutes.
  • Use modern technology. Of course, you will definitely reread your essay to find and correct mistakes. But don't be afraid to use the spell checker. You just need to remember that after that, the paper should be re-read, since the program checks only the form, but not the content.
  • Read aloud. This may sound strange to you, but try reading your essay out loud. You can also ask a friend for help - let him listen to your text. This will help identify possible problems.
  • "Polish" the composition. Re-read the text again, get rid of all unnecessary things. The excellent editorial revision will help you focus on the key messages that need to be highlighted in the text.

Also, editing will give the work a professional look, logical structure, and organization.Are all ideas clearly expressed? Are the transitions read without a hitch? Have you fixed all the mistakes? And with all of this, you all fit within 200 words? If you are satisfied, then your work is completed!

When you are given the task to write this type of essay, you have already been limited to the word count - up to 200. We will try to orient you in more detail, what size of the text you need to follow.

We can talk about the length of the essay in two parameters:

  • the number of paragraphs;
  • the number of pages

No matter how many words an essay has, it should have a standard structure. That is, the text should consist of an introduction, central part, and conclusions. You can divide the main part into two or three paragraphs. So if you are interested in the number of paragraphs in such an essay, we can talk about three to five ones. It depends on the writing style and length of the sentences you choose.

The quantity of pages depends on several factors. This is the font size and the selected spacing. It is also important whether the work is handwritten or printed. Of course, a printed essay will take up much less space than a handwritten one. Basically, the printed text will be placed on about half or 2/3 of the page.

Basic Elements of a Short Essay

There are some elements that you cannot do without when writing a short essay.

The thesis is the main statement around which your entire text is built. It should be controversial, complex, and specific; it should combine your composition's whole essence in one phrase.

If you have correctly formulated the thesis, you will have a lot of material for the essay, since the idea is usually challenging to substantiate.

An interesting thesis on a topic that can cause questions and controversy will make it easier for you to write an essay. If you lack in volume, revise your thesis by making it narrower and more complex.

A 200-word essay thesis should be precise and narrow.

  • For example, when writing an essay on universities' sports life, a weak thesis will look like this: "The sports life of universities is very controversial." It's too blurry to tell your position. The reader may not understand what you are trying to prove.
  • Here is an example of a strong thesis for the same topic: "University athletes should receive monetary rewards." So you state the subject in question. It is narrow enough for you to see in two pages.

Prompt: Imagine the thesis is a tabletop. Your essay should support it because, without this support, the table will turn into a pile of rubble. Key arguments, rationales, and references to other people's statements are the legs that hold your essay in place so that it takes shape.

The main thing you need to remember is that each paragraph of your essay should start with a thematic phrase. This is one opening sentence, the primary and most important argument you will develop in the paragraph.

Many teachers insist that a five-paragraph structure is an optimal form for presenting an essay.

This structure implies at least three reasons and usually looks like this:

  • Introduction, description of the topic, a summary of their ideas, thesis.
  • A paragraph describing the first argument.
  • A paragraph describing the second argument.
  • A paragraph describing the third argument.
  • A short conclusion summarizing everything that has been said.

Since we are talking about a 200-word essay, you can limit yourself to 3 paragraphs. In this case, the diagram will look like this:

  • A paragraph describing the argument.
  • A short conclusion that summarizes everything that has been said.

After the introductory sentence, there should be a supporting example in every paragraph. Do not use long, complex constructions in short essays ; argue your thoughts clearly and specifically.

The conclusion should tie all the threads of the argument together. In some cases ( persuasive essay topics ), you can include a call to action. You can also go back to the opening sequence or example in the introduction to keep your work perfectly symmetrical.

It is also essential to make sure that you support the central thesis with clear and well-reasoned arguments.

200 Word Essay Writing: Useful Information

The structure of the essay, the style, your opinion on a particular issue, and your vocabulary's richness are important. Each of these factors will affect the final result of evaluating your essay. But what if you've followed all of these rules, but haven't met the word count? This is the next part of our article.

Eliminating Extra Details

Brevity is the soul of a talented writer. Writing succinctly forms a pleasant first impression of talent. Moreover, brevity should not conflict with information richness and actual presentation.

We agree that putting all your thoughts in 200 words is a real challenge for many students. But it is vital to learn how to eliminate unnecessary things, cut like a knife.

  • Let the text rest.

Very often, what seems to you to be an essential part of the content when writing loses its charm a couple of days later, and you can see what is in the text gist and what is a husk.

  • Down with all the introductory and uncertain words.

All this “in general,” “it seems,” “probably,” is most often verbal rubbish, which gives nothing to the content but adds volume to the text. Go through your text carefully and cross out unnecessary words. Most likely, the text will not lose anything in meaning but will gain in the narrative's density and clarity.

Heaped up complex sentences, and even with complicating elements, are also a path to lengthening. They confuse both the author and the reader; they often create unnecessary volume as well. Rebuild your complex in 2 simple ones - and you will see that the text is reduced.

  • Focus on the essentials.

Take a fresh look at your text. And try to identify the most critical thoughts as objectively as possible. Now delete everything else. Get rid of even those parts of the document that you think are well written. You just have to connect the main sentences literally. This is one of the best ways to keep your essay concise.

  • Sort out your text.

Read your text meticulously - is everything you said related to the main point? Are there unnecessary "lyrical digressions" and thoughts "about something else"? If this is present, cross out the excess.

  • Don't take difficult essay topics. Don't try to demonstrate that you understand a complicated idea when you really don't.
  • Don't use conventional clichés: they show that you cannot express ideas on your own.
  • Don't use too many quotes. They give the impression that you do not have your own opinion.

User ratings:

User ratings is 4.3 stars.

4.3 /5 ( 6 Votes)

how to start a 200 word essay

Content Writer

I studied sociology and marketing at Europa-Universität Viadrina (Germany) and Universidade da Beira Interior (Portugal). When I was a sophomore, back in 2018, I decided to put what I've learned into practice, so I got my first job in digital marketing. I currently work in the content marketing department at Studybay, building strong, effective, and respectful communication between the platform and our clients.

Add Your Comment

We are very interested to know your opinion

Thank you for body paragraphs break down

how to start a 200 word essay

Upgrade your writing skills!

Try our AI essay writer from Studybay today!

Writing A Great 200-Word Essay (Tips & Examples)

  • Essay Writing FAQ

Avatar

Some students struggle to come up with the words needed to meet the word count. Others are forced to write shorter essays. Students are often challenged to create 200-word papers because they must communicate a complex message within four short paragraphs. This article will provide you with some tips and examples on how to create a 200-word essay.

General Essay Writing Tips

Brainstorm ideas.

Consider reading through the essay prompts a second time to better understand the subject. Before you begin writing, make sure that you understand exactly what your teacher is expecting. Do not start writing your essay without knowing what it is about. It may only be 200 words long, but the essay still requires a strong structure. You know all about the fundamentals for writing an essay. Create an introduction that grabs attention and introduces a new thought with every paragraph.

Select the Topic That Is Right for You

A short essay is no exception. You should choose a topic about which you have some knowledge and experience, especially when it comes to the subject. You should write about something important to yourself or that you find meaningful. You can create a great piece by choosing a topic that is meaningful to you. The essay you write reflects how well-versed you are in the subject. You will have a better chance of winning your scholarship if your essay is perfect.

Research is Important

Don't forget to spend time on research. Understanding the subject at hand is important. By doing research, you will have the necessary information to create a convincing essay.

Allow yourself enough time

When writing your essay, take time to consider the prompt. Prepare a draft, then edit it to create the best paper possible. Your essays and personal statement will stand out if you spend the time writing them correctly.

Keep it short.

In a short essay of 200 words, there is not much room for creative expression. Avoid jargon, complex terminology and slang. Keep your communication simple and direct.

Make a thesis statement

The thesis statement is a summary of the essay's main points. The statement tells the reader what to expect in the essay. After creating an outline, you can create a two-sentence summary. To help create this statement, it is best to have an outline. You can also refer to this statement when you write the essay.

Introduce yourself

After you have written your essay body and created a strong thesis statement, write an engaging introduction. The introduction is what captivates the reader and makes them want to read more. Overly busy openings are distracting and can send the wrong signal. Start with an intriguing story, a quote, a summary, a revelation or another hook to introduce your topic. The hook should relate to the thesis.

You can write the essay body

This is where you will describe your topic and make your arguments. You will use this section to describe your subject and your arguments. In the body, you will discuss your main points that were identified in your outline. Each paragraph introduces a new idea or concept. Don't neglect to introduce each section with a sentence.

The essay's themes and main ideas are explained after the first sentence. Don't forget to support any claims you make with solid sources of information. Cite all material or quotes that you use in accordance with the essay format.

Keep to the word count

The word count you desire is an important part of writing a good essay. You should always adhere to the word limit of your essay. You can make slight changes, but do not drastically alter the essay. Avoid repeating the information that is already in other documents, like a resume. The paper must be concise and have perfect grammar. Correct any grammar or spelling errors.

Writing a conclusion is important. Proofread your essay.

You should ensure that your essay is organized properly. If you overwrite your paper, you may lose control. Your conclusion should be a summary of the essay and its main points. The conclusion should not exceed five sentences. Do not introduce new ideas in the closing statement. Then, restate the thesis.

Some people prefer to restate the introduction in their conclusions. After you finish, review the document and fix any errors.

How to Write a 200-Word essay

  • Outline and Plan. The same goes for 200-word essays. These are short papers that require a body, an introduction, and a conclusion. Be mindful of the word limit when you prepare the outline. Make sure that each section receives enough attention.
  • Find some Essay Templates . You can find examples and templates of 200-word essays. You can use these to help you write your essay by providing you with a format and style guide.
  • Explain ideas. Do not use long quotes, but rather explain the facts. This allows you to reduce the amount of words in your essay.
  • Use complete but concise sentences. To spread your message, use concise sentences.
  • Proofread. Proofreading an essay is a crucial part. It is important to proofread your essay as soon as you have finished writing it. Correct any errors that you may have made in the writing of your essay. Check the essay for typos, punctuation, grammar, and structure problems.

The main features of an essay that is short

  • Thesis . No matter how lengthy an essay may be, the thesis is always crucial. The way you phrase that statement may change. This statement needs to be included in the three first sentences of your essay. Your thesis statement should be placed at the beginning of your essay.
  • Opening Phrases . Each paragraph should begin with a phrase that relates to the topic. Choose the strongest argument and approach the topic sentences differently to come up with the best opening sentence for a 200 word essay.
  • Supporting Words . In order to write a brief essay, you will need to make sure that every paragraph includes supporting evidence. To save space, you should avoid long sentences and wordy facts. Remove any quotes that do not add value to your paper.
  • Conclusion . The conclusion should contain the thesis statement and summarize the entire paper.

How to reduce the word count for a 2000-word essay

Students and professionals alike find it difficult to write a 200-word paper. Anybody can struggle to summarize a large idea into 200 words. You can try to reduce the length of an essay to 200 words by removing unnecessary words. If you have a paper that is more than 200 pages, it's time to remove any unnecessary sentences or words. These tips will help you to reduce your essay's word count.

  • Highlight important sentences and delete others.
  • The essay should only contain the necessary information.
  • The essay should be evaluated to determine if it is connected to the main point. Delete all unnecessary sentences.
  • Reduce the complexity of long sentences to simpler ones.

200-Word Essay Examples

Scholarship essay example #1.

My area has many college graduates who used loans to pay for their education. It is a concern that many cannot afford student loan repayments, which prevents them from going to college. This scholarship is important to me because it will help me achieve my mother's and my own dream of studying at college. My mother wanted me and my two siblings to live a better lifestyle than she had. I watched her sell her belongings and borrow money to pay for my siblings' college. Our father was killed in an accident many years ago. I still dream of a better tomorrow despite my struggles. I am more dedicated to my work than anyone I know. I want to succeed, but lack the funds to go to university and achieve my goals. I am a hard worker and have always worked to achieve high grades. I've always strived to achieve top grades. I promise that I will work even harder to achieve my college goals. I look forward to your response regarding my application.

Narrative Essay Example # 2

The mahogany urn was covered in weeds and rocks. The shovel was a symbol of my shame for sending off my brother with such diligence. It made me feel ashamed that I didn't say goodbye properly. While I was standing there, scooping dirt onto my brother and saying goodbye to him, I knew that he would never be the same. I couldn't imagine that my beloved could be taken away by a disease. My brother was diagnosed with sickle cell disease when I turned ten. When he died, I was angry with myself. I couldn't forget how I left him to watch TV or play with friends rather than be with him. I was devoted to my studies. I wanted to know everything about sickle-cell anemia. I swore to myself I'd memorize and learn all I can about sickle-cell anemia. Sickle cell is only one part of the life a person leads. My brother and other sickle cell anemia sufferers are more than just their illness. I would like to specialize in helping people with sickle cell. I want others to receive the emotional and physically support that my brother could not. It's through my work that I can say goodbye and never forget about my brother.

Essay Example #3

Humanity is not complete without friendship. Our friends teach us the most important lessons. People become who their friends want to them to be based on their environment. It's impossible to have a friend that will abandon you when times are tough. A friend who abandons you in times of trouble is not one. Real friends are there to keep you happy and motivated. They stick with you to ensure you are always happy and motivated. Loyalty is also taught by friendships. Friendships are a great way to teach people about loyalty and how they can return it. Everyone wants to be surrounded by loyal friends. Friendships are what make us stronger. They make us stronger and test our resolve. Occasionally, we fight our friends. But we always reconcile with them. Strengthening yourself means becoming stronger. Best friends are those who lift you up when you're down. Friends are always there for us when we need them. Friends provide guidance and advice that can help you avoid conflict and danger. You can never have too many friends.

Therefore, in conclusion

A 200-word essay can be more challenging than you think. You should now be able write a 200 word essay. Do not hesitate to contact essay writing services for help with any type of essay, even if it is only 200 words.

coracarver11

Cora Carver is an educational blogger and mother of two. She has a passion for helping others learn and grow, and she uses her blog to share her knowledge and experiences with others.

View all posts

coracarver11

Cora Carver is an educational blogger and mother of two. She has a passion for helping others learn and grow, and she uses her blog to share her knowledge and experiences with others. View all posts by coracarver11

Comments are closed.

Home — Free Essays — 200 Words — 200

200-Word Essay Examples

When writing a 200-word essay, it is important to be concise and to the point. This type of essay typically requires a clear thesis statement, a well-organized structure, and strong supporting evidence. Additionally, it is essential to use clear and concise language to effectively communicate your ideas within the limited word count. By choosing a specific topic and focusing on key points, you can effectively convey your thoughts and ideas in a concise and impactful manner.

Brief Description of 750-Word Essay Topics

A 750-word essay is a longer piece of writing that allows for more in-depth exploration of a topic. These essays are often assigned in college courses and can cover a wide range of subjects, from literature and history to science and sociology. Some common 750-word essay topics include analyzing a historical event, discussing the impact of technology on society, or exploring a controversial issue in politics.

When writing a 750-word essay, it is important to develop a strong thesis statement that clearly outlines the main argument or point of view. This type of essay typically requires a well-structured introduction, body paragraphs that provide supporting evidence, and a conclusion that summarizes the key points. It is also important to use critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate the topic from different perspectives.

TOP 200-Word Essay Topics [2024]

  • Essay on Student Life
  • Mahatma Gandhi: Essay in English
  • My Best Friend: A Treasure in My Life
  • My Father: A Role Model and Inspiration
  • My School: A Place of Learning and Growth
  • The Wonder of Science Essay

With a longer word count, a 750-word essay allows for more detailed analysis and discussion of the topic. It is important to conduct thorough research and provide relevant examples to support your arguments. Additionally, it is crucial to use proper citations and references to avoid plagiarism and to give credit to the original sources.

Overall, a 750-word essay provides an opportunity for students to delve deeper into a topic and to demonstrate their critical thinking and writing skills. By choosing a compelling topic and presenting a well-structured argument, students can effectively communicate their ideas and engage readers in thoughtful discussion.

Popular 200-Word Essay Topics

Here is a list of 20 popular essay topics that you can explore:

  • Climate Change: Discuss the causes, effects, and solutions to climate change.
  • Impact of Social Media: Analyze how social media has changed communication and relationships.
  • Mental Health Awareness: Explore the importance of mental health awareness and reducing stigma.
  • Gun Control: Debate the pros and cons of gun control laws.
  • Gender Equality: Examine the progress and challenges of achieving gender equality.
  • Artificial Intelligence: Discuss the implications of AI on society and the workforce.
  • Racial Discrimination: Explore the impact of racism and discrimination on individuals and communities.
  • Globalization: Analyze the effects of globalization on economies and cultures.
  • Immigration Reform: Debate the need for immigration reform and its impact on society.
  • Healthcare System: Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in your country.
  • Environmental Conservation: Explore ways to protect the environment and wildlife.
  • Human Rights: Examine the importance of human rights and the challenges to upholding them.
  • Technology Addiction: Discuss the impact of technology addiction on individuals and society.
  • Economic Inequality: Analyze the causes and consequences of economic inequality.
  • Education System: Debate the strengths and weaknesses of the education system in your country.
  • Political Corruption: Explore the effects of political corruption on society and democracy.
  • Obesity Epidemic: Discuss the causes and solutions to the obesity epidemic.
  • Animal Rights: Examine the ethical treatment of animals and the need for animal rights.
  • Fake News: Analyze the impact of fake news on society and the media.
  • Drug Legalization: Debate the pros and cons of legalizing certain drugs.

200-Word on Soccer

The beauty of soccer lies in its simplicity and universality. All you need to play the game is a ball and a field, making it accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether played in a small village in Africa or a bustling city…

200-Word on Respect

Respect is the recognition of the inherent worth and value of others, regardless of their background, beliefs, or differences. It involves treating others with kindness, empathy, and understanding, and acknowledging their rights, opinions, and boundaries. Respect is not only about the way we treat others,…

200-Word on Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is a central figure in the Christian faith, revered as the son of God and the savior of humanity. His life, teachings, and death have had a profound impact on the world, shaping the beliefs and practices of millions of people for over…

200-Word on Why I Want to Be a Nurse

I have always been drawn to the field of nursing due to my desire to help others and make a positive impact in their lives. I believe that becoming a nurse would allow me to fulfill this passion and utilize my skills and knowledge to…

Get professional help in 5 minutes

boy-baner

Laughter is the Best Medicine in 200 Words

It is often said that “laughter is the best medicine,” a phrase grounding itself in the myriad benefits laughter brings to the human psyche and physical health. Manifesting both as a spontaneous response to joy and a communal activity, laughter operates on various levels to…

200-word Example on Career Goals in Mechanical Engineering

This is my 200-word essay on career goals. As a mechanical engineering student, my career goal is to become a top-class specialist in my field. I believe that mechanical engineering offers the opportunity to revolutionize the world, solve global issues, and improve lives. My ambition…

Nonverbal Communication: The Importance And Main Aspects

Nonverbal communication is the first thing that interests me because of its importance. I believe that many individuals underestimate the significance of nonverbal communication. We normally think of communication in reference to what we say or the words we utilize. Interpersonal communication encompasses far more…

How Long is a 200-Word Essay?

A 200-word essay is typically very short, spanning about half a page to a full page, depending on factors such as font size, spacing, and formatting.

Where You Can Find an Example of a 200-Word Essay?

Remember be respectful about academic integrity and avoid plagiarism. Use the examples as references and sources of inspiration and be attentive that your own work is original and properly cited. You can find examples of 200-word essays in such places like: educational websites, writing centers, and academic blogs. Also some universities and colleges publish sample essays or have writing centers that offer resources for students. You can explore database or online platforms as some scholarly journals or academic publications may feature shorter essays, including 200-word pieces.

A 200-Word Essay Is How Many Pages?

Usually a 200-word essay typically spans around half a page to one full page. Actual page count may vary slightly based on the specific formatting guidelines provided by an instructor or institution. It's best to adhere to those guidelines to ensure your essay meets the required page length.

How Many Paragraphs Should a 200-Word Essay Have?

Generally, a 200-word essay would consist of at least two paragraphs: an introduction and a conclusion. The introduction paragraph should introduce the topic, provide background information, and present the main argument or thesis statement. This paragraph is typically a few sentences long. The body paragraphs are where you present your supporting points or arguments. In a 200-word essay, you may have one or two body paragraphs, or no body paragraph at all. The conclusion paragraph wraps up the essay by summarizing the main points and restating the thesis in a concise manner. It is typically a few sentences long.

How to Write an Appropriate Academic 200-Word Essay?

Writing an appropriate academic 200-word essay requires careful planning and effective execution. First of all you need to understand the essay prompt, read it carefully and identify the key requirements, such as the topic, purpose. With a limited word count, it's crucial to stay focused on the main topic or argument. Avoid unnecessary jargon or overly complex sentences. Keep your language precise and straightforward to effectively communicate your ideas. After writing your essay, take the time to revise and edit it. Check for any grammatical or spelling errors, ensure coherence and logical flow of ideas, and refine your language for clarity and conciseness.

Another Word Count

Popular topics.

  • Academic Challenges
  • Romeo and Juliet
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Miss Representation
  • Growth Mindset
  • Art History
  • Academic Interests
  • Physical Education
  • Domestic Violence
  • Studying Abroad
  • Ocean Pollution
  • Indian Horse
  • Critical Thinking
  • Stem Education
  • Middle School
  • 12 Angry Men
  • War on Drugs
  • Serial Killer
  • Child Abuse
  • Penny Debate
  • Fast Fashion
  • A Class Divided
  • Real Estate

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

  • Instructions Followed To The Letter
  • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
  • Unique And Plagiarism Free

how to start a 200 word essay

  • User menu ✕
  • Order now 1(888)484-2980 1(888)341-2058 Live chat

Detailed Explanation as to How to Write a 200-word Essay

Your instructor might want to ask you to write a 200 word essay just to check how good you are at presenting your thoughts concisely. The clarity of ideas should not suffer from this extraordinary requirement. In terms of length, the final version of the paper will have 3 or 4 paragraphs. Thus, your piece of writing will occupy about half a page, single-spaced. If the work is double-spaced, it will take two-thirds of the page. Use MS Word to count the exact number of words in your masterpiece. In this article, our team of expert writers provides a concise compilation of useful tips to help you successfully complete this assignment.

Detailed Explanation as to How to Write a 200-word Essay

Excellent Prompts on How to Write a 200-Word Essay

If you follow detailed instructions provided below, you will learn how to write a 200-word essay deserving a high score.

  • Prepare an outline. In the majority of cases, short essays include such structural elements as an introduction, main body, and a concluding chapter. Each section has to contain a specific number of words. Therefore, ensure to break 200 words between the sections accordingly.
  • Find a worthy example of a 200-word essay. It will be easier for you to create your own paper with a quality sample at hand. Mind the structure, format, and author’s writing style.
  • Provide explanations. When introducing some facts, it is better to explain them in your own words rather than present direct quotations.
  • Compose comprehensible sentences. Since the amount of words you need to express your ideas in is small, you should be precise. Your sentences have to be both concise and clear.
  • Proofread your paper. Remember that your piece of writing should be free from any mistakes, even the slightest ones. Check your text for grammar, punctuation, format, and typos.

Speaking about the correlation of the number of words in separate sections, there are more or less established proportions. Thus, the introductory section constitutes from five to ten percent of the 200 word paper. Since this part of your work will be pretty short, try to avoid repeating the question you were asked to answer. Present only new facts and information that is new . Next, the main section of your manuscript will occupy about eighty percent of the entire length. Again, only the most compelling claims and evidence should be presented to save space and meet the word count requirement. As for the last paragraph, it usually accounts for a tenth of the document. Pretty much like the first one. While presenting the summary of your ideas, make sure not to include any new information here. Of course, it is not that easy to compose a brilliant 200 words essay, but we hope that a detailed explanation of its main components will allow you to get a good grade.

Chief Components of Short Essays

  • Thesis Statement

It is obvious that all academic papers include thesis statements. As to short essays, it is particularly important to know exactly how to formulate your central claim to make the work profound. According to the rule, thesis statements should be placed at the very beginning of brief papers. It follows that your chief assertion may be presented in either 7 th or 8 th sentence if your piece of writing contains 4-5 paragraphs. In case you writing project includes 2 or 3 paragraphs, your statement should be provided in any of the first three sentences (this rule can be applied to your 200-word essay). Hence, ensure to present your thesis statement at the beginning of your essay.

  • Opening Sentences

Each paragraph should commence with a topic phrase. Its function is to clearly highlight one of the facets of a thesis statement and serve as a basis for the entire paragraph. Taking into account that you have only 200 words, your academic work will probably include only one opening sentence. Therefore, consider your topic from different angles, pick the argument which you consider the most powerful and create a solid opening statement.

  • Supporting Phrases

Since your piece of writing is very short, each of the paragraphs may include a couple of sentences containing supporting evidence. They have to be succinct and informative. Remember not to include long quotes and useless details in these sentences. Your audience will be happy to read statements that are easy to comprehend.

  • Concluding Section

Read your thesis statement and think whether it has been discussed in your paper properly. Are there any aspects that require additional research or examination? What have you found in the course of subject examination? Encapsulate your ideas and present a concise summary in your conclusion.

Eliminating Extra Details

Considering all the demands and specifications, it becomes clear why producing this kind of an essay is quite complicated. Since creating a worthy piece of writing including only 200 words is not a piece of cake, some students decide to write a longer work and then shorten it by removing some of the details. If the final version of your paper contains more than 200 words, you should try to refine it by eliminating the data that is of no significance to the content. In order to make the filtering process easier, we offer you to take a look at the hints presented below:

  • Highlighting

This is one of the most efficient means of reducing the number of words in the text. You should mark the sentences and expressions that play a fundamental role in developing your essay. Be bold to delete the rest of the text; even the sections which you consider well-written. Then, take the remaining information and try to make it consistent with the help of transitions.

  • Singling out

This is one more method of ensuring your text includes essential data only. Read your paper and analyze each of its sentences. If you see that some sentences are useless in covering your topic, remove them. Pay attention to the sentences illustrating one idea. Try to transform them into one sentence preserving the meaning.

You may evaluate each sentence in terms of its pertinence to the made assertion. Is each sentence connected with the key argument of your paper? Is it helpful in comprehending the thesis statement? In case some phrases do not contribute to the development of your essay, delete them.

  • Simplifying

Mind the grammar and organizational mode of your piece of writing. If you detect any complex word combinations or expressions, try to make them sound simpler. Do not think that readers may find the text primitive. Since the number of words your essay should include is small, you cannot afford to use complex clusters. You should also scrutinize your thesis statement. Is it concentrated on a specific facet of the explored issue? If your assertion is rather broad, make sure to narrow it down. Otherwise, you will be unable to discuss it in detail in such a short paper.

You may find it interesting:

3000 Word Essay 500 Word Essay Formatting Papers in Accepted Academic Style

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cancel reply

Recent posts.

how to start a 200 word essay

Embarking on the journey of scholarship essay writing is akin to crafting a personal narrative that resonates with the ethos of th...

Embarking on the journey of scholarship applications, one encounters the pivotal element of personal narratives. These narratives ...

Constructive criticism plays a pivotal role in the realm of article review writing. It serves as a bridge between the current stat...

Embarking on the journey of writing a term paper can be daunting. Yet, the key to a compelling paper lies in the bedrock of robust...

Embarking on the journey of term paper writing can be daunting. Yet, with a strategic approach, it transforms into an opportunity ...

Capstone projects represent the culmination of a student’s learning journey, a bridge between academic theories and real-wor...

Embarking on a capstone project presents a unique opportunity to blend academic research with practical application. This integrat...

Embarking on the journey of capstone project writing is akin to setting sail on a vast ocean of research and discovery. It’s...

The art of persuasion is often seen as a way to sway opinions and encourage action. It is a dance of rhetoric, where the persuader...

Deductive reasoning is a logical process where a conclusion is based on the concordance of multiple premises that are generally as...

  • 3000 word essay  
  • 500 word essay  
  • Accounting essay  
  • Admission Essay  
  • Advanced writers  
  • Analytical essay  
  • Annotated bibliography  
  • APA citation style  
  • Application essay  
  • Argumentative essay topics  
  • Business writing  
  • Cause and effect essay  
  • Classification essay  
  • College application essay  
  • Common app essay  
  • Comparative essay  
  • Cover Letter Writing  
  • Deductive Essay  
  • Definition Essay  
  • Descriptive essay  
  • Descriptive vs. narrative  
  • Essay about yourself  
  • Essay Questions  
  • Essay review  
  • Exploratory Essay Writing Help  
  • Expository essay  
  • Five paragraph essay  
  • High school vs. college  
  • Informal essay  
  • Marketing essay  
  • Personal essay  
  • Mastering the Art of the Persuasive Essay: Your Ultimate Guide  
  • Problem solution essay  
  • Process essay  
  • Reflective essay  
  • Research Proposal  
  • Response Essay  
  • Scholarship Essay  
  • Summary writing tips  
  • Term paper  
  • Writing styles  
  • Beware  
  • Testimonials  
  • How to Write a Thesis Proposal  
  • Expert Advice on How to Write a Dissertation or Thesis  
  • Top Tips on Rewriting  
  • Excellent Tips on Revision  
  • Exam Questions: Understanding the Different Types  
  • Fifteen Great Tips for Proofreading  
  • Ideas for Creating an Effective PowerPoint Presentation  
  • Great Tips to Help You Succeed in Online Tests  
  • Ten Essential Rules for Creating Multi-Choice Questions  
  • Formatting Papers in Accepted Academic Style  
  • Steps to Improve Your Written Work   
  • What Every Student Must Know about Dissertation Writing  
  • Literature Review Writing  
  • How to Write an Exclusive Results Section for Your Dissertation  
  • Writing a Methodology Section of Your Dissertation  

Please note!

Some text in the modal.

how to start a 200 word essay

Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay

Find the right college for you.

Writing an essay for college admission gives you a chance to use your authentic voice and show your personality. It's an excellent opportunity to personalize your application beyond your academic credentials, and a well-written essay can have a positive influence come decision time.

Want to know how to draft an essay for your college application ? Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing.

Tips for Essay Writing

A typical college application essay, also known as a personal statement, is 400-600 words. Although that may seem short, writing about yourself can be challenging. It's not something you want to rush or put off at the last moment. Think of it as a critical piece of the application process. Follow these tips to write an impactful essay that can work in your favor.

1. Start Early.

Few people write well under pressure. Try to complete your first draft a few weeks before you have to turn it in. Many advisers recommend starting as early as the summer before your senior year in high school. That way, you have ample time to think about the prompt and craft the best personal statement possible.

You don't have to work on your essay every day, but you'll want to give yourself time to revise and edit. You may discover that you want to change your topic or think of a better way to frame it. Either way, the sooner you start, the better.

2. Understand the Prompt and Instructions.

Before you begin the writing process, take time to understand what the college wants from you. The worst thing you can do is skim through the instructions and submit a piece that doesn't even fit the bare minimum requirements or address the essay topic. Look at the prompt, consider the required word count, and note any unique details each school wants.

3. Create a Strong Opener.

Students seeking help for their application essays often have trouble getting things started. It's a challenging writing process. Finding the right words to start can be the hardest part.

Spending more time working on your opener is always a good idea. The opening sentence sets the stage for the rest of your piece. The introductory paragraph is what piques the interest of the reader, and it can immediately set your essay apart from the others.

4. Stay on Topic.

One of the most important things to remember is to keep to the essay topic. If you're applying to 10 or more colleges, it's easy to veer off course with so many application essays.

A common mistake many students make is trying to fit previously written essays into the mold of another college's requirements. This seems like a time-saving way to avoid writing new pieces entirely, but it often backfires. The result is usually a final piece that's generic, unfocused, or confusing. Always write a new essay for every application, no matter how long it takes.

5. Think About Your Response.

Don't try to guess what the admissions officials want to read. Your essay will be easier to write─and more exciting to read─if you’re genuinely enthusiastic about your subject. Here’s an example: If all your friends are writing application essays about covid-19, it may be a good idea to avoid that topic, unless during the pandemic you had a vivid, life-changing experience you're burning to share. Whatever topic you choose, avoid canned responses. Be creative.

6. Focus on You.

Essay prompts typically give you plenty of latitude, but panel members expect you to focus on a subject that is personal (although not overly intimate) and particular to you. Admissions counselors say the best essays help them learn something about the candidate that they would never know from reading the rest of the application.

7. Stay True to Your Voice.

Use your usual vocabulary. Avoid fancy language you wouldn't use in real life. Imagine yourself reading this essay aloud to a classroom full of people who have never met you. Keep a confident tone. Be wary of words and phrases that undercut that tone.

8. Be Specific and Factual.

Capitalize on real-life experiences. Your essay may give you the time and space to explain why a particular achievement meant so much to you. But resist the urge to exaggerate and embellish. Admissions counselors read thousands of essays each year. They can easily spot a fake.

9. Edit and Proofread.

When you finish the final draft, run it through the spell checker on your computer. Then don’t read your essay for a few days. You'll be more apt to spot typos and awkward grammar when you reread it. After that, ask a teacher, parent, or college student (preferably an English or communications major) to give it a quick read. While you're at it, double-check your word count.

Writing essays for college admission can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. A well-crafted essay could be the deciding factor─in your favor. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll have no problem creating memorable pieces for every application.

What is the format of a college application essay?

Generally, essays for college admission follow a simple format that includes an opening paragraph, a lengthier body section, and a closing paragraph. You don't need to include a title, which will only take up extra space. Keep in mind that the exact format can vary from one college application to the next. Read the instructions and prompt for more guidance.

Most online applications will include a text box for your essay. If you're attaching it as a document, however, be sure to use a standard, 12-point font and use 1.5-spaced or double-spaced lines, unless the application specifies different font and spacing.

How do you start an essay?

The goal here is to use an attention grabber. Think of it as a way to reel the reader in and interest an admissions officer in what you have to say. There's no trick on how to start a college application essay. The best way you can approach this task is to flex your creative muscles and think outside the box.

You can start with openers such as relevant quotes, exciting anecdotes, or questions. Either way, the first sentence should be unique and intrigue the reader.

What should an essay include?

Every application essay you write should include details about yourself and past experiences. It's another opportunity to make yourself look like a fantastic applicant. Leverage your experiences. Tell a riveting story that fulfills the prompt.

What shouldn’t be included in an essay?

When writing a college application essay, it's usually best to avoid overly personal details and controversial topics. Although these topics might make for an intriguing essay, they can be tricky to express well. If you’re unsure if a topic is appropriate for your essay, check with your school counselor. An essay for college admission shouldn't include a list of achievements or academic accolades either. Your essay isn’t meant to be a rehashing of information the admissions panel can find elsewhere in your application.

How can you make your essay personal and interesting?

The best way to make your essay interesting is to write about something genuinely important to you. That could be an experience that changed your life or a valuable lesson that had an enormous impact on you. Whatever the case, speak from the heart, and be honest.

Is it OK to discuss mental health in an essay?

Mental health struggles can create challenges you must overcome during your education and could be an opportunity for you to show how you’ve handled challenges and overcome obstacles. If you’re considering writing your essay for college admission on this topic, consider talking to your school counselor or with an English teacher on how to frame the essay.

Related Articles

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Duke University

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

how to start a 200 word essay

How to Start a College Essay to Hook Your Reader

Do you know how to improve your profile for college applications.

See how your profile ranks among thousands of other students using CollegeVine. Calculate your chances at your dream schools and learn what areas you need to improve right now — it only takes 3 minutes and it's 100% free.

Show me what areas I need to improve

What’s Covered:

What is the purpose of the college essay introduction, tips for getting started on your essay, 6 effective techniques for starting your college essay.

  • Cliche College Essay Introduction to Avoid

Where to Get Your Essay Edited for Free

Have you sat down to write your essay and just hit a wall of writer’s block? Do you have too many ideas running around your head, or maybe no ideas at all?

Starting a college essay is potentially the hardest part of the application process. Once you start, it’s easy to keep writing, but that initial hurdle is just so difficult to overcome. We’ve put together a list of tips to help you jump that wall and make your essay the best it can be.

The introduction to a college essay should immediately hook the reader. You want to give admissions officers a reason to stay interested in your story and encourage them to continue reading your essay with an open mind. Remember that admissions officers are only able to spend a couple minutes per essay, so if you bore them or turn them off from the start, they may clock out for the rest of the essay.

As a whole, the college essay should aim to portray a part of your personality that hasn’t been covered by your GPA, extracurriculars, and test scores. This makes the introduction a crucial part of the essay. Think of it as the first glimpse, an intriguing lead on, into the read rest of your essay which also showcases your voice and personality. 

Brainstorm Topics

Take the time to sit down and brainstorm some good topic ideas for your essay. You want your topic to be meaningful to you, while also displaying a part of you that isn’t apparent in other aspects of your application. The essay is an opportunity to show admissions officers the “real you.” If you have a topic in mind, do not feel pressured to start with the introduction. Sometimes the best essay openings are developed last, once you fully grasp the flow of your story.

Do a Freewrite

Give yourself permission to write without judgment for an allotted period of time. For each topic you generated in your brainstorm session, do a free-write session. Set a time for one minute and write down whatever comes to mind for that specific topic. This will help get the juices flowing and push you over that initial bit of writer’s block that’s so common when it comes time to write a college essay. Repeat this exercise if you’re feeling stuck at any point during the essay writing process. Freewriting is a great way to warm up your creative writing brain whilst seeing which topics are flowing more naturally onto the page.

Create an Outline

Once you’ve chosen your topic, write an outline for your whole essay. It’s easier to organize all your thoughts, write the body, and then go back to write the introduction. That way, you already know the direction you want your essay to go because you’ve actually written it out, and you can ensure that your introduction leads directly into the rest of the essay. Admissions officers are looking for the quality of your writing alongside the content of your essay. To be prepared for college-level writing, students should understand how to logically structure an essay. By creating an outline, you are setting yourself up to be judged favorably on the quality of your writing skills.

1. The Scriptwriter

“No! Make it stop! Get me out!” My 5-year-old self waved my arms frantically in front of my face in the darkened movie theater.

Starting your essay with dialogue instantly transports the reader into the story, while also introducing your personal voice. In the rest of the essay, the author proposes a class that introduces people to insects as a type of food. Typically, one would begin directly with the course proposal. However, the author’s inclusion of this flashback weaves in a personal narrative, further displaying her true self.

Read the full essay.

2. The Shocker

A chaotic sense of sickness and filth unfolds in an overcrowded border station in McAllen, Texas. Through soundproof windows, migrants motion that they have not showered in weeks, and children wear clothes caked in mucus and tears. The humanitarian crisis at the southern border exists not only in photographs published by mainstream media, but miles from my home in South Texas.

This essay opener is also a good example of “The Vivid Imaginer.” In this case, the detailed imagery only serves to heighten the shock factor. While people may be aware of the “humanitarian crisis at the southern border,” reading about it in such stark terms is bound to capture the reader’s attention. Through this hook, the reader learns a bit about the author’s home life; an aspect of the student that may not be detailed elsewhere in their application. The rest of the essay goes on to talk about the author’s passion for aiding refugees, and this initial paragraph immediately establishes the author’s personal connection to the refugee crisis.

3. The Vivid Imaginer

The air is crisp and cool, nipping at my ears as I walk under a curtain of darkness that drapes over the sky, starless. It is a Friday night in downtown Corpus Christi, a rare moment of peace in my home city filled with the laughter of strangers and colorful lights of street vendors. But I cannot focus. 

Starting off with a bit of well-written imagery transports the reader to wherever you want to take them. By putting them in this context with you, you allow the reader to closely understand your thoughts and emotions in this situation. Additionally, this method showcases the author’s individual way of looking at the world, a personal touch that is the baseline of all college essays.

how to start a 200 word essay

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

4. The Instant Plunger

The flickering LED lights began to form into a face of a man when I focused my eyes. The man spoke of a ruthless serial killer of the decade who had been arrested in 2004, and my parents shivered at his reaccounting of the case. I curiously tuned in, wondering who he was to speak of such crimes with concrete composure and knowledge. Later, he introduced himself as a profiler named Pyo Chang Won, and I watched the rest of the program by myself without realizing that my parents had left the couch.

Plunging readers into the middle of a story (also known as in medias res ) is an effective hook because it captures attention by placing the reader directly into the action. The descriptive imagery in the first sentence also helps to immerse the reader, creating a satisfying hook while also showing (instead of telling) how the author became interested in criminology. With this technique, it is important to “zoom out,” so to speak, in such a way that the essay remains personal to you.

5. The Philosopher 

Saved in the Notes app on my phone are three questions: What can I know? What must I do? What may I hope for? First asked by Immanuel Kant, these questions guide my pursuit of knowledge and organization of critical thought, both skills that are necessary to move our country and society forward in the right direction.

Posing philosophical questions helps present you as someone with deep ideas while also guiding the focus of your essay. In a way, it presents the reader with a roadmap; they know that these questions provide the theme for the rest of the essay. The more controversial the questions, the more gripping a hook you can create. 

Providing an answer to these questions is not necessarily as important as making sure that the discussions they provoke really showcase you and your own values and beliefs.

6. The Storyteller

One Christmas morning, when I was nine, I opened a snap circuit set from my grandmother. Although I had always loved math and science, I didn’t realize my passion for engineering until I spent the rest of winter break creating different circuits to power various lights, alarms, and sensors. Even after I outgrew the toy, I kept the set in my bedroom at home and knew I wanted to study engineering.

Beginning with an anecdote is a strong way to establish a meaningful connection with the content itself. It also shows that the topic you write about has been a part of your life for a significant amount of time, and something that college admissions officers look for in activities is follow-through; they want to make sure that you are truly interested in something. A personal story such as the one above shows off just that.

Cliche College Essay Introductions to Avoid

Ambiguous introduction.

It’s best to avoid introductory sentences that don’t seem to really say anything at all, such as “Science plays a large role in today’s society,” or “X has existed since the beginning of time.” Statements like these, in addition to being extremely common, don’t demonstrate anything about you, the author. Without a personal connection to you right away, it’s easy for the admissions officer to write off the essay before getting past the first sentence.

Quoting Someone Famous

While having a quotation by a famous author, celebrity, or someone else you admire may seem like a good way to allow the reader to get to know you, these kinds of introductions are actually incredibly overused. You also risk making your essay all about the quotation and the famous person who said it; admissions officers want to get to know you, your beliefs, and your values, not someone who isn’t applying to their school. There are some cases where you may actually be asked to write about a quotation, and that’s fine, but you should avoid starting your essay with someone else’s words outside of this case. It is fine, however, to start with dialogue to plunge your readers into a specific moment.

Talking About Writing an Essay

This method is also very commonplace and is thus best avoided. It’s better to show, not tell, and all this method allows you to do is tell the reader how you were feeling at the time of writing the essay. If you do feel compelled to go this way, make sure to include vivid imagery and focus on grounding the essay in the five senses, which can help elevate your introduction and separate it from the many other meta essays.

Childhood Memories

Phrases like “Ever since I was young…” or “I’ve always wanted…” also lend more to telling rather than showing. If you want to talk about your childhood or past feelings in your essay, try using one of the techniques listed earlier (such as the Instant Plunger or the Vivid Imaginer) to elevate your writing.

CollegeVine has a peer essay review page where peers can tell you if your introduction was enough to hook them. Getting feedback from someone who hasn’t read your essay before, and thus doesn’t have any context which may bias them to be more forgiving to your introduction, is helpful because it mimics the same environment in which an admissions officer will be reading your essay. 

Writing a college essay is hard, but with these tips hopefully starting it will be a little easier!

how to start a 200 word essay

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

how to start a 200 word essay

  • Applying For Scholarships

How to Write a Great 250-Word Essay

David Dec 14, 2017

How to Write a Great 250-Word Essay

Get our best scholarship practices, insights & tips delivered to your inbox

Thank you for subscribing!

In college, there are many instances where you may be required to write a 250-word essay – your application, exam questions, small writing prompts, etc. A 250-word limit may seem like a novel to some, but others find it difficult to get their point across with so few words. In this guide, we will look at a 250-word essay example, along with tips on how to write a great 250-word essay.   Bonus: Need to write a longer essay? See this guide on how to write a 500-word essay

The Basic Format of a 250-Word Essay

All essays consist of the same three parts: an introduction with a thesis, a body paragraph or body paragraphs that support the thesis, and a concluding paragraph that summarizes the overall essay.

In 250 words, you will most likely have 3-4 paragraphs in total, each with 50-100 words. This will allow for 3-5 concise but detailed sentences per paragraph.

A Step-by-Step 250-Word Essay Example

To help visualize this process, let’s go ahead and write a simple 250-word essay.  You’ll see our writing sample in green and our explanation of what we did (and what can be done) with each section in normal text.

The fastest path to earning scholarships

Simplify and focus your application process with the one-stop platform for vetted scholarships.

Without further ado, let’s get started on our essay!

TOPIC:  How has your family upbringing influenced your educational goals?

Step 1 – Write Your Thesis

Your thesis is the first thing you should consider in your essay. Simply put, it’s the main idea of your essay that will control everything else you write. If you could summarize the question in just one sentence, how would you do it?

For our topic   How has your family upbringing influenced your educational goals?  our thesis will be:

My parents saw little value in a formal education. It was their lack of passion that led me to my educational goals.

Step 2 – Write Your Introduction

In the introduction, the first sentence can be a broad or general statement that sets the tone for the piece. It is usually supported by a second sentence that leads into the thesis. The optional third sentence may pose a question that the thesis aims to answer, or it may prompt the reader to think about the topic in a different light. The final sentence of the intro paragraph clearly establishes the thesis.

As a general rule of thumb, the introduction should go from broad to specific, sentence by sentence, gradually leading up to your thesis. Here’s a sample example of an introductory paragraph.

Parents are supposed to push you past your goals, or at least, that’s what I always believed. I was raised in the generation of “you can do anything if you put your mind to it.” My parents did not follow that philosophy, and they saw little value in a formal education. It was their lack of passion that led me to my educational goals.

Word count:  Introductory paragraph, 64 words.

Easy Scholarships

Easy scholarships? Yes, you’ve come to the right place! This mind-blowing guide to easy scholarships will give you info on every kind of easy scholarship including no essay, weird, social media scholarships, scholarship sweepstakes, no GPA & more! Learn how to win these easy scholarships…

READ THE GUIDE

Step 3 – Write The Body Paragraph(s)

Next, we’ll continue with the body paragraph. Remember, body paragraphs should support the thesis and be about 3-5 sentences or 50-100 words long. In a short essay you may opt for only one body paragraph but in a longer one you may need more.

So how should your body paragraphs support your thesis? Think of each body paragraph as an argument that supports it.

Working with our thesis   “My parents never saw the value of formal education and that’s what lead me to my educational goals” , then each paragraph could be about   how not seeing the value of formal education led to the writer pursuing it.

For example, maybe the writer didn’t want to end up in the same work as their parents. Or maybe it was the parents’ lack of belief in the writer that pushed them to pursue a better future.

Let’s have a look at what a body paragraph can look like for our 250 word essay.

From as far back as I can remember, I knew I didn’t want to follow in the footsteps of my parents, at least not when it came to work. My father had worked on the family farm all his life and my mother had been a housewife since graduation. They were both content with the simplicity of their lives and wanted the same for me. I remember my father telling me that college was “expensive and a waste of four years”.  I knew however, that I wanted a career in the city that would be more challenging than simple farm life could provide. The only way to make that possible would be through formal education and a college degree. 

Word count:  Body paragraph 119 words. Total essay is now 181 words.

Step 4 – Summarize with a Conclusion

The final paragraph is the conclusion. You may start this paragraph with “To summarize,” “As evident by X, Y, and Z,”  or a similar statement that highlights the biggest points in your essay. Use the conclusion paragraph to sum up the main point of your essay using different words. The last sentence can be something broad that leaves the reader wondering. Let’s see how we can write a conclusion for our sample essay.

While my parents may not understand the value of formal education, I know it is essential for my future. This has helped me immensely, by making me realize that without strong parental support, I’m the only one who’s responsible for my own goals. In a way this has been the strongest source of motivation. And for that, I am forever grateful.  

Notice how we summarize the main point of the essay in the first sentence. We then connect the first sentence to the a conclusion we arrive at. Finally we end in an optimistic tone by stating how this has been helpful and we are grateful. Unlike the introduction paragraph, which flows from broad sentences to specific, a conclusion generally flows the opposite way, from specific sentences to broader concepts.

Word count: Concluding paragraph 61 words. Total essay is now 242 words. 

Sure, we came up 8 words short. But being that close should not be considered an issue. If for some reason you are required to write 250 words minimum, you can make the essay longer by sprinkling in a few extra words.

The Entire 250-word Essay  Altogether

Parents are supposed to push you past your goals, or at least, that’s what I always believed. I was raised in the generation of “you can do anything if you put your mind to it.” My parents did not follow that philosophy, and they saw little value in a formal education. It was their lack of passion that led me to my educational goals. From as far back as I can remember, I knew I didn’t want to follow in the footsteps of my parents, at least not when it came to work. My father had worked on the family farm all his life and my mother had been a housewife since graduation. They were both content with the simplicity of their lives and wanted the same for me. I remember my father telling me that college was “expensive and a waste of four years”.  I knew however, that I wanted a career in the city that would be more challenging than simple farm life could provide. The only way to make that possible would be through formal education and a college degree.  While my parents may not understand the value of formal education, I know it is essential for my future. This has helped me immensely by making me realize that without strong parental support, I’m the only one who’s responsible for my own goals. In a way this has been the strongest source of motivation. And for that, I am forever grateful.  

Should I Write More Than 250 Words or Less Than 250 Words?

When a professor or college entry application asks for a “250 word essay,” 250 words is generally a rough guide. No one is going to fail you if you go over or under the limit by a few words. We’d say a good gauge is plus or minus 50 words. As a general rule of thumb though, try to stay as close to 250 words as possible without going too far over or under.

Essay Writing Tips

Here are some quick tips for writing a great 250-word essay:

  • Write the first draft from start to finish without any pauses. This will make the writing sound fluid, and you can make adjustments after that.
  • Avoid over-editing your work. Ideally, you should take a long pause between editing sessions so you can clear your head and come back with a fresh perspective.
  • Try not to think about the word count too much. Once you get in the habit of writing four 3-5 sentence paragraphs, you’ll find your words naturally get close to 250.
  • Don’t throw fluff sentences in your essay. Professors see right through those. Instead, think of an additional sentence to enhance the support in your body paragraphs.
  • If you feel like you have concisely and sufficiently answered the question below the word count, trust your gut. Most instructors will value quality over quantity.

The more 250-word essays you write, the easier they will become. Feel free to practice with free essay prompts online to train your brain to write with this rhythm. You’ll soon be able to whip out 250 words without checking your word count!

YOU SHOULD ALSO READ

How to Write a Great 500 Word Essay

Why I Deserve This Scholarship Essay Examples

Financial Need Scholarship Essay Examples

Scholarship Essay Examples – Career Goals

How to Write a Scholarship Motivation Letter

About Yourself Scholarship Essay Examples

  • Scholarship Essay

David Tabachnikov ScholarshipOwl

David Tabachnikov is the CEO of ScholarshipOwl. Formerly at Waze and Google, David is an experienced CTO/R&D manager with over 10 years of experience of leading tech teams. David fervently believes that students should have greater access to education, and is passionate about using technology to help them achieve that goal.

Related Stories View All

Dr. Pepper Scholarship

Dr. Pepper Scholarship

38 Ohio Scholarships You Can Win Today

38 Ohio Scholarships You Can Win Today

Senior Year of High School Checklist (2023)

Senior Year of High School Checklist (2023)

Get started with scholarshipowl.

Simplify and focus your application process with the one-stop platform for vetted scholarships

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

  • Knowledge Base
  • How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An argumentative essay expresses an extended argument for a particular thesis statement . The author takes a clearly defined stance on their subject and builds up an evidence-based case for it.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

upload-your-document-ai-proofreader

Table of contents

When do you write an argumentative essay, approaches to argumentative essays, introducing your argument, the body: developing your argument, concluding your argument, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about argumentative essays.

You might be assigned an argumentative essay as a writing exercise in high school or in a composition class. The prompt will often ask you to argue for one of two positions, and may include terms like “argue” or “argument.” It will frequently take the form of a question.

The prompt may also be more open-ended in terms of the possible arguments you could make.

Argumentative writing at college level

At university, the vast majority of essays or papers you write will involve some form of argumentation. For example, both rhetorical analysis and literary analysis essays involve making arguments about texts.

In this context, you won’t necessarily be told to write an argumentative essay—but making an evidence-based argument is an essential goal of most academic writing, and this should be your default approach unless you’re told otherwise.

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

At a university level, all the prompts below imply an argumentative essay as the appropriate response.

Your research should lead you to develop a specific position on the topic. The essay then argues for that position and aims to convince the reader by presenting your evidence, evaluation and analysis.

  • Don’t just list all the effects you can think of.
  • Do develop a focused argument about the overall effect and why it matters, backed up by evidence from sources.
  • Don’t just provide a selection of data on the measures’ effectiveness.
  • Do build up your own argument about which kinds of measures have been most or least effective, and why.
  • Don’t just analyze a random selection of doppelgänger characters.
  • Do form an argument about specific texts, comparing and contrasting how they express their thematic concerns through doppelgänger characters.

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

  • Academic style
  • Vague sentences
  • Style consistency

See an example

how to start a 200 word essay

An argumentative essay should be objective in its approach; your arguments should rely on logic and evidence, not on exaggeration or appeals to emotion.

There are many possible approaches to argumentative essays, but there are two common models that can help you start outlining your arguments: The Toulmin model and the Rogerian model.

Toulmin arguments

The Toulmin model consists of four steps, which may be repeated as many times as necessary for the argument:

  • Make a claim
  • Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim
  • Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim)
  • Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives

The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays. You don’t have to use these specific terms (grounds, warrants, rebuttals), but establishing a clear connection between your claims and the evidence supporting them is crucial in an argumentative essay.

Say you’re making an argument about the effectiveness of workplace anti-discrimination measures. You might:

  • Claim that unconscious bias training does not have the desired results, and resources would be better spent on other approaches
  • Cite data to support your claim
  • Explain how the data indicates that the method is ineffective
  • Anticipate objections to your claim based on other data, indicating whether these objections are valid, and if not, why not.

Rogerian arguments

The Rogerian model also consists of four steps you might repeat throughout your essay:

  • Discuss what the opposing position gets right and why people might hold this position
  • Highlight the problems with this position
  • Present your own position , showing how it addresses these problems
  • Suggest a possible compromise —what elements of your position would proponents of the opposing position benefit from adopting?

This model builds up a clear picture of both sides of an argument and seeks a compromise. It is particularly useful when people tend to disagree strongly on the issue discussed, allowing you to approach opposing arguments in good faith.

Say you want to argue that the internet has had a positive impact on education. You might:

  • Acknowledge that students rely too much on websites like Wikipedia
  • Argue that teachers view Wikipedia as more unreliable than it really is
  • Suggest that Wikipedia’s system of citations can actually teach students about referencing
  • Suggest critical engagement with Wikipedia as a possible assignment for teachers who are skeptical of its usefulness.

You don’t necessarily have to pick one of these models—you may even use elements of both in different parts of your essay—but it’s worth considering them if you struggle to structure your arguments.

Regardless of which approach you take, your essay should always be structured using an introduction , a body , and a conclusion .

Like other academic essays, an argumentative essay begins with an introduction . The introduction serves to capture the reader’s interest, provide background information, present your thesis statement , and (in longer essays) to summarize the structure of the body.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

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

The body of an argumentative essay is where you develop your arguments in detail. Here you’ll present evidence, analysis, and reasoning to convince the reader that your thesis statement is true.

In the standard five-paragraph format for short essays, the body takes up three of your five paragraphs. In longer essays, it will be more paragraphs, and might be divided into sections with headings.

Each paragraph covers its own topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Each of these topics must contribute to your overall argument; don’t include irrelevant information.

This example paragraph takes a Rogerian approach: It first acknowledges the merits of the opposing position and then highlights problems with that position.

Hover over different parts of the example to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

An argumentative essay ends with a conclusion that summarizes and reflects on the arguments made in the body.

No new arguments or evidence appear here, but in longer essays you may discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your argument and suggest topics for future research. In all conclusions, you should stress the relevance and importance of your argument.

Hover over the following example to see the typical elements of a conclusion.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

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

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

College essays

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

 (AI) Tools

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

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

The majority of the essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Unless otherwise specified, you can assume that the goal of any essay you’re asked to write is argumentative: To convince the reader of your position using evidence and reasoning.

In composition classes you might be given assignments that specifically test your ability to write an argumentative essay. Look out for prompts including instructions like “argue,” “assess,” or “discuss” to see if this is the goal.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips. Scribbr. Retrieved July 29, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/argumentative-essay/

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Jack Caulfield

Other students also liked, how to write a thesis statement | 4 steps & examples, how to write topic sentences | 4 steps, examples & purpose, how to write an expository essay, "i thought ai proofreading was useless but..".

I've been using Scribbr for years now and I know it's a service that won't disappoint. It does a good job spotting mistakes”

  • AI Content Shield
  • AI KW Research
  • AI Assistant
  • SEO Optimizer
  • AI KW Clustering
  • Customer reviews
  • The NLO Revolution
  • Press Center
  • Help Center
  • Content Resources
  • Facebook Group

Writing an Effective 200-Word Essay: 6 Tips

Table of Contents

A 200-word essay should convey an idea or message that is brief and easy to follow. The topic sentence should be concise.

You must be able to convey your thoughts within the given space effectively . Each point should make sense and keep your readers engaged.

This article answers the question “how long is a 200-word essay “.

Some students have difficulty writing longer essays and writing enough words to achieve the required word count. However, others must write shorter ones.

It is quite challenging to write essays of 200 words as it requires conveying complex messages in four to five short paragraphs.

Any essay aims to get readers hooked and engaged in the topic. Your writing must create a reaction from the readers and provide a view of the major ideas and arguments. The following tips will guide you through the process of writing an excellent essay.

1. Select a compelling topic

Select a topic that you are most comfortable with that interests you. Choose an area of expertise or something that you can relate to.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if you’re very knowledgeable about the topic chosen, but it must be something you feel passionate about.

You want to select a topic that will keep readers interested, so check out your topic from many angles. If you’re interested in the topic, it will be easy to determine good resources.

2. Research

Once you’ve chosen a good topic, you should explore it a little to ensure you have relevant statistics and facts.

This will facilitate your work and increase your chances of being credible. Spend some time researching the subject. It’s a good idea to ensure that you have in-depth knowledge of this topic to present it.

Look for the appropriate keywords and make the most out of relevant information for your essay.

3. Stay focused on the topic.

You want to focus on your topic, and take a deeper approach to it. Narrow your focus by outlining your thesis.

A well-written essay should have a thesis statement that informs the reader about what to expect. It can be the bridge to your paper and give the reader a focus on the topic.

Stick to the thesis; do not mention unnecessary points in the essay.

4. Follow an outline.

An outline can serve as a road map to help guide you through your writing. Once you have an idea of which points you want to make in your essay, it’s best to begin writing your outline.

You can write a separate outline for each paragraph or stick with one general outline that works for the whole essay.

5. Create a Structure

Don’t jump into writing an essay blindly without understanding what the paper is supposed to do. Even if the document is 200 words, it needs a compelling structure, as with any other essay.

Create a structure for your essay, and make sure each paragraph is tightly focused on a particular point within the overarching theme. A good structure will ensure a clear, concise message.

Think of the structure as a roadmap. Each section’s primary goal/purpose is to lead readers to a solid central idea.

An introduction, a body, and a conclusion are important sections for your essay. The introduction should provide the reader with a sense of purpose. Give a brief description of the main ideas and points to be discussed.

The body should discuss the ideas and points of the essay in detail. Discuss each concept in a separate paragraph. The conclusion should summarize what you have discussed in the paper.

6. Write briefly with concision

Use straightforward language that is efficient. Concision will help avoid confusion of the reader as they will follow the logic of your writing without getting lost.

Remember to stick to the required word count. Your text can be effective even with fewer words. Try not to repeat the points you have stated previously. Don’t write too much in the paper, otherwise you risk losing control of the writing.

Type of font used, font size, spacing, margins on paper and paragraph length will determine the number of pages an essay will occupy.

A 200-word essay is a short essay that would usually occupy 3-5 paragraphs. It will mostly contain less than 1 page of typed work. Generally, the number of pages will vary slightly based on your text processing software and settings.

Still, you can expect similar results with conventional page margins and a 12-point Arial or Times New Roman font.

When writing your essay, focus on making a solid argument about the subject. A 200-word essay might be short, but you can create a compelling piece with the right words and vocabulary.

The tips highlighted in this article will help you achieve an effective essay while maintaining the required word count.

Writing an Effective 200-Word Essay: 6 Tips

Pam is an expert grammarian with years of experience teaching English, writing and ESL Grammar courses at the university level. She is enamored with all things language and fascinated with how we use words to shape our world.

Explore All Long-form Articles

Write longer essays with these tips.

Almost all advice about how to make your essay longer tells you to do gimmicky things that will lead to…

Write a Unique 2000 Words Article in Record Time

Writing a 2000 words article in a short period can seem like an impossible dream for many writers. Are you…

The Ultimate Guide to How Long Should a Blog post be

How long should a blog post be is an often asked question. The answers are different according to whom you…

Interesting Basic Tips How to Make Your Essay Better

There might be a lot of tips you see online on how to make your essay better. An essay is…

The Longform Article: Why you need it

The longform article is meant to solve problems. But should you use long form pieces for every business problem? Keep…

How Many Pages is 3000 Words: A Key to Convert Word Count

To start, let’s define what a standard 3,000-word essay should look like. How many pages is 3000 words falls anywhere…

  • ALL ARTICLES
  • How To Study Effectively
  • Motivation & Stress
  • Smarter Study Habits
  • Memorise Faster
  • Ace The Exam
  • Write Better Essays
  • Easiest AP Classes Ranked
  • Outsmart Your Exams
  • Outsmart Your Studies
  • Recommended Reads
  • For Your Students: Revision Workshops
  • For Your Teaching Staff: Memory Science CPD
  • Our Research: The Revision Census
  • All Courses & Resources
  • For School Students and Their Parents
  • For University Students
  • For Professionals Taking Exams
  • Study Smarter Network
  • Testimonials

Exam Study Expert

How To Start A Paragraph: 200+ Important Words And Phrases

by Kerri-Anne Edinburgh | Last updated Jun 27, 2024 | First published on Aug 3, 2022 | 0 comments

There’s a lot to get right when you’re writing an essay. And a particularly important skill is knowing how to start a paragraph effectively. That first sentence counts!

Luckily for you, we’ve compiled HEAPS of advice, example phrases and top connective words to help you transition between paragraphs and guide your reader with ease.

So read on for a pick ’n’ mix of how to start a paragraph examples!

Paragraphs: the lowdown

So why exactly are paragraphs such an important tool for writing effectively ? Well:

  • They’re an important part of keeping your reader captivated
  • They help your reader to follow your argument or narrative
  • And they keep your writing in easily digestible chunks of information!

And an important part of all that is nailing the start of your paragraphs . Honestly!

Start off strong and your reader will know exactly what you’re going to do next and how your information interrelates. Top marks here you come – and for the low, low cost of some clever vocab!

Start your paragraphs off weakly however, without setting up effective signposting and transitions , and they’ll get lost and ( horror !) might have to re-read your essay to make sense of it. Ugh.

how to start a 200 word essay

What should your paragraphs contain?

If you’re writing an academic essay, there are a lot of popular conventions and guides about what a paragraph should include.

Academic writing guides favour well-developed paragraphs that are unified, coherent, contain a topic sentence, and provide adequate development of your idea. They should be long enough to fully discuss and analyse your idea and evidence.

And remember – you should ALWAYS start a new paragraph for each new idea or point .

You can read more about paragraph break guidelines in our helpful what is a paragraph article! If you’re wondering how long your paragraphs should be , check out our guideline article.

Paragraph structure (the PEEL method)

Academic paragraphs often follow a common structure , designed to guide your reader through your argument – although not all the time ! It goes like this:

  • Start with a “topic sentence”
  • Give 1-2 sentences of supporting evidence for (or against) your argument
  • Next, write a sentence analysing this evidence with respect to your argument or topic sentence
  • Finally, conclude by explaining the significance of this stance, or providing a transition to the next paragraph

(A quick definition: A “topic sentence” introduces the idea your paragraph will focus upon and makes summarising easy. It can occur anywhere but placing it at the start increases readability for your audience. )

One popular acronym for creating well-developed academic paragraphs is PEEL . This stands for Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link . Using this method makes it easy to remember what your paragraph should include.

  • I.e. your point (the topic sentence), some evidence and analysis of how it supports your point, and a transitional link back to your essay question or forwards to your next paragraph.

NOTE : You shouldn’t start all your paragraphs the same way OR start every sentence in your paragraph with the same word – it’s distracting and won’t earn you good marks from your reader.

How to create clarity for your readers

Paragraphs are awesome tools for increasing clarity and readability in your writing. They provide visual markers for our eyes and box written content into easily digestible chunks.

But you still need to start them off strongly . Do this job well, and you can seamlessly guide your readers through the narrative or argument of your writing.

The first sentence of your paragraph is an important tool for creating that clarity . You can create links with the surrounding paragraphs and signal the purpose of this paragraph for your reader.

  • Transitions show the links and relationships between the ideas you’re presenting: addition, contrast, sequential, conclusion, emphasis, example/citation
  • Connective words help you to join together multiple paragraphs in a sequence
  • Note: there is quite a lot of overlap in vocabulary! Some transitions are also great signposts etc.

Tip : Don’t overuse them! These techniques can make your writing sounds more professional and less like spoken language by smoothing over jarring jumps between topics. But using too many will make your writing stilted.

A common term that encompasses these three tools is “ sentence starter ”. They are typically set apart from the body of your sentence by a comma.

You can learn more about these key skills in our two helpful articles linked above – or explore a range of other writing skills advice, such as how to start an essay , structure an essay , and proofread an essay effectively!

Picking the right tone

It is important that the paragraph-starting phrases and connective words you choose complement the style of your writing and the conventions of the subject you are writing for .

For example, scientific papers usually have much clearer and expected structure and signposting conventions than arts and humanities papers.

If you’re unsure, it’s best to check some of the sources you’ve researched for your essay, explore the relevant academic style guide, or get help from a teacher – ask them for some examples!

Getting your grammar right

Grammatical conventions can be a minefield, but they’re worth remembering if you want to get top marks!

If you’re looking to increase the clarity of your writing and paragraphs, make sure you pick the right spot for your commas and colons .

For example, when you’re starting a new paragraph, many of the common signposting words and phrases require a comma. These include: however, therefore, moreover, what’s more, firstly, secondly, finally, likewise, for example, in general … (and more!).

These phrases should always be followed by a comma if it’s at the start of a sentence, or separated with a comma before and after like this if placed mid-sentence:

However, we cannot say for sure what happened here. We know, for example, that X claims to have lost the icon.

A word about “ this ” (a tip for really great writing)

As you start writing your paragraphs (and even sentences), you might be tempted to kick off with the word “ this” – as in the classic “ this shows that … ”.

But that’s not a great idea.

Why ? Academic essays aim should aim for maximum clarity, and “ this ” is just vague !

What’s important is that the connections that are clear to you , the writer (who is – hopefully – intimately familiar with your argument), are ALSO clear to your reader , who has probably never read your essay before.

Just imagine, your reader might be muttering “this what??” as they read, and then having to re-read the paragraph and the paragraph before to check … which is not ideal for getting good marks.

In complex documents (especially essays and theses) where a lot of information is presented at once, the points you’re referencing might be spread across several paragraphs of evidence and argument-building. So, unless your sentence/paragraph-starting “this” follows on immediately from the point it references, it’s best to try a different phrase.

And all it really takes is a little signposting and clarification to avoid the vagueness of “ this shows that ”. Ask yourself “ this WHAT shows that? ” And just point out what you’re referencing – and be obvious ! 

Here’s some examples:

infographic on how to avoid vague pronouns when starting new paragraphs

You can also do a similar exercise with “ they ” and other demonstrative pronouns (that, these, those).

Specifying what your pronouns refer to will great help to increase the clarity of your (topic) sentences . And as an added bonus, your writing will also sound more sophisticated!

What type of paragraph are you starting?

When it comes to essay writing, there’s usually an expected structure: introduction, body (evidence and analysis) and conclusion .

With other genres of writing your paragraphs might not conform to such

Consider the structure of your paragraph. What do you want it to do? What is the topic? Do you want to open with your topic sentence?

How to start an introductory paragraph

Nailing the introduction of your essay is simultaneously one of the most important and hardest sections to write . A great introduction should set up your topic and explain why it’s significant.

One of the primary goals of an effective introduction is to clearly state your “ thesis statement ” (what your essay is about, and what you are setting out to achieve with your argument).

A popular (and easy) technique to start an introduction is to begin your first paragraph by immediately stating your thesis statement .

Here’s some examples of how to start a paragraph with your thesis statement:

  • This paper discusses …
  • In this paper, you will find …
  • This essay argues that …
  • This thesis will evaluate …
  • This article will explore the complex socio-political factors that contributed to the decline of the Roman Empire between the reign of Constantine (312-337AD) and the fall of Rome in 476AD .

However, starting your introductory paragraph effectively is not all about immediately stating your thesis!

So head over to our great article on how to start an essay , for lots of more advice and examples on how to kick off your introductions and capture your reader’s attention with style!

how to start a 200 word essay

How to start a body paragraph

Unless you’re writing an introduction or conclusion, you’ll be writing a “body paragraph”. Body paragraphs make up the majority of your essay, and should include all of your main points, data, evidence, analysis, deductions and arguments.

Each paragraph should have a particular purpose and be centred around one idea . Your body paragraphs might be analytical, evidential, persuasive, descriptive etc.

To help your reader make sense of the body of your essay, it’s important to guide them with signposts and transitions. These usually occur at the start of your paragraphs to demonstrate their relationship to preceding information.

However, that means there are LOTS of different techniques for starting your body paragraphs! So for 200+ words and phrases for effectively starting a body paragraph, simply keep reading!

How to start a concluding paragraph

Concluding paragraphs are a little different to other paragraphs because they shouldn’t be presenting new evidence or arguments . Instead, you’re aiming to draw your arguments together neatly, and tie up loose ends.

You might find them as part of a smaller sub-section within a longer academic dissertation or thesis. Or as part of the conclusion of your essay.

When starting your conclusion it’s always a great idea to let your reader know they’ve arrived by signposting its purpose . This is especially true if your essay doesn’t contain any headers!

Here are some examples of how to kick off your concluding paragraph:

  • In conclusion, this paper has shown that …
  • In summary, we have found that …
  • A review of these analyses indicates that …
  • To conclude, this essay has demonstrated that we must act immediately if we want to halt the drastic dwindling of our global bee population.

How to start a paragraph: 200+ top words and phrases for a winning first sentence

Choosing the best start for your paragraph is all about understanding the purpose of this paragraph within the wider context of the preceding (and following) paragraphs and your essay as a whole.

Where does it fit into the structure of your essay? Is it:

  • Opening a new topic or theme?
  • Providing explanations or descriptions?
  • Continuing a list or sequence?
  • Providing evidence?
  • Presenting a different opinion or counter-argument?
  • Beginning an analysis?
  • Highlighting consequences?
  • Drawing a conclusion?

It’s important to be direct in how you start each paragraph – especially if you’re struggling to get your point across!

The best way to craft a killer first sentence is to be clear on what you want it to do . We’ve covered 12 options below, packed with vocab and examples to get you started …

And don’t forget to consider when you should start a new paragraph , and how long you want your paragraphs to be . Where you place your paragraph breaks will have a big effect on the kind of starting sentence you need !

Finally – remember that the best time to craft effective opening sentences is after you’ve written your first draft and decided on your paragraph breaks! You should already have all your ideas arranged into a logical order.

Showing structure and presenting concepts

This first type of paragraphs are commonly found throughout your essay, whether you’re introducing your ideas, providing evidence and data, or presenting results.

There a lots of useful types of connective words and phrases to help you kick off your paragraphs with clarity:

infographic with 200 connective words to help you start a paragraph

Most notable are the sequential signposting words , which you can use throughout your essay to guide your reader through the steps of your argument, or a list of related evidence, for example.

If you’re looking for something a little more specific, read on for four sets of example academic phrases to use to start a paragraph!

1.       Starting or continuing a sequence

One of the most important types of transitional phrases to help you start a paragraph is a sequential transition . These signposting transitions are great for academic arguments because they help you to present your points in order, without the reader getting lost along the way.

Sequential connectives and transitions create order within your narrative by highlighting the temporal relationship between your paragraphs. Think lists of events or evidence , or setting out the steps in your narrative .

You’ll often find them in combination with other paragraph-starting phrases ( have a look at the examples below to spot them !)

Why not try out some of these examples to help guide the readers of your essay?

  • Before considering X, it is important to note that …
  • Following on from Y, we should also consider …
  • The first notion to discuss is …
  • The next point to consider is …
  • Thirdly, we know that Y is also an important feature of …
  • As outlined in the previous paragraph, the next steps are to …
  • Having considered X, it is also necessary to explore Y …

2.       Providing evidence, examples or citations

Once you’ve made your claims or set out your ideas, it’s important to properly back them up. You’ll probably need to give evidence, quote experts and provide references throughout your essay .

If you’ve got more than one piece of evidence, it’s best to separate them out into individual paragraphs . Sequential signposting can be a helpful tool to help you and your reader keep track of your examples.

If your paragraph is all about giving evidence for a preceding statement, why not start with one of these phrases:

  • For example, X often …
  • This stance is clearly illustrated by …
  • Consider the example of Y, which …
  • This concept is well supported by …

If you want to quote or paraphrase a source or expert, a great way to start your paragraph is by introducing their views. You can also use phrases like these to help you clearly show their role in your essay:

  • [Author], in particular, has argued that …
  • According to [source], Y is heavily influenced by …
  • [Source] for example, demonstrates the validity of this assertion by …
  • This [counter-] argument is supported by evidence from X, which shows that …

Always remember to provide references for your sources in the manner most appropriate for your field ( i.e. footnotes, and author-date methods ).

3.       Giving emphasis to your point

Not all points and paragraphs in an essay are made equal. It’s natural you’ll want to highlight ideas and evidence for your reader to make sure they’re persuaded by your argument !

So, if you want to give emphasis to what you’re about to discuss, be obvious ! In fact, you may need to be more direct than you think:

  • This detail is significant because …
  • Undoubtedly, this experience was …
  • Certainly, there are ramifications for …
  • The last chapters, in particular, are revealing of X …

4.       Acknowledging uncertainty

In academia it’s common to find a little uncertainty in your evidence or results, or within the knowledge of your field . That’s true whether you’re a historian exploring artefacts from Ancient Greece, or a social scientist whose questionnaire results haven’t produced a clear answer.

Don’t hide from this uncertainty – it’s a great way to point ahead to future research that needs to be done. In fact, you might be doing it in your essay!

Why not try one of these examples to highlight the gaps in your academic field or experiment?

  • Whether X is actually the case remains a matter of debate, as current explorations cannot …
  • Although not proven, it is commonly understood that X …
  • Whilst the likelihood of X is debateable …
  • Given the age of the artifacts, it is impossible to say with accuracy whether Y …
  • Although we cannot know for sure, the findings above suggest that …
  • Untangling the causes of X is a complex matter and it is impossible to say for sure whether …

Showing the relationships between your points

As your essay progresses you will need to guide your reader through a succession of points, ideas and arguments by creating a narrative for them to follow. And important part of this task is the use of signposting to demonstrate the relationship between your paragraphs . Do they support each other? Do they present opposite sides of a debate?

Luckily there are lots of agreement , opposition and contextual connectives to help you increase your clarity:

infographic with connective words for showing relationships between paragraphs

Read on for four more sets of example academic phrases to help you present your ideas!

5.       Making a new point

If there’s no connection between your new paragraph and the preceding material, you’re probably starting a new topic, point or idea.

That means it’s less likely ( although not impossible ) that you’ll need transitional phrases . However, it’s still important to signpost the purpose and position of this new paragraph clearly for your reader.

  • We know that X …
  • This section of the essay discusses …
  • We should now turn to an exploration of Y …
  • We should begin with an overview of the situation for X …
  • Before exploring the two sides of the debate, it is important to consider …

You can find some great ideas and examples for starting a new topic in our how to start an essay article. Whilst they’re definitely applicable to introductions, these strategies can also work well for kicking off any new idea!

6.       Presenting accepted concepts

If you’re aiming to take a new stance or question an accepted understanding with your essay, a great way to start a paragraph is by clearly setting out the concepts you want to challenge .

These phrases are also an effective way to establish the context of your essay within your field:

  • It is commonly believed that …
  • The accepted interpretation of X is …
  • Until recently, it was thought that …
  • Historically, X has been treated as a case of …
  • Over the past two decades, scholars have approached X as an example of …
  • The most common interpretation of Y is …

7.       Adding similar points

Agreement connectives are an important tool in your arsenal for clearly indicating the continuation or positive relationship between similar ideas or evidence you’re presenting.

If you’re looking to continue your essay with a similar point, why not try one of these examples:

  • Another aspect of X is …
  • Another important point is …
  • By the same token, Y should be explored with equal retrospection for …
  • Moreover, an equally significant factor of X is …
  • We should also consider …
  • Proponents of Y frequently also suggested that …

8.       Demonstrating contrast

In contrast, if you’re looking to present a counter-argument, opposite side of a debate, or critique of the ideas, evidence or results in your preceding paragraph(s), you’ll need to turn to contradiction and opposition connectives.

These phrases will help you to clearly link your paragraphs whilst setting them in contrast within your narrative:

  • A contrary explanation is that …
  • On the other side of this debate,  X suggests that …
  • Given this understanding of X, it is surprising that Y …
  • On the other hand, critics of X point to …
  • Despite these criticisms, proponents of X continue to …
  • Whilst the discussion in the previous paragraph suggests X to be true, it fails to take into consideration Y …

Note : some paragraph-opening sentences can be modified using connective words to show either agreement or contrast! Here are some examples:

  • It could also be said that X does [not] …
  • It is [also] important to note that X … OR It is important, however, to note that X …
  • There is [also/however], a further point to be considered …

Presenting analyses, arguments and results

An important stage of any essay is the analysis – that’s when you bring your own arguments to the table, based on your data and results.

Signalling this clearly, therefore, is pretty important! Happily, there are plenty of connective words and phrases that can help you out:

infographic with connective words for signposting final arguments

Read on for four sets of example academic phrases to use to start your analysis, results and summary paragraphs!

9.       Conducting an analysis and constructing your argument

Once you’ve set out your evidence or data, it’s time to point out the connections within them. Or to analyse how they support the argument you want to make.

With humanities essays it is common to analyse the impact of your evidence as you present it. In contrast, sciences essays often contain a dedicated analysis section after the data has been presented.

You’ll probably need several analytical paragraphs to address each of your points. So, a great way to get started is to dive straight in by signposting the connections you want to make in each one:

  • Each of these arguments make an important contribution to X because …
  • In order to fully understand Y, we need to analyse the findings from …
  • Each model of X and Y changed throughout the experiment because …
  • Exploring this dataset reveals that, in fact, X is not as common as hypothesised …
  • Notwithstanding such limitations, this data still shows that …
  • Of central concern to Y, therefore, is the evidence that …
  • This interpretation of X is …
  • This critique implies that …
  • This approach is similar to that of Y, who, as we have seen above, argues that …
  • The resulting graphs suggest that …
  • Whilst conducting the survey, it was discovered that …

10.   Presenting results

Having completed your analyses of any evidence (and hopefully persuaded your reader of your argument), you may need to present your results. This is especially relevant for essays that examine a specific dataset after a survey or experiment .

If you want to signpost this section of your essay clearly, start your paragraph with a phrase like these:

  • The arguments presented above show that …
  • In this last analysis, we can see that X has shown …
  • As we have seen, the data gathered demonstrates that …
  • As demonstrated above, our understanding of X primarily stems from …

11.   Demonstrating cause and effect

When writing an academic essay you may often need to demonstrate the cause and effect relationship between your evidence or data, and your theories or results . Choosing the right connective phrases can be important for showing this relationship clearly to your reader.

Try one of these phrases to start your paragraph to clearly explain the consequences:

  • As a consequence, X cannot be said to …
  • Therefore, we can posit that …
  • Provided that X is indeed true, it has been shown that Y …
  • As such, it is necessary to note that …
  • For this reason, the decision was made to …
  • The evidence show that the primary cause of X was …
  • As a result of Y, it was found that …

12.   Summarising a topic or analysis

In general, summary paragraphs should not present any new evidence or arguments. Instead, they act as a reminder of the path your essay has taken so far.

Of course, these concluding paragraphs commonly occur at the end of an essay as part of your conclusion. However, they are also used to draw one point or stage of your argument to a close before the next begins .

Within a larger essay or dissertation, these interludes can be useful reminders for your reader as you transition between providing context, giving evidence, suggesting new approaches etc.

It’s worth noting that concluding your topic or analysis isn’t always the same as presenting results, although there can be some similarities in vocabulary.

Connect your arguments into summaries with clear linking phrases such as:

  • Altogether, these arguments demonstrate that …
  • Each of these arguments make an important contribution to our understanding of X …
  • From this overview of X and Y, we can conclude that …
  • We can therefore see that …
  • It was hypothesised that X, however, as we have seen …
  • Therefore, we can [clearly] see that …

Time to get writing your paragraphs!

And that’s it! You should now have a much-improved understanding of how to start a paragraph.

Whether you we’re worried about how to start your introductions or conclusions, or were wondering about specific types of body paragraphs, hopefully you’ve found what you need in the examples above .

If you need more writing advice to help you nail top marks for your essay, we’ve got a whole series of articles designed to improve your writing skills – perfect ! Have a read for top tips to for capturing easy marks 😊

You can learn:

  • how to create effective paragraphs
  • about the ideal length(s) for your paragraphs
  • how to start an essay AND how to structure an essay
  • the 70+ top connective words and phrases to improve your writing
  • how to signpost your essay for top marks
  • about improving clarity with easy proofreading tricks

Good luck completing your essay!

The Science Of Studying Smart

Download my free exam success cheat sheet: all my #1 must-know strategies to supercharge your learning today.

Your privacy protected. No spam. Unsubscribe any time.

  • Latest Posts
  • [2024] Are AP US Government & Politics and AP Comparative Government and Politics Hard or Easy? Difficulty Rated ‘Quite Easy’ (Real Student Reviews + Pass Data)
  • [2024] Is AP Human Geography Hard or Easy? Difficulty Rated ‘Quite Easy’ (Real Student Reviews + Pass Data)
  • [2024] Is AP Microeconomics Hard or Easy? Difficulty Rated ‘Quite Easy’ (Real Student Reviews + Pass Data)

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Read My Test-Taking Technique Book For More Marks In Exams

how to start a 200 word essay

Top Picks: Recommended Reading From The Blog

How To Study Effectively : Ultimate Guide [READER FAVOURITE]

Why Study [READER FAVOURITE]

Exam Memorization Secrets

Inspirational Exam Quotes

Finding The Perfect Study Routine

Pomodoro Method : 9-Step Guide

Best Books About Studying

Listen To The Podcast

explore the exam study expert podcast

How to Write a 200 Word Short Essay

Two women well versed in fashion staring at laptop screen

When writing an essay you will more often than not, find that they have set a word limit. You may be asked by a potential employer, or your tutor, for a short essay. Shorter essays may be used if there is a high volume level of candidates for something, or if your tutor wants to test your brevity. Writing a 200 word essay often requires more planning than a longer piece due to the obvious constraints.

Advertisement

Write a plan for your essay. You should plan your essay into three main sections: the introduction, the body and the conclusion. The introduction should briefly explain what you are trying to achieve in the essay. The body should argue your point, and the conclusion summarise all points.

Video of the Day

Paraphrase, rather than quote, a source. Presume the reader has an understanding of the subjects or theories you are quoting. Instead of quoting a paragraph that explains a theory or concept, write something such as "based on Smith's theory," and then lead into your analysis.

Avoid ambiguous and verbose sentences or paragraphs. Due to the short word length, reach your point as simply and succinctly as possible. While additional marks will undoubtedly be given for style, the most important thing, as is true with all writing, is to put your message across as well as possible. In this instance that means finding the balance between detail and persuasion.

Check your work meticulously. While your work has to be condescended, you also need to ensure it is all correct in terms of spelling and grammar. With only 200 words, it will be more obvious if you have made a mistake.

Essay Papers Writing Online

Learn the best techniques for writing a concise and impactful 300-word essay effortlessly.

How to write a 300 word essay

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful endeavor, and the ability to express oneself concisely is an invaluable skill. In a world constantly bombarded with information, being able to convey your thoughts and ideas in a concise, yet impactful manner is more important than ever. Whether you are a student faced with the challenge of writing a 300-word essay or a professional looking to sharpen your writing skills, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the tools and strategies necessary to craft a powerful piece.

While the thought of condensing your thoughts into a mere 300 words may seem daunting, fear not. With a well-defined plan and some clever strategies, you will be able to make every word count and leave a lasting impression on your readers. In this guide, we will explore a variety of techniques that will help streamline your writing process and ensure that your essay is both concise and compelling.

One of the most important aspects of writing a 300-word essay is selecting a strong topic. Your topic should be specific enough to allow for depth and analysis within the limited word count, but broad enough to captivate your audience. The key is to choose a topic that genuinely interests you, as this will make the writing process more enjoyable and ultimately result in a stronger essay.

Understand the Prompt

Understand the Prompt

When embarking on the journey of writing a 300-word essay, it is crucial to fully grasp the prompt given to you. In order to effectively address the topic at hand, it is essential to understand its requirements and objectives.

The prompt serves as a guide that directs your thoughts and ideas, shaping the entire essay. It outlines the main theme or question that needs to be explored, allowing you to focus your efforts and convey a clear message to your readers. Therefore, taking the time to carefully analyze and comprehend the prompt is of utmost importance.

To comprehend the prompt, one must carefully read and identify key terms or phrases. These terms provide clues as to what the essay should encompass, such as analyzing, contrasting, or evaluating a specific concept or topic.

Furthermore, it is crucial to consider the context in which the prompt is presented. Is it asking for your personal opinion, an analysis of a given text, or an exploration of a specific event or idea? By understanding the context, you can tailor your writing style accordingly and ensure that your essay remains relevant to the prompt.

Another important aspect of understanding the prompt is identifying any limitations or guidelines provided. This may include word count restrictions, specific formatting requirements, or even the inclusion of certain sources or references. By taking note of these instructions, you can ensure that your essay meets all the necessary criteria set forth by the prompt.

Finally, once you have a clear understanding of the prompt, it is recommended to brainstorm and create an outline of your essay. This will allow you to organize your thoughts and ensure a logical flow of ideas within your 300-word limit.

In conclusion, understanding the prompt is the foundational step towards writing a successful 300-word essay. By comprehending the requirements, identifying key terms, considering the context, and noting any limitations, you can effectively shape your essay and communicate your ideas in a concise and coherent manner.

Plan Your Essay

Before you start writing your 300-word essay, it’s crucial to create a solid plan. Planning your essay helps you organize your thoughts and ensures that you cover all the necessary points in a coherent and structured manner.

1. Define your topic:

First and foremost, clearly define the topic or question that your essay will address. This will give you a clear focus and prevent your essay from becoming too broad or unfocused.

2. Conduct research:

Once you have a clear topic, conduct thorough research to gather relevant information and supporting evidence. This will enable you to present a well-informed and well-rounded argument in your essay.

3. Create an outline:

An outline serves as a roadmap for your essay, helping you structure your thoughts and ensure a logical flow of information. Divide your essay into sections and subheadings, and outline the main points you will cover in each.

4. Develop a thesis statement:

Your thesis statement should clearly state the main argument or point you will be making in your essay. It should be concise, specific, and thought-provoking, acting as a guide for the rest of your writing.

5. Organize your ideas:

Once you have a clear thesis statement and outline, organize your ideas in a logical order. Start with a strong introduction, followed by body paragraphs that support your thesis, and end with a conclusion that summarizes your main points.

6. Consider word count:

Since you are writing a 300-word essay, it’s important to be mindful of your word count. Ensure that each paragraph and sentence contributes to the overall argument and removes any unnecessary information or repetition.

7. Revise and edit:

Finally, before submitting your essay, take the time to revise and edit your work. Check for grammar and spelling errors, ensure that your ideas are clear and concise, and make any necessary changes to improve the overall flow and coherence of your essay.

By following these planning tips and taking the time to organize your thoughts, you will be well-equipped to write a strong and concise 300-word essay that effectively communicates your ideas. Remember, a well-structured and coherent essay is more likely to leave a lasting impression on your readers.

Focus on the Main Idea

When writing a 300-word essay, it is crucial to focus on the main idea. This means that you need to clearly identify the central theme or argument that you want to convey to your readers. By honing in on the main idea, you can ensure that your essay remains focused and coherent.

One way to identify the main idea is by brainstorming and organizing your thoughts before you begin writing. Consider what you want to say and the key points that support your argument. This will help you create a clear outline for your essay, allowing you to stay on track and avoid straying off topic.

Once you have identified the main idea, it is important to make sure that all the information you include in your essay directly supports and reinforces this central theme. Each paragraph should have a clear connection to the main idea, and any irrelevant or unnecessary information should be eliminated. This will keep your essay concise and focused.

In order to effectively convey the main idea, it is also important to use language and vocabulary that is precise and specific. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and avoid any ambiguity or confusion. Additionally, using examples and evidence to support your main idea can strengthen your argument and make it more convincing to your readers.

By focusing on the main idea, you can ensure that your 300-word essay is concise, coherent, and effective. Remember to identify the central theme, organize your thoughts, and use precise language to convey your argument. With these strategies, you will be able to write a compelling essay that keeps your readers engaged from beginning to end.

Keep Sentences Short and Simple

In order to effectively convey your ideas in a 300-word essay, it is crucial to keep your sentences short and simple. By utilizing concise sentence structures and avoiding unnecessary complexity, you can ensure that your message is clear and easily understood by the reader.

Long and convoluted sentences can easily confuse the reader and make it difficult for them to follow your line of thought. Instead, opt for shorter sentences that express a single idea or concept. This will not only enhance the readability of your essay but also make it more engaging for the reader.

Simplicity is key when it comes to writing a concise essay. Avoid using overly technical language or jargon that may alienate your audience. Instead, strive for clarity and precision in your choice of words. Use clear and straightforward language that is accessible to a wide range of readers.

Additionally, it is important to avoid unnecessary repetition or redundancy in your sentences. Each sentence should contribute new information or expand upon the previous point. Aim to eliminate any unnecessary words or phrases that do not add value to your essay.

To ensure that your sentences remain short and simple, it can be helpful to read your essay aloud. This will allow you to identify any lengthy or complex sentences that may need to be revised. Additionally, seeking feedback from others can provide valuable insight into the clarity and coherence of your writing.

In conclusion, keeping sentences short and simple is essential in writing a successful 300-word essay. By using concise sentence structures, avoiding unnecessary complexity, and utilizing clear and straightforward language, you can effectively convey your ideas to the reader. Remember to eliminate any redundancy or repetition in your sentences and seek feedback to ensure the clarity of your writing.

Use Transitional Words and Phrases

One of the key elements in writing a 300-word essay is the use of transitional words and phrases. These linguistic tools play a crucial role in connecting ideas and making the essay flow smoothly.

Transitional words and phrases act as bridges between different paragraphs, sentences, and thoughts, allowing the reader to follow the writer’s logic easily. They provide a sense of coherence and help to create a well-structured and organized essay.

When used effectively, transitional words and phrases can enhance the clarity and readability of your essay. They can help you express your thoughts more precisely, establish relationships between different ideas, and guide the reader through your arguments and supporting evidence.

Examples of transitional words and phrases include “however,” “therefore,” “nevertheless,” “furthermore,” “in addition,” “similarly,” “on the other hand,” and “consequently.” These words and phrases signal shifts in thought or provide connections between different concepts and arguments.

To maximize the impact of transitional words and phrases in your essay, consider the specific context in which they are used. Choose words and phrases that accurately convey the intended meaning and create a seamless flow between sentences and paragraphs.

However, it is important to use transitional words and phrases judiciously. Overusing them can make your essay sound repetitive or formulaic. Instead, focus on using them strategically to strengthen your arguments and improve the overall coherence of your writing.

In conclusion, incorporating transitional words and phrases into your 300-word essay is an essential aspect of effective writing. By using these linguistic tools correctly, you can create a well-structured essay that guides the reader through your ideas and arguments with clarity and coherence.

Revise and Edit

Revise and Edit

Improving your essay is an essential step towards achieving a polished and cohesive final piece of writing. After finishing your initial draft, it is crucial to dedicate time to revise and edit your work. This process allows you to identify and correct any errors or inconsistencies, enhance the clarity and coherence of your ideas, and ensure that your essay meets the desired word count. Here are some strategies to help you effectively revise and edit your 300-word essay:

1. Review for Clarity and Flow:

Read through your essay carefully to ensure that your arguments and ideas are presented clearly and logically. Look for any unclear sentences or ideas that may confuse the reader. Consider whether your paragraphs flow smoothly from one to another and if necessary, make revisions to improve the overall organization and coherence of your essay.

2. Check for Grammar and Spelling:

Proofread your essay to eliminate any grammar or spelling errors. Use spell-check tools, but also be mindful of common mistakes that may not be detected by these utilities. Pay attention to subject-verb agreement, verb tense consistency, punctuation, and capitalization. Correct any errors to ensure that your essay reads professionally.

3. Trim Excess Words:

Review your essay to identify any unnecessary or redundant words or phrases. Look for opportunities to replace wordy expressions with more concise alternatives. By eliminating unnecessary words, you can improve the overall clarity and conciseness of your essay.

4. Seek Feedback:

Share your essay with others and ask for their honest feedback. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement. Consider their perspectives and critique to refine your essay further. Incorporate their suggestions into your revision process to enhance the overall quality of your writing.

5. Proofread Again:

After implementing revisions based on feedback, take the time to proofread your essay once more. This final step ensures that you have addressed all the required changes and that your essay is error-free and ready to be submitted.

By revising and editing your 300-word essay, you can refine your writing, eliminate errors, and enhance the overall quality of your work. Dedicate sufficient time to this process to ensure that your final essay is well-crafted and impactful.

Proofread Your Essay

Once you have finished writing your 300-word essay, it is essential to carefully review and proofread your work. This final step ensures that your essay is free from errors, inconsistencies, and typos that can negatively impact its overall quality and clarity.

Proofreading allows you to identify and correct any grammatical mistakes, spelling errors, or punctuation issues that may have slipped through during the writing process. It also gives you an opportunity to refine your writing style, ensuring that your ideas are communicated effectively and concisely.

When proofreading your essay, it is helpful to take a break after finishing the initial draft. This break will allow you to approach your work with a fresh perspective and a critical eye. During the proofreading process, carefully read each sentence and consider whether there are any improvements you can make to enhance the overall coherence and flow of your essay.

In addition to checking for errors and improving the clarity of your writing, proofreading also gives you a chance to evaluate the overall structure and organization of your essay. Ensure that your ideas are presented in a logical and coherent manner, with each paragraph supporting a central theme or argument.

It can also be beneficial to read your essay aloud during the proofreading process. This technique can help you identify any awkward or confusing sentences that may need revision. Additionally, listening to your essay being read aloud can help you gauge the overall tone and voice of your writing, ensuring that it aligns with the intended message or purpose of your essay.

In conclusion, proofreading your 300-word essay is a crucial step in the writing process. It allows you to identify and correct errors, improve clarity and coherence, and refine your overall writing style. By taking the time to carefully review your essay, you can enhance its quality and ensure that your ideas are effectively conveyed to your readers.

Related Post

How to master the art of writing expository essays and captivate your audience, convenient and reliable source to purchase college essays online, step-by-step guide to crafting a powerful literary analysis essay, unlock success with a comprehensive business research paper example guide, unlock your writing potential with writers college – transform your passion into profession, “unlocking the secrets of academic success – navigating the world of research papers in college”, master the art of sociological expression – elevate your writing skills in sociology.

How to Write a 300-Word Essay: Length, Examples, Free Samples

How to Write a 300-Word Essay: Length, Examples, Free Samples

You might think writing a 300-word essay is easy because it is short. Well, it’s not all about the size. In a 300-word essay, you must express your thoughts and arguments concisely and within a very tight word limit.

The real challenge starts when you decide which sentence to leave out because every word matters and there’s no place for filler words. It is also tricky to fit the intro, arguments, and conclusion into a 300 word essay format. But are all these elements obligatory in such a kind of writing?

Let’s find out how to write a 300-word essay , its key elements, and where to find some excellent 300-words essay examples.

  • 🖊️ How to Write a 300-Word Essay

📎 300-Words Essay Sample

  • 🎊 More Essay Examples
  • 🪄 Tips for a 300 Words Essay
  • 🔎 300 Word Essay Topics

❓ 300-Words Essay FAQ

🔗 references, 📝 what does a 300-word essay look like.

The picture shows a basic structure of a 300-word essay.

Below, we will explain everything about 300-word essays. How many pages is a 300-word essay? What does it look like? Find a complete format breakdown here!

300 Word Essay Format

The introduction is the first paragraph of your essay that should grab the reader’s attention. Start with a , which can be a rhetorical question, an interesting fact, or a thought-provoking statement. Provide on the topic and clearly state your thesis statement in the last sentence.
The body is the central part, where you develop your main points and provide evidence. Stick to one main idea per paragraph and use to create smooth bridges between paragraphs. Each section should start with a that states the paragraph’s main point and supports the thesis statement.
The conclusion is the final part of your essay, where you summarize your main points and . Avoid presenting new ideas or evidence at this stage. End with a strong closing statement that finalizes the text. You can also provide a recommendation related to the topic or encourage the reader to take action.

300 Word Essay Types

You can see a basic outline and its necessary elements above. However, these parts can change depending on the type of the essay. Each essay genre might imply a different structure and paragraph length.

Here are the most popular types of 300-word essays:

  • A narrative essay tells a story and is typically written in the first person.
  • A descriptive essay describes a person, place, or object in detail and uses sensory language.
  • An expository essay presents information and facts about a topic and provides an explanation or analysis.
  • A persuasive essay presents an argument or viewpoint on a particular topic and persuades the reader to agree with the author’s opinion.
  • A compare and contrast essay compares two or more subjects and highlights their similarities and differences.

300 Word Essay Length

The 300-word essay length depends on the font and page parameters. With Times New Roman, it is typically 0.6 pages if single-spaced or 1.2 pages if double-spaced. It is usually not more than 20 sentences long if your sentences are 15-20 words long.

How many paragraphs should a 300-word essay have? The number of paragraphs depends on the structure. A 300-word paper can be divided into five sections (1 – intro, 3 – body, 1 – conclusion), 2-5 sentences each if it follows the classical format.

🖊️ How to Write a 300 Word Essay – Simple Guide

Use this step-by-step explanation to write a winning 300-word essay:

The picture provides steps for writing a 300-word essay.

Step 1: Start with a Strong and Clear Thesis Statement

Your thesis should describe the essay’s main idea and guide both you and your readers throughout the essay. Spend some time researching the topic before you formulate the thesis statement. It will help create a more specific and focused thesis.

Step 2: Create an Outline

Outline preparation includes deciding on the paragraphs’ contents, order, and length . Think about the main idea that will be conveyed in each section. This will help organize the paper and ensure it flows logically and coherently . However, remember that each body paragraph should present a new thought with evidence that proves your point.

Step 3: Write the Essay

It is important to write clearly, using formal language that is easy to understand . In the beginning, highlight your essay’s core idea and prepare readers for what they will learn further. For each body paragraph, develop one topic idea and provide evidence and examples. In summary, briefly retell what you discussed in your paper: restate your thesis statement and touch on the significant points of the body.

Step 4: Reread and Edit the Essay

Take a break for a day or two before rereading the essay. It can help you gain a fresh perspective and catch errors you may have missed earlier . Check it for spelling and grammar errors . Don’t forget to ensure that the essay meets the word limit.

Here, you will find some examples of 300-word essays for college students.

300-Word Essay on Career Goals Examples

This is a 300-word essay on why I want to be a nurse topic:

Career goals provide a roadmap to success and help keep individuals motivated and focused. In this essay, I will discuss my career goals: becoming a healthcare professional, working in a hospital setting, and eventually obtaining a leadership role. My first career goal is to become a healthcare professional. My desire to help people and make a positive impact influenced this goal. I am pursuing a nursing degree, which will equip me with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide quality care. I plan to specialize in pediatrics or oncology, where I can make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. My second career goal is to work in a hospital setting. Hospitals are dynamic and challenging environments that require individuals to work well under pressure and think critically. Working in a hospital will allow me to gain experience in various areas of healthcare, such as emergency medicine and surgery. I also hope to work with a diverse patient population, which will broaden my perspective and deepen my understanding of healthcare. My third career goal is to obtain a leadership role. As a leader, I will be able to make a greater impact on patient care and healthcare delivery. I plan to get a master’s degree in healthcare administration or nursing leadership to prepare me for this role. I believe that effective leadership is essential for achieving positive outcomes in healthcare and ensuring that patients receive the highest quality of care. In conclusion, my career goals are to obtain a medical degree, a job in a hospital, and a leadership role. I am committed to achieving these goals by pursuing my college education, gaining experience in healthcare, and receiving advanced education in healthcare administration or nursing leadership. I am excited about these opportunities and look forward to positively impacting the lives of patients and the healthcare industry.

The picture provides the example of a 300-word essay on career goals.

🎊 More 200-300 Word Essay Examples

Check out our free 300-word essay samples on popular topics:

  • Romeo and Juliet essay 300 words. The paper analyzes the 1996 film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, directed by Baz Luhrmann. The author discusses the theme of forbidden love and the various ways in which Luhrmann adapts the play.
  • The person I admire most essay 300 words. The paper discusses Michael Jackson as a pop star role model. It explores his background, approach to discrimination, and life and career details.
  • Who am I essay 300 words. This 300-word sample discusses the role of culture in shaping an individual’s self-concept and development. The author argues that culture plays a significant role in an individual’s perception of themselves and the world around them, shaping their behavior and interactions with others.
  • My pet dog essay 300 words. The paper argues that dogs make the best pets. The author explores dog qualities, including loyalty, companionship, and their ability to improve mental and physical health.
  • Global warming essay in English 300 words. The paper is a discussion of the economic instruments to regulate global warming. While economic tools can effectively regulate CO 2 emissions, there are concerns about the irrationality of tax rates and people’s willingness to pay more for familiar technology.
  • Friendship essay 300 words. The paper examines the aspects of intimacy in female friendships. It explores the different levels of intimacy, including emotional, physical, and intellectual intimacy. The author discusses the importance of intimacy in maintaining long-lasting and meaningful friendships between women.
  • 300 word essay about Thanksgiving. The paper discusses the history of the first Thanksgiving in the United States and compares it to modern Thanksgiving. The author explores the origins of Thanksgiving, its cultural significance, and how it has evolved.
  • Freedom of speech essay 300 words. The paper discusses the concept of freedom of speech and its relationship with censorship. The author explores the historical and philosophical underpinnings of freedom of speech and various forms of censorship.

🪄 BONUS Tips for a 300 Words Essay

📑 Choose a narrow and specific topic that you can cover within the word limit.
🖊️ Create an outline or plan for your essay to organize your thoughts effectively.
🔤 Use clear and straightforward language that is easy for readers to understand.
✍️ Write the essay as if you are telling a story to a friend.
❌ Avoid unnecessary words and filler phrases that do not add value to your essay.
🔀 Use transitional sentences or words between paragraphs to create a smooth flow of ideas.
💡 Create a mind map of your ideas and use that as a guide for writing the essay.
🖼️ Use examples and specific details to support your arguments and illustrate your points.
🔊 Use active voice to make your writing more engaging.
👌 Edit and proofread your essay till it is free of errors and meets the word limit.
📝 Practice writing 300-word essays regularly to improve your skills and confidence.

🔎 300 Word Essay Topics & Examples

If you feel ready to start writing a 200-300 word essay, get inspired by the topics we’ve collected below. Use these academic essay examples to make your 300-word essay flawless!

  • The impact of social media on society.
  • The benefits and drawbacks of remote learning.
  • The effects of regular fast food consumption on health.
  • The importance of exercise for mental health.
  • The impact of technology on communication.
  • The role of art during significant historical events.
  • The benefits and challenges of multiculturalism.
  • The impact of climate change on our daily lives.
  • The effects of stress on physical health.
  • The role of education in personal and societal development.
  • Religion in Chinese Society: Confucianism.
  • World War II: Impact on American Society.
  • Problems in the US Healthcare System.
  • Legalization of Marijuana: Pain Management.
  • The Future of Bio-Fuel in the Civil Aviation Industry.
  • Emotional Contagion Research in Psychology.
  • Curriculum Adaptation to the Needs of Students.
  • Aspects of the Global Surgical Package.
  • Subjective and Objective Description of Experience.
  • The Covid-19 Related Social Problems.
  • Communication Improved by “New Media in the News.”
  • Lego Company’s Core Values and Ethical Dilemmas.
  • The Major Causes of the Great Depression.
  • Strategies to Control Disease Incidence.
  • United AirlinesEnvironmental Sustainability Initiatives.
  • Activism and Extremism on the Internet.
  • Misinformation Online in Healthcare: Preventive Measures.
  • Freedom of Speech and Censorship.
  • Why Say “No” to Capital Punishment?
  • What Is Love?: Answer From the Different Points of View.
  • Budget Airlines and Their Growth Factors in Europe.
  • The Problem of Shooting in Schools.
  • Individual and Systemic Racism.
  • Three Dimensions of Sexuality.
  • The Issue of Homelessness.
  • Personal Responsibility and World Population.
  • Targeted Advertising in Business.
  • Femininity and Masculinity in Media and Culture.
  • Tesco Market Strategy: Outside-In and Inside-Out.
  • “ A Rose for Emily” by William Faulkner.
  • The Corporate Social Responsibility in Sport.
  • Is Nuclear Power Renewable Energy?
  • Sex Education Among Young People.
  • The Unfair Control of Power.
  • Impact of Artificial Intelligence.

If you didn’t find anything suitable, try our free essay title generator , it will help you come up with a perfect 300-word essay topic!

How to write a 300 word essay?

To write a 300-word essay, start with drafting a thesis statement. Then create an essay plan with three main points to support your thesis. Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence and provide supporting evidence. Wrap up your essay with a concluding section that reinforces your thesis.

How long does it take to write a 300 word essay?

With adequate preparation and focus, it’s possible to complete a 300-word paper in 30 minutes to an hour. However, the actual time you need to write a 300-word essay varies depending on your experience and topic complexity.

What does a 300 word essay look like?

A 300-word essay typically begins with an introduction with a thesis statement. There are also three body paragraphs with supporting evidence. A concluding paragraph that reinforces the thesis is the final section. Each paragraph should contain no more than 70 words.

How many pages is a 300 word essay?

Let’s assume the font is size 12 with standard margins. Then a 300-word essay is generally one page if single-spaced or two pages if double-spaced. However, the formatting and spacing requirements may vary based on the assignment or instructor’s guidelines.

How long is a 300 word essay?

A 300-word essay is approximately one-third of a single-spaced page or two-thirds of a page if double-spaced. It’s essential to follow the formatting and spacing requirements outlined by the instructor or assignment guidelines.

  • Tips for writing short essays – Concordia University
  • How Many Pages Is 300 Words? – Capitalize My Title
  • Simple Ways to Write a Short Essay (with Pictures) – wikiHow
  • Essay Structure | Harvard Writing Center
  • 12 Useful Tips To Improve Your Essay Writing Skills | Indeed.com
  • Develop a Topic & Working Thesis – How to Write a Good Essay – LibGuides at Bow Valley College
  • How to Write a Statement of Professional Goals | College of Education
  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Twitter X
  • Share to LinkedIn

You might also like

How to take academic criticism seriously, but not personally, the ultimate guide to networking: how to stand out at college events and career fairs, can ai change the way we study in the near future.

Home

Essays and Short Answer Prompts

The Penn application process includes a personal essay —which is sent to most schools you apply to—as well as a few short answer prompts . We read your words carefully, as they are yet another window into how you think, what you value, and how you see the world. Through your writing, we get a glimpse of what you might bring to our community—including your voice and creativity. 

Remember, you are the expert on your story. This is an opportunity for you to reflect and understand who you are now, and who you want to be in the future. You have the agency to choose the information you want to share. This is your story: your experiences, your ideas, your perspective.   

A Few Writing Tips

  • Review the prompts thoroughly.  Be sure you’re answering the question or prompt being asked. Topics are chosen because the Admissions Committee wants to know specific things about you. If you don’t address them directly, we are left to make decisions regarding your application with incomplete information. 
  • Consider your response carefully.  We understand that you may be writing responses for different schools and you may want to reuse material, but be sure to read through your response to make sure it is relevant to the prompt. 
  • Double-check your writing.  Give yourself time to revisit your response. Try to avoid rushing your writing process so you have time to revise your work. Ultimately, it is up to you to polish and proofread your writing before you submit. 
  • Do your research. Are there classes you’re eager to take? Research opportunities you’d love to pursue? A group or club you want to be a part of? This kind of specificity shows us you’re serious about Penn and have thought about how you’d spend your time here. 

2023-24 Short Answer and Essay Prompts

When answering these prompts, be precise when explaining both why you are applying to Penn and why you have chosen to apply to that specific undergraduate school. Some of our specialized programs will have additional essays to complete, but the  Penn short answer prompts should address your single-degree or single-school choice.  

  • Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words, not required for transfer applicants) 
  • How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn. (150-200 words) 
  • The school-specific prompt is unique to the school to which you are applying. (For example, all applicants applying to the College of Arts and Sciences will respond to the prompt under the “College of Arts and Sciences” section). Considering the undergraduate school you have selected for your single-degree option, please respond to your school-specific prompt below.  

Transfer Essay (required for all transfer applicants): Please explain your reasons for transferring from your current institution and what you hope to gain by transferring to another institution. (4150 characters) 

Undergraduate School-Specific Short Answer Prompts

For students applying to coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer this question about your single-degree school choice; your interest in the coordinated dual-degree or specialized program may be addressed through the program-specific essay.  

Penn Nursing intends to meet the health needs of society in a global and multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare by advancing science and promoting equity. What do you think this means for the future of nursing, and how do you see yourself contributing to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare? (150-200 words) 

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about  Penn Nursing’s mission and how we promote equity in healthcare . This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of our values and how they align with your own goals and aspirations. 

The flexible structure of The College of Arts and Sciences’ curriculum is designed to inspire exploration, foster connections, and help you create a path of study through general education courses and a major. What are you curious about and how would you take advantage of opportunities in the arts and sciences? (150-200 words) 

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about the  academic offerings within the College of Arts and Sciences .  This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of how the study of the liberal arts aligns with your own goals and aspirations. 

Wharton prepares its students to make an impact by applying business methods and economic theory to real-world problems, including economic, political, and social issues.  Please reflect on a current issue of importance to you and share how you hope a Wharton education would help you to explore it.  (150-200 words) 

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about  the foundations of a Wharton education . This information will help you better understand what you could learn by studying at Wharton and what you could do afterward. 

Penn Engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology, by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics, exploration in the liberal arts, and depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. Please share how you hope to explore your engineering interests at Penn. (150-200 words) 

To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about  Penn Engineering and its mission to prepare students for global leadership in technology . This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of academic pathways within Penn Engineering and how they align with your goals and interests. 

Coordinated Dual Degree and Specialized Program Essay Prompts

For students applying to coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer the program-specific essay below. 

** Numbers marked with double asterisks indicate a character count that only applies to transfer students applying through Common App.  

Why are you interested in the Digital Media Design (DMD) program at the University of Pennsylvania? (400-650 words / 3575 characters**) 

We encourage you to learn more about the DMD: Digital Media Design Program . 

The Huntsman Program supports the development of globally minded scholars who become engaged citizens, creative innovators, and ethical leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors in the United States and internationally. What draws you to a dual-degree program in business and international studies, and how would you use what you learn to contribute to a global issue where business and international affairs intersect? (400-650 words) 

The LSM program aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the life sciences and their management with an eye to identifying, advancing, and implementing innovations. What issues would you want to address using the understanding gained from such a program? Note that this essay should be distinct from your single degree essay. (400-650 words) 

  • Explain how you will use the M&T program to explore your interest in business, engineering, and the intersection of the two. (400-650 words) 
  • Describe a problem that you solved that showed leadership and creativity. (250 words) 

Describe your interests in modern networked information systems and technologies, such as the internet, and their impact on society, whether in terms of economics, communication, or the creation of beneficial content for society. Feel free to draw on examples from your own experiences as a user, developer, or student of technology. (400-650 words / 3575 characters**) 

Discuss your interest in nursing and health care management. How might Penn's coordinated dual-degree program in nursing and business help you meet your goals? (400-650 words) 

How do you envision your participation in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) furthering your interests in energy science and technology? Please include any past experiences (ex. academic, research, or extracurricular) that have led to your interest in the program. Additionally, please indicate why you are interested in pursuing dual degrees in science and engineering and which VIPER majors are most interesting to you at this time. (400-650 words) 

Carey Business School blog

  • Request Info

Jul 17, 2024

Admissions tips: How to write a graduate admissions essay

An admissions essay is a standard part of the admissions application. To help, we’ve curated our top tips on how to write a standout graduate admissions essay.

person sitting on couch with laptop, Carey Business School logo on tv in background

  • Share via Email

Everyone has a unique narrative, and we firmly believe that your qualifications go beyond what can be captured on your resume. But the question is, how will you distinguish yourself from the competition when applying to Johns Hopkins Carey Business School?

text that says Johns Hopkins Carey Business School: Application Essays with a blue background

What to consider when writing a graduate school application essay The essay portion of the application is your opportunity to broaden our admissions team’s understanding of your abilities beyond what they can see on your transcript and resume. Writing an essay is your chance to share your unique strengths, personal history, journey of growth, and any additional qualities that show you are a strong candidate.

Preparing to write your essay Prior to starting your essay, read all prompts carefully. Take a moment to reflect on your reasons for pursuing a graduate business degree. It may be beneficial to have a pen and notepad at your disposal for this reflective exercise. Think about your personal journey and pinpoint pivotal moments in your growth and learning, then take note of how those moments have shaped you and your experiences, and how they could help guide you through your business school journey. Be sure to also use the correct formatting and avoid adding lists and bullet points to your essays.

Outline your thoughts Once you have a solid understanding of how to convey your personal journey within the context of the essay prompts, the next step is to construct an outline. As you shape the direction and flow of your essay, always keep your audience in mind. Our admissions team reviews thousands of application essays, so it’s crucial to find a creative hook that will make your story stand out.

Don’t overthink As you begin to write your first draft, allow your ideas to flow freely. Don’t fixate on grammar or finding the perfect words at this stage–simply capture your thoughts on paper. You can refine your essay in the second draft.

Step away After finishing your first draft, set it aside for a day or two before returning to edit it. Revisiting your work with a fresh outlook allows for a new perspective. During this second review, tackle the details of grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary. You might find it helpful to read your essay in reverse order to catch any typos.

Ask for feedback Once you feel your essay is in good shape, it’s highly recommended that you share your draft with an advisor, professor, trusted colleague, friend, or even your recommender. Gaining insights from a trustworthy source can enhance the quality of your essay and assist in identifying any typos or minor adjustments. While editing is an important step, it should not cut out your authentic voice and tone. When identifying a proofreader, make sure to find someone who knows your authentic voice and tone and can edit your paper while still preserving your natural voice and tone.

Finalize and submit You’re almost done! Before finalizing your essay submission, do one last review. Run a spell check and read your essay out loud to yourself. This approach can help you pinpoint areas that might require clarification or fine-tuning. As you review your final draft, be sure that you thoroughly addressed the question on the application.

Keep in mind that the essay portion of the application is your chance to set yourself apart Admissions team members want to hear your authentic voice, with a style that sounds natural and genuine. By sharing your authentic self, and your transformative experiences, passions, goals, and voice, you can leave a lasting impression.

Best of luck with the rest of your application journey!

Upcoming Carey application deadlines

The Fall 2025 Full-time MBA application is now open. Applications for all other Fall 2025 programs will open this fall. Please visit our upcoming deadlines webpage to view all application, decision, and deposit deadlines.

Full-time MBA Fall 2025: Early action application deadline

September 11, 2024

Part-time programs Spring 2025: Round 1 application deadline

October 9, 2024

Full-time MBA Fall 2025: Round 1 application deadline

October 23, 2024

IMAGES

  1. How to write a 200 word essay about myself in 2021

    how to start a 200 word essay

  2. How to Write a 200-word Essay Instructions

    how to start a 200 word essay

  3. How To Write 200 Word Essay

    how to start a 200 word essay

  4. How to Write a 200-Word Essay: Length, Prompts, & Example

    how to start a 200 word essay

  5. How to Write a 2000 Word Essay and How Long Is It? Structure, Length

    how to start a 200 word essay

  6. Follow detailed instructions provided in our article and learn how to

    how to start a 200 word essay

VIDEO

  1. When you have to write a 500 word essay 😂

  2. Comment a word “essay” to get a table🤗 #collegeapplication #collegeessays

  3. 600-word essay 200-word content Naughty child essay Sand sculpture daily life content is too rea

  4. fl0m Reacts to Jason Lake vs 200 Word Essay Meme

  5. Word Intermediate

  6. 200+ word Digital India essay #digitalindia #digitalart #electronic

COMMENTS

  1. Easy Guide: Writing a 250 Word Essay like a Pro

    Before you start writing your 250-word essay, it is crucial to carefully read and understand the assignment requirements. Make sure you grasp the topic, the purpose of the essay, and any specific instructions provided by your instructor or professor. Highlight key points such as the essay's objective, the audience you are writing for, the ...

  2. How to Write a 200-Word Essay: Length, Prompts, & Example

    With standard formatting guidelines (1-inch margins, 12-point Arial font, and an A4 page size), 200 words take 0.4 single-spaced or 0.8 double-spaced pages. If you write your essay by hand, it will take approximately 0.8 handwritten pages, but the actual length will depend on your handwriting style. In paragraphs and sentences, the length of a ...

  3. Writing a Great 200 Word Essay (Tips & Examples)

    Step 3: Plan Your Essay Structure: Organize your thoughts and knowledge on the topic into an introduction, body, and conclusion. Given the word limit, plan for a brief introduction and conclusion (about 40-50 words each) and a more substantial body (100-120 words). Step 4: Write the Introduction: Start with a hook to grab attention, then ...

  4. How to write a 200-word college essay?

    3. Start strong: Begin with a captivating opening sentence or question to grab the reader's attention. This can set the tone for the rest of your essay and engage the reader from the start. 4. Stay focused: With a 200-word limit, it's crucial to stay on topic and not be sidetracked by tangential information.

  5. 200 Words Essay Examples + Topic Ideas for a 200 Word Paragraph

    Essay on Pythagoras in 200 words. You can start by providing a biography of Pythagoras and the most memorable events of his life. Then, dwell on the contribution he made to the philosophy. Coping with stress: essay 200 words. Discuss ideas and strategies for efficiently managing stress and preserving mental well-being. A trip to Mars essay 200 ...

  6. Great 200-word Essay

    Table Of Contents. Step 1 - Makeready. Step 2 - Create an Outline. Step 3 - Decide on Your Essay Writing Style. The essay should start with an introduction, in which you need to identify the key points to attract the reader. These are the points of view that you will consider in the central part.

  7. Writing A Great 200-Word Essay (Tips & Examples)

    Start with an intriguing story, a quote, a summary, a revelation or another hook to introduce your topic. The hook should relate to the thesis. You can write the essay body. ... A 200-word essay can be more challenging than you think. You should now be able write a 200 word essay. Do not hesitate to contact essay writing services for help with ...

  8. 200-Word Essay Samples: A+ Paper Examples for Free

    Free 200-Word Essay Samples. A 200-word essay is a short piece. It might be assigned by a school teacher to test the student's knowledge of the topic and their ability to formulate thoughts concisely. The most common genres for texts of 200 to 250 words are a discussion board post and a personal statement for a college application.

  9. 200 Word Essay Examples & Topic Ideas

    Essay topics. A 200-word essay is a short piece of writing that focuses on one specific topic. These essays are usually assigned in academic settings as a way for students to demonstrate their understanding of a particular subject or concept. Some common 200-word essay topics include analyzing a piece of literature, discussing.

  10. How to Write a 200-word Essay Instructions

    In case you writing project includes 2 or 3 paragraphs, your statement should be provided in any of the first three sentences (this rule can be applied to your 200-word essay). Hence, ensure to present your thesis statement at the beginning of your essay. Opening Sentences. Each paragraph should commence with a topic phrase.

  11. Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay

    Follow these tips to write an impactful essay that can work in your favor. 1. Start Early. Few people write well under pressure. Try to complete your first draft a few weeks before you have to turn it in. Many advisers recommend starting as early as the summer before your senior year in high school.

  12. How to Start a College Essay to Hook Your Reader

    Do a Freewrite. Give yourself permission to write without judgment for an allotted period of time. For each topic you generated in your brainstorm session, do a free-write session. Set a time for one minute and write down whatever comes to mind for that specific topic. This will help get the juices flowing and push you over that initial bit of ...

  13. Easy Guide To Writing A Killer 250 Word Essay (W/ Example)

    All essays consist of the same three parts: an introduction with a thesis, a body paragraph or body paragraphs that support the thesis, and a concluding paragraph that summarizes the overall essay. In 250 words, you will most likely have 3-4 paragraphs in total, each with 50-100 words. This will allow for 3-5 concise but detailed sentences per ...

  14. How To Start a College Essay: 9 Effective Techniques

    For many, getting started is the hardest part of anything. And that's understandable. First, because it turns whatever you're doing into a reality, which raises the stakes. Second, because where you start can easily dictate the quality of where you end up. College essays have their own special brand of DTDT.

  15. How to Write an Argumentative Essay

    Make a claim. Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim. Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim) Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives. The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays.

  16. Writing an Effective 200-Word Essay: 6 Tips

    5. Create a Structure. 6. Write briefly with concision. A 200-word essay should convey an idea or message that is brief and easy to follow. The topic sentence should be concise. You must be able to convey your thoughts within the given space effectively. Each point should make sense and keep your readers engaged.

  17. How To Start A Paragraph: 200+ Important Words And Phrases

    1. Starting or continuing a sequence. One of the most important types of transitional phrases to help you start a paragraph is a sequential transition. These signposting transitions are great for academic arguments because they help you to present your points in order, without the reader getting lost along the way.

  18. How to Write a 200 Word Short Essay

    Step 1. Write a plan for your essay. You should plan your essay into three main sections: the introduction, the body and the conclusion. The introduction should briefly explain what you are trying to achieve in the essay. The body should argue your point, and the conclusion summarise all points. Video of the Day.

  19. Tips for Writing a 300 Word Essay: A Comprehensive Guide

    First and foremost, clearly define the topic or question that your essay will address. This will give you a clear focus and prevent your essay from becoming too broad or unfocused. 2. Conduct research: Once you have a clear topic, conduct thorough research to gather relevant information and supporting evidence.

  20. How to Write a 300-Word Essay: Length, Examples, Free Samples

    To write a 300-word essay, start with drafting a thesis statement. Then create an essay plan with three main points to support your thesis. Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence and provide supporting evidence. Wrap up your essay with a concluding section that reinforces your thesis.

  21. How to write a college application essay: 7 tips

    Try to split your word count into roughly thirds. 1/3rd for the Challenge + Effects. 1/3rd (or maybe a bit more) for What I Did About It. 1/3rd for What I Learned/How It Changed Me. One of the biggest, most frequent mistakes we see in narratives is to make most of the essay about the challenge itself.

  22. Essays and Short Answer Prompts

    The Penn application process includes a personal essay—which is sent to most schools you apply to—as well as a few short answer prompts. We read your words carefully, as they are yet another window into how you think, what you value, and how you see the world. ... (150-200 words) To help inform your response, ...

  23. Admissions tips: How to write a graduate admissions essay

    Writing an essay is your chance to share your unique strengths, personal history, journey of growth, and any additional qualities that show you are a strong candidate. Preparing to write your essay Prior to starting your essay, read all prompts carefully. Take a moment to reflect on your reasons for pursuing a graduate business degree.