<p>I know there used to be a 500 word limit. I tend to write a lot. Is there a limit I should restrict myself to? I've heard 1000 words... but thats tough for me. Suggestions?</p>
<p>um, well I don’t really know an exact word limit… In fact, I’m on this thread trying to figure that out right now. But I’m pretty sure 1000 words is too much. And I can understand your pain (I too a copious writer). Nonetheless, you have to take into consideration how many essays readers have to go over ever year. Personally, I was thinking around 750 maximum seemed a pretty good ceiling.</p>
<p>ugh… i see your point… but its so hard! where is the thread that you are looking at? thanks!</p>
<p>Try and keep it around 750. My general guideline when you get around 750: if cutting just one word significantly changes the essay, then it is fine as it is. </p>
<p>This was, in my opinion, the toughest part of writing the essay. To cut lots of words, I first recommend reading it a few times and seeing if any sentences can be outright deleted. While doing this, see if any sentences can easily be shortened by a few words for whatever reason (For example: “I ran quickly and fastly along the street” can be shortened to “I ran quickly along the street” without changing the meaning). Then, you will have some sentences that contain two verbs which can be shortened to one. And make good use of pronouns. See where you get after doing this. If your essay is still too long (say, 1000+ words) start cutting paragraphs and getting rid of EVERY non-essential detail (such as literary devices). At this point, you may have to make sacrifices and cut specific parts of the essay that would have been beneficial had your essay been the proper length. You may have feelings towards certain passages, but you have to be as objective as possible when making major cuts (it may be beneficial to have another reader cut passages, as they lack your attachement). After doing all of this, not only will your essay be shorter, but it will be significantly more readable.</p>