I’m currently trying to write an essay that asks for 250 words or less over whatever I like. Is it looked down upon to write less than the required amount? Right now, I’m nearly at 100, but I’m not sure I have much more to say.
Side question: Can I catch the eye of the readers by formatting it differently than a normal essay? For instance, I’m a bit of a poet, and I like giving my words a lyrical sound to them. Would it be refreshing for the reader to see a poetic essay instead of the usual prose format, or would it just be detrimental?