Strategies for Editing Down an Essay
Strategies for Editing Down an Essay
If you find yourself struggling to stay within the word count, here are some strategies to help you edit your essay:
- Ensure relevance: Examine every paragraph in your essay and ensure it contributes meaningfully to your argument. If you find irrelevant or out-of-place information, cut it out.
- Maintain focus: Ensure that each paragraph stays focused on a single point. Meandering paragraphs can add unnecessary length to your essay.
- Cut filler words: Examine your sentences for filler words that do not contribute to the meaning or flow of your sentences. Aim to keep each sentence clear, concise, and directly related to the paragraph’s main point.
- Preserve logical flow: As you trim down your essay, be careful not to disrupt the logic of your argument. If you decide to remove one paragraph, make sure to adjust your transitions and maintain the coherence of your argument.
- Don’t skimp on the introduction or conclusion: The introduction and conclusion of your essay are crucial. They introduce your topic and wrap up your argument, respectively. Make sure you reserve enough word count for these sections.