One of the most valuable skills you can bring from school to work is the ability to write clearly and concisely. Short essays are a great way to practise this kind of writing. A short essay is simply one that has fewer than 1,000 words. While getting a short essay assignment might seem easier than a ten-page paper, writing concisely comes with its own challenges. Here’s how to write an engaging short essay in five easy steps.
What is a short essay?
A short essay is basically just an essay that’s been trimmed down to its most important parts. There’s no set definition for how short it has to be, but teachers usually assign short essays ranging from 250 to 750 words, sometimes going up to 1,000 words.
Short essays may be brief, but that doesn’t mean they have to be simple. One challenge of writing short essays is boiling down complicated subjects into a few key points. Here are some examples of short essay topics:
- The good and bad sides of social media
- Advantages and disadvantages of online learning
- How music influences our feelings
- Why artificial intelligence matters in modern life
- Ways climate change impacts our daily routines
Why write short essays?
Short essays offer several advantages, like clear communication, sharpening critical thinking skills, and sounding professional.
Easy and Clear Communication: In a short article, it’s important to stay focused. Writing brief essays helps you learn how to communicate clearly and effectively.
Thinking Carefully: When you write a short essay, you have to think carefully and choose the most important points that support your main idea. Short essays help you get better at identifying important topics and leaving out unnecessary stuff.
Professional Writing: Whether you’re writing an email, a project proposal, or a quick report, being able to express information clearly and briefly is really useful at work.
Improving Writing Skills: Short essays, like other writing exercises, are a great way to get better at writing. They help you work on things like grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, and keeping things consistent. The more you practise writing short essays, the better you’ll get.
How to write a short essay
The same strategies you use for longer essays also work for short ones. If you want more detailed information on different types of essays, you can check out our pages on persuasive, personal, explanatory, comparison, and argumentative essays. But no matter what kind of essay you’re writing, following these five steps can make the process a lot easier.
1. Research
Don’t worry about diving too deep into a topic, even if you have a limited number of words. The better you understand your subject, the easier it’ll be to write about it clearly.
2. Generate ideas
Start by jotting down the key ideas, arguments, and examples you want to include in your essay. Don’t worry too much about details at this stage. Just focus on getting all the main points down. Your main argument or theme will likely become clear as you brainstorm.
3. Outline
Outlines are super helpful for short articles because you don’t have space for extra stuff. Making an outline will keep you organised when you start writing.
4. Write
You need to write the essay. Once you’ve finished researching, figured out your main points, and outlined your essay, the writing part will be easier.
5. Edit
Our favourite part is editing. The hard part (writing) is over. Now you can go back and make sure all your words make sense, your grammar is right, and you’ve taken out anything not needed.
Short essay examples
Why small dogs are better than big dogs (209 words)
Small dogs are loved pets, and their unique traits make them great for some people. In this essay, we’ll explore why a little dog might be the perfect choice for you.
To begin with, small dogs are great for folks in apartments or with limited space. You don’t need a big yard; just take your pet out a few times a day for fresh air and bathroom breaks.
Secondly, small dogs eat less, which can be good for those watching their budget.
Also, small dogs are easier to handle. Walking and other activities are less strenuous, making them a good choice for kids, seniors, or people with limited strength.
If you travel often for work or family, small dogs are easier to take along. Some travel companies make carriers that fit under seats on buses or planes.
To sum up, small dogs offer many advantages. They need little space, are cost-effective, and are easy to handle and transport. These charming qualities make small dogs a popular choice for pet owners seeking a new friend.
Why big dogs are better than small dogs (191 words)
Big dogs, with their imposing presence and affectionate nature, have captured the hearts of numerous pet owners. In this essay, we’ll explore why large dogs can be better companions than small ones.
First and foremost, big dogs provide a sense of security. Their size alone can deter potential intruders, making them great guard dogs for families and properties. Their mere presence gives a feeling of safety and protection.
Secondly, bigger dogs have more energy and strength, which makes them great partners for various outdoor activities. Whether it’s hiking, running, or just playing fetch, it’s enjoyable for both the pet and the owner, encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle.
Lastly, large dogs are often calm and patient, especially around children and other pets. Their relaxed attitude can bring a sense of calmness to busy households.
In short, large dogs have a great mix of protective instincts, strength, and gentle behaviour. This makes them wonderful companions, providing both security and emotional support. They’re a fantastic choice for those looking for a pet with a striking appearance and a loving personality.
Short essay FAQs
What is a short essay?
A short essay is one that is less than 1,000 words. Teachers often assign short essays to help students practise writing clearly, expressively, and simply.
When do you write a short essay?
Short essays help students practise communicating effectively, thinking critically, and writing persuasively. While they’re commonly assigned in schools, they can also be used professionally for project proposals or reports.
How do you structure a short essay?
Follow your teacher’s or workplace’s formatting guidelines. Make sure you stay within the assigned word count. Your essay should have a clear thesis, strong topic sentences, and a concise conclusion to ensure logical flow from one point to another.
