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How to make an Essay Longer – 21 Easy Tips!

Just about all the advice on the first page of google about how to make a paper longer sucks. No, really. The tricks they suggest suck so bad I can’t believe how bad it sucks.

Most advice on how to make your essay longer tells you to do gimmicky things that will lose you marks.

how to make an essay longer

How do I know? Because I read it. And I (yes, I’m a professor) would instantly see through all those things.

Let me tell you: if you’re wasting time turning “15” into “fifteen” to get an extra 6 characters into your essay , increasing font size, or sticking fluffy adjectives into sentences to make your essay longer and increase word count, you’re stuffing up. You’re flushing marks down the drain.

So, here’s what you SHOULD do to make your essay longer.

How to Make an Essay Longer

1. make sure you included everything.

I can’t tell you how many of my students submit assignments and forget to include important points! Go back to your writing prompt . That’s the thing that you’re going to be graded on.

Go and check out exactly what your teacher asked you to write about. Did you write about every point they suggested?

Related Article: 17+ Great Ideas For An Essay About Yourself

2. Make Every Paragraph at least 4 Sentences

Scan over each paragraph. Do you have any paragraphs that are less than 4 sentences long? This is your low-hanging fruit for making your paper longer. You need to make these paragraphs longer and your page count will naturally increase.

The best paragraphs should be 4 – 7 sentences long .

If you’ve got a 1, 2 or 3 sentence paragraph, make sure you go back through it. What new points can you include to make your paragraph better? Maybe you can:

  • Add a sentence at the start of the paragraph explaining what the paragraph is about;
  • Add a sentence giving a real-life example of the points you’re trying to make
  • Add a sentence giving an explanation of your points.

Or, you can try adding points explaining:

  • Why the thing is true;
  • Where the thing happened;
  • How the thing happened;
  • When the thing happened.

3. Define your Terms

Have you written a paragraph defining your key terms? If you’re writing an essay on modernism, write a paragraph defining modernism. If your essay is about education , write a paragraph giving a brief history of education. This will make your paper better – and longer!

You should have a paragraph or two right after your introduction defining and explaining what your topic is!

Now, if you are going to provide a definition for a term in college or university level writing , you need to read this article . In it, I show you how to write a full paragraph that defines a term in the right way using a research paper, not a dictionary!.

4. Get new Ideas from your Class Handouts

Below are the class handouts that you should go back through to add new ideas. They’re your most important sources. Go through all these sources and try to take down and more key points you can add:

  • Handouts or worksheets in class?
  • Readings or articles that they asked you to read?
  • Lecture slides?

6. Get new Ideas from Friends

You will have many classmates working on the same essay as you. What ideas have your friends come up with? See if you can find out. You want it to seem like you’re working to help each other out. You don’t want to be a sponge, taking from them and not giving back. Help each other out so you both get better marks. I recommend being strategic about this:

  • Offer to look over each others’ work and give suggestions;
  • Trade key points in bullet point format;
  • Brainstorm together to create a master list of key ideas.

8. Get new Ideas from Blogs

There are websites online about just about every topic that you can possibly imagine. That includes the topic you’re writing your essay on!

Let me ask you a question: Why would you waste your time trying to add padding to old sentences to increase your word count when you can write new ones that will win more marks?

It’s really so simple – google your essay topic or question and see what comes up. What have other people said on the topic? What ideas can you grab from others and use for yourself? You can also get new ideas from Google Scholar, which can provide you with a free to access research paper that will give you ideas as well. 

12. Use the Keep Writing Website

Keep Writing is a website where you can write your essay. But, it won’t let you delete anything. So you have to just keep on typing. This means you can just write ideas that roll off the top of your head. I gave this website a go to write this article you’re reading right now and it really did help me just write in a way that flowed nicely and added to my page count quickly. I must admit, after using the website, I copied the text and did some edits. But by that point I had a ton of words in there – more than enough – and I could shorten the essay by deleting the words that weren’t so good. I ended up having the opposite problem – too many words!

13. Include one new Example in Each Paragraph

Another thing you can do is go through each and every paragraph and add one more example and some supporting evidence. Even if you’ve included one example in each paragraph, that’s okay. You can still add more examples. In fact, teachers love to see examples and supporting evidence.

Good examples are what separates good and bad students.

Teachers love to see examples because you can only give examples if you understand the topic. So, when we see examples we go “Yes! You Got It! You understand it!”

16. Don’t add Pointless Words!

‘Padding’ is what we call it when you stick extra words in a sentence just to increase your word count. I’ve taken a sentence from earlier in this post and I’m going to show you the sentence as it is, then show it to you with padding.

Here’s the original:

“You’re going to need some new points to add to your essay. You should not try to make your sentences you’ve already written longer. You shouldn’t be trying to add in fluffy new words or saying things in a longer way.”

Here’s the padding:

“You’re going to need some new points to actually add to your essay , which actually is quite significant . You should not actually try to generally make your sentences you’ve already written longer , generally contrary to popular belief . You shouldn’t be trying to generally add in fluffy new words or saying things in a longer way , which is fairly significant. ”

Your teacher is going to read this and think “This student is a terrible writer.” And you’ll lose a ton of marks.

17. Don’t Change the Formatting

Increasing the line spacing, font size or character spacing will just make your paper worse. You should have ONE space between each word. Your line spacing should either be 2.0 or 1.5 spacing. That’s it. Those are your options. Stick to normal margins in Microsoft Word You should use font size 12. If you artificially change any of this, your teacher will see through it and grade you down .

Final Thoughts

Making an essay longer needs to be done in a way that will get you marks. I can’t believe that there are websites ranking high on google that recommend tricks like “make the space between lines bigger” and “increase your margins”.

If a student did that in my class, I’d fail them instantly. There are smarter and better ways to do it – whether you’re writing a grade 7 essay or dissertation chapter! Do it the right way and you’ll grow your marks and be on the way to success.

Chris

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 50 Durable Goods Examples
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 100 Consumer Goods Examples
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 30 Globalization Pros and Cons

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How to Make an Essay Longer Without It Feeling Forced

things to make your essay longer

Ever struggled to meet the word count requirement for your essay? You're not alone. Whether it's a minimum size or a certain number of pages, it can feel like a daunting task to stretch your writing without watering it down. But fear not! This article is here to help. We'll explore some practical tips and tricks to make your essay longer without sacrificing quality. From expanding on your main points to incorporating more evidence, we've got you covered. Say goodbye to staring at a blank screen and hello to meeting your paper length with confidence!

How to Make Your Essay Longer: Practical Tips

Students may aim to make their essays longer to fulfill the word count criteria their teachers or professors set. Meeting these requirements is crucial as it can affect their grades or evaluation. Moreover, longer papers offer more room for in-depth exploration of topics, allowing students to showcase their understanding comprehensively. By expanding their papers, students can provide more evidence and examples to strengthen their arguments, making their points more persuasive. Additionally, longer papers may be seen as a sign of dedication and effort, potentially earning students favorable recognition from their instructors.

How to Make an Essay Longer

Increase Font Size and Spacing

Adjusting the font size and spacing of your text can subtly but effectively increase the overall length of your paper. By slightly enlarging the font size and expanding spacing between lines and paragraphs, you can offer extra bulk to your document without significantly altering its content. Please consult our essay outline guide for more ideas on how to expand your paper's structure.

Replace Contractions with Full Words

Contractions, such as "can't" instead of "cannot" or "it's" instead of "it is," often take up less space. By replacing these contractions with their full-word equivalents, you can make your essay longer by adding additional characters.

Add Transitional Phrases

Transitional phrases help connect different parts of your essay, guiding the reader through your arguments and making your writing flow more smoothly. Adding more of these phrases between paragraphs or sections can improve your paper's coherence, and including extra words can increase its word count.

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things to make your essay longer

Use Synonyms for Shorter Words

Look for opportunities to replace shorter words with longer synonyms without changing the meaning of your sentences. For example, "big" could become "substantial," or "important" could be replaced with "significant." This simple technique can help add size to your paper without sacrificing clarity.

Include Personal Anecdotes

Incorporating personal anecdotes or experiences related to your topic can make your essay more engaging and provide additional content to expand upon. You can augment the depth of your writing by sharing relevant stories or reflections and meaningfully increasing its word count.

Reference Pop Culture or Current Events

Bringing references to popular culture or recent events can enrich your essay and demonstrate your awareness of contemporary issues. By integrating relevant examples or discussions from the media, you can expand your analysis and provide fresh insights, thus extending the volume of your paper.

Provide Detailed Explanations

Take the time to thoroughly explain your ideas and arguments, providing additional context or background information where necessary. By offering detailed explanations, you enhance the clarity of your writing and tally substance and depth, ultimately increasing the word count of your paper.

Use Footnotes or Endnotes

If there are additional points or information that you want to include but don't necessarily fit within the main body of your essay, consider using footnotes or endnotes. These can be used to provide supplementary details, citations, or explanations without disrupting the flow of your primary argument, effectively expanding the content of your paper.

Address Counterarguments

Acknowledging and addressing potential counterarguments demonstrates a thorough understanding of your topic and strengthens your own arguments. By engaging with opposing viewpoints and presenting rebuttals, you not only bolster the persuasiveness of your essay but also bring complexity and word count to your analysis.

Incorporate Quotes from Primary Sources

Introducing quotes from primary sources, such as books, articles, or interviews, can incorporate credibility and depth to your arguments. By directly citing authoritative sources, you provide additional evidence to support your claims and expand the scope of your discussion, increasing your essay's extent.

Include Visuals like Graphs or Charts

Visual aids, such as graphs, charts, or tables, can be used to illustrate data or complex information clearly and concisely. Incorporating visuals enhances the visual appeal of your essay and provides supplementary content to expand upon, contributing to its overall word count.

Still Can’t Fit Into the Word Count?

Don’t waste any more time, and use our writing service to get an essay of a proper length.

things to make your essay longer

Explore Alternative Interpretations

Consider exploring alternative interpretations or perspectives related to your topic. Presenting different viewpoints or analyzing your subject from various angles adds richness and complexity to your essay, ultimately increasing its size and depth of analysis. While trying to manipulate the word count of your paper using these techniques, keep in mind the punctuation marks .

Offer Comparisons or Contrasts

Drawing comparisons or contrasts between different ideas, theories, or examples can enrich your essay and provide additional content to discuss. By highlighting similarities and differences, you add nuance to your arguments and expand the scope of your analysis, thereby increasing the volume of your composition.

Simplify Complex Concepts

Break down complex ideas or concepts into simpler terms that are easier to understand. By providing clear explanations and examples, you not only improve the accessibility of your writing but also encompass substance and depth, ultimately increasing the word count of your document.

Define Technical Terms

If your essay includes specialized terminology or jargon, take the time to define these terms for your readers. By providing clear definitions and explanations, you ensure that your audience understands the concepts you're discussing and integrate additional content to your manuscript, thus increasing its range.

Discuss Opposing Viewpoints

Engaging with opposing viewpoints and discussing their merits can enrich your essay and demonstrate your critical thinking skills. By acknowledging alternative perspectives and presenting counterarguments, you enclose complexity and depth to your analysis, ultimately increasing the reach of your writing.

Extend Implications of Findings

Consider the broader implications of your arguments or findings and explore their significance in greater detail. By discussing the potential consequences or applications of your research, you subsume depth and complexity to your analysis, ultimately increasing the magnitude of your essay.

Expand Examples and Evidence

Provide additional examples, evidence, or case studies to support your arguments and illustrate your points. By offering more detailed and varied examples, you strengthen your claims and make your essay longer, ultimately increasing its word count and persuasiveness. If you still can’t fit into the word limit and none of these tips help, simply say, ‘ write my essay for me ,’ and our writers will produce a cogent paper of the required length.

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things to make your essay longer

How To Make An Essay Longer (An Ultimate Guide)

How To Make An Essay Longer

things to make your essay longer

To make an essay longer, focus on quality: elaborate on arguments, add evidence, consider counterarguments, deepen analysis, and clarify points. Use examples, expand introductions and conclusions, and enhance transitions for better flow and comprehension. ‍

Struggling with an essay that just won't stretch to the required length? You're not alone.Studyfy is your ally in this common academic predicament.

Most students have experienced looking at their word count and thinking about how to reach the maximum limit without using filler content. This guide tackles that problem head-on with practical solutions and insights.

We’ll introduce you to plenty of useful techniques so you can increase your word count effortlessly and without compromising your essay’s quality.

How To Make Your Essay Longer With In-Depth Research

One of the first approaches you can use to make your essay longer is to research your points. Remember these pointers:

  • Conduct meticulous and thorough research on your essay’s topic to find new and overlooked information and insights.
  • Make sure you use insights that strengthen your argument further, and not just information to use as filler and is irrelevant. 

Dig a little deeper, and you’ll surely find something you might have overlooked and can add to your paper. 

Ways To Make Your Essay Longer With Elaboration

Another way to make your essay longer is to elaborate more. This means you should explore the points you argue in greater detail. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Break down your arguments : Detail each of your arguments and break them down into sub-points. For example, if you’re writing about sustainable energies, you can elaborate on the different types of sustainable energy sources that exist.
  • The power of descriptive language : By using descriptive language, you can lengthen your essay because you’re painting a more vivid picture of your topic. You’re adding more detail and nuance. 
  • Use real-world examples : These can help add substance, and they will strengthen the validity of your argument.
  • Add background information : When adding new arguments to a topic, you can easily provide background information on whatever it is you want to add. This will help make your essay longer but can also add context, which will help the reader understand your point better.
  • Use anecdotes : If done right and added in the right places, sharing personal stories can make your essay better. 

Using Counter Arguments In Your Essay

You can make an essay longer by using counterarguments. This strategy not only elongates your word count, it has the potential to increase your essay’s quality and persuasiveness.

Consider the following: 

  • Find popular counter-views: Find common counterarguments against your thesis statement. If you know them, you’ll be better equipped to deconstruct and counter them to a larger paper's word count.
  • Show the strength of your view : Properly, you can introduce the strength of your perspective through the counterargument. For example, use strong evidence to oppose the view and then show why your stance deserves to be considered.

Using Quotations and Analysis

If you’re looking for other ways how to make a paper longer, you can use quotes. Quotations and further analysis is a great strategy to add more content to your essay. So, how exactly can you achieve this? Check these pointers out: 

  • Choose relevant quotes : Of course, you’ll have to select quotations and transition words that are related to your topic. You want quotes that capture the core ideas of your argument. If you’re writing about the environment, you’d want to quote an expert environmentalist and so on.
  • Give analysis on your quotes : When you’ve presented a quotation, try providing analysis on it. Discuss its meaning and implications, and demonstrate why it backs up your claims. 

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A Blueprint For A Longer Essay

Another way to tackle how to lengthen an essay's word count is to make a detailed outline before writing so you can plan the number of words you’ll be writing from the start. This will motivate and reassure you that you’re hitting the word count.

Seek Writing Help

Finding writing assistance from professionals can be an easy and effective strategy to make your essay longer. For example, you can send a “ do my essay ” request on Studyfy to get in touch with a professional writer at any time. Here are some tips to remember when seeking help. 

  • Look for credibility : Be sure you’re getting writing help from reputable people. Take a look at their customer feedback and reputation to make sure they deliver what they promise. 
  • Be clear with what you need : Make sure they know that you want a longer essay. Be clear with your instructions.
  • Guidance, not plagiarism : Use professional help for assistance, professional insights, and inspiration. You should use their work as a reference and foundation to build your writing and reach that desired word count.
  • Make use of expert feedback : Make sure you use the feedback that is given to you and practice it. 

If you don’t have much time or energy, turning to writing professionals can be a great deal of help at desperate times of trying to fill out the minimum page count. 

Using Complex Sentence Structures and Richer Vocabulary to Up Your Required Word Count

Another strategy you can use if you’re keen on knowing how to make your essays longer is enriching your essay with vocabulary and complex sentence structures. What does this mean? Check out these tips: 

  • Employ varied language and use synonyms : You can avoid repeating your words by using synonyms to convey similar phrases and meanings. This will add length and keep your audience engaged. With that, try utilizing transition words, transitional phrases and relevant quotations to reach supporting evidence.
  • Use complex sentences : By using complex sentences and clauses in your writing, you can add more nuance to your writing and you can convey more insights. Vary your sentences from short to more detailed and lengthy. Balance this out with easy readability. Make sure that your essay is still easy to understand, regardless of a more nuanced writing style.

Taking Advantage of Examples and Case Studies when Essay Writing

If you want more words to make your essay longer, then using examples and case studies and integrating them into your essay is a great strategy to reach your word count goal.

These can strengthen your argument since they provide tangible evidence. They don’t solely make your essay longer. Here’s what you need to remember: 

  • Select relevant examples and case studies : You should, of course, use examples that back up your arguments. Make sure they are recent examples as well. Imagine yourself writing on technology. If you’re using an example, you should use one from recent years.
  • Go into detail when demonstrating case studies : When you use a case study, you should go into detail and include the context, process, and outcomes. You will add length to your essay, but you will also simultaneously make it more nuanced and strengthen your points.

Using Visual Elements

If done effectively, you can make your writing more engaging. Still confused? Don’t forget you can pay for essay services on Studyfy right now for an extra hand. So, what can you use?

You can use graphs, charts, and even image s to strengthen your essay and make it longer. For example, when you’re finishing up a scientific essay, you can use graphs to showcase statistics and data.

Writing Detailed Intros and Conclusions

Since your introduction and conclusion are decisive elements in your essay, you can make do by increasing their length without compromising their strength and quality. Do keep these tips in mind: 

  • For the introduction : Provide more context so that you can present your thesis in a stronger light. Write hints about what you’ll discuss in your body text.
  • For the conclusion : To make your conclusion longer, you can elaborate on the arguments you’ve developed over the body. You should present a “developed” and concluding version of those arguments. Reflect on what you’ve written without introducing new information. You can create a detailed and persuasive call to action to invite readers to explore the topic more. 

Development

Make sure your sections are well organized, and every argument is fully developed. If they’re not, this might explain why you’re not reaching your word count limit. Need extra help? Don’t forget to take advantage of Studyfy’s custom writing service right now. Elaborate a point completely. Be meticulous and diligent with the development of your points.

Did you like our article?

For more help, tap into our pool of professional writers and get expert essay writing services!

Can you teach me how to make my essay longer without sacrificing quality? 

Make sure that your points strengthen your arguments. Elaborate carefully. If you need help, use our college admission essay writing service for expert writing help.

Does this guide include everything I need to know?

Yes. Use our table of contents to jump to the techniques you feel keen on using. You'll find everything you need to know on how to make paper longer. We offer key points, supporting evidence and more examples to help you achieve the desired essay length.

How do I make my essay longer and keep it coherent?

You can make an essay longer and maintain its focus by going back to your thesis statement and main arguments when adding new material. Make sure they strengthen your arguments. 

What should I avoid doing?

When finding ways how to make your paper longer, avoid using filler content, and don't repeat words and sentences.

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Essay Extender for Students

Have you ever struggled to reach the specific word count while writing an essay? Our online essay extender can help you get the desired word count with just a few simple steps. All you have to do is:

  • Copy and paste your essay.
  • Choose how many words you need in your paper.
  • Click the "Extend" button.

💎 5 Key Advantages of the Essay Extender

🙋 when to use the ai essay extender, 📜 essay extender free examples, 🖇️ essay word extender tips, 🔗 references.

Our essay word extender offers a range of benefits that can enhance your writing experience. Here are some of them:

With its user-friendly interface, our online essay extender can assist you in various ways. Check out these ideas on how you can use the tool.

1. To Increase the Word Count

One of the most common uses of our essay extender is to increase an essay's word count. You add words to the entire text or a specific part, for example, introduction, conclusion, or body paragraphs. This gives you more control over where you want to expand an essay and helps you tailor the extension to the academic requirements .

Our tool adds words without compromising the quality of their writing. Since it uses advanced AI algorithms, it extends the text while maintaining the coherence and flow of the original content.

2. To Add a New Part

AI essay extender can also help you add a new part to your essay. For example, if you have already written the introduction and body paragraphs but are struggling with the conclusion, our tool can generate it.

Similarly, if you need to add a new body paragraph to support your argument , our essay extender can generate a paragraph based on your prompt. This feature is particularly useful when you are short on time and need to complete your essay quickly.

3. To Get New Ideas

Sometimes, you only need a fresh perspective to improve your writing. Our essay extender can generate unique ideas by developing a body paragraph on any topic. This feature is helpful for those who are stuck with their writing and need some inspiration to continue. You can use this generated paragraph as a starting point and further develop it according to your ideas and arguments.

Wanna see how essay extender generator works in practice? Let's try it together. Imagine you're writing an argumentative essay on "Should all internships be paid?" We'll use our tool to add some words to a body paragraph and then develop an effective introduction.

All internships should be paid for the simple fact that interns are providing valuable work and skills to the company. It is unfair to expect young workers, who are often already struggling with student debt, to work for free. Interns are not just shadowing or observing; they actively contribute to the company's operations and success. By not compensating them, companies are perpetuating a cycle of unpaid labor and exploiting the enthusiasm and eagerness of young workers. Furthermore, paying interns shows that their time and contributions are valued, allowing them to gain practical experience without financial strain.

All internships should be paid for the simple fact that interns are providing valuable work and skills to the company. It is unfair to expect young workers, who are often already struggling with student debt, to work for free. Interns are not just shadowing or observing; they actively contribute to the company's operations and success. For example, a student who is completing an unpaid internship at a marketing firm may be responsible for creating social media content, conducting market research, and assisting with client meetings. These tasks require time, effort, and skills, and the intern should be compensated for their contributions. By not compensating them, companies are perpetuating a cycle of unpaid labor and exploiting the enthusiasm and eagerness of young workers. Moreover, unpaid internships often come with hidden costs that can be a significant burden for students. For instance, a student interning in a different city may have to cover transportation, housing, and other expenses on top of working for free. Furthermore, paying interns shows that their time and contributions are valued, allowing them to gain practical experience without financial strain. Companies should recognize the contributions interns bring to their organization and compensate them accordingly for their hard work.

Internships have become a common way for students to gain practical experience and valuable skills in their chosen field. However, the issue of whether these internships should be paid or not has sparked a debate. While some argue that unpaid internships provide valuable learning opportunities, others believe that all internships should be paid to ensure fair treatment of young workers. In this essay, we will explore why all internships should be paid, including the value that interns bring to organizations and the hidden costs of unpaid internships.

Check out these helpful tips to work on your academic writing skills and extend an essay manually.

  • Expand your arguments . Instead of simply stating your point, provide more detailed examples to support your ideas.
  • Use transitional phrases . Transition phrases such as "in addition," "furthermore," and "moreover" can help you connect your ideas and add more depth to your essay.
  • Include relevant statistics and data . Adding statistics and data from reliable sources can boost the credibility of your essay and help you expand your arguments.
  • Incorporate quotes . Including quotes from experts or authoritative individuals adds depth and weight to your essay.
  • Provide background information . If you feel that certain concepts need more explanation, you can provide background information to help the reader better understand your points.

Remember, when expanding on your arguments, it is essential to do so smartly. This means providing detailed explanations and relevant examples that add length to your essay and strengthen your points.

❓ Essay Extender FAQ

Updated: Apr 12th, 2024

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On this page, you can find a free essay extender for students. With the help of this tool, you can increase the word count of any text – paste it into the related field and add the necessary details. The essay extender can add particular paragraphs or double your words in two clicks! Don’t miss the helpful tips and examples of text expansion.

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How to Make an Essay Longer

How to Make an Essay Longer

  • 7-minute read
  • 10th May 2023

So you have an essay due the next day. You’ve been holed up in your dorm all day writing it, and now you’ve finished the conclusion. You shake your fist in celebratory fashion as you punctuate the paper’s last sentence. However, your jaw drops in horror when you focus on the word count. The essay rubric states that you must write at least 1,500 words, but you’ve written only 1,000 ! How can this be? You worked so hard to do what the assignment asked you. We know the feeling, and we’re sure every college student experiences it at least once.

So with time running out, you can do the following:

●  Submit the essay and hope the professor doesn’t notice

●  Add some gibberish sentences to get close enough to the required word count

We don’t recommend these options. Making an essay longer seems daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why we’re providing this post on expanding your essay while keeping it relevant to the topic. We’ll share our helpful tips, and by the end of the post, you’ll know what to do next time your essay falls short of the word count.

1. Add Content to the Essay

Adding more details is a great starting point for increasing the word count. Review your essay and see whether you should have addressed additional points about the topic. Could you include a few more arguments?  

You’ll likely have to review your sources to find additional claims. We understand that you might not want to do this, especially if the clock reads midnight and your class starts in nine hours. However, adding more content not only increases the word count; it also makes your essay more credible. 

If you need to add content, make sure it’s relevant to the topic. Consider the following example:

Personal details about the source’s author are irrelevant. Submitting such details will only earn you the wrath of your professor’s red ink. Let’s try an alternative:

Expanding on the citation with personal insight about screen time adds punch while keeping the discussion relevant. Additional details must move your essay forward the way dialogue and narrative do for a work of fiction.  

2. Add Transitional Sentences and Phrases

Your essay might be short of words because it lacks transitional phrases, so you should add some to the mix. In fact, every academic paper should include a healthy blend of transitional sentences and transitional words/phrases . Not sure what we mean by that? You know words and phrases such as however , moreover , and in addition . 

As with details, transitional phrases help to move the essay forward, so make sure to use them correctly. Let’s take an example from an essay about the late Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic:

As you can see, the writer uses transitional phrases correctly, adding value and words to the essay. When you use them correctly, transitional sentences and phrases improve the flow of your writing , enhancing readability. Professors expect coherent essays that flow smoothly, so transitional sentences and phrases are mandatory, regardless of word count. 

That being said, it can be easy to overuse linking words, particularly if you’re a non-native writer. Check out this interesting article from Fabio Cerpeloni, who argues that linking words can impact the readability of your text . 

3. Spell Out Words and Numbers

If you have contractions in your essay, such as can’t , won’t , and couldn’t , write them out in full. You shouldn’t use contractions at all in academic writing because they’re considered informal. Although using full versions of words seems to be a miniscule measure, doing so can go a long way to increasing your word count. And as a rule, you can also spell out numbers one through eleven. Again, doing this will help expand your essay.

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To save time switching out your contractions, make sure you’re familiar with Microsoft Word’s find and replace tool .  

4. Add More Examples

Using at least two examples, you should aim to support every argument you present. If you have only one example for an argument, add a couple more. Provide citations to support your claims; otherwise, your professor will question your knowledge. As with details, examples will strengthen your essay. It’s a win–win situation!

If the essay has enough citations but still needs more words, you could try paraphrasing claims from sources. Just be sure to paraphrase effectively . You wouldn’t want to fall into the trap of plagiarism!

5. Review the Introduction and Conclusion

Now that you’ve written the essay, go back to the introduction and the conclusion. You might be able to expand on them and provide extra details. Remember that the introduction serves as a lead-in to the essay. In other words, it captures your readers’ attention and makes them want to keep reading. If your introduction appears weak, add details that will engage the reader properly.

And for the conclusion, provide a takeaway for the reader and offer a call to action. For example, what are the most important things to remember about your essay? The conclusion may lack punch, so add some details to improve it.

6. Expand Your Research on the Topic

The amount of research you’ve done could affect the word count. One way to check this is by reviewing your reference list. It should have at least five sources, so if yours has fewer, you need to do more research. Again, it’s not something you’d like to do in the middle of the night; however, sacrifices must be made if your essay needs more research. We guarantee your professor will notice if you haven’t done enough research. Here’s an extra tip: adding details will be much easier if you’re fully knowledgeable about the topic. Trust us on this!

While making an essay longer may seem daunting, doing so is easier if you’ve adequately researched the topic. The essay likely needs more ideas or examples, so go ahead and add them. Additional details will lend value, improve flow, and make your essay more credible. The most important thing to remember is that any details you add must be relevant. Simply adding fluff will weaken your essay and cost you marks. So never submit an essay with a low word count; your professor will notice! And after all, expanding on an essay is part of mastering essay writing skills .

We recommend not waiting until the last minute to check that your essay meets the required word count. Adding details or doing additional research the night before will only spell trouble. We understand the difficulty of making time when multiple papers are due in the same week. However, college life will test your time management skills like nothing else! Use your time wisely!

1.  Why do essays fall short of the required word count?

This is often due to a lack of details and transitional sentences. Review your essay to see whether it’s missing important examples that can strengthen your claims.

2.  Can I simply add “fluff” to increase the word count?

Anything you add to the essay must be relevant and must add value. Your professor is no fool, after all!

3. I hear proofreading is essential before submitting my essay. Can anyone help me with this?

We suggest our proofreading experts at Proofed! They can check your writing for grammar and punctuation errors and ensure perfect spelling and concision. Consider submitting a 500-word document for free today!

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Home / Guides / Writing Guides / Writing Tips / How to Make an Essay Longer the Smart Way

How to Make an Essay Longer the Smart Way

Meeting an essay’s required page or word count can sometimes be a struggle, especially if you’re juggling multiple papers or exams. In a pinch, students often rely on tricks like increasing margin size or making their font slightly bigger. Though these tricks do increase page length, there are easier (and smarter) ways to write a longer, high-quality essay. Making a paper meet minimum word or page counts doesn’t have to be an agonizing process—you can add length while also adding clarity and depth.

Here are 10 tips on how you can write a longer and a smarter essay, even if the deadline is fast approaching:

Tip #1: Look Back at Your Prompt/Rubric/etc.

If you’ve been provided a comprehensive prompt or rubric for an essay, read it, and read it again. Think about the following:

  • Did you answer all of the questions in the prompt?
  • Did you provide supporting evidence to back up whatever claims you made?
  • Did you leave out any information that might increase the reader’s understanding of your argument?
  • Did you meet all requirements (besides length) for the paper?

If the answer isn’t a decisive “yes” to every question on this list, go back and revise.

Tip #2: Go Back Through Your Introduction and Conclusion

Often times, ideas evolve while writing a paper. If the first thing you wrote was the introduction, go back and reread the first paragraph. You might decide that you left out key information that aids the reader in understanding your argument. When looking back on the conclusion, make sure you’ve both summarized the main points within the essay and provided your reader with a solution to consider. If you don’t feel you’ve done this, go back through and revise the paper.

Tip #3: Have Someone Proofread Your Essay

Even if you’re short on time ask a friend, sibling, or parent to read through your paper, specifically noting any points they find confusing. Then, go back and revise the parts that were unclear, adding in more information to provide readers with further clarity. You have a more comprehensive understanding of what you’re writing about than your reader, so having someone else look over your paper can be a helpful way to ensure that you haven’t missed any important details.

Tip #4: Use Quotations

Chances are, you have already used quotes in your paper. Quotations are a great way to enhance your argument while also driving up a paper’s word count, but don’t add quotes just for the sake of doing so. If you’re short on words, read through your source materials again to see if you’ve missed any valuable quotes. You can also do a little more research to see if there are any other sources you can add to provide the reader with more evidence toward your argument. Longer quotes aren’t necessarily better, but if you’re really in a bind, you might want to lengthen some of the quotes that are already included.

Tip #5: Review Your Outline

Did you make an outline to plan the essay when you first started? Go back through that initial outline and make sure you’ve hit all of your intended points. It’s possible that you’ve left out an important piece of your argument that would both increase page count and make for a better essay.

Tip #6: Include More Transitional Phrases

Graders often look for traditional words linking sentences to each other, like “therefore,” “even though”, and “on the other hand.” Read through your essay and make sure the sentences flow smoothly into each other. If they don’t, go back and add in transitional phrases like the ones listed above. Your writing will be easier to read, and you’ll get closer to the minimum page requirement in the process.

Tip #7: Read Your Paper Out Loud

This might sound like a silly tip, but when you read your paper out loud, you become increasingly aware of any grammatical or syntactical issues. When you rephrase sentences to fix these, you might end up increasing the paper length a bit. In the process of reading out loud, you also might realize that you didn’t include sufficient details within a particular paragraph. If that’s the case, go back in and add more to increase length.

Tip #8: Take a Break From Your Essay

You’ve probably been staring at your computer screen for hours, hoping words will magically pop into your head. Take a break. Eat a snack, go for a walk, or talk to a friend on the phone. You’ll come back to the essay with a fresh perspective after some time away, and you might have new ideas after you’ve had time away from your paper.

Tip #9: Ask Your Instructor for Help

Most teachers, teaching assistants, and professors are willing to look over papers for students before the final submission date. If there is still time, ask if you can make an appointment to go over your paper or head over to office hours. Your instructor might offer tips on how to better answer the prompt, and this in turn may also increase the word count of the paper.

Tip #10: Use multiple examples to back up your argument

If you’ve only used one source or anecdote to explain a given point, find a second source to provide additional evidence for the reader. This method will help drive up a paper’s word count while also providing further support for your argument.

Although hitting a minimum page count can sometimes be challenging, you can do it the smart way by increasing the information you provide to the reader—there’s no reason to resort to tricks like increasing line spacing or font size. If you’re really in a bind at the last minute, you might want to break up some of your paragraphs. This increases length while also making text more manageable for a reader. But after going through the tips on this list, your paper should be adequate in length without you having to even consider spacing.

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Essay Writing Guide

How To Make An Essay Longer

Last updated on: Jun 14, 2023

How To Make An Essay Longer - Easy Guide For Beginners

By: Nova A.

Reviewed By: Chris H.

Published on: Apr 2, 2019

How to Make an Essay Longer

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to meet a word count for your essay but fall short of content?

It can be frustrating and stressful to figure out how to make your essay longer without compromising its quality and coherence.

In this blog, we will provide you with practical strategies and valuable tips to effectively expand your essay while maintaining its integrity.

Say goodbye to the struggle and embrace a well-crafted, lengthier essay.

Let's dive in!  

How to Make an Essay Longer

On this Page

Tips on How to Make an Essay Longer 

Essay Writing can be challenging, especially when you need to meet a specific word count or want to delve deeper into your analysis.

There are strategies you can use to effectively increase the length of your essay or research paper without compromising its quality. 

Let’s explore how to make your essay longer hacks and tips while maintaining its effectiveness.

How to Make an Essay Longer

Do a Comprehensive Research

Conducting in-depth research is crucial when aiming to make your essay longer and more comprehensive.

By going beyond surface-level knowledge, you gain access to a wealth of information and insights.

This additional research allows you to develop a deeper understanding of your topic, which in turn enhances the quality of your essay.

When conducting research, keep in mind to rely on credible sources. Credible sources include academic journals, reputable books, scholarly databases, and trusted websites. 

Elaborate on Arguments 

To expand and strengthen your essay, it is vital to provide detailed explanations and expand on your arguments.  Follow these key steps:

  • Offer clear explanations of your main points, using descriptive language to enhance understanding.
  • Support your arguments with relevant evidence, such as data, statistics, or expert opinions.
  • Provide examples and illustrations that exemplify your points and make them more relatable.
  • Engage in critical analysis and interpretation to showcase a deeper understanding of the topic.
  • Address counterarguments by acknowledging opposing viewpoints and providing reasoned responses.
  • Continuously connect your elaborations back to the thesis statement for a focused and cohesive essay.

Add Examples

Start by researching your topic. Make sure you get important details, substantial arguments, and evidence to highlight your points of view better.

When you start writing, look for the claims you’ve made in your essay and analyze the supporting and opposing views.

Make sure you add relevant supporting evidence for each view that makes your essay more engaging and lengthen your paper effectively.

Usually, it’s good to use case studies and real-life scenarios or statistical information to make your arguments stronger.

Whenever you use any mathematical figures try to spell out numbers. Make sure that whatever it is, they support your arguments strongly.

Use Quotations and Citations 

Using quotations from experts and credible sources serves multiple purposes in your essay. 

Quotations play a significant role in enhancing the understanding and depth of your essay. 

They demonstrate that your ideas are supported by established thinkers or recognized sources in the field.

Proper citation is essential when using quotations in your essay. It not only gives credit to the original author but also demonstrates your academic integrity. 

Ensure that you adhere to the required citation style , whether it's APA, MLA, Chicago, or any other specified format. 

Take the time to understand the rules and guidelines for citing quotations accurately.

Include Transitional Phrases and Sentences

Thinkin how to make your essay longer using words while maintaining a smooth flow and coherence?

It is essential to include transitional phrases and sentences in your essay. 

Transitional sentences not only help to make your essay longer but more cohesive as well. Transition sentences are used to connect the ideas being discussed in different paragraphs of the essay. So the right choice of transitional sentences will make your essay a great piece of writing.

Here are some key considerations for using transitional phrases effectively:

Introducing Additional Points:

  • Furthermore,
  • Additionally,
  • In addition to,

Providing Examples or Illustrations:

  • For instance,
  • For example,
  • Specifically,
  • To illustrate this,
  • In particular,

Need more examples of transitional words to make an essay longer? Check out this transition words blog!

Do Not Use Short Forms

Avoid using short forms and contractions. In a formal essay, do not use ‘wouldn't’, ‘can’t’ or ‘don’ts’, use their full form. The same goes for numbers also, use spellings instead of number form.

If you are not sure about the word count then use a word counter to be sure that you have added the required number of words. Increasing the font size will also help to lengthen your essay.

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Be More Descriptive

To make your essay longer while keeping the flow smooth and engaging the reader, it is essential to focus on being more descriptive in your writing.

By incorporating vivid descriptions, sensory details, and figurative language, you can expand the length of your essay while enhancing its depth and richness.

Descriptive language allows you to provide more intricate explanations, paint a more detailed picture of your subject matter, and create a more immersive reading experience.

By employing techniques such as engaging the senses, providing concrete examples, and painting a vivid picture with words, you can reach the required word count.

Add All Necessary Information

During your revision part, ensure that you’ve included all relevant information for the essay and there’s no missing concept or theory.

At times students find sections that can be improved with new arguments or there is a missing piece of evidence.

Look for such loopholes in the content and fix them.

Add details that are relevant, credible, and valuable for your audience as well. Once you’re done with the checking, re-read the essay to ensure complete conformity to quality standards and essay guidelines.

Format Your Paragraphs Well

While writing your essay make sure that paragraphs of your essay are formatted well.

Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence , following the supporting argument, and a concluding or transition sentence.

Keep revising your paragraphs and add the sentences that are missing.

Take a Fresh Look at Your Topic

This may seem a useless tactic but revisiting your prompt in the middle of your writing process will help you a lot to explore the hidden perspectives of the topic.

You may realize that you have not considered a number of dimensions of the topic nor explained them.

This allows you to gain new perspectives, refine your arguments, and ensure that your essay remains relevant and compelling. 

Their explanation will not only help you elongate your essay but also make it more comprehensive.

Add Illustrations

To further add to your essay content, look for illustrative material that can be included to justify your claims better.

These are usually supporting pieces of information like images, charts, statistical reports, and graphs that largely add to the essay's appeal and length as well.

Your sources must be authentic and reliable. Do not forget to include them in your resource list to increase the size and essay length.

Add Lists and Numbers

Another good tip that adds to the page count for your paper is the addition of bullets and lists to organize your ideas properly.

Besides, they also make the paper longer and more readable, and engaging for the audience. Within sections and paragraphs, add lists to further explain a core concept or idea better.

You can also increase the line spacing between texts to make your essay look longer.

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Try Reverse Outlining

After writing your paper, reading back through it and creating an outline will help you reorganize pages. It will make more sense to the readers about your work. It can also point out areas that you need to develop more.

If you see a point and think that you can clarify it more, take the opportunity and make it longer.

If you notice a paragraph that introduces more than one idea, break them into multiple paragraphs and explain them thoroughly.

Take a Break and Revisit Your Essay

To increase the length and improve the quality of your essay, it is essential to take breaks and revisit your work with a fresh perspective.

Stepping away from your writing allows you to clear your mind and return with renewed focus.

When you review your essay with fresh eyes, you can identify areas that need further development, clarification, or expansion.

Take the time to revise and edit your essay, addressing grammar, punctuation, and clarity. 

Approach your Instructor and Ask for Possible Help

Many teachers and instructors are willing to give reviews about the paper before submission. It means you can always consider approaching your instructor for guidance. 

Schedule a meeting and come prepared with specific questions about expanding your essay effectively. 

Explain your concerns about the length and express your willingness to put in the effort to improve. 

Be attentive to the advice given by your instructor and make a keen effort to implement their feedback in your revised essay. 

Make Your Spacing Larger 

One sneaky way to increase the length of your essay is by adjusting the spacing. 

Increase the line spacing between your lines of text by using 1.5 or double spacing instead of the default 1.0 spacing. 

Another option is to use a slightly larger font size, although it's important not to go overboard. For example, you are using times new roman size 12, make it to 12.5!

Incorporating subheadings within your essay can help break up sections and add length. Additionally, take the opportunity to provide more detailed explanations and elaborate on your examples. 

Remember to use these formatting tips responsibly and focus on providing meaningful content to enhance the overall quality of your essay.

Get Professional Writing Help

If you find yourself still struggling to increase the length and improve the quality of your essay, seeking professional writing help can be a valuable option.

These online writing services offer assistance from experienced writers who can help you with essay-lengthening techniques. They also offer suggestions for improvement and provide editing and proofreading services.

Just like that, 5StarEssays.com is one of the best “ write my essay ” services!

Our qualified writing experts can compose an impressive essay that meets the word count without giving the impression of dragging it.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to elevate your writing skills and achieve your academic goals.

Nova A.

Marketing, Law

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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12 Ways to make your Essay Longer: Words, Phrases, Transits

by James Khim | Oct 17, 2022

Essay Writing

Writing a high school or college essay requires a lot of research and typing. Even after toiling for hours or days, frustration arises when you find out that you are out of the word count.

However, with additional research, the inclusion of more quotes and descriptions can make up for the word count shortfall. There are different tricks you can use to boost your word count and reach the page requirement of your teacher. 

You can make an essay longer by writing more points, explaining your arguments well, or including insightful questions. In addition, you can use formatting hacks to increase the length of an essay by writing shorter paragraphs, using larger fonts, and adding illustrations to an essay. However, these methods should adhere to academic writing standards.

et us explore each one of these tips in detail and add more ways to lengthen an essay.

Ways to Increase Word Count and Make an Essay Longer

1. write more points.

In the outline of your essay, the body has points that you had to explain. If you are yet to meet the word count, including more points in your body is one of the ways of making up for this.

 Making Essays Longer

Also, you can increase the sources and anecdotes in explaining a point so that you get more ideas. 

Adding more sources will provide extra evidence for the reader and makes it possible to increase your word count significantly.

You will not only be providing additional support for your argument but also boosting the paper’s word count. 

2. Using illustrations

Including illustrations is the perfect way to make your essay lighter but longer.

These illustrations can be in the form of screenshots, charts, graphs, infographics, and images.

This helps to make your arguments strong and the essay longer. The trick revolves around making a better argument with a deeper precision. However, always ensure that the illustrations you add are relevant to the arguments of the essay. 

3. Use short paragraphs

The use of precise and well-formatted paragraphs can also help to make your paper longer. A shorter paragraph makes the essay more coherent and gives it a better reading experience.

The paragraphs must have a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. These are the elements that make a readable paragraph with points that are flowing effortlessly. 

4. Stretch the headers

When there is a possibility, try to make your headers longer. In most cases, teachers state what they expect you to include in the header.

You are given the information but there is no limitation to the header word count. In the absence of the guidelines concerning word count, expand on the header to reach the essay’s word count. 

5. Let another person proofread your essay

When you involve an extra eye to go through your essay, it is possible to spot areas where you have not exhausted. A friend, teacher, or classmate can proofread your essay and spot important areas that need more elaboration.

In doing so, you will be adding more words to the essay and covering the deficit. You can add more explanations to the arguments by including relevant quotes that will give it more strength. 

6. Expanding your arguments

If you check the outline you made before writing your essay, it will be possible to spot areas that need more alterations. The outline is the ultimate guideline that will show you if you have drained your points.

When you were writing, it is possible to skip vital points. Therefore, you can lengthen your essay by adding more arguments. Feel free to use first-person language to introduce personalized opinions if needed.

If you did not outline, check what you have written, analyze what the audience needs then know what to include. Writing more points in your essay is one of the best ways of adding more words to your essay.

7. Explain more

 Making Essays Longer

Giving more explanation is also a good way of topping up the word count. You can check the arguments and see if some sections still need more explanations.

Inadequate explanations could be one of the reasons why your essay is short of words.

Go to the introduction, body, and conclusion and give deeper explanations to points that were not well elaborated.

8. Seek clarifications from your instructor

Most teachers, professors, and teaching assistants are always willing to guide students. If you develop a good rapport with them, they are the best source of guidance especially when it comes to essay writing.

They will look over your essays and spot the necessary areas that need tunings before you do a final submission. 

When you have plenty of time remaining before the submission deadline, try to get an appointment with the teachers so that you go over the paper together. The instructor is the best person to give you helpful tips to increase your word count.

9. Include more references and evidence

When you add more references alongside evidence, you will not only make your essay longer but also stronger. An extra reference that goes with evidence will give you a chance to make more explanations that will eventually top up the word count. If you refer back to your essay outline, you can still make each point better by including more supporting details.

10. Include relevant quotations

Apart from adding references and evidence, you can also bring in quotations for strengthening and lengthening the paper.

Make sure that the quotations you add are relevant to the paper’s arguments. The inclusion of a quote that supports the points makes the paper more powerful.

11. Include more transitions

If your essay is only short of a few words to reach the expected limit, transitions can do the trick. Smooth transition words to connect paragraphs or sentences can give you the extra words you need. Their use in connecting one sentence to the next one also makes the essay a seamless flow. 

12. Check the prompt of the essay again

The prompt of the essay is the ultimate guide that shows you how to outline your essay. If you check it again, you can find something you missed discussing in the essay.

Look at the prompts or essay questions from a different perspective to get more ideas. In this way, you can become more thorough and get more words for your essay.

Consulting your instructor about the essay prompt can also help you to find new ways of tackling the subject of the essay. 

13. Check the introduction

 Making Essays Longer

As usual, the introduction is one of the most important parts of an essay. It not only sets out the paper’s tone but also captures the attention of your audience

. However, the introduction does not have to be a short paragraph. You can expound by including more information or simply expand on the ideas you already have.

Adding a quote or a simple story can make the introduction even catchier and attention-grabbing. Taking a moment to revise your introduction adds more words and also makes it a better one. 

Alternative to Score High in an Essays without Writing

It is not easy to get good grades if you cannot write essays that will satisfy your teacher. If the instructors and friends are not helping you, the best alternative is to get professional help. Many online academic writing websites can help you to get your assignment done. 

Select a good writing firm that employs quality and professional writers. These services have writers and editors who scrutinize your essay to ensure it is in line with your guidelines.

As usual, plagiarism will be a subject of concern. Only select writing services that can manually check the essay and also use plagiarism scanners to check for copied content. Online reviews from previous clients can guide you to select the best paper writing services.

An academic assignment is very sensitive and that is why you must give your essay to only professional writers. Check if they are accredited and the number of years they have been offering the same services to students.

Look at their guarantee policy, the turnaround time, previous complaints from clients, and other important factors.

Essays can weigh you down because they need a lot of research and writing. Even so, there is no excuse for late submission or submitting poor-quality papers.

You only have to submit your order in time and give all the necessary instructions. Even more importantly, you can check and ask for revisions if there are areas your requirements were not met. 

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Tips on How to Make an Essay Longer and Hit Your Word Count

things to make your essay longer

So you’ve written a great essay, but now you’re staring at the word count and panicking because you’re still a few hundred words short. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.

Padding out an essay to reach the required length doesn’t have to be painful. In fact, with a few tried-and-true tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a longer and stronger essay in no time. The key is not to just add fluff, but incorporate meaningful content that enriches your writing.

This article will show you several effective ways to make an essay longer and boost your word count in a natural, compelling way. Before you know it, you’ll have surpassed the minimum length and turned in an essay you can feel proud of.

Here are 5 simple tips to make your essay longer:

1. Add Examples and Elaborate

To hit your target word count, adding examples and elaborating on your points is key.

Give examples

Providing examples to illustrate your points is an easy way to boost your word count. For each argument or claim you make, give one or two examples from real life, current events, history, statistics, stories, anecdotes, etc. to strengthen your point. For example, if you are writing an essay on the benefits of daily exercise, give some examples of how exercise has improved people’s lives or health.

things to make your essay longer

  • “Studies show that exercising for just 30 minutes a day 5 times a week can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 50%.”
  • “Someone who starts an exercise routine in their 50s and sticks with it can gain 3-7 years of life expectancy.”
  • “Regular exercise has been shown to boost both short-term and long-term memory in people of all ages.”

Elaborate on key points

Take each paragraph in your essay and see if you can elaborate on the main point or argument by providing additional details, explanations, and commentary. Doing so helps demonstrate that you have a deep understanding of the topic and fills out your essay to reach the required length.

For example, if you make the point that daily exercise improves both physical and mental health, elaborate on how it helps both the body and the mind:

"Physically, exercise increases cardiovascular fitness, builds strength and endurance, helps maintain a healthy weight, and even slows the aging process. Mentally, exercise releases feel-good hormones called endorphins that act as natural mood boosters and stress relievers. It also stimulates the growth of new neural connections in the brain that help with learning, memory, problem solving, and decision making."

Using examples and elaborating on your key points are simple yet effective ways to make an essay longer and hit your target word count. Add more and more examples and details and before you know it, you'll have reached or exceeded the required length!

2. Include Backstory and Context

To hit your target word count, you need to provide context and backstory for your readers. Flesh out the details and give examples to help illustrate your key points.

Backstory and Examples

Think about the journey that led up to your essay topic. Share some details about key events, experiences, or people that shaped your perspective. For an essay on your career goals, discuss what led you to choose your field of study or current job role. For a persuasive essay, explain what sparked your interest in the issue.

Provide specific examples and anecdotes to bring your points to life. If you're discussing the challenges of long distance relationships, share a story of a memorable visit or phone call. For an essay on your favorite travel destination, describe your favorite memory from the trip. Examples give readers insight into the topic through vivid details and imagery.

Use transition words like "for example," "for instance," "such as," and "including" when integrating examples and anecdotes into your essay. Explain how each example relates back to your main point or argument. The more you can show through examples rather than just telling readers about the topic, the more compelling and impactful your essay will be.

Additional Details

Elaborate on discussions or examples by including additional details and commentary. Ask yourself follow up questions about each point to identify other information you can provide to expand on the topic. Explain the significance and implications of examples or evidence you've included. Discuss other possibilities or perspectives relating to your points.

Use phrases like "more specifically," "in particular," "notably," and "importantly" to signal that you are providing more in-depth details about a point. Repeat key terms and rephrase ideas in new ways to reinforce your main points as you elaborate. With additional details and commentary, you can easily extend the length and substance of your essay.

Providing backstory, real-world examples, and additional details and commentary are highly effective ways to make an essay longer and more compelling while still focused and impactful. Use these strategies to expand on the key points in your outline and hit your target word count. With practice, elaborating in these ways can become second nature!

Pro tip: If you're running short on time, use AI to expand your sections and increase your word count! Hypotenuse AI's smart writer can help you write 10x faster without compromising on quality.

things to make your essay longer

3. Use Descriptive Language

One of the easiest ways to boost your word count is to get descriptive with your language. Use colorful adjectives and adverbs, sensory imagery, and metaphors to bring your writing to life. Rather than saying something is “big,” describe it as “enormous,” “gigantic,” or “towering.” Replace a phrase like “walked quickly” with “strode briskly” or “hurried.”

Paint a Picture with Words

Help the reader visualize what you’re writing about by appealing to the senses. Describe how something smells, tastes, sounds, or feels. Use similes and metaphors to make creative comparisons, like “sweet as honey” or “light as a feather.” For example, instead of writing “the beach at night,” describe it as:

The moonlit beach was quiet at night, except for the rhythmic crashing of gentle waves. A cool, salty sea breeze carried the aroma of seaweed and fish. The sand felt soft and cold between my toes as I strolled along the shore, gazing at the inky black ocean freckled with the silver reflections of a million stars.

Make Lists and Use Formatting

Break up long paragraphs by making bulleted or numbered lists of key points, steps, options, examples or pieces of information. Numbered lists suggest a sequence or process, while bulleted lists group related pieces of information. Both make content easier to read and take up more space. You can also use headings and subheadings, indenting, and line spacing to make your essay appear longer.

Avoid Redundancy But Include Synonyms

While repeating yourself word-for-word will seem redundant to the reader, using synonyms and related terms for the same concept is an easy way to expand on ideas without seeming repetitive. For example, instead of saying “the huge, massive tree,” you could write “the enormous, giant, towering oak tree.” Refer to the same subject in different ways by using pronouns like “it,” “they” or “this” and descriptors like “the latter” and “the former.”

With practice, using these techniques will become second nature and help you reach or exceed your desired word count every time. Your writing will also become more engaging and impactful as a result.

4. Vary Your Sentence Structure

Varying your sentence structure is one of the easiest ways to lengthen your essay and keep readers engaged. Using a combination of simple, compound and complex sentences will make your writing more dynamic and compelling.

Simple sentences, consisting of just one independent clause, are great for impact and rhythm. sprinkle them in for emphasis. Compound sentences join two independent clauses together with a coordinating conjunction like "and" or "but." They create flow and help tie ideas together.

Complex sentences have an independent clause joined by one or more dependent clauses. They show how concepts relate and add depth. Aim for 2-3 complex sentences per paragraph.

  • Combine shorter sentences into longer, more complex ones. Look for sentences on the same topic that can be joined. Use coordinating or subordinating conjunctions like "although," "because" or "when."
  • Add dependent clauses starting with words like "that," "which," "who," or "whom." For example, change "Students study hard. They want to get good grades." to "Students who want to get good grades study hard."
  • Use parallel structure and coordinating conjunctions to combine sentences. Change "The essay was informative. The essay was also persuasive." to "The essay was informative and persuasive."
  • Include lists and examples. Lists of three or more related items, with or without bullets, take up space and provide useful details. Examples also add length and help clarify your points.
  • Discuss the implications or consequences of ideas. Explain how concepts relate or build upon each other. For example, change "New technologies are emerging rapidly. They have advanced features." to "New technologies with increasingly advanced features are emerging rapidly, facilitating improvements in many areas of life."
  • Use transition words like "furthermore," "moreover," "in addition" and "another" to introduce new but related thoughts. They create flow and coherence between sentences and paragraphs.

Varying your writing in these ways will not only lengthen your essay but also strengthen it by creating rhythm, flow and depth. Your writing will become more compelling and complex, allowing you to fully explore all aspects of your topic. With practice, paraphrasing can become second nature.

5. Include Quotes and References

To beef up an essay and reach your required word count, incorporating relevant quotes and references from credible sources is an easy strategy.

Dropping in short quotes from experts or key figures related to your topic is an effective way to boost your word count by 30-50 words at a time. For example, if you're writing about environmental protection, consider including a compelling quote from Jane Goodall or David Attenborough on conservation. Just make sure the quote is properly attributed and relates directly to the point you're making.

Citing references, examples and case studies is another simple method for adding length and substance to your essay. For each source, aim to include 2-3 sentences introducing the reference, a sentence or two summarizing key details, and a citation in the proper format (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).

things to make your essay longer

For example:

"A recent study from the Environmental Protection Agency found that recycling just one ton of paper can save 7,000 gallons of water. The study analyzed paper production from start to finish and concluded that recycling has significant environmental benefits compared to making paper products from raw materials. (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2020)."

Including a mix of both quotes from notable public figures and references to credible studies or reports on your topic is ideal for boosting an essay's word count and lending more credibility and persuasive power to your writing. You can find excellent open-source references, statistics, examples and quotes on virtually any subject by searching online databases, company/ non-profit organizations' websites and reputable media publications.

With some digging, you'll find plenty of material to incorporate into your essay. Just be sure to properly introduce, explain and cite each reference or quote to achieve an essay length that hits your target word count. Padding your essay may be necessary at times, but do so in a meaningful way. Keep your writing concise while also being compelling and backed by evidence.

Write more with generative AI

Now you can go back through your essay, with the help of our essay generator , and see where you can elaborate on a point, add an additional example or two, rephrase something more concisely, or insert a call to action. The key is to be authentic and not just add fluff for the sake of adding words.

Now get to writing and make that essay as compelling and wordy as possible. The finish line is in sight, you just have to power through the final stretch. Keep your head down, your fingers typing, and soon enough you’ll have a completed essay you can feel proud of.

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How to Make an Essay Longer – The Ultimate Guide

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Are you having a hard time stretching your essay to the required word count? Perhaps your teacher wants your essay to be of at least four pages but you are even struggling to write two, isn’t it?

No need to worry as we bring you some tactics for making your essay longer without putting much effort. That’s right, this blog post is a kind of guide by the experts working with a  professional paper writing service  provider to answer how to make an essay longer.

Table of Contents

Working Strategies for Making an Essay Longer

These are some working strategies commonly used by  our writers  to make a essay longer.

Expand on your ideas

This is the first and very effective strategy for learning how to make your essay longer. Explore each point you’ve made in more detail. Give more explanations, samples, proof, and analysis to back up your claims. See if there are chances to explain or go into more detail about your main points.

Let’s say you’re writing about climate change, and your point is about the consequences of rising sea levels, you should discuss the threat to coastal communities. You can talk about how it affects their homes, businesses, and livelihoods.

Explanations:  Start by explaining how rising sea levels are having a direct impact on coastal communities. Break down what’s causing sea levels to rise, like thermal expansion and melting glaciers, and how these are leading to flooding in coastal places.

Examples:  Give some examples of places already feeling the effects. For example, the islands in the Pacific that are slowly being submerged or towns on the East Coast of the US that suffer from really bad flooding during bad weather.

Evidence:  Include facts and figures from research and studies to back up your statements. For example, provide stats on how many people have been forced out of their homes, the cost of climate change, or the projections for rising sea levels based on reputable sources like the IPCC.

Analysis:  Dig into what these effects mean. Talk about how people living along the coast have to move due to this, resulting in them losing their homes and having difficulty settling somewhere new. Think about the financial impact, such as the destruction of pricey coastal real estate and buildings.

Here’s a brief example of how this expansion might look within an essay paragraph:

Rising sea levels pose an imminent threat to coastal communities worldwide. This phenomenon, primarily driven by the warming climate, results in a myriad of challenges for populations residing in these vulnerable areas. For instance, the small island nation of Tuvalu in the Pacific Ocean stands as a stark example of the impacts of rising seas. Its residents face daily challenges as encroaching waters erode their land and contaminate freshwater sources. Additionally, cities like Miami along the East Coast of the United States confront frequent flooding during high tides, which not only disrupts daily life but also causes substantial economic losses in terms of property damage and infrastructure repair.

Add more evidence

Look into getting more information to back up what you’re saying. Put in quotes, numbers, or opinions from people who know what they’re talking about to make your point stronger. Double check that the sources you use are reliable and related to the subject you’re discussing.

Let’s continue with the example of an essay on climate change and the impact of rising sea levels. To strengthen your arguments, you might want to incorporate additional sources and evidence.

Research more sources:  Do some digging and go beyond just using Google. Check out online databases, scientific publications, and books to get the facts about climate change from reliable sources like the IPCC, NASA, NOAA, and well-known universities.

Include quotes:  Search for statements from specialists in the area. For example, you could come across a statement from a well-known climate scientist emphasizing how important it is to tackle rising sea levels. This quote gives your argument more weight and reliability.

Statistics:  Include numbers about how the sea level has risen in the past couple of decades, predictions of what it might be like in the future, and how many people are already getting flooded out because of it.

Expert opinions:  Look for what experts in the field of rising sea levels – like scientists, policymakers, and environmentalists have to say about it. Their insights can give your arguments more weight and support your points.

Here’s an example of how you might integrate these additional sources and evidence into your essay:

According to Dr. Jane Smith, a leading climatologist at XYZ University, the current rate of sea level rise presents an imminent threat to coastal populations globally. Her research, published in the esteemed journal Nature, highlights the compounding risks faced by low-lying regions due to the intersection of sea level rise and increased storm surges. Furthermore, data from the latest IPCC report reveals a startling 8-inch rise in global sea levels over the last century, a figure projected to accelerate at an alarming rate if immediate measures are not taken. These statistics, backed by the consensus among experts in the field, underscore the critical need for concerted action to mitigate the impacts of this escalating crisis.

Interesting Note

Adding quotes, stats, and expert opinions to your essay is key for making your arguments more solid. Doing your research and having these things in your essay will make your essay more convincing and informative.

Include counterarguments and refutations

Bring up any other perspectives that people may have and explain why your point of view is more valid. Doing this not only increases the length of your argument but also shows that you have a better grasp of the subject.

Considering other perspectives is key to writing an effective essay. It helps demonstrate your comprehensive understanding of the topic and allows you to reinforce your point. Here’s a breakdown with an example:

Identify opposing viewpoints:  To start, figure out different opinions or ideas about your subject. Let’s say you’re talking about climate change and higher sea levels – someone might think that the increase in sea levels is just part of a natural cycle, not because of anything humans have done.

Understand and acknowledge the opposing view:  You need to recognize that natural cycles and geological factors do contribute to changing sea levels, which is true. But the science is pretty clear that the more significant factor in the fast-rising sea levels is us humans, due to greenhouse gas emissions.

Provide counterarguments:  Provide evidence or justification that refutes the other side’s opinion. This could include citing scientific research, expert opinions, or facts that back up your opinion. For example, you could reference studies that show the link between the increase in greenhouse gases and the faster rise in sea levels we’ve seen in the last 100 years.

Explain why the opposing viewpoint might be flawed:  Think about why the other side of the argument might not be as strong. Point out any inconsistencies, lack of proof, or flawed logic in the opposing viewpoint. For example, with our situation, you could say that while natural changes have affected sea levels in the past, the rate of change that we’re seeing now matches up more with what happens when climate change is caused by humans.

Here’s an example of how you might incorporate addressing an opposing viewpoint into your essay:

While some argue that rising sea levels are predominantly driven by natural cycles, empirical evidence from numerous studies by leading climate scientists, such as Dr. John Doe from the Climate Research Institute, indicates otherwise. While natural factors do contribute to fluctuations in sea levels, the rapid acceleration observed in recent decades surpasses the expected patterns attributed solely to natural variations. Dr. Doe’s comprehensive analysis of ice core samples and oceanic data reveals a clear correlation between increased greenhouse gas emissions and the unprecedented rise in sea levels, discrediting the notion that natural cycles are the primary drivers in the current scenario.

By considering other points of view, you show that you really understand the intricacies of your topic. This technique not only makes your arguments stronger, but also shows you’re able to think critically about different opinions.

Use transitional phrases

Using connecting words and phrases can make your essay flow better and give it more length. These transitions can help link your ideas and paragraphs together. Even the expert  essay writing services  providers use this trick. 

Transition words for introducing ideas: To kick things off, it’s a good idea to use words like “firstly,” “initially,” “to begin with,” or “in the first place” when introducing a new point or argument. For instance:

To start tackling the problem of rising sea levels, it’s important to comprehend how it’s affecting coastal communities in many different ways.

Transition words for adding information:  Employ words like “moreover,” “furthermore,” “in addition,” or “additionally” to introduce additional supporting details or arguments. For example:

Moreover, recent studies have shown a direct correlation between melting polar ice caps and the surge in global sea levels.

Transition words for contrasting ideas:  Words like “however,” “on the other hand,” “in contrast,” or “conversely” are useful when presenting contrasting viewpoints or information. For instance:

However, some sceptics argue that the current rise in sea levels is primarily a result of natural climatic cycles rather than human-induced factors.

Transition words for concluding or summarizing:  Use phrases like “in conclusion,” “to summarize,” “overall,” or “to sum up” to signal a summary or conclusion of your points. For example:

To sum up, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the assertion that human activities significantly contribute to the accelerating rise in sea levels.

Here’s an example showcasing the use of transitional words within a paragraph:

Moreover, the impact of rising sea levels extends beyond the immediate threat to coastal communities. In addition, the intricate ecosystems of coastal regions face unprecedented disruptions due to inundation, leading to adverse effects on marine biodiversity. Furthermore, the economic repercussions of such environmental upheavals are profound. For instance, the tourism industry, reliant on pristine coastal landscapes, suffers from eroded shorelines and submerged attractions. However, despite these pressing concerns, proactive measures can mitigate the severity of these impacts.

Provide More Examples

Try bringing in real-world examples or case studies to back up your points. It can help add depth and substance to what you’re saying.

Relevance of examples:  Make sure the examples you pick really tie into the points you’re trying to make in your essay. If you’re talking about the effects of rising sea levels, think of examples like certain towns, habitats, or businesses that have been affected.

Specificity and detail:  Be sure to include lots of specifics when you give examples – like dates, locations, and circumstances – to give your readers a more detailed picture. This will make your arguments more convincing and believable.

Diverse examples:  Include lots of different examples to show that you really know what you’re talking about. Examples from different places, cultures, and eras can help you give a thorough overview of the topic.

Use of statistics and quotes within examples:  Include facts and quotes from experts to give your examples more clout. This will make your arguments sound more authoritative and trustworthy.

Let’s consider an example within an essay discussing the impact of rising sea levels:

In 2012, the small island nation of Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean became a poignant example of the tangible effects of rising sea levels. Situated barely two meters above sea level, the country faced a dire predicament as encroaching waters threatened the very existence of its communities. Statistics from the Kiribati National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA) indicated that nearly 30% of the population had been directly impacted by coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources. Furthermore, President Anote Tong, in a UN Climate Change Conference, emphasized, ‘Our homes, our livelihoods, and our culture are on the brink of being washed away.’ This case study exemplifies the immediate and profound consequences faced by low-lying regions due to escalating sea levels, emphasizing the urgency for global action.

Expand Your Analysis

Instead of just stating facts, analyze them in more detail. Discuss the implications, significance, and consequences of the information you’re presenting.

Implications of the information:  Go beyond stating facts by discussing what those facts signify or imply. Consider the broader context and potential outcomes stemming from the information presented.

For instance, if discussing rising sea levels:

Instead of merely stating that sea levels have risen by a certain amount, analyze the implications. Explain how this rise affects coastal communities, biodiversity, and infrastructure. Discuss the potential risks of increased flooding, loss of habitats, and economic disruptions.

Significance of the information:  Explore why the information matters. Assess its importance in the context of your essay topic or the broader issue being discussed.

For example, in a discussion about climate change:

Rather than just stating temperature increases, analyze the significance. Explain how these temperature changes contribute to melting ice caps, altering weather patterns, and exacerbating natural disasters. Discuss the significance of these changes in the context of global ecosystems and human societies.

Consequences of the information:  Consider the immediate and long-term effects of the information presented. Discuss the potential outcomes or repercussions resulting from the facts or data provided.

Continuing with the climate change example:

Instead of solely stating increased carbon dioxide levels, analyze the consequences. Explain how this leads to ocean acidification, impacting marine life and coral reefs. Discuss the implications for food security, fisheries, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on marine resources.

Here’s an example paragraph demonstrating the analysis of factual information:

The staggering increase in global temperatures by 1.2 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels, as reported in the latest IPCC assessment, holds profound implications for the planet’s ecosystems and human societies. This rise, though seemingly modest, signifies an alarming trend that accelerates ice melt in polar regions. The significance of this phenomenon extends beyond the melting ice caps, contributing to the destabilization of weather patterns, resulting in intensified storms, heatwaves, and droughts worldwide. Such consequences not only endanger vulnerable ecosystems but also pose severe risks to agriculture, water availability, and human health, magnifying the urgency for immediate climate action to mitigate these far-reaching impacts.

Include More Descriptive Language

Elaborate on your descriptions. Use vivid adjectives and adverbs to paint a clearer picture for your readers.

Let’s explore how to do this in detail with examples:

Selecting descriptive words:  Choose adjectives and adverbs that evoke sensory experiences and emotions, making your descriptions more vivid and captivating. Instead of using generic terms, opt for specific and colorful language.

For instance, consider the following descriptions of a serene beach scene:

Basic:  “The beach was beautiful.”

Enhanced:  “The pristine beach stretched endlessly, kissed by the gentle lapping of cerulean waves against the powdery, sun-kissed shore.”

Appealing to the senses:  Use descriptive words that engage the senses—sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell—to create a multi-dimensional picture for your readers.

For example, describing a bustling marketplace:

Basic : “The market was busy.”

Enhanced:  “The vibrant market teemed with a symphony of aromas, from fragrant spices that danced in the air to the colorful array of fresh produce that dazzled the eyes.”

Painting a vivid picture:  Use descriptive language to paint a detailed and vivid image, allowing readers to visualize the scene or concept you’re presenting.

Consider a description of a forest:

Basic:  “The forest was dense.”

Enhanced:  “The lush, emerald forest enveloped me in a verdant embrace, its towering trees cloaked in a tapestry of vibrant foliage, casting dappled shadows on the mossy forest floor.”

Creating mood and atmosphere:  Use adjectives and adverbs that convey the mood or atmosphere you want to evoke in your writing. This helps in setting the tone and immersing readers in the scene.

For example, setting a mysterious tone:

Basic:  “The old house was eerie.”

Enhanced:  “The decrepit, timeworn house exuded an eerie aura, its weathered façade shrouded in a haunting silence broken only by creaking floorboards and whispers of bygone secrets.”

Lengthen your explanations

When discussing complex topics, break them down further. Offer step-by-step explanations or go into more detail about the intricacies of the subject matter.

Identify the complexity:  Pinpoint the specific aspects or components of the complex topic that might be difficult for your audience to grasp. This could involve technical terms, abstract concepts, or intricate processes.

For instance, explaining the concept of quantum mechanics to a lay audience might involve breaking down terms like superposition or entanglement.

Step-by-step explanations:  Provide a structured breakdown, starting with foundational or fundamental elements before delving into more intricate details. Organize your explanations logically, moving from simple to complex.

For example, explaining a biological process like photosynthesis:

Begin with the basic concept of sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide being converted into glucose and oxygen by plants.

Gradually introduce the role of chlorophyll and the photosynthetic reaction in capturing light energy.

Further elaborate on the electron transport chain, ATP production, and the Calvin cycle to illustrate the intricacies involved.

Use analogies or relatable examples:  Analogies or real-life examples can simplify complex concepts by relating them to something more familiar.

When discussing artificial intelligence (AI)

Compare AI algorithms to recipes, explaining how they follow specific instructions (code) to accomplish tasks (cook a dish).

Use the analogy of a self-driving car’s sensors functioning like human senses to perceive the environment.

Visual aids or diagrams: Incorporate visual representations, such as diagrams, charts, or infographics, to supplement your explanations. Visuals can often simplify complex information and aid comprehension.

When discussing the structure of a DNA molecule

Include a labeled diagram illustrating the double helix structure, base pairs, and sugar-phosphate backbone to aid understanding.

Address potential confusion points: Anticipate areas where readers might get lost or confused and offer clarifications or summaries at those junctures.

When Discussing the Intricacies of a Legal Concept

Pause after explaining a complex clause to summarize its key points before moving on to the next section.

Here’s an example paragraph illustrating a step-by-step breakdown of a complex topic:

The concept of blockchain, often associated with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, operates on a decentralized ledger system. At its core, it relies on a chain of blocks, each containing a set of transactions. These blocks are linked cryptographically, ensuring security and immutability. To further understand its functionality, consider it as a digital ledger distributed across a network of computers. Transactions, once validated by network participants, are added as blocks to the chain, creating a permanent and transparent record. Moreover, the consensus mechanism, such as Proof of Work or Proof of Stake, plays a pivotal role in validating these transactions and ensuring the integrity of the ledger.

Problem Solved

Well, we are pretty certain that these expert tips and tricks must have helped you learn how to make an essay longer tactfully. As per the required length, you can go about adapting one or all of these expert tricks as you need.

Still, if you have a problem extending your essay or searching for someone with ‘make my essay longer’ in the search bar, just don’t hesitate to consult our experts available for you 24/7.

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How to Make an Essay Longer Than It Really Is: 9 Hacks that Work

Stefani H.

Table of contents

How often have you finished writing your essay and run a word count check to realize you’re way behind the required word count?

If anyone’s been there, they’ll know that feeling of absolute disappointment -- when you’re close to the finish line yet so far.

Word counts matter because they create a level-playing field for all students. They ensure that every student is given the same number of words to make their point.

One of the most common challenges students face is the inability to meet the desired word count, especially in the case of long-form essays or research papers .

So, if you’re wondering how you can make your essay longer than it is, we tell you what you should and should NOT do to meet the word count.

9 Hacks to Make an Essay Longer than it is

“ What else can I write about? ”

How often have you asked yourself this question after writing your entire paper?

You’re not alone -- writing 5,000-word essays is tricky. Sometimes you feel you’ve exhausted your points, but the word count has a different story to tell.

Here are nine legitimate hacks to make your essay longer and meet the word limit.

1. Refer to the scoring rubric

“ But I’ve already done that.. ”

Nope. You need to give it another go.

You would have read the prompt and scoring rubric once before beginning your essay, but when you’re at a stage when you have to lengthen your essay, it helps to go back and re-read them to see if you’ve missed out on anything.

Go line-by-line -- look into every criterion and trace it back to your essay. Does it cover every specification mentioned in the rubric?

Pay attention to detail and strive to identify gaps that you can address in order to add further value to your essay and make it longer in the process.

2. Identify additional sources

It’s true that the more research material you read, the more fodder you’ll find for your essay. Hence, if you’re looking to make your essay longer, it’s a good idea to identify additional sources of information and implement them in your essay.

Remember the research you did in the initial stages? Go back to it and look for additional research material in the form of online articles, journals, encyclopedias, research studies, and more that could help.

3. Describe what you want to say

Descriptive writing is an effective way to lengthen your essay while making it more robust. As the name suggests, descriptive writing refers to describing concepts or ideas in vivid detail.

Don’t just stop at short phrases; describe what you’re trying to say to illustrate your point, and put forth the message clearly.

While writing descriptively, it’s a good practice to paint a picture that appeals to all five senses -- sight, touch, smell, taste, and hearing.

Even though this might not be possible in every scenario, keep this hack in mind and use it wherever appropriate to increase the word count.

Here’s an interesting video by eHow Education on how to become a descriptive writer

4. Include examples

Using examples while writing essays is perfect practice. It helps you write more clearly and put forth your point while strongly backing up your arguments and adding credibility.

Apart from that, this practice also lends to the word count.

Examples can explain information that isn’t common knowledge, reinstate an argument, highlight a concept, or even draw differences.

So, try and use examples in the form of real-life scenarios, paraphrasing, quotations, and even metaphors wherever possible. Here are some phrases you can use to introduce examples:

  • For example
  • For instance
  • According to [insert author’s name]
  • As stated by [name of the author or study]

5. Include statistical data

Numbers are robust and provide practical tools to support your claims or persuade the reader. Read your essay and find sentences that can be strengthened with statistical data.

What’s important is ensuring they’re relevant to the topic, add value to the essay, and let readers interpret it with ease.

As data generally stems from existing studies or research material, ensure you only include data from credible sources, as its absence is sure to do more harm than good.

6. Insert illustrations

Why submit text-heavy essays when you can insert illustrations and make them meatier (and longer)?

You can use illustrations in the form of images, screenshots, graphs, infographics, and charts to strengthen your argument. The idea is to illustrate your point with greater precision, so ensure you only insert relevant illustrations.

Don’t forget to add a crisp caption explaining what the image is about and citing the original source.

7. Write well-formatted paragraphs

Your essay is made up of smaller, coherent paragraphs that are meant to offer a unified reading experience. Just the way an essay is made up of an introduction , body, and conclusion, each individual paragraph also comprises three elements:

  • the topic or leading sentence
  • supporting sentence
  • concluding sentence

So, while re-reading your essay to make it longer, make sure every paragraph has these three elements.

8. Use transition words

A good writer can transition from one point to another while keeping readers engaged. That’s precisely what you need to aim for while writing college papers.

However, this trick also comes in handy when trying to make your essay longer.

Words or phrases used to link sentences are referred to as transition words. Some examples include:

  • Additionally
  • Even though
  • Generally speaking

These phrases create links between your sentences, making them seem unified and coherent while adding to the reading experience. They give examples, emphasize, compare, draw conclusions, or summarize.

9. Avoid contractions

Why say ‘can’t’ when you can say ‘cannot’? Why say ‘isn’t’ when you can say ‘is not’?

While contractions are common in speech and even informal writing, such as blog posts, it’s better to avoid contractions while writing academic papers unless you’re quoting something that originally includes contractions.

This might seem like a minor step but using this hack (along with the others) will get you closer to the word count.

Here’s What You Should NOT Do to Make Your Essay Longer

While these were legitimate hacks, there are instances when students resort to desperate measures to lengthen their essays.

Let’s face it- your teachers have come across hundreds of essays, and they can spot foul play well when they see it.

So, here are three mistakes you should avoid at all costs if you’re trying to make your essay longer.

1. Play with fonts and spacing

You might think you can cheekily increase the font size from 12 to 14, use a larger font or increase the line spacing and make your essay appear longer but hey, stop right there.

This isn’t going to get you anywhere.

2. Use the ‘period’ trick

The period trick is about replacing all periods (.) across your essay with one of larger font size and wondering if professors notice the period trick. Guess what they do. So, please don’t do it.

3. Spell out numbers

The age-old trick of writing ten thousand instead of 10,000 is not a good idea either. Remember: the golden rule of writing states that small numbers ranging from one to ten should be spelled out, and more significant numbers should be written in numerals.

So, unless specified in the formatting guidelines, don’t make the mistake of spelling out all your numbers.

Make your Essay Longer: The Takeaway

Yes, it’s not a good feeling when you get to the end of your essay and have to go over it again just because you did not meet the word limit.

But you instead take this additional step than submit a half-baked essay that falls short of the required word count? Doing this indicates that you’re not adhering to instructions and is sure to impact your final score.

So, follow these nine hacks and make your essay longer than it is through legitimate means. If you’re stuck and need additional guidance, contact Writers Per Hour.

Our team of expert writers is here to help you submit original papers that meet the word count and are well-written.

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How to Make an Essay Appear Longer Than It Is

Last Updated: February 2, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,775,296 times.

You are writing a paper and the deadline is approaching, but you are nowhere near the page limit. Many students find themselves in this position. Luckily for you, you can lengthen your paper by using a few tricks. Increasing the font size, adding a lengthy header, and manipulating the spacing between lines are just a few strategies you can use to make your essay appear longer. However, be aware that breaking your teacher’s guidelines may result in a lower grade.

Playing with the Font

Step 1 Choose a slightly larger font.

  • Don’t pick a very large font like Arial Black or Lucida Handwriting. Your teacher will notice that you are trying to make your essay longer by choosing a larger font.

Step 2 Adjust the font size.

Manipulating Spacing and Margins

Step 1 Increase the spacing between lines.

  • If the increase is too noticeable, then try 1.15 or 1.1 instead.
  • Because all documents are left justified, avoid increasing the left margin. Adjusting the left margin will produce a noticeable change that your teacher will detect.

Step 3 Increase the bottom margin by a quarter.

Adjusting the Header and Footer

Step 1 Lengthen your header.

Expanding the Content

Step 1 Spell out numbers less than ten.

  • Additionally, if you are quoting or paraphrasing research or literature, make sure to cite it properly. Citations can add extra length to a paper as well.

Step 5 Ensure that each paragraph has a topic and a concluding sentence.

  • Expand your introductory paragraph with an attention-getting statement to hook the reader in.

Step 6 Be as descriptive as possible.

  • However, try to avoid being descriptive when it is unnecessary since this may cause your paper to appear embellished or sound verbose.

Step 7 Draw out your conclusion.

Community Q&A

Community Answer

  • Copy and paste your paper into a new document. Make these changes to the new document. Then compare and contrast the document with the changes to the original document. Remove any adjustments that seem obvious. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Use a thesaurus to find longer synonyms to use in place of shorter ones. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Spell out abbreviations; for example, write out “United States" instead of using "US." Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

things to make your essay longer

  • Be aware that breaking your teacher’s guidelines may be considered cheating, which may result in a lower grade or even a zero. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 1
  • Don't be redundant. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1

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Write a Five Paragraph Essay

  • ↑ https://www.paperhelp.org/blog/how-to-make-a-paper-longer.html
  • ↑ https://www.jakebinstein.com/blog/how-to-make-an-essay-look-longer/
  • ↑ https://studentshare.org/study-guides/how-to-make-your-essay-look-longer
  • ↑ http://www.seventeen.com/life/school/advice/a27491/tricks-you-try-to-make-your-school-paper-longer/
  • ↑ https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-make-paper-longer-793288

About This Article

Jake Adams

To make an essay appear longer than it is, pick a font that's slightly larger than Times New Roman, like Arial, Courier New, or Cambria. If you're required to use 12-point font, try increase the font to 12.1 or 12.2 to gain some extra length without the font looking noticeably larger. Then, press on Control and the F key at the same time to activate the find and replace function, and replace all of the commas and periods with 14-point font. If the essay still isn't long enough, increase the line spacing by 0.1 or 0.2 and make the right margin 0.1-0.2 inches larger. For tips on adjusting the header and footer or adding more content to your essay, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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21 Helpful and Easy Tips to Make an Essay Longer

Bookman Old Style > Times New Roman.

21 tricks to make an essay longer

When you're writing a school paper after researching and typing for what feels like ages, but you still haven't reached your teacher's required page count, it's normal to feel frustrated. Maybe you get a little creative and play Microsoft Word gymnastics with different fonts and spacing, or become super expressive with your descriptions. There's also a chance you missed something on the assignment rubric, or overlooked the opportunity to include more quotes from trusted sources. You might even be able to load up on a few more examples for your argument, easily boosting the word count with additional research. Still a couple pages behind the limit? Don't worry. Below, we have over 20 tips to help you hit that page requirement.

1. Make sure you included everything on the rubric. If you forgot a whole section focusing on the counter argument, that could be the reason why your paper is a couple pages shorter than needed.

2. Load up on transitional phrases. Your paper isn't long enough, therefore it may be necessary to add some transitional phrases because they take up space. On the other hand , this could make your paper really wordy, however , it may be necessary. See what I did there?

3. Spell out your numbers. There are four editorial styles — AP, APA, MLA, and Chicago. Each one has a different rule for spelling out numbers, which can work out in your favor. For instance, in APA, you write out all numbers under 10. So a one-character "7" becomes a five-character "seven." In MLA, you spell out all numbers at the beginning of a sentence, and all simple numbers (those that are one or two words). Make sure to check the assignment rubric to see what style your paper should be written in!

4. Ditch the contractions. Honestly, you probably should not even be using contractions in a formal essay, so if you are filling up your paper with "don't," "won't," and "can't," switch them out for "do not," "will not," and "cannot."

5. Use numerous examples. Make sure to do extensive research on your essay topic and come up with at least 2-3 examples for every argument presented. One example might seem like enough, but adding a couple more points improves your paper and boosts its word count.

6. Add quotes. Including quotes, whether they be from a book, news article, or trusted source, helps strengthen and validate the point you're making in a paper. But you can't just drop a quotation without context. Introducing, writing out, and properly unpacking a quote can add value — and length — to your essay.

7. Start getting really descriptive about everything. How illustrative can you get about the evolution of electricity, you ask? Well, the answer is: Very. The howling wind gushed passed Benjamin Franklin at 30 miles per hour on that cold, rainy night, pulling the string of his kite taught as it fought to stay in the sky and sent his grey hair flying up in the sky like silvery wisps.

8. Try to make your header longer. If possible, of course. Some teachers clearly state what information needs to be included in the header. But if there's no guideline, add what you can within reason — I'm not sure your teacher is going to appreciate your TikTok or Insta handle listed on the page.

9. Have someone proofread. Getting another pair of eyes to read your paper might reveal some areas in need of work. Maybe you need to elaborate a bit more on a certain argument, or include a quote to strengthen an example.

10. Revisit your introduction paragraph. Sometimes, an introduction is easiest to write after the paper has been written. Having already presented and thoroughly discussed the argument in the essay's body paragraphs, you have a more concrete understanding of what direction the paper takes. There might be some information or ideas you can add into the intro, to better set up the paper's points.

11. Make your spacing larger. Your teacher probably won't be able to tell the difference between double spacing and 2.5 spacing. *fingers crossed*

12 . While you're at it, expand the spacing between the characters. Yes, I'm talking between each and every letter.

13. Raise the font size from 12pt to 12.5pt. Nobody has to know!

14. Make all periods and commas 14pt. It sounds tedious, but simply command-f and search for the period, that way you can change all of them at once.

15. Put extra space around your (super long and bolded) title. It needs some space to shine and breathe, obvs.

16. Change the font. You can't get too crazy or else your teacher will call you out, so you stick with something super similar to Times New Roman, but slightly bigger, like Bookman Old Style. However some teachers specify a certain font in the paper's assignment requirements — in the case, don't try to switch things up.

17. Reverse outline. After you've finished penning your essay, read it through and write an outline on what you have written so far. This strategy can reveal some paragraphs in need of further development. If you notice one super long paragraph, try breaking the ideas down into separate paragraphs. This might bump the page count up a bit, and give you the opportunity to include a few more transition sentences.

18. Make your margins bigger. You have to be careful about the left and right margins, and the top can be tricky. But the bottom margin, you can practically make it as big as you want. And then you can...

19. Add a fancy footer with page numbers. Obviously (hopefully), your teacher will appreciate your attention to detail and presentation.

20. Add a header with the title of your paper to every single page. Just in case your teacher forgets what your paper is about. You only want to help.

21. Make a separate cover page. Technically, the rubric didn't say it couldn't count as page one.

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  • 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

things to make your essay longer

To be truly brilliant, an essay needs to utilise the right language. You could make a great point, but if it’s not intelligently articulated, you almost needn’t have bothered.

Developing the language skills to build an argument and to write persuasively is crucial if you’re to write outstanding essays every time. In this article, we’re going to equip you with the words and phrases you need to write a top-notch essay, along with examples of how to utilise them.

It’s by no means an exhaustive list, and there will often be other ways of using the words and phrases we describe that we won’t have room to include, but there should be more than enough below to help you make an instant improvement to your essay-writing skills.

If you’re interested in developing your language and persuasive skills, Oxford Royale offers summer courses at its Oxford Summer School , Cambridge Summer School , London Summer School , San Francisco Summer School and Yale Summer School . You can study courses to learn english , prepare for careers in law , medicine , business , engineering and leadership.

General explaining

Let’s start by looking at language for general explanations of complex points.

1. In order to

Usage: “In order to” can be used to introduce an explanation for the purpose of an argument. Example: “In order to understand X, we need first to understand Y.”

2. In other words

Usage: Use “in other words” when you want to express something in a different way (more simply), to make it easier to understand, or to emphasise or expand on a point. Example: “Frogs are amphibians. In other words, they live on the land and in the water.”

3. To put it another way

Usage: This phrase is another way of saying “in other words”, and can be used in particularly complex points, when you feel that an alternative way of wording a problem may help the reader achieve a better understanding of its significance. Example: “Plants rely on photosynthesis. To put it another way, they will die without the sun.”

4. That is to say

Usage: “That is” and “that is to say” can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: “Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.”

5. To that end

Usage: Use “to that end” or “to this end” in a similar way to “in order to” or “so”. Example: “Zoologists have long sought to understand how animals communicate with each other. To that end, a new study has been launched that looks at elephant sounds and their possible meanings.”

Adding additional information to support a point

Students often make the mistake of using synonyms of “and” each time they want to add further information in support of a point they’re making, or to build an argument . Here are some cleverer ways of doing this.

6. Moreover

Usage: Employ “moreover” at the start of a sentence to add extra information in support of a point you’re making. Example: “Moreover, the results of a recent piece of research provide compelling evidence in support of…”

7. Furthermore

Usage:This is also generally used at the start of a sentence, to add extra information. Example: “Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that…”

8. What’s more

Usage: This is used in the same way as “moreover” and “furthermore”. Example: “What’s more, this isn’t the only evidence that supports this hypothesis.”

9. Likewise

Usage: Use “likewise” when you want to talk about something that agrees with what you’ve just mentioned. Example: “Scholar A believes X. Likewise, Scholar B argues compellingly in favour of this point of view.”

10. Similarly

Usage: Use “similarly” in the same way as “likewise”. Example: “Audiences at the time reacted with shock to Beethoven’s new work, because it was very different to what they were used to. Similarly, we have a tendency to react with surprise to the unfamiliar.”

11. Another key thing to remember

Usage: Use the phrase “another key point to remember” or “another key fact to remember” to introduce additional facts without using the word “also”. Example: “As a Romantic, Blake was a proponent of a closer relationship between humans and nature. Another key point to remember is that Blake was writing during the Industrial Revolution, which had a major impact on the world around him.”

12. As well as

Usage: Use “as well as” instead of “also” or “and”. Example: “Scholar A argued that this was due to X, as well as Y.”

13. Not only… but also

Usage: This wording is used to add an extra piece of information, often something that’s in some way more surprising or unexpected than the first piece of information. Example: “Not only did Edmund Hillary have the honour of being the first to reach the summit of Everest, but he was also appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire.”

14. Coupled with

Usage: Used when considering two or more arguments at a time. Example: “Coupled with the literary evidence, the statistics paint a compelling view of…”

15. Firstly, secondly, thirdly…

Usage: This can be used to structure an argument, presenting facts clearly one after the other. Example: “There are many points in support of this view. Firstly, X. Secondly, Y. And thirdly, Z.

16. Not to mention/to say nothing of

Usage: “Not to mention” and “to say nothing of” can be used to add extra information with a bit of emphasis. Example: “The war caused unprecedented suffering to millions of people, not to mention its impact on the country’s economy.”

Words and phrases for demonstrating contrast

When you’re developing an argument, you will often need to present contrasting or opposing opinions or evidence – “it could show this, but it could also show this”, or “X says this, but Y disagrees”. This section covers words you can use instead of the “but” in these examples, to make your writing sound more intelligent and interesting.

17. However

Usage: Use “however” to introduce a point that disagrees with what you’ve just said. Example: “Scholar A thinks this. However, Scholar B reached a different conclusion.”

18. On the other hand

Usage: Usage of this phrase includes introducing a contrasting interpretation of the same piece of evidence, a different piece of evidence that suggests something else, or an opposing opinion. Example: “The historical evidence appears to suggest a clear-cut situation. On the other hand, the archaeological evidence presents a somewhat less straightforward picture of what happened that day.”

19. Having said that

Usage: Used in a similar manner to “on the other hand” or “but”. Example: “The historians are unanimous in telling us X, an agreement that suggests that this version of events must be an accurate account. Having said that, the archaeology tells a different story.”

20. By contrast/in comparison

Usage: Use “by contrast” or “in comparison” when you’re comparing and contrasting pieces of evidence. Example: “Scholar A’s opinion, then, is based on insufficient evidence. By contrast, Scholar B’s opinion seems more plausible.”

21. Then again

Usage: Use this to cast doubt on an assertion. Example: “Writer A asserts that this was the reason for what happened. Then again, it’s possible that he was being paid to say this.”

22. That said

Usage: This is used in the same way as “then again”. Example: “The evidence ostensibly appears to point to this conclusion. That said, much of the evidence is unreliable at best.”

Usage: Use this when you want to introduce a contrasting idea. Example: “Much of scholarship has focused on this evidence. Yet not everyone agrees that this is the most important aspect of the situation.”

Adding a proviso or acknowledging reservations

Sometimes, you may need to acknowledge a shortfalling in a piece of evidence, or add a proviso. Here are some ways of doing so.

24. Despite this

Usage: Use “despite this” or “in spite of this” when you want to outline a point that stands regardless of a shortfalling in the evidence. Example: “The sample size was small, but the results were important despite this.”

25. With this in mind

Usage: Use this when you want your reader to consider a point in the knowledge of something else. Example: “We’ve seen that the methods used in the 19th century study did not always live up to the rigorous standards expected in scientific research today, which makes it difficult to draw definite conclusions. With this in mind, let’s look at a more recent study to see how the results compare.”

26. Provided that

Usage: This means “on condition that”. You can also say “providing that” or just “providing” to mean the same thing. Example: “We may use this as evidence to support our argument, provided that we bear in mind the limitations of the methods used to obtain it.”

27. In view of/in light of

Usage: These phrases are used when something has shed light on something else. Example: “In light of the evidence from the 2013 study, we have a better understanding of…”

28. Nonetheless

Usage: This is similar to “despite this”. Example: “The study had its limitations, but it was nonetheless groundbreaking for its day.”

29. Nevertheless

Usage: This is the same as “nonetheless”. Example: “The study was flawed, but it was important nevertheless.”

30. Notwithstanding

Usage: This is another way of saying “nonetheless”. Example: “Notwithstanding the limitations of the methodology used, it was an important study in the development of how we view the workings of the human mind.”

Giving examples

Good essays always back up points with examples, but it’s going to get boring if you use the expression “for example” every time. Here are a couple of other ways of saying the same thing.

31. For instance

Example: “Some birds migrate to avoid harsher winter climates. Swallows, for instance, leave the UK in early winter and fly south…”

32. To give an illustration

Example: “To give an illustration of what I mean, let’s look at the case of…”

Signifying importance

When you want to demonstrate that a point is particularly important, there are several ways of highlighting it as such.

33. Significantly

Usage: Used to introduce a point that is loaded with meaning that might not be immediately apparent. Example: “Significantly, Tacitus omits to tell us the kind of gossip prevalent in Suetonius’ accounts of the same period.”

34. Notably

Usage: This can be used to mean “significantly” (as above), and it can also be used interchangeably with “in particular” (the example below demonstrates the first of these ways of using it). Example: “Actual figures are notably absent from Scholar A’s analysis.”

35. Importantly

Usage: Use “importantly” interchangeably with “significantly”. Example: “Importantly, Scholar A was being employed by X when he wrote this work, and was presumably therefore under pressure to portray the situation more favourably than he perhaps might otherwise have done.”

Summarising

You’ve almost made it to the end of the essay, but your work isn’t over yet. You need to end by wrapping up everything you’ve talked about, showing that you’ve considered the arguments on both sides and reached the most likely conclusion. Here are some words and phrases to help you.

36. In conclusion

Usage: Typically used to introduce the concluding paragraph or sentence of an essay, summarising what you’ve discussed in a broad overview. Example: “In conclusion, the evidence points almost exclusively to Argument A.”

37. Above all

Usage: Used to signify what you believe to be the most significant point, and the main takeaway from the essay. Example: “Above all, it seems pertinent to remember that…”

38. Persuasive

Usage: This is a useful word to use when summarising which argument you find most convincing. Example: “Scholar A’s point – that Constanze Mozart was motivated by financial gain – seems to me to be the most persuasive argument for her actions following Mozart’s death.”

39. Compelling

Usage: Use in the same way as “persuasive” above. Example: “The most compelling argument is presented by Scholar A.”

40. All things considered

Usage: This means “taking everything into account”. Example: “All things considered, it seems reasonable to assume that…”

How many of these words and phrases will you get into your next essay? And are any of your favourite essay terms missing from our list? Let us know in the comments below, or get in touch here to find out more about courses that can help you with your essays.

At Oxford Royale Academy, we offer a number of  summer school courses for young people who are keen to improve their essay writing skills. Click here to apply for one of our courses today, including law , business , medicine  and engineering .

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Need to Make Your Essay Longer? Here's How

Tonya Thompson

Don't stress over it, it happens to the best of us—you've been given an essay assignment and have procrastinated, leaving you with three pages of writing that should be closer to six pages. A quick Internet search for advice produces questionable suggestions, including changing your font size to 12.5 (don't do it!), adding spaces between words and paragraphs, or increasing the margin size—all tricks that your professor has likely seen multiple times and will notice immediately.

Most professors know the tricks students use to make essays look longer, such as a larger font and wider margins.

Before you start going through and doing something so drastic as adding spaces where they shouldn't be, let's look at some more natural (and therefore, less obvious) ways of adding word count to your essay. Here are five tactics that will add word count to your essay quickly and correctly.

Include more transitional words

You should already have transitional words or phrases at the beginning of each paragraph in your essay. If you don't, add them as part of improving the overall structure and organization of your writing. But a lot of academic writers don't realize that these transitions can work within paragraphs, as well, to add more logical structure within the paragraphs (instead of simply between them). For example, consider the following paragraph, which is 83 words in length:

In order to create an essay that flows logically, you need to include transition words at the beginning of each paragraph. These transitions aren't limited to only the beginning of each new paragraph and can be used throughout the rest of the paragraph to show how each sentence is connected to the one that precedes it and follows it. Including multiple transitions helps readers maintain focus on what they're reading and helps ensure that the writer focuses on one major idea per paragraph.

Now, let's look at that same paragraph with transitional words added, both at the beginning and throughout the rest of the sentences.

To begin adding additional length and in order to create an essay that flows logically, you need to include transition words at the beginning of each paragraph. However, it's important to note that these transitions aren't limited to only the beginning of each new paragraph and can be used throughout the rest of the paragraph to show how each sentence is connected to the one that precedes it and follows it. As a matter of fact, including multiple transitions helps readers maintain focus on what they're reading and additionally, helps ensure that the writer focuses on one major idea per paragraph.

By adding transitions throughout, I have taken a paragraph from 83 words to 101 words through a relatively simple process. If you do this to each paragraph, you can add a significant number of words without doing much extra writing. Note that if you are being graded on the succinctness of your writing, your professor might argue that adding so many transitions makes your writing wordy. However, a teacher with even the most stringent grading policy must take into account that transitions at the beginning of paragraphs are necessary.

Here is a list of some commonly used transition words that can be used for this purpose:

  • …when in fact
  • Accordingly
  • Additionally
  • After (this)
  • All else being equal
  • All the same
  • As (was) mentioned earlier/above
  • As (was) stated before
  • As a consequence
  • As a final point
  • As a matter of fact
  • As a result (of this)
  • As for (this)
  • As/So long as
  • At any rate
  • Be that as it may
  • Because (of the fact that)
  • Because (of this)
  • By the same token
  • By way of contrast
  • Coincidentally
  • Concerning (this)
  • Consequently
  • Considering (this)
  • Despite (this)
  • Due to (the fact that)
  • Even though
  • First of all
  • First/Second/Third
  • For example/instance
  • For the purpose(s) of
  • For the reason that
  • For this reason
  • Furthermore
  • Given these points
  • Granted (that)
  • Granting (that)
  • In a similar way
  • In addition to
  • In any case
  • In any event
  • In conclusion
  • In contrast
  • In order that/to
  • In other words
  • In particular
  • In spite of (this)
  • In that case
  • In the (first/second/third) place
  • In the event that
  • In the hope that
  • In the same way
  • Inasmuch as
  • Incidentally
  • Instead (of)
  • Looking at (this information)
  • More/Most importantly
  • Nevertheless
  • Nonetheless
  • Not only…but also
  • Notwithstanding (this)
  • On the contrary
  • On the other hand
  • On the subject of (this)
  • One example (of this is)
  • Or at least
  • Owing to (the fact)
  • Particularly
  • Provided (that)
  • Regarding (this)
  • Regardless (of this)
  • Regardless (of)
  • Returning to the subject
  • Significantly
  • So much (so) that
  • Specifically
  • Subsequently
  • Summarizing (this)
  • That being the case
  • That is (to say)
  • The fact that
  • This means (that)
  • To conclude
  • To illustrate
  • To put (it) another way
  • To start with
  • Under those circumstances
  • What this means is
  • Whatever happens
  • With (this fact) in mind
  • With regards to (this)

Write a reverse outline

After the bulk of your paper has been written, going back through and creating a reverse outline can help you find gaps in your writing that could be further developed and filled by additional information or examples. It's as simple as reading back through what you've written and creating an outline of the major ideas, topics and subtopics you've included. If you've provided an example, include that on your reverse outline, as well.

Reverse outlining also helps you find paragraphs that might contain more than one major idea. When this happens, you'll need to divide the paragraph into more than one paragraph and further develop the points within them, ensuring that each paragraph has a topic sentence that matches what the rest of the paragraph is about.

Use expert quotes

One of the easiest ways to add to the word count of an essay is by including expert quotes. Not only do such quotes show that you have considered the thoughts and opinions of others who are well-read on the topic you're writing on, it also can add considerable length to a paper, especially if you include multiple quotes from several different sources.

Using expert quotes can add considerable length to a paper, especially if you include multiple quotes from several different sources.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing quotes and adding them to your essay:

  • Be sure that the quote is applicable to the topic in general, and to the paragraph you're adding it to, in specific.
  • Include quotation marks and the proper citation for each quote. Not doing so is plagiarism.
  • If a quote is more than three lines, put it in block quote format.
  • Separate multiple quotes with your own writing in between, perhaps as commentary on the substance of the quote previously noted.

Use multiple examples to back up your argument

In the same sense that using expert quotes adds to your essay's word count as well as the thoroughness of your research, using examples and anecdotes to expand on your hypotheses is a great way to provide proof for your argument. However, this doesn't have to be limited to one example per point you're making. Consider this: if you are writing a sociology paper about the dangers of social media use for adolescents, you should be able to find several anecdotes of how teenagers have been put in danger in various ways through their social media use. Along with these anecdotes, you can provide expert quotes (or quotes from the teenagers, themselves) to make your argument more solid and add word count to an essay that's too short.

Read your writing aloud

Finally, and after all of the above tactics have been used, read your essay out loud. This achieves two purposes. First, it allows you to proofread and check for any obvious mistakes that might remain after the initial first draft writing phase. Second, reading it aloud helps you to check for any areas that might not flow well (this is easier to hear than see) so you can add to them to achieve a better flow and organization to your writing.

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9 Ways How to Make an Essay Longer and meet the Word Count

making an essay longer tips

making an essay longer tips

Students are often faced with a dilemma when they are asked to write long essays. This is because they are unable to come up with enough words to fill the multiple pages. Students may have the points for the essay but fail to have enough content to fill the pages.

If you need help with lengthening an essay, the best solution is to have one of our professional essay writers for hire do the task for you.

However, if you want to do it yourself, read on. This article will explore how students can make their essays longer without making them look shoddy.

things to make your essay longer

Need Help with your Homework or Essays?

9 practical ways to make an essay longer.

You can make your essay longer by adding more evidence, examples, and illustrations, quotations, applying longer phrases, and adding more content on the topic. This way, you will meet the required word count and enrich the essay’s contents. This increases the chances of scoring a better grade.

short to long

Let us explore the best 9 ways to lengthen an essay and teach you the most optimal that will not water down the content or the arguments.

1. Choose a Longer Assignment Prompt

As you finish your essay, you may be thinking that you have responded to every prompt given to you by the instructor. However, in some cases, you may have skipped or missed something that would have added more content to your essay.

In this case, you should double-check all the instructions and be sure to include everything that has been asked to make your essay longer.

At the same time, if you check the instructions or prompt again, you may find a new perspective or angle to tackle the assignment.

This is where you look at the assignment in another way so that you can include new perspectives on top of what you have already written. This has an added advantage because your essay will be more thorough while making it longer.

If you find yourself unable to look at the prompt from a new angle, you may seek help from your instructor or classmates. They can give you new ideas from which you can expand your essay and make it longer. 

2. Include every Detail in your Essay

Before writing an essay, the first step is usually to create an outline that will guide you while drafting the final essay. The outline contains points from which you will expand or explain within the body of your essay.

To make your essay longer, it is important to check the outline again to ensure that you have included everything that has been outlined in it.

For example, while drafting the essay, you might have skipped some things that seemed unnecessary at the time. If that is the case, it is better to include the skipped things so that you can make your essay longer.

However, if you did not create an outline before writing the essay, you can write it even after you have completed the essay.

It is never too late to write an outline because it will help you focus more on what your target audience or the instructor wants to know. You might find new ideas that will add content to your essay. This will make an essay longer.

Read Also : 5 Parts of an Introduction Paragraph in an Essay or Paper

3. Lengthen your Introduction

In every essay, an introduction is very important. This is because the paragraph helps capture the attention of your readers so that they can be motivated to read the rest of the essay.

The introduction also sets a tone that will be used in the essay. Though it is a single paragraph in most of the essays, it is not a must for it to be short. It can be a long paragraph.

When you review your introductory paragraph, ask yourself this question: How can I make it better by expanding on the existing ideas or by adding more information to them?

You can expand the existing ideas that will help prepare your readers for what they will read in the body paragraphs. 

By adding more information, you will elaborate more on the topic so that when the target audience reads the rest of the paper, they will better understand the concepts or arguments.

You can also enhance the attention-grabbing capability of your introduction and add a quote or a story to make the essay longer.

4. Add more References and Evidence

This is a very practical way of making an essay longer. This is because it makes the arguments stronger or more credible. When writing an essay, you are supposed to have points that are supported by evidence from credible sources.

Therefore, the more the supporting evidence and the references that go with it, the stronger your points.

One method of adding more evidence and references into your essay is going back to your original outline.

In each point that has been outlined, find a way to support every point better using the new evidence and references. This will make your essay longer.

References to lengthen paragraphs

When writing a persuasive essay, it is important to anticipate refutations or the things that will make your readers disagree with your thesis statement.

Find the evidence that will neutralize the opposing perspectives and add them into every paragraph that contains your topic sentence. This will increase the length of your essay.

Also Read : Can you Use References in the Introduction Paragraph of an Essay

5. Using Relevant Quotations

This is also a very pragmatic approach that can make an essay longer. While using evidence and references to strengthen or support your points, you can also reinforce those arguments using relevant and credible quotes from the evidence.

Quotes make Essays longer

The quotes should be relevant to your argument and should not be too long (not more than two sentences). 

Let us imagine you have been given a prompt whereby you are supposed to write about a case study or a book you have read.

In such a situation, you can strengthen your essay by adding relevant quotes from the case study or book. In the process, your essay will become longer without violating any writing conventions.  

Quotes will not only make your essay longer but will also save you writing time because you will just copy-paste the text into your essay.

However, to avoid plagiarism, it is imperative to add an in-text citation immediately after the quote and add the reference of the source at the end of the essay (reference page). 

6. Expand and Improve your Examples and Descriptions

Another way to make an essay longer is to provide relevant examples while elaborating on your points. This can be crucial in helping your readers understand and even relate to what you are trying to explain in your essay.

Here is where you start your sentence using the phrase “for example….” Examples can come from personal experience or facts from credible sources accompanied by citations. 

In descriptive essays or personal essays, you can add detailed descriptions to make your essay longer. You can use sensory details or imagery to enhance your descriptions.

For example, you can describe what a person is feeling, hearing, tasting, smelling, or seeing. When you select any of such senses, you will have an image in your mind while describing the situation.

This will increase the length of your body paragraphs and your essay. Examples and descriptions can also help expand your body paragraphs and enhance clarity.

7. Enhance the Transitions to Lengthen the Essay

This is a brilliant way to make an essay longer because transitions are necessary when crafting a good essay. Students should include smooth transitions between paragraphs.

Transitions signify that one paragraph is ending and a new one is on the way. They occupy more space on a page, hence why they make an essay longer. They also make the essay better or more professional.

Examples of good transition phrases or words that can make your essay longer include, but are not limited to, “because,” “on the contrary,” and “with this in mind.” Transitional phrases or words can come at the beginning or end of a new paragraph. 

When they come at the beginning of a new paragraph, it signals to the reader that a new point is about to be tackled within the paragraph.

If it comes at the end of a paragraph, it signals that the explanation of a point has come to an end and a new point is about to be discussed in the new paragraph. 

Also Read : Starter Sentences for Essays: Examples and How to Write Them

8. Eliminate Contractions to make Paragraphs Longer

Though there is nothing wrong with utilizing contractions within your essay, they end up making your essay sound casual to your readers.

When you wish to make your work sound serious, eliminate contractions and replace them with much lengthier versions. The lengthier versions will ultimately make your essay longer.

How to Remove Contraction words

When it comes to abbreviations, using them in an essay can make a sentence shorter and, in the process, shorten the essay. However, if you use real words instead of abbreviations, your essay will be longer. 

Take, for example, in the following two sentences: “The WHO has provided a strict protocol that should be followed to help combat coronavirus disease”. “The World Health Organization has provided a strict protocol that should be followed to help combat coronavirus disease.”

The first sentence is comparatively shorter compared to the second sentence because the first uses an abbreviation. This is the opposite of ways that shorten an essay as we discussed in that post.

9. Enhance your Conclusion to make it long

Finally, enhancing the conclusion can make an essay longer while making it better. A conclusion will allow you to restate your thesis statement, review the main points of your essay, and provide the implications of your essay to future research, topics, or community. Therefore, you should ensure that you have included such points.

The implications of your essay can significantly lengthen your essay because you have the opportunity to write what you want and elaborate more on what you have written. 

Again, you can enhance your conclusion by thinking about it from the readers’ perspectives. In this case, you will add more content to the conclusion that will resonate with the readers. This makes an essay longer. 

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Dos and Don’ts of Lengthening an Essay

dos and don'ts

Dos (tips) to Increase the Length of your Essay

1. use examples.

This is a very useful tip because it not only provides clarity to your readers but it also increases the length of your essay without breaking any writing conventions.

If your essay has failed to reach the required length, go back to your arguments within each paragraph and try to include relevant examples.

Examples can be from personal experience or facts got from the source.

2. Use Quotes

This is also a great tip to use when you have written an essay that has failed to reach the required length. In the body paragraphs, find a point that can be enhanced by relevant quotes from a credible source.

Copy-paste the quote into your essay, and don’t forget to include an in-text citation at the end. However, avoid too many or long quotes.

3. Use of Phrases to Transition Between Ideas

This is a pragmatic way of making your essay longer. It makes the essay seem professionally written because the reader will know when a paragraph has ended and when another is about to begin. Such phrases or words can be: therefore, in light of, firstly/secondly, likewise, in conclusion, however, and so on. 

Also Read : Using Questions on a College Essay: Tips How to do it Right

Don’ts when Increasing the Length of your Essay

1. making your header or subheadings longer than necessary.

If you want to increase the length of your essay, avoid making the headers too long. This is because they will appear shoddy or unprofessional.

Your instructor will also notice and even penalize you for forcing your essay to be longer. After all, long headers add nothing to the content.

2. Making the Spacing Larger

You should avoid this at all costs because in most cases, your instructor will give requirements for the essay that will specify the spacing required.

If the essay is to be single-spaced, don’t make it double-spaced because the instructor will notice and penalize you.

3. Expanding the Space between Characters or Increasing the Font Size

This should also be avoided because there are specific instructions that should be followed when writing the essay. If they are not followed, your essay will be penalized. 

List of tools to make your Essay Longer

  • Essay Lengthener
  • Text Inflator
  • The Write Practice
  • CS Generator
  • ACA Planning Tool
  • Symmetric Book
  • Paraphrasing Tool
  • Word Count Tools
  • More Than A Tech

Jessica Kasen

Jessica Kasen is experienced in academic writing and academic assistance. She is well versed in academia and has a master’s degree in education. Kasen consults with us in helping students improve their grades. She also oversights the quality of work done by our writers.

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Essential Ways on How to Make Your Paper Longer

You finished writing your paper and need to submit it soon. However, the number of pages does not correspond to the criteria provided by your professor.  You ask yourself how to make an essay look longer? Fortunately, it is possible by using the following tricks.

  • You may use a larger font. In case your professor did not give you exact specifications about the font which you can use, you should choose some popular one like Courier New,  Cambria, Arial or Bangla Sangam MN. Nonetheless, try not to exaggerate. We do not advise you to use, for instance, Lucida Handwriting or Arial Black, because your professor will see that you are trying to make your paper look longer by applying a larger one.
  • You can slightly adjust the font size. For example, if your professor asks to use 11 pt., to make paper longer, apply 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.5 size. Compare the adjustments and apply the one which is not too eye-catching.
  • If you wonder how to make an essay longer period trick, just extend the size of commas and periods. To do it, you should press control+F on the keyboard. You will see a window with find and replace function. All you need is to select all the 11.pt commas and periods and then change them to the 12 pt.
  • You could also change the spacing between your paper lines. In case the single or double spacing is required, follow the next steps: open “Format” and “Paragraph”. You will see the line “Spacing”. In this case select “Multiple”.  Then just enter 1.1 or 2.1 in the box.
  • You should scale down the right margin. To reduce it without noticing, change it only by a quarter. For example, if your professor requires the margin size of 1.5 cm, reduce it to 0.9 cm.  In order to do it, click “Format” and then “Document”. Enter 0.9 in the box next to “Right”. This tip can help you to extend your paper without any noticeable changes. Do not reduce the left margin. As the documents are always justified on the left margin, it helps to create a visible change.

5 More Tips on How to Make an Essay Longer

Here are some pieces of advice from experienced essay writers and students:

  • Try to increase the bottom margin by a quarter. In the “Document” find the box which is next to “Bottom” and enter 1.25. In case it is too visible, change it for instance to 1.15.  With this useful tip, you can make your paper look longer without noticing.
  • Expand spacing between the words. It will also increase the number of pages in your paper.  Open “Font” and then “Advanced” window. In the “Expanded” enter 1.6 into the box. It is next to the button “By”.
  • Increase the header of your essay. Include your name, the title, the number of the course, the date, the name of your teacher, number of your student ID card and email. Include all necessary information which may extend your header. Do not forget to use double spacing.
  • The title of your paper should be placed on the line under the header.  You should put it in the center. You can also expand the font size. Check whether you use double space between the title and the header as well as between the title and the first paragraph.
  • By adding a footer page which includes numbers your composition will look longer as well.

When you know everything about period tips which would make your essay longer, now it would be useful to learn how to make an essay longer with words.

  • If you need to enter a number and it is less than ten, then spell it out. For instance, spell out two instead of writing the numeral. This tip helps to make your paper longer. Moreover, it is professional because spelling out the numerals is required in formal writing.
  • It is forbidden to use shortenings in formal writing. So this is another possibility to extend your essay by writing them out. Instead of “won’t” use “will not”, or instead of “don’t” - “do not”.
  • Replace specific pronouns with names. For instance, “Barack Obama and Donald Trump” instead of “they”. However, do not exaggerate.
  • You should use a lot of descriptions in your capstone paper . While providing any new information, extend its description and give definitions, specific dates, and numbers, names of persons.
  • Make a short conclusion after each paragraph. Summarize the points and give your opinion if necessary.

You don’t need to ask anymore how to make a paper longer. Just use these methods and you will be surprised how the number of pages increases in a few clicks.

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  3. How to Make an Essay Longer: 7 Useful Tips

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COMMENTS

  1. How to make an Essay Longer

    How to Make an Essay Longer. 1. Make sure you Included Everything. I can't tell you how many of my students submit assignments and forget to include important points! Go back to your writing prompt. That's the thing that you're going to be graded on. Go and check out exactly what your teacher asked you to write about.

  2. How to Make an Essay Longer: 18 Tips that Actually Work

    Expand Examples and Evidence. Provide additional examples, evidence, or case studies to support your arguments and illustrate your points. By offering more detailed and varied examples, you strengthen your claims and make your essay longer, ultimately increasing its word count and persuasiveness. If you still can't fit into the word limit and ...

  3. How To Make An Essay Longer

    To make an essay longer, focus on quality: elaborate on arguments, add evidence, consider counterarguments, deepen analysis, and clarify points. Use examples, expand introductions and conclusions, and enhance transitions for better flow and comprehension. ‍.

  4. Essay Extender

    To extend an essay, use transitional phrases, provide detailed explanations and relevant examples, and include expert quotes. You can also try to add a separate passage, for instance, in the main body of your paper. However, avoid adding filler words or repeating information. Try to add depth to your essay and not simply make sentences longer.

  5. How to Make an Essay Longer

    So with time running out, you can do the following: Submit the essay and hope the professor doesn't notice. Add some gibberish sentences to get close enough to the required word count. We don't recommend these options. Making an essay longer seems daunting, but it doesn't have to be.

  6. 12 Real Ways to Make an Essay Longer

    If you're struggling to meet that minimum word count, it helps to know how to make an essay longer without ruining your hard work with repetition.

  7. How to Make an Essay Longer the Smart Way

    Tip #6: Include More Transitional Phrases. Graders often look for traditional words linking sentences to each other, like "therefore," "even though", and "on the other hand.". Read through your essay and make sure the sentences flow smoothly into each other. If they don't, go back and add in transitional phrases like the ones ...

  8. How To Make an Essay Longer

    One sneaky way to increase the length of your essay is by adjusting the spacing. Increase the line spacing between your lines of text by using 1.5 or double spacing instead of the default 1.0 spacing. Another option is to use a slightly larger font size, although it's important not to go overboard.

  9. 12 Ways to make your Essay Longer: Words, Phrases, Transits

    This helps to make your arguments strong and the essay longer. The trick revolves around making a better argument with a deeper precision. However, always ensure that the illustrations you add are relevant to the arguments of the essay. 3. Use short paragraphs. The use of precise and well-formatted paragraphs can also help to make your paper ...

  10. 5 Tips on How To Make An Essay Longer

    Before you know it, you'll have surpassed the minimum length and turned in an essay you can feel proud of. Here are 5 simple tips to make your essay longer: 1. Add Examples and Elaborate. To hit your target word count, adding examples and elaborating on your points is key.

  11. How to Make an Essay Longer

    This is the first and very effective strategy for learning how to make your essay longer. Explore each point you've made in more detail. Give more explanations, samples, proof, and analysis to back up your claims. ... Doing your research and having these things in your essay will make your essay more convincing and informative.

  12. How to Make an Essay Longer Than It Really Is: 9 Hacks that Work

    1. Play with fonts and spacing. You might think you can cheekily increase the font size from 12 to 14, use a larger font or increase the line spacing and make your essay appear longer but hey, stop right there. This isn't going to get you anywhere. 2.

  13. 7 Tips and Tricks To Make An Essay Longer

    This can improve your essay's flow and help readers follow your thought process. ️ Enhanced clarity - You can clarify and support your ideas by expanding on your arguments. This prevents writing ambiguity. ️ Increased credibility - Well-researched and well-argued essays can boost your writing or research credibility.

  14. How to Make Your Essay Longer: 5 Powerful Ways

    Instead, write how each item works. Assume as if your readers don't know anything. Don't settle for: Reuse plastic bottles. Repurpose old bags. Writing an essay is already challenging enough. Reaching the required word count is extra work. Learn how to make your essay longer the smart way.

  15. How to Make an Essay Longer: 7 Useful Tips

    Tip #7: Use more words. It's similar to a silly suggestion, to "just use more phrases or words!". But hear us out, and take a look at your work. There are some sneaky ways to use several instead of one…. Include "to be" verbs. Avoid saying "I eat quickly.". Try writing, "I am a quick eater.". Be more descriptive.

  16. 4 Ways to Make an Essay Appear Longer Than It Is

    To make your essay appear longer, try increasing the font size to 12.1, 12.3, or 12.5. See which adjustment makes the biggest difference without being too noticeable. [2] 3. Increase the size of periods and commas. Hold down control+F on your keyboard. This is the find/replace function.

  17. 21 Tricks to Make an Essay Longer

    11. Make your spacing larger. Your teacher probably won't be able to tell the difference between double spacing and 2.5 spacing. *fingers crossed*. 12. While you're at it, expand the spacing ...

  18. 40 Useful Words and Phrases for Top-Notch Essays

    4. That is to say. Usage: "That is" and "that is to say" can be used to add further detail to your explanation, or to be more precise. Example: "Whales are mammals. That is to say, they must breathe air.". 5. To that end. Usage: Use "to that end" or "to this end" in a similar way to "in order to" or "so".

  19. Need to Make Your Essay Longer? Here's How

    Example 2. To begin adding additional length and in order to create an essay that flows logically, you need to include transition words at the beginning of each paragraph. However, it's important to note that these transitions aren't limited to only the beginning of each new paragraph and can be used throughout the rest of the paragraph to show ...

  20. 9 Ways How to Make an Essay Longer and meet the Word Count

    9. Enhance your Conclusion to make it long. Finally, enhancing the conclusion can make an essay longer while making it better. A conclusion will allow you to restate your thesis statement, review the main points of your essay, and provide the implications of your essay to future research, topics, or community.

  21. Essay Extender: Make My Essay Longer

    Using our essay extender takes only three simple steps. Here's what you need to do: 1. Enter the essay you want to extend in the Content to expand on field. 2. Choose the target audience, tone of voice, and essay language. 3. Select how many essays you want to generate and click Generate to extend your essay.

  22. Paragraph Expander (Free AI Text Expander): Lengthen Paragraphs

    This free paragraph expander uses AI (artificial intelligence) and acts as a text expander that'll instantly extend your writing to make your paragraph longer, remaining on theme with your content. This text expander's advanced algorithms produce AI-powered content that fits in seamlessly with your original content—for free. Paragraph ...

  23. 15 Tips on How to Make Your Paper Longer

    With this useful tip, you can make your paper look longer without noticing. Expand spacing between the words. It will also increase the number of pages in your paper. Open "Font" and then "Advanced" window. In the "Expanded" enter 1.6 into the box. It is next to the button "By". Increase the header of your essay.