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A Detailed Guide to Writing a 500 Words Essay

The 500-word essay seems to be very easy. You just need to write a small text and check it for including 500 words. But there are numerous rules you must follow. If you haven’t prepared it yet or don’t even know how to write a 500-word essay, then let’s make everything clear for you.

A 500-word essay is a type of academic paper that differs from other essays. It has a specific format and strict limitation with the paper length. Such a format perfectly suits different subjects and disciplines. It also helps the author express his feelings and intentions with logical reasoning.

It is not fair to say that writing another type of academic paper, for example, a traditional scholarship essay, is easier. To complete such a text, you need to learn this simple guide and work hard with your task assignment. So, let’s start!

How Long is a 500 Words Essay?

If we talk about the number of pages, the length will be 1 or 2 pages. It depends on whether you are using single spacing or double spacing. So be ready to write a one-page paper with single spacing and 2-page paper with double spacing.

Writing a 500-word essay also means you can count the length with the number of paragraphs. Usually, it will include 3-4 sections. If general, your essay must include approximately 500 words. If you think that 500 words are not enough to develop a topic, then you are wrong. You will have enough space to describe your topic, make analysis, share your point of view, etc.

General Outline for 500 Words Essay

A 500-word essay structure is quite common. Your paper will consist of an introduction, body, and conclusion. Each section has its particularities, so keep the following information in mind.

You start the essay with an introduction. It is a small paragraph that aims to attract readers’ attention and to describe what and why you are going to discuss in the text. Make sure you have a catchy beginning. Otherwise, you risk losing your readers’ engagement.

The main part of your 500-word essay is the body. It consists of 3 paragraphs and describes the topic point by point. Notice that each section must include only one key point. If you mix your arguments and ideas, then your paper will be a mess. There are three options for how you can present your main part in a 500-word essay:

  • direct order. You should start writing a paragraph with the strongest argument. In the next sections you should use weaker points;
  • reverse order. You need to present the weakest argument from your list and keep convincing your readers with the stronger points;
  • hamburger method. You should place the strongest point in the second paragraph. The first and third sections will include weaker arguments. This tip is very popular nowadays, so pay more attention to the hamburger method.

The conclusion for your 500-word essay will be quite a typical part. You need to place your final thoughts in the last 50-100 words. Don’t write too much because your readers don’t need additional information here. You can use any efficient strategy to make a summary. For example, you can restate your three main points, ask your readers a question, share a relevant quote, etc.

How to Write a 500 Words Essay?

In the beginning, make sure you have enough time to write a 500-word essay. It seems small, but it requires plenty of working hours. Then use this guide and follow its steps with full responsibility and a bit of creativity.

Step 1. Develop Your Thesis Statement

Your essay is based on your thesis statements. These points rule the text from its beginning to the end. The thesis statement is an answer to an essay prompt. Once you have made such a point, you will write the supporting text to support your statement.

You need to prepare your thesis statements beforehand. Don’t try to write your essay simultaneously with such points. It’s better to brainstorm and collect more thesis statements than you need to pick up the best ideas from your list.

Step 2. Create an Outline

Writing an outline also belongs to the preparation stage in making a 500-word essay. If you want, you can miss this step because the outline is not a part of your essay. It means that your readers wouldn’t see it. Most students think of why they should make a plan no one will see. Frankly speaking, it is true. But exactly this plan helps you write a qualitative text and do not forget any important part.

Your 500-word essay outline will consist of 3 main parts of your future text: an introduction, body, and conclusion. Also, you can write down your headings, the beginnings of the sentences, and other helpful content.  

Step 3. Write a Catching Introduction

You may start your introduction with a general statement that describes your topic. Try to make a logical lead to your thesis statements. And the better way to impress readers is to make a creative beginning.

A 500-word essay allows you are using creative methods to grab the readers’ attention. You can share an interesting quote, joke, relevant research, fact, etc. All methods are great if you will be able to attract and engage people in reading. But remember to read your task assignment first. Sometimes there may be special rules and limits for catchy sentences.

Here is an example of catching introduction:

‘It is impossible to imagine any modern person without a cell phone. Such gadgets are used to make calls, send messages, use the Internet; people use these devices to work, communicate, relax, and for other purposes. At the same time, using cell phones insouciantly causes lots of trouble for people and youth in particularity. Yes, teachers at schools can restrict children using their phones in classes. But do professors in universities have the right to control adults?’

Step 4. Write the Body Paragraphs

Writing body paragraphs is a responsible task. Everyone understands that these sections include all the significant and strongest arguments to describe your topic. Your readers will get the most useful content from body paragraphs and remember the information you have presented here.

Start each paragraph with the thesis statement. Then make supporting sentences to describe your position. Repeat such instruction for several times for all your thesis statements. Your aim is to convince people, so use strong evidence and facts.

At the same time, a 500-word essay means you need to describe both sides of the topic. Even if you agree with one side, you must explain another angle of the issue. Such an approach helps the author to make his essay independent and fair.  

Here is an example of good body paragraphs:

‘The first argument to support cell phone restriction in classes is the students’ distraction. If someone calls a student, then he and his classmates will be distracted. Lots of researches confirm that it is very hard to focus on lectures again if you were distracted. Even if everyone uses a mute mode that makes no noise, your screen may attract someone else’s attention. 

The main arguments against cell phone control in classes are dedicated to the safety questions. If something unexpected happens, students wouldn’t be able to call for help. There are plenty of exceptions when using phones is reasoned. For example, a student has a child, a job, problems with health, and so on.

The best solution to this problem means the college administration, together with students, can create rules for using cell phones in classes. Such rules will be fair, help everyone to keep their rights for emergency situations, and do not distract other people during the educational process. For example, everyone may be allowed to have their devices in bags instead of placing cell phones on the desks.

If the university decides to accept such control, the administration should also create a list of disciplinary actions for those people who break the rules. For example, if a student uses a cell phone and distracts classmates, he must be excused for the next day.’

Step 5. Create a Powerful Conclusion

If you have already described all that you wanted, then be ready to write a conclusion. This small section means a lot because it helps you to make a final impression of your text on the target audience.

Try to write a short but strong summary. You can restate your thesis statements and share your final word. Depending on your aim, you can also provoke a discussion, ask questions, etc. The best conclusion must provide readers with further thoughts about your topic.

Here is an example of a relevant conclusion:

‘In any case, a decision to control cell phone usage belongs to each university. The administration must plan such rules that will suit both students’ and professors’ interests. It is illegitimately to restrict using cell phones in university at all. But several rules to control devices used will be fair and helpful for everyone.’

Step 6. Proofread and Edit

So, your introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion are done. But don’t hurry up to rest because your job is not over yet. Just imagine your favorite recipe. For example, baked brownies with chocolate cream on the top. You have already baked a dough, melted chocolate, mixed ingredients for cream. But your cake is not ready because you haven’t gathered these elements together.

The same is fair about writing an essay. After you have prepared all the parts according to your outline, you have to proofread and edit your text. Change weak sentences, delete mistakes, correct misprints, and so on. After this step, your 500-word essay will be excellent!

Example of a Great 500 Words Essay

See this 500-word essay example to briefly understand how your paper should look like. Notice that this sample is shorter than classic paper because it contains fewer supporting sentences for each point of the body paragraph. This 500-word essay example is placed here for information purposes only.

Topic: ‘To control or not control: should college administration limit cell phone usage among students?’

‘It is impossible to imagine any modern person without a cell phone. Such gadgets are used to make calls, send messages, use the Internet; people use these devices to work, communicate, relax, and for other purposes. At the same time, using cell phones insouciantly causes lots of trouble for people and youth in particularity. Yes, teachers at schools can restrict children using their phones in classes. But do professors in universities have the right to control adults?

The first argument to support cell phone restriction in classes is the students’ distraction. If someone calls a student, then he and his classmates will be distracted. Lots of researches confirm that it is very hard to focus on lectures again if you were distracted. Even if everyone uses a mute mode that makes no noise, your screen may attract someone else’s attention. 

The main arguments against cell phone control in classes are dedicated to the safety questions. If something unexpected happens, students wouldn’t be able to call for help. There are plenty of exceptions when using phones is reasoned. For example, a student has a child, a job, problems with health, and so on.

The best solution to this problem means the college administration, together with students, can create rules for using cell phones in classes. Such rules will be fair, help everyone to keep their rights for emergency situations, and do not distract other people during the educational process. For example, everyone may be allowed to have their devices in bags instead of placing cell phones on the desks.

If the university decides to accept such control, the administration should also create a list of disciplinary actions for those people who break the rules. For example, if a student uses a cell phone and distracts classmates, he must be excused for the next day.

In any case, a decision to control cell phone usage belongs to each university. The administration must plan such rules that will suit both students’ and professors’ interests. It is illegitimately to restrict using cell phones in university at all. But several rules to control devices used will be fair and helpful for everyone.’

The Format of 500 Words Essay

A 500-word essay format includes several traditional and several unique requirements. The student should follow these rules if he or she wants to get the best mark for writing this paper. Here are standard requirements for essays in MLA and APA styles:

  • use double spacing. Such format helps make your text readable;
  • choose one font size. The best option is 12pt for all text;
  • use the exact font. It is Times New Roman that is also easy to read;
  • make one-inch margins. Use such an option for all sides of the paper;
  • follow specific requirements of the primary writing style (for example, APA format rules or MLA requirements).

Also, keep in mind that there may be different particularities of exact school or college. Sometimes they have very specific requirements for writing a scholarship essay. That’s why you need to find out such rules beforehand and prepare your text according to all requirements.

Summary

Writing a 500-word essay may make you feel inspired for a perfect result or cause trouble. It is impossible to find out beforehand. All you can is to prepare yourself for this task and do your best on each stage of writing. Please, read this how-to for several times and save it for later. You may need an additional explanation of essay section writing or a good example of a 500-word essay example.

Also, don’t forget about the help of our professional writers. If you require fast and excellent writing or just need a consultation, you can contact us. We guarantee the high quality of papers and affordable prices. You should use all opportunities to prepare the great 500-word essay and get a fair mark for it! 

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