Cathy A.
Cathy A.

How to Make an Essay Longer: Useful Tips for Meeting the Word Count

8 min read

Published on: Oct 16, 2024

Last updated on: Oct 26, 2024

How to Make an Essay Longer

On This Page On This Page

Have you ever found yourself staring at your essay, realizing it falls short of the required word count? It can be frustrating, but don’t worry! 

Expanding your essay is easier than you might think.

There are plenty of effective methods you can use to expand on your essay and reach that desired length without sacrificing quality. 

In this blog, we'll explore different tips on how to make an essay longer with words.

15 Tips on How to Make an Essay Longer With Words

Meeting the word count can be tricky, especially when you have already covered all the important points when writing the essay. But with some simple tips, you can extend the word count without compromising the quality of your words or adding fluff content.

Here are some tips to help you reach your desired word count:

Tip 1: Add Examples

When you're trying to make your essay longer, using examples is the best method to do so. The examples will not only increase the length of your essay, but they will help you readers understand the topic better. 

These examples not only provide evidence to support your arguments but also add depth and relevance to your writing. 


Let’s see this in practice:

Without Example:
Chocolate is made from cocoa beans, which are roasted, ground, and then processed with sugar and sometimes milk to create a rich, indulgent treat loved worldwide. 


Word Count: 26

With Example:
Chocolate is made from cocoa beans, which are roasted, ground, and then processed with sugar and sometimes milk to create a rich, indulgent treat loved worldwide. For example, dark chocolate with a high cocoa content is known for its intense flavor profile and potential health benefits due to its antioxidant properties.


Word Count: 51

Adding the example not only increased the word count but also improved the understanding. 

Tip 2: Include Quotations

Quotations from experts, scholars, or primary sources can lend authority and credibility to your essay. By adding quotes from reputable personalities into your writing, you show that your ideas are based on academic analysis. 

Tip 3: Expand on Explanations

One way to increase the length of your essay is by elaborating on your explanations. Instead of offering brief descriptions of concepts, take the time to delve deeper into different concepts of your topic. 

Take a look at this example for a better understanding:

Summarized: Chocolate is a popular treat made from cocoa beans.


Expanded:  Chocolate, a beloved indulgence enjoyed worldwide, undergoes a complex production process involving roasting and grinding cocoa beans.

Tip 4: Use Transitional Phrases

Transitional phrases allow you to introduce new points or elaborate on existing ones. By using these transitional phrases strategically, you can improve the flow and coherence of your essay while also adding length.

Here are some transitional phrases you can use:

  • In addition to that…
  • Furthermore, it is important to note that…
  • Moreover, we can see that…
  • On top of that…
  • Another point worth mentioning is…
  • Along with this idea…
  • Similarly, it can be argued that…
  • Conversely, one could say that…
  • Despite this, it remains clear that...
  • Nevertheless, we should consider…

Tip 5: Add Definitions

If you are writing an essay on a complex topic or one that uses specialized terminology, providing definitions can be immensely helpful for your readers. 

For example, if you're discussing the concept of biodiversity, you could define it as the variety of life forms within a given ecosystem. 

These definitions not only assist your readers but also help you expand on your content.

Tip 6: Cover All Elements of the Paragraphs

Editing the paragraphs may seem like a minor detail, but it can have an important impact on the length of your essay. 

Make sure each of your paragraphs starts with a topic sentence, has an argument that is supported by evidence, and has a concluding sentence at the end. 

Tip 7: Avoid Using Shortcuts

It may seem like an unnecessary suggestion but if you want to expand on your content without affecting the quality then consider the following:

  • Avoid using words such as don’t, won’t can’t etc. Instead use them as separate words: do not, would not, cannot, etc. 
  • Write the numbers in words. For example, instead of using 7 or 8, use seven, eight, etc.
  • Use ‘to be’ verbs. For example, instead of using: I like chocolate, use: I like to eat chocolate. 

Tip 8: Explore Different Perspectives

Don't be afraid to explore multiple perspectives on the topic you're addressing in your essay. 

Engaging with diverse viewpoints can enrich your analysis and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the topic. It also shows critical thinking and open-mindedness in your writing.

Tip 9: Offer Comparisons

Consider comparing different ideas, theories, or case studies that can add depth to your essay. Look for similarities and differences that highlight key themes within your topic. 

By offering meaningful comparisons, you not only expand the length of your essay but also encourage deeper reflection and analysis. 

Tip 10: Include Statistical Data

Statistics can strengthen your arguments and provide practical evidence to support your claims. Include relevant data and figures from credible sources to bolster the credibility of your essay. 

By grounding your arguments in statistical data, you demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based reasoning and persuasive argumentation.

Tip 11: Add Tables, Pictures, or Graphs

Visual aids like tables, pictures, or graphs can enhance the presentation of your essay and provide additional context for your arguments. 

By presenting your analysis with visual representations, you can engage your readers and reinforce your arguments effectively. 

Tip 12: Revisit the Outline

It may be helpful to review your essay outline and ensure that you've covered all the key points thoroughly. Look for areas where you can expand or introduce new ideas that contribute to your overall argument. 

By revisiting your outline, you can identify areas for expansion and ensure that your essay is comprehensive and well-developed.

Tip 13: Provide Historical or Cultural Analysis

By adding the historical or cultural context of your topic, you can enrich your essay and provide valuable insights into its significance. Consider how historical events, cultural norms, or societal values have shaped the issues you're addressing. 

By providing historical or cultural analysis, you improve your readers' understanding of the subject matter and highlight its broader implications.

Tip 14: Expand on Methodology

If your essay involves research or analysis, take the opportunity to expand on your methodology. Discuss the approaches you used, the sources you consulted, and the criteria you applied in your analysis. 

By expanding on your methodology, you not only demonstrate how much work went into your research but also provide transparency and credibility to your findings.

Tip 15: Ask Your Instructor for Help

If you're still struggling or unsure how to expand your essay, don't hesitate to seek guidance from your instructor or professor. They're there to support you and can offer valuable feedback and suggestions for improvement. 

Whether it's clarifying assignment expectations, brainstorming ideas for expansion, or refining your arguments, your instructor can provide invaluable assistance in maximizing the quality and impact of your essay.

How to Make Your Essay Appear Longer

So, you've written your essay, but it looks short even tho you’re meeting the word requirement. Don't worry; there are several formatting tricks you can use to make your essay appear longer without actually adding substantial content. 

Add Table of Contents

One way to make your essay appear longer is by including a table of contents. Even if your essay isn't lengthy enough, creating one can give the impression of a more substantial work. 

You can list your main sections or headings along with their corresponding page numbers to create a look of depth and organization.

Add a Title Page

Another simple yet effective method is to include a title page at the beginning of your essay. A title page typically features the title of your essay, your name, the course title, the instructor's name, and the date of submission. 

While this may not directly increase the content of your essay, it adds an extra page and creates a more professional appearance to your work.

Add Header and Footer

Incorporating headers and footers into your essay can also contribute to its visual length. You can include your name, page numbers, course information, or a shorter version of your essay title. 

This not only fills up space but also gives your essay a polished and organized look.

Increase Line Spacing

Adjusting the line spacing of your essay can have a significant impact on its overall length. Instead of using single spacing, consider increasing it to 1.5 or double spacing. 

This not only makes your essay easier to read but also adds extra lines between each sentence, effectively stretching out the content and making your essay appear longer.

Change Font

Changing the font or font size of your essay can subtly alter its appearance and help it take up more space on the page. Experiment with different fonts that are slightly larger or more spaced out than your default font. 

However, be sure to choose a font that is still professional and easy to read, such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.

Change the Margins

Adjusting the margins of your essay is another effective way to manipulate its length. By slightly widening the margins on all sides, you can create more space on each page, allowing your essay to extend over a greater number of pages. 

However, be cautious not to make the margins too wide, as this can make your essay appear overly padded and may be easily detected by instructors.

Break Your Paragraphs

Breaking up long paragraphs into shorter ones can also give the illusion of a longer essay. Instead of having a few lengthy paragraphs, divide them into smaller, more digestible chunks. 

This not only makes your essay appear more visually appealing but also allows you to explore your ideas in greater detail, thereby adding substance to your writing.

Wrapping Up!

By using these tips you can effectively make your essay longer without adding substantial content. 

However, it's important to remember that while these tips can help you increase the length, they should not affect the clarity, coherence, or integrity of your writing.

However, if you are still facing difficulty in writing a long essay - don’t worry! Get expert help at WriteMyEssay.help.

We are a professional essay writing service that provides top-notch papers fulfilling all your requirements. 

So whether it’s a college or university assignment, our writers can write top-quality essays customized to your instructions! Just say ‘Write my essay’ and let us handle the rest.

So place an order today!

Cathy A.

WRITTEN BY

Cathy A., Marketing, Literature

Cathy has been a trusted source of high-quality writing for more than five years. With her in-depth knowledge of mass communication from her Master's degree, she always produces work that meets the needs of her clients. In fact, they often leave her 5-star reviews for being an outstanding writer who is very passionate about their craft.

Cathy has been a trusted source of high-quality writing for more than five years. With her in-depth knowledge of mass communication from her Master's degree, she always produces work that meets the needs of her clients. In fact, they often leave her 5-star reviews for being an outstanding writer who is very passionate about their craft.

Keep reading

50% off on Custom Essays

OFFER EXPIRES SOON!

Order Now