Use this approximate guide to work out how many paragraphs and reference are needed in an essay.
Always refer to task instructions and the rubric from your lecturer or tutor and follow any recommendations made.
|
Length of essay |
Length of introduction |
Length of conclusion |
Number of body paragraphs |
Recommended maximum number of words (+10%) |
Recommended minimum number of words (-10%) |
|
1000 words |
Up to 150 words |
Up to 100 words |
3-4 |
1100 |
900 |
|
1500 words |
Up to 200 words |
Up to 150 words |
5-6 |
1650 |
1350 |
|
2000 words |
Up to 250 words |
Up to 200 words |
6-8 |
2200 |
1800 |
|
2500 words |
Up to 350 words |
Up to 250 words |
8-10 |
2750 |
2250 |
Source: Hall, B. (2013). The night before essay planner (3rd ed.). Xoum Publishing.