- Applying For Scholarships
How to Write a Great 500 Word Essay
David Feb 14, 2018
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During your scholarship applications, you may need to submit a 500-word essay answering a specific question. The theme of the essay can range from personal achievements to political controversies. This means you can adjust your writing style to fit the message of the prompt. This guide will explain how to write a 500-word scholarship essay. We will also provide an example for inspiration.
How to Format a 500-Word Scholarship Essay
The format of a 500-word scholarship essay is similar to a shorter essay. Each paragraph is about 75-125 words, and it consists of 3-5 well-written sentences. If you are writing a story or personal anecdote, the formatting can be more like a novel than a news article.
The main components of a 500-word essay include:
Introduction paragraph that engages the reader and establishes the thesis. The thesis may be a question that you will later answer in the essay content, or it can be a statement that you support in the body paragraphs. If you are writing a story, your “thesis” may not be as apparent.
4-6 body paragraphs that provide evidence to back up your thesis. Each paragraph should be a cohesive element with an intro and conclusion. The body paragraphs should flow well from one point to the next.
A conclusion paragraph that reminds the reader of the thesis and highlights key points from the body text. The conclusion should answer the question or complete the statement made in the introduction. It should give the reader a sense of closure and resolution
500-word essays do not have to be exactly 500 words, but they should be as close as possible. The essay prompt may say “in under 500 words” or “in at least 500 words,” which would state whether 500 is the minimum or maximum word count. If that information is not specified, write as much as you need to comprehensively address the prompt without frivolous content.
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500-Word Essay vs. 250-Word Essay
500-word scholarship essays offer more writing flexibility than 250-word essays . With a shorter word count, you are often forced to summarize long-winded thoughts into quick to-the-point snippets. 500 words give you more room to express your opinion. Yet, it is still short enough that it does not need footnotes and cited resources, usually.
500-Word Essay vs. 1000+ Word Essay
Another scholarship essay length you may encounter is 1,000 words. With a 1,000-word scholarship essay, you will need to cite sources and provide detailed references to support your claims. 1,000+ word essay prompts are often used for writing competitions, where you may be asked to create a fictional story. The extra length gives room for extra creativity, but it also requires more time to put the perfect piece together.
You should approach all essays with the same mentality, regardless of their length. Your goal is to compose a piece that clearly guides the reader through your thoughts and reasoning. You may have to adjust how you convey those thoughts based on the length. Your essay should always have a beginning, middle, and end.
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A Step-by-Step 500-Word Essay Example
To help you see how to write a 500-word scholarship essay, we want to show you each section of the essay step-by-step. Use this as a general guide when you write your essay. However, feel free to add your own spin to it. Our writing sample will be in green, and the commentary will be in plain text. So…let’s begin!
TOPIC: Should cell phone usage be controlled in college classrooms?
Step 1 – Create a Thesis
Everything in your essay revolves around your thesis. This is the big point you are trying to make, which is usually an answer to a question in the essay prompt. You will use the rest of the essay to support this thesis.
For the topic Should cell phone usage be controlled in college classrooms? our thesis will be:
“Cell phone usage should be controlled in college classrooms, as long as it does not hinder students’ rights.”
Step 2 – Write the Introduction
The introduction should grab your reader’s attention and prepare for an explanation of the thesis. It usually starts with a general statement related to the topic at hand, followed by supplementary sentences that lead into the thesis. Here is a sample introduction for our essay, including the thesis at the end of the paragraph:
Cell phones have gone from a sought-after luxury to a daily necessity. While these devices provide convenient access to the outside world, they can be problematic for educators. High school teachers can tell children in their classes to put their phones away, but should professors have the same control over adult men and women? The key is to create cell phone usage policies that limit distractions without hindering student rights.
Word count: an Intro paragraph, 70 words.
Step 3 – Write the Body Paragraphs
The body paragraphs should provide support for the thesis. Why do you think this way, and what evidence do you have to support those beliefs? The paragraphs should flow from one to the next like a constant stream of thought. Each paragraph should conclude the statement made at the beginning of the paragraph.
Building on the thesis “Cell phone usage should be controlled in college classrooms, as long as it does not hinder students’ rights,” we will now explain how colleges can control cell phones in class while preserving student rights. If our thesis was that cell phones should NOT be controlled in college, we would explain the dangers of not having access to cell phones.
No matter which side of the argument you choose, you should acknowledge the other angle and negate those statements. As you will see below, we remark on why some students may not want cell phone usage policies. We will also suggest how to get around those concerns. Doing this provides the best possible support for your thesis because it shows you have taken every angle into consideration.
Here is the body for our 500-word essay sample:
The primary argument supporting cell phone control in the classroom is the fact that phones can be distracting. Not only do cell phones distract instructors, but they may also distract students trying to pay attention to the lecture. This is the same effect as a moviegoer looking at his phone in a theater. Even if the phone makes no noise, the light from the screen is enough to catch someone’s attention. Arguments against cell phone control typically focus on safety concerns. Should a crisis occurs in the classroom, students should have their phones on hand to make a call. If a student has a child, he or she may need a phone in case of a medical emergency. If the student is on call for work, he or she will need access to a phone. The list of exception-worthy scenarios is endless. The best solution is to create cell phone usage rules that allow devices to be accessible without disturbing other students’ educational opportunities. Students should be permitted to keep their phones in their bags, pockets, or other belongings as long as the phones are on silent in class. Vibrate settings may be permitted if the instructor does not believe it will distract him or her, since the noise of the vibration may not be noticeable in a large classroom. If a student needs to answer the phone during an emergency, he or she can step out of the classroom to do so. This setup would give the students and the instructor peace of mind. Cell phone restrictions in classrooms should also include specific disciplinary actions for breaking the rules. If a student is caught using the phone in class, he or she should be excused for the rest of the day. Professors should refrain from physically taking possession of a student’s phone because of liability conflicts. If the phone is damaged while in the professor’s possession, the school or the instructor could be held responsible for the repairs. It is safer to ask the student to leave the classroom than it is to take the phone away completely.
Word count: Body paragraphs, 349 words. Total essay is now 419 words.
Step 4 – Wrap It up with a Conclusion
Once you have covered all your points, you should summarize the essay’s contents in the conclusion. This is your last opportunity to convince the reader of your thesis. Touch on the most important aspects of your essay then leave the reader with something to think about. Here is an example of how to conclude our essay:
Each school, professor and student body is different. Colleges must adapt their rules and discipline efforts to reflect the current needs of their students. Eliminating cell phones in college classrooms is an overstretch, but there are ways to balance students’ rights and instructors’ rights. With the right amount of control and flexibility, colleges can create a pleasant learning environment with maximum safety and minimal interruptions.
Notice how our conclusion was definitive but optimistic. We explain that colleges need to adapt their rules to fit the needs of their students. Yet still, confirm that cell phone use policies should be enforced.
Word count: Conclusion paragraph, 65 words. Total essay is now 484 words.
But wait! You’re 16 words short! We know that. The essay covered everything we wanted to without the need for extra words. If the prompt asked for at least 500 words, we would add another sentence to support one of the paragraphs. Since that was not a requirement though, we kept the essay as-is to avoid sounding wordy or repetitive.
The Complete 500-Word Essay Example
Cell phones have gone from a sought-after luxury to a daily necessity. While these devices provide convenient access to the outside world, they can be problematic for educators. High school teachers can tell children in their classes to put their phones away, but should professors have the same control over grown men and women? The key is to create cell phone usage policies that limit distractions without hindering student rights. The primary argument supporting cell phone control in the classroom is the fact that phones can be distracting. Not only do cell phones distract instructors, but they may also distract students trying to pay attention to the lecture. This is the same effect as a moviegoer looking at his phone in a theater. Even if the phone makes no noise, the light from the screen is enough to catch someone’s attention. Arguments against cell phone control typically focus on safety concerns. Should a crisis occurs in the classroom, students should have their phones on hand to make a call. If a student has a child, he or she may need a phone in case of a medical emergency. If the student is on call for work, he or she will need access to a phone. The list of exception-worthy scenarios is endless. The best solution is to create cell phone usage rules that allow devices to be accessible without disturbing other students’ educational opportunities. Students should be permitted to keep their phones in their bags, pockets, or other belongings as long as the phones are on silent in class. Vibrate settings may be permitted if the instructor does not believe it will distract him or her, since the noise of the vibration may not be noticeable in a large classroom. If a student needs to answer the phone during an emergency, he or she can step out of the classroom to do so. This setup would give the students and the instructor peace of mind. Cell phone restrictions in classrooms should also include specific disciplinary actions for breaking the rules. If a student is caught using the phone in class, he or she should be excused for the rest of the day. Professors should refrain from physically taking possession of a student’s phone because of liability conflicts. If the phone is damaged while in the professor’s possession, the school or the instructor could be held responsible for the repairs. It is safer to ask the student to leave the classroom than it is to take the phone away completely. Each school, professor and student body is different. Colleges must adapt their rules and discipline efforts to reflect the current needs of their students. Eliminating cell phones in college classrooms is an overstretch, but there are ways to balance students’ rights and instructors’ rights. With the right amount of control and flexibility, colleges can create a pleasant learning environment with maximum safety and minimal interruptions.
Tips for Writing a Great 500-Word Essay
Here are some tips to help you write a great 500-word scholarship essay:
Give yourself at least two full days to write the essay. You can use the first day to write a draft and do some minor editing. Then on the second day, you can look at the essay with fresh eyes to do your final edits.
If you have a chance to show your essay to your English instructor or academic adviser, do so. You can use the feedback to improve the essay before submitting it.
Don’t focus on the word count as you write. Get all your thoughts on paper, and you can extend or shorten the essay during the editing process.
Write the first draft from start to finish, even if you know your thoughts are out of order. You can re-arrange them at a later time, but the initial run through will be as fluid as possible.
Re-read the prompt several times before writing. You don’t want to write an entire essay only to find out you were completely off topic.
Always think about your audience when writing a scholarship essay. What organization is issuing the scholarship, and how can you tie that into your writing? What is the underlying information they want to learn from your essay? Write in a way that shows you are the best candidate for the scholarship.
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David Tabachnikov is the CEO of ScholarshipOwl. Formerly at Waze and Google, David is an experienced CTO/R&D manager with over 10 years of experience of leading tech teams. David fervently believes that students should have greater access to education, and is passionate about using technology to help them achieve that goal.
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Essay Writing Guide
500 Word Essay
A Complete 500 Word Essay Writing Guide
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How To Write A Strong Body Paragraph
A 500-word essay is a common format assignment that students have to deal with. It is a three-part paper that provides vivid descriptions of an event, object, or phenomenon.
This format of essay writing is very easy if you know the correct techniques to put down your ideas within a specific word limit.
The best way to write an essay in this format is by using specific words and making your ideas flow well. This essay enables you to learn how to be concise but also poses significant essay writing challenges .
In this blog, we will learn about 500-word essays in detail and explore everything about this type of essay format with examples. Keep reading!
Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!
- 1. What is 500 word Essay?
- 2. 500 Words Essay Format
- 3. How Long is a 500 Word Essay?
- 4. How to Write a 500-word Essay?
- 5. 500 Word Essay Examples
- 6. 500 Word Essay Topics
What is 500 word Essay?
A 500-word essay is a type of academic writing typically assigned in schools and colleges. This type of essay format requires the writer to express their thoughts, ideas, or arguments within a concise word limit.
A typical 500-word essay generally follows 4 to 5 paragraphs essay structure, with each paragraph containing approximately 75 to 200 words. The specific number and length of paragraphs can vary based on the type and structure of the essay.
A 500-word essay can be the easiest and the most difficult one to write, at the same time. It all depends on two things; the Topic and the Writer’s Abilities . Teachers often assign 500-word essay assignments as it can help them quickly assess the student’s critical, analytical, and writing skills.
500 Words Essay Format
Here is the format and structure of a well-crafted 500-word essay.
- Introduction (Approximately 50-75 words)
- Body Paragraphs (2-3 paragraphs, Approximately 150-200 words)
- Counterargument (Optional, Approximately 50-75 words)
- Conclusion (Approximately 50-75 words)
Let's take a closer look at how a 500-word essay is set up and what each part does to make the writing strong and clear.
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How Long is a 500 Word Essay?
A 500-word essay is typically one to two pages long, depending on formatting and spacing. For APA style , use a 12-point font for serif (e.g., Times New Roman) and 11-point for sans-serif (e.g., Arial). With double spacing, it will extend to approximately 2 pages, while with single spacing, it usually fits onto 1 page.
How Long Should a 500 Word Essay Take?
Typically, for an average writer, composing a 500-word essay might take around 1 to 2 hours. However, this estimate can vary significantly based on individual factors such as familiarity with the topic, writing experience, and the need for extensive research or revision.
How Many Paragraphs is a 500 Word Essay?
A typical 500-word essay generally comprises 4 to 6 paragraphs. Each paragraph contains roughly 75 to 200 words. However, the exact number and length of paragraphs may vary depending on the essay's type and structure.
Word count is important in short essays. So, it’s best to aim for an introduction under 100 words, body paragraphs around 300 words each, and conclude within 100 words.
500-Word Essay vs. 250-Word Essay
A 500-word essay offers more depth than a 250-word one, allowing for additional detail and evidence. This extra content strengthens arguments or supports viewpoints, making the essay more effective.
500-Word Essay vs. 1000+ Word Essay
A 500-word essay is shorter than a 1000+ word essay. The 500-word one usually fits on one to two pages, while the longer essay can span several pages. With more words, the longer essay allows for a deeper exploration of topics and more detailed arguments. However, both essays require clear organization and effective communication of ideas.
How to Write a 500-word Essay?
Writing a 500-word essay is the same as classic essay writing. Here are some steps to keep in mind while writing a 500-word essay.
- Create an Outline
- Write a Strong Introduction
- Composing The Body Paragraphs
- Write an Impressive Conclusion
Below is a detailed description of each step.
Step 1: Create An Outline
First, make a clear and detailed essay outline , and do not miss anything at this point. It will serve as a backbone for your entire paper.
The purpose of this outline is to break down the ideas in a logical and structured manner.
Step 2: Write A Strong Introduction
The opening paragraph of an essay serves as the reader's initial window into the topic. Grab your reader from the start of this paragraph with an attention-grabbing hook . Make it as interesting and creative as you can so that they don't put down the essay before reading it all!
For writing an essay introduction , you need to introduce your main topic. And give an idea of what the reader may encounter in the rest of the essay. At the end of this paragraph pin your thesis statement .
For Example:
Step 3: Composing The Body Paragraphs
The body section of the essay is mostly divided into 3 paragraphs as discussed above in the format section. It is the point where you need to explain the different types of arguments you make in the essay. Support these arguments with relevant examples, facts, or personal interpretations.
In a 500-word essay, it's best to stick to one main argument with supporting evidence. Longer essays, such as 1000-word essays , can explore multiple arguments as long as they're connected and contribute to a unified thesis.
Step 4: Write an Impressive Conclusion
Conclusion is the last part of the essay where you need to summarise the main argument of the essay. When writing the conclusion of your essay, begin by restating the thesis statement and explaining it with some strong points analyzed in the body section.
Make sure it does not completely iterate the introduction. Focus on providing critical insight into the main subject of discussion.
For Example:
Always proofread your essay for mistakes and inconsistencies. Also, make sure the writing convention checklist is followed, as it will give you a clearer idea of what needs to be improved before submitting!
If you still need some guidance, here is a video on how to write a 500-word essay!
500 Word Essay Examples
All 500-word essays follow a different style and structure, making it difficult for a student to understand what their instructor expects. In such scenarios, 500-word essay examples can be of great help.
Below you can find some 500-word essay examples on different topics to better understand the various style formats.
500 Word Essay On Honesty
A 500-word essay on honesty is a commonly assigned task to high school and college students. It simply involves writing on how to develop a practice of speaking the truth always.
Here is an example 500-word essay on honesty that you can refer to for your understanding.
500 Word Essay on Honesty
500 Word Essay On Integrity
Below, you can find a great 500-word essay on integrity written by one of our expert writers for your help.
500 Word Essay On Leadership
Leadership essay discusses the quality of leading people. Get help from the following leadership essay example and learn how you can write on one of the important aspects of life.
500 Word Essay On Punctuality
Punctuality is an important trait that everyone should strive to possess. Take help from this punctual example essay and make your writing even more powerful.
500 Word Essay On Punctuality
500 Word Essay On Responsibility
Responsibility is an important value that everyone should possess. It dictates the way we interact with others and how we carry out our daily lives. Take a look at our example of an essay on responsibility to understand what it means to be responsible.
500 Word Essay On Responsibility
500 Word Essay On Why I Deserve a Scholarship
Writing an essay explaining why you deserve a scholarship can be a challenging experience since students often feel like they’re bragging about themselves. Learn how to write a 500-word essay for scholarship that will make a strong case for your academic excellence with our sample!
500 Word Essay On Why I Deserve a Scholarship Pdf
500 Word Essay on Respect
Respect is a very important concept in today's society. It is an essential component of any successful relationship, both personal and professional. Check out our essay example on Respect to begin learning more about this topic.
500 Word Essay On Respect
500 Word Essay on Why I Want to be a Teacher
Writing essays about something you are passionate about is never an easy task. When it comes to writing about why someone wants to be a teacher, you can always get help from some great sample essays.
500 Word Essay on Why I Want to be a Teacher
500 Word Essay on Why I Want to be a Nurse
Nursing is a passion for a lot of people. If you want to write an essay on why you want to be a nurse, you must look at our sample essay.
500 Word Essay on Why I Want to be a Nurse
500 Word Essay on Global Warming
Global warming is not just an environmental concern but a moral obligation for the well-being of our planet. Write a 500 word essay on global warming with the help of our sample.
Here are some more 500-word essay pdf samples on important topics for your understanding:
500 word essay about myself
500 word essay on corruption
500 word essay on social media
500 word essay on pollution
500 word essay about Islam
500 Word Essay Topics
Here are some topics that you may find interesting.
- Describe your favorite trip.
- Is it possible to earn on the Internet?
- What are the challenges of people living with disabilities?
- How to avoid problems at college.
- What is honesty?
- Abstract art and its impact on people.
- Causes of racism.
- The best day of your life.
- What is the objective of your life?
- What do you mean by punctuality?
If you want to look at more topics, feel free to choose from our interesting list of essay topics .
Wrapping it Up!
Writing essays in a concise 500-word format may seem straightforward, but the process can often be challenging for students. The biggest hurdle? Squeezing in all the essential details while staying within the limit.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling to navigate this task, let MyPerfectWords.com handle it for you.
Our essay writing help is here to transform your academic journey. Whether it's crafting a compelling narrative or refining your arguments, our experts are dedicated to delivering excellence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many sentences is a 500-word essay.
A 500-word essay typically contains around 5 to 10 sentences per paragraph, spread across 4 to 6 paragraphs.
Can a 500-word essay have 4 paragraphs?
Yes, a 500-word essay can have 4 paragraphs, though it's more commonly structured with 5 or 6 paragraphs.
How many references are needed for a 500-word essay?
The number of references needed for a 500-word essay can vary depending on the topic and requirements, but generally, 2 to 4 references are sufficient for supporting arguments and providing evidence.
Does a 500-word essay have to be exactly 500 words?
Yes, that’s because the general rule for any academic essay is to not exceed the given word count by more than 10%. So applying the same rule, your 500 word essay length should ideally not exceed 10%, that is 550 words, so you should try to wrap up your thoughts within that word count or otherwise risk a negative marking by the professor.
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Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.
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