The Lighthouse

It can be easy to exceed the word limit. Some lecturers are stricter than others regarding word limits. Normally they won’t mind if you go under of over the word limit by 10%. However, it is a good idea to try and get as close to the limit as you can. Here are a few tips for avoiding going over the word limit:

• Write a plan that has a clear focus on the question. This will help you avoid writing about things that aren’t relevant and avoid repetition.
• Avoid including lots of long quotes. Put things in your own words where possible
• Avoid long sentences. Keep sentences as short as possible (aim for a max of 20 words and one or two ideas per sentence).
• Avoid using two words where one will do.
• Avoid the passive voice and use the active voice (when the subject of the sentence performs the action) where possible (e.g. “Smith (2000) argued that….”).
• Avoid words that fill gaps in spoken language but don’t belong in an assignment (e.g. you know, well, then).
• Avoid words that indicate uncertainty or hesitation (e.g. kind of, sort of, pretty much, seems that).

See:

• http://owll.massey.ac.nz/academic-writing/word-limits-and-assignment-length.php
• http://owll.massey.ac.nz/academic-writing/assignment-planning.php
• http://owll.massey.ac.nz/referencing/quoting-and-paraphrasing.php
• http://owll.massey.ac.nz/academic-writing/writing-concisely.php
• http://owll.massey.ac.nz/pdf/studyup-writing-tips-handout.pdf
• http://owll.massey.ac.nz/academic-writing/sentence-fragments.php