12 Jan 11 How to Write within the Word Limits?

Is it often you are asked to write within few numbers of words and you just don’t know how to write within the given word limit? Well, you are not an exception. Many great writers even fail to write within stated word limit. Often it becomes very difficult to write in short, lengthy writing comes easily to us. But, there are circumstances where exceeding word limit is not only time wastage but also get us negative marks in examinations. Learn these few tricks of writing within word limit.

Organize thoughts, jot down points

Don’t just go with the flow. Organize your thoughts first and jot down the points you wish to include. Write each point below one another and leave space for elaboration. Now concentrate on each point and elaborate. Depending upon the word limit perform elaboration part. Don’t elaborate too much that you exceed word limit. Rather than focusing too much on elaborating one point, move on to the next point so that you don’t skip any of them yet stay within the word limit. You always have the scope of getting back to each point once the write up is completed and add more lines if word limit has not been met yet.

Avoid repetitions

One effective way of meeting word limit is by not repeating any thought or meaning twice. Often we keep stretching an intended message over several lines. It keeps fattening our write up. Such technique helps only when we lack substance and wish to write long. Make sure, you convey your points in a sentence or two. Repetitions not only unnecessarily lengthen articles but also bore readers.

Keep a constant watch on word count

Don’t wait for counting words at the end; keep a close watch on words written right from the start. Latest version of Microsoft words automatically displays number of words written in the bottom of the screen. Else after every few lines you can manually check the word count. It will help you to keep your write up within the word limit.

Edit at the end

Of course easiest and most practiced option is editing write up and making it short. When you just couldn’t help yourself from writing a long article and exceeding word limit you are left with the option of revising it carefully, editing all unnecessary points out. You may have to edit then read, again edit and read.

Tags: Circumstances, Close Watch, Elaboration, Exceed, Great Writers, Jot Down, Microsoft, Microsoft Words, Organize, Point Move, Repetitions, Right Start, Scope, Wastage, Word Count, Word Limit, Word Limits