Some of the things in this list though, like going over the counter-argument are actually really good ideas too, because they really do strengthen the essay. Overall though, I think professors use the length requirement as a way to force people to do more than just write a half-assed page about what they heard about the subject over their lunch break.

Though, you do have to be careful. After a few years of fluffing the living crap out of all your essays, you start to write that way even when you’re not fluffing things up.

Also, use adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, etc, and when in doubt, clarify! It’s even better if you’ve got a good vocabulary, cause whoever’s grading your paper will usually be impressed both at how clear you’re being and at your command of the English language.

Oh, and if you’re writing ANYTHING for the social sciences, humanities, or so on, I’ve found that I’ve NEVER gotten less than an A when I used the word ‘heteronormative’ properly in my paper. Apparently, professors are so impressed at your enlightenment (cause, after all, you are aware of heteronormativity! And you know how to describe it!) that it will make up for incredible amounts of fluff.

The only other skill that I think is more valuable is the ability to successfully plagiarize without getting caught. I basically copy , paste, reword as much as possible and restructure some of the sentences. Can someone point me to a good article on” how to successfully cheat in school”. Evey teenager headed to college should understand and utilize these skill-sets to help them through school. Happy Cheating!!

Relate each paragraph to a thesis statement, use arguments and counter arguments and avoid fluff.

Also : make each period 14 point font, adds a surprising amount of length to your essay (if going by pages) without looking wordy. Result: seemingly succinct work.