<p>If I could choose between a 300/500 word essay which is more or less to the point or a longer essay that’s a little closer to the word limit but has a little padding, which essay would be better?</p>
<p>Padding is always bad.</p>
<p>@WasatchWriter What if the padding is just to help transition from one point to another a little better. The essay doesn’t sound bad as it is right now but with a bit of a transition that may seem a little pointless (not really conveying any extra information) I could help bridge the gap between the two paragraphs.</p>
<p>You chose the word “padding,” not I. I’m not sure why you would call a transition padding or pointless unless it uses more words than it needs to get the job done.</p>
<p>It really depends. Both a 300 and 500 word essay can be both direct, specific, and straight to the point, as long as you know how to write it. Longer essays aren’t generally bad as they give you enough space to set up descriptions, your tone, etc. Shorter essays have their pros as well, as they can be as direct, concise and straight to the point from beginning to end in a couple of minutes.
Whichever you choose, it depends on you as a writer and what you are writing. Are you trying to be as precise as possible? Or are you trying to build something up in your essay?
Just to end, short essays (300 Words) can be both specific and vivid. Using dynamic verbs and taking out unnecessary phrases (Goes along with padding), to name a few, are some ways to make a short essay effective and descriptive if you decide to go that route. </p>
<p>In my opinion, you should use almost all of the words you are given. This does not mean you should include filler information though. Try to answer the prompt clearly and try to show your personal character and interests, or whatever else the essay question calls for.</p>