Short Essay Writing Guide: How to Write a Short Nursing Essay

An in-depth analysis of how to write a short essay.

Writing an essay can sometimes feel like scaling a mountain; it’s a challenging and complex task requiring time, effort, and a deep understanding of the topic. Regardless of the essay’s length, every writer must navigate the same rocky terrain: developing an argument, presenting evidence, and persuading the reader with their narrative. 

Now, let’s take a moment to discuss short essays. When discussing a short essay, we’re not merely discussing a scaled-down version of a standard essay. Writing a short essay requires added finesse, while the foundational structure remains the same—an essay introduction, body, and conclusion. In a short essay, you must convey your ideas succinctly, maintaining clarity and depth while adhering to a limited word count. 

Given the potential challenges, you might wonder why one would want to master the art of writing short essays. The answer is simple: short essays are essential in various academic and professional contexts. The short essay format is frequently employed across different fields, from college essays,  applications, argumentative, and in-class assignments to business reports and blog posts. It’s a versatile and efficient way to communicate ideas and arguments.

In this guide, we’ll embark on a comprehensive exploration of short essays. Let’s dive in!

What Is a Short Essay?

Ah, the short essay – a miniaturized but equally potent version of its longer counterpart. What exactly is a short essay? A short essay is a distilled form of academic writing that encapsulates an argument or an author’s perspective on a specific subject within a tight word count. It’s smaller in volume but powerful in its impact. Its distinguishing factor lies in its brevity and focus, compelling the writer to distill their thoughts and arguments to their purest form.

Imagine you’re a chef preparing a tasty dish to be savored. You have limited space on the plate and must present your creation in the most appealing manner. In this context, every ingredient, every flavor, has to count. This is what writing a short essay feels like. You must effectively use each word and sentence to make your point and do so clearly and persuasively.

However, don’t let the word ‘short’ fool you. While a short essay might require fewer words, it must possess the key elements of standard academic writing: a clear structure, logical progression, and compelling argumentation. Each short essay should have an introduction to present the topic or argument, a body paragraph to develop and support it, and a conclusion to tie everything together.

How Long Is a Short Essay?

So, how long is just right? Well, short essays range from 500 to 1000 words. It’s the equivalent of a brisk jog in essays compared to a full-length dissertation marathon.

Imagine the words as the bricks you’re using to construct a house — in this case, the house of your argument or narrative. The size of a short essay allows you to build a cozy cottage, not a sprawling mansion. It’s compact, efficient, and effective, with just enough space to accommodate your ideas comfortably and persuasively.

When translated into pages, a short essay usually covers about two pages, but this can vary depending on the formatting and spacing used. Using double spacing and a standard 12-point font like Times New Roman, your short essay would fit snugly onto two pages. Of course, these formatting guidelines might differ based on your professor’s or institution’s preferences, so it’s always a good idea to confirm these details beforehand.

When writing a short essay, it’s essential to remember that every word is valuable in real estate. With such a limited word count, there’s no room for meandering discourses or excessive verbosity. Every sentence must serve a purpose, whether to state a point, provide evidence, or develop an argument. As the famous French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once said, “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” This principle rings especially true in the realm of short essays.

Short Essay Format

While the short essay might be a petite composition, it follows the classic essay structure. It is a carefully crafted blend of introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, all working harmoniously to present your argument or narrative. Let’s break down these individual elements and see how they come together to form the short essay.

Introduction

Start with a Hook

The introduction is your chance to make a good first impression. It’s the appetizer that gets your reader’s palate excited for the main course. Begin with a compelling hook – a surprising fact, a provocative quote, or an intriguing question that piques your reader’s curiosity. It’s like lighting a fuse, sparking your reader’s interest and propelling them forward into the heart of your essay.

Add Some Background Information

After the hook, take a moment to set the stage by providing some background information about your essay topic. This information should help your reader understand your argument or narrative and why it’s significant. But remember, you’re writing a short essay, so every sentence must count. Ensure your background information is brief, relevant, and directly ties into your thesis statement.

Introduce Your Thesis Statement

The crown jewel of your introduction is your thesis statement. This sentence serves as a roadmap for your essay, succinctly summarizing your central argument or the point you will explore. The thesis statement is the promise you’re making to your reader about what they can expect from the rest of your essay.

Body Paragraphs

Start with a Topic Sentence

Moving on to the body paragraphs, each should commence with a topic sentence. This sentence is the pillar that supports the rest of the paragraph, encapsulating the main point that you’ll elaborate on in the following sentences. It should be a clear, concise statement that links back to your thesis and sets the tone for the rest of the paragraph.

Provide the Evidence and Give Examples

Following the topic sentence, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and delve into the evidence. Present data, facts, quotes, or examples that substantiate your point. Think of this as presenting your case to a jury—you’re providing the proof to back up your claims. But don’t just drop evidence in and move on; explain each piece of evidence, showing your reader how it supports your argument or point of view.

Create a Transition

Finally, round off each body paragraph with a transitional sentence that gracefully escorts your reader to the next point. Transitions serve as the glue that holds your essay together, ensuring a seamless flow from one paragraph to the next and enhancing the overall readability of your essay.

Conclusion

Summarize the Main Ideas

The essay conclusion is your opportunity to bring your argument or narrative to a close. Begin by summarizing the key points of your essay. This isn’t just a simple restatement; think of it as tying together all the threads of your argument or narrative into a coherent and compelling package.

Restate the Thesis Statement

Lastly, restate your thesis statement. This reinforces the main point of your essay and reminds your reader of the journey they’ve just taken with you. But don’t simply repeat your thesis verbatim; present it in a fresh way that reflects the development of your argument throughout the essay.

Short Essay Template

Crafting a short essay can feel like assembling a puzzle. Each piece needs to fit perfectly to form a coherent whole. But worry not! Here’s a handy template to guide you in structuring your short essay. To illustrate, let’s imagine you’re writing a short essay on the importance of mental health in nursing.

Introduction

Hook: Begin your essay with an intriguing fact or statistic to grab your reader's attention. For example, "According to the American Nurses Association, nearly 50% of nurses have considered leaving the profession due to the stress and emotional toll it takes."

Background Info: Following your hook, give some brief background information to provide context for your thesis. For example, "Given the demanding and high-stress nature of the nursing profession, maintaining mental health is of utmost importance."

Thesis Statement: Lastly, provide a clear and succinct thesis statement, presenting your argument or the point you'll explore in the essay. For instance, "This essay will discuss the critical role mental health plays in nursing and provide suggestions for how nurses can safeguard their mental well-being."

Body Paragraphs

Topic Sentence: Begin each body paragraph with a sentence outlining the main point you'll discuss. For example, "The first step in promoting mental health among nurses is creating a supportive and understanding workplace environment."

Supporting Sentences: After the topic sentence, present the evidence and examples that support your point. For instance, "A study in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that nurses working in supportive environments reported significantly lower levels of stress and burnout."

Transition: Conclude each paragraph with a transitional sentence that smoothly guides your reader to the next point. For example, "While a supportive workplace is fundamental, individual strategies to manage stress and promote mental health are equally vital."

Conclusion

Summary: Begin your conclusion by summarizing the key points of your essay. For example, "Maintaining mental health in nursing involves both organizational measures, like creating a supportive work environment, and individual strategies for managing stress."

Restated Thesis: Finish your conclusion by restating your thesis statement, reinforcing your essay's central argument. For example, "As discussed, mental health is not just a personal issue but a critical factor in delivering effective nursing care, making it crucial for both healthcare organizations and nurses to prioritize."

Guidelines for Writing a Short Essay

When writing a short essay, every detail matters. It’s a form that demands precision, conciseness, and clarity. Here are the basic guidelines you need to keep in mind:

Word Limit: A short essay with standard spacing and fonts usually run from 500 to 1000 words, approximately two pages. This length limit is a defining characteristic of a short essay; therefore, it’s essential to respect it. It is crucial not to exceed this limit; if possible, try to come up a little short of giving yourself room for revision and editing.

Direct Response: Your essay should directly answer the main question or address the prompt given. Unlike a long-form essay or research paper, there’s little room in a short essay for extended backgrounds or tangents. Stay focused on the question, and make sure each first sentence contributes towards answering it. If it doesn’t, consider whether it must be in the essay.

Precision: In a short essay, conciseness is key. Each word you choose must have a specific purpose and contribute meaningfully to your argument. Be ruthless in your editing and avoid redundant phrases or ideas. Also, avoid using complicated vocabulary or convoluted sentences. Short essays need to be easy to read and understand.

Structure: Despite its brevity, a short essay must include the basic components of an essay: an introduction, body, and conclusion. However, depending on your word limit, each component may consist of only one paragraph.

• Introduction: The introduction should grab your reader’s attention, provide some context, and clearly state your thesis.
• Body: The body of your essay should provide supporting evidence for your thesis. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea and provide evidence to back it up.
• Conclusion: Your conclusion should summarize your main points and restate your thesis in a new light, effectively bringing closure to your argument.

Writing a Short Essay

Writing a short essay includes researching, brainstorming, outlining, writing, and finally, editing and proofreading. Here’s a closer look at these steps:

Research

Before you start writing, it’s essential to understand your topic thoroughly. Begin by reading broadly on your topic to gain a general understanding. Look at various resources like books, academic journals, reputable websites, and documentaries. Note the key arguments, debates, and gaps in the existing research. Remember to note down the sources for citation purposes.

Brainstorm

Once you’ve understood the topic, the next step is brainstorming. Let your mind wander and jot down all the ideas and points that come to your mind. Don’t worry about organizing them at this stage. The aim is to create a pool of ideas you can later sift through and select the most compelling ones for your essay.

Outline

Creating an outline is akin to drawing a map for your essay. It’s where you decide the structure and flow of your essay. An effective outline includes the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Under each section, note the main points and evidence you want to include. Remember, the outline isn’t set in stone; feel free to make changes as you write.

Write

Now, it’s time to turn your outline into an essay. Start with a compelling introduction that hooks your reader and introduces your thesis. Then, use each body paragraph to discuss a separate point or argument that supports your thesis. Remember to use transitions to ensure a smooth flow of ideas. Lastly, wrap up with a conclusion that recaps your main points and reaffirms your thesis.

Edit/Proofread

The final step is editing and proofreading. Start by checking the content. Ensure your essay is clear, concise, and coherent. Check if your thesis is clear and if your arguments support it effectively. Next, focus on language and style. Check for grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, and unclear sentences. Also, ensure your citations are correct and complete.

Components of a Short Essay

Just like a puzzle, a short essay comprises several pieces that, when combined, create a comprehensive and cohesive narrative. Let’s delve into these components in more detail:

Introduction

The introduction serves as the gateway to your essay. It’s your first impression on your reader, so it must be engaging and interesting.

• The introduction has three key elements. Firstly, it begins with a hook, a captivating statement or question designed to grab your reader’s attention immediately. This could be a quote, an anecdote, a startling statistic, or a provocative question.
• Secondly, the introduction should provide some background information, setting the context for your essay. This can involve defining key terms, outlining the current situation, or giving a brief topic overview.
• Finally, the introduction should clearly present your thesis statement – your essay’s central argument or point. It should be specific, debatable, and succinct, giving your reader a clear sense of what your essay will argue and why it matters.

Thesis

The thesis statement is the backbone of your essay. It’s your main argument or point around which the entire essay revolves. Your thesis statement should express a clear, arguable claim that will be supported by evidence in the body of your essay. It should be narrow enough to be fully discussed in the scope of a short essay but broad enough to engage the reader.

Main Body

The main body is where you present your arguments and evidence to support your thesis.

• Each body paragraph should focus on one main idea, which should be outlined in a topic sentence at the beginning of the paragraph.
• The main body of your essay should also include supporting sentences that provide evidence and examples. This could be in the form of statistics, quotes from experts, results from studies or experiments, or real-life examples. Remember to explain how each piece of evidence supports your thesis.
• Lastly, you should include a transition at the end of each body paragraph. Transitions are phrases or sentences that help your essay flow smoothly, guiding your reader from one idea to another.

Conclusion

The conclusion is your final chance to leave an impression on your reader. It’s where you wrap up your essay by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis. But remember, a conclusion isn’t just a repetition of your introduction or a summary of what you’ve written. It’s your last chance to make your point, to leave your reader with something to think about. So make it count!

Six Tips on How to Write a Good Short Essay

Here are the tips for writing a short essay:

• Choose a Topic You’re Interested In: Writing becomes easier and more enjoyable when you’re passionate about your topic.
• Know Your Target Audience: Understanding who will read your essay can help guide your writing style and content.
• Read: Reading widely helps improve your writing skills and provides ideas and perspectives you can use in your essays.
• Avoid Distractions: Choose a quiet place to work and put away any distractions to help maintain focus.
• Don’t Give Up: Writing is challenging, and it’s normal to encounter difficulties. Don’t be discouraged. Take breaks when needed and come back with a fresh mind.
• Proofread: Always proofread your work before submission to correct errors and improve its overall flow and coherence.

Short Essay Example

To better understand the application of the principles we’ve discussed, let’s look at a hypothetical short essay example in the nursing field. The topic will be: “The Importance of Communication in Nursing.”

Title: Effective Communication: The Lifeline of Nursing Care

Introduction

Hook: Picture yourself in a foreign country, feeling sick and incapable of communicating your health conditions. This situation isn’t unheard of in the healthcare environment and underscores communication’s pivotal role in nursing.

Background info: Communication in nursing transcends basic interaction—it serves as a lifeline bridging the gap between nurses and patients, facilitating trust, mutual understanding, and improved healthcare outcomes.

Thesis statement: In this essay, we’ll delve into why effective communication is fundamental to nursing and its substantial impact on patient care.

Body

Establishing Trust through Communication

Topic sentence: Effective communication in nursing is indispensable for establishing rapport and trust with patients.

Supporting sentences: Nurses often act as the primary communication channel for patients within the healthcare system. They are responsible for elucidating medical conditions, treatment options, and procedures comprehensibly for patients. This open communication nurtures a trusting relationship, which is essential for ensuring patient comfort and fostering cooperation. For instance, a study by the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that effective communication significantly increased patient satisfaction and overall health outcomes.

Transition: While trust-building is a crucial facet of communication, its contribution to safeguarding patient safety is paramount.

Safeguarding Patients through Communication

Topic sentence: Effective communication plays a vital role in ensuring patient safety.

Supporting sentences: Unambiguous and precise communication among healthcare professionals prevents potential misunderstandings that could lead to medical errors. The Joint Commission has cited miscommunication as the primary cause of medical errors in healthcare settings. Nurses, who act as intermediaries between doctors and patients, must communicate accurately and promptly to ensure patient safety.

Transition: Apart from fostering trust and ensuring safety, effective communication is pivotal in enhancing patient satisfaction.

Enhancing Patient Satisfaction with Effective Communication

Topic sentence: The role of communication in improving patient satisfaction is significant.

Supporting sentences: Patient satisfaction is directly linked to the quality of communication they receive from healthcare providers. Patients who feel listened to and understood are more likely to be satisfied with their care. Nurses who clearly articulate care plans, listen to patient’s concerns, and answer their questions can greatly enhance the patient experience.

Conclusion

Summary: Communication in nursing extends beyond merely relaying information—it’s about fostering trust, ensuring patient safety, and enhancing healthcare outcomes.

Restated thesis: As illustrated throughout this essay, effective communication undoubtedly forms the lifeline of nursing care, emphasizing its importance in nursing.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to write a short essay is a valuable skill that can greatly benefit your academic and professional life. It helps to enhance your writing skills, boost your ability to articulate thoughts concisely, and improve your analytical essay capabilities. But remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a compelling essay.

As we wrap things up, it’s essential to remember that it’s okay to seek help if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with comprehensive nursing assignment help, offering expert guidance and assistance tailored to your needs. Take the leap today, and let us make your writing process easier.

FAQs on Writing Short Essays

How do you start a short essay?

To start a short essay, you need to craft an engaging introduction. This is followed by some background information on the topic to provide context. The introduction concludes with a clear, concise thesis statement presenting the main argument or perspective.

What is the format for a mini-essay?

The mini-essay format, similar to a short essay, includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction features a hook, background information, and a thesis statement. The body presents your main points and supporting evidence. Finally, the conclusion recaps your main points and restates the thesis. These sections are condensed to fit a smaller word limit of 500-1000 words.

How many paragraphs is a small essay?

A small or short essay typically includes at least five paragraphs: an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each body paragraph should focus on one main point that supports your thesis.

How many sentences is a short essay?

The number of sentences in a short essay can vary based on the complexity of your sentences and paragraphs. However, a typical short essay might have 20 to 30 sentences.

Can a short essay be one paragraph?

A short essay should ideally be more than one paragraph, even if it’s brief. A well-structured essay includes separate paragraphs for the introduction, body, and conclusion, allowing for a more clear and organized presentation of thoughts and arguments.

How many paragraphs is a short essay?

A short essay generally consists of five paragraphs: an introduction, three body paragraphs, each focusing on a single idea or argument, and a conclusion.