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How to write a 2000-word Essay: What works Best?

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Writing a remarkable 2000-word essay is an overwhelming task for students. This type of essay requires an overwhelming amount of knowledge, time to write, and the ability to organize your thoughts concisely. This guide will explain everything you need to complete a 2000-word essay.

How long is a 2000-word essay?

In academic writing, a 2000-word essay is the same as four pages of a single-spaced document or eight pages double-spaced one . Double spacing means there should be blank lines between each line of text that prevent them from blurring together. Your instructor may ask you to double-space the essay to make it easier to read and to allow reviewers to make comments or suggestions about the assignment.

Each page of single-spaced content has 500-550 words, while a double-spaced page has 250-275. If you are using MLA or APA formatting style, the formatting standard for an essay should be (1) double-spaced, (2) Times New Roman font, and (3) one-inch margins all around. If you use Ariel font pages

How Many Paragraphs is a 2000 Words Essay

A 2000-word essay consists of between 7 and 9 paragraphs, each having between 3 and 5 or more full and coherent sentences. Please note that there are no proper rules on how many sentences your paragraph should have since each paragraph discusses different ideas relating to the main topic of your essay.

Some paragraphs could be shorter and others longer. Some paragraphs could be a sentence shorter, and others about half a page long. What matters more is how you structure and complete the paragraphs.

However, you should not concern yourself with the length of your paragraph that you forget what matters most: the content of the paragraphs. Communicate effectively the quality of the message to ensure you answer the topic.

Can I Write 2000 Words in Two Hours?

Writing a 2000-word article in two hours is challenging but not impossible. Typically, a good essay requires in-depth research, a clear structure for the paper, and an organization of your ideas, which requires adequate time.

However, quickly completing an essay depends on your familiarity with the topic and typing speed. Most adults have an average typing speed of 40 words per minute (WPM). However, for experienced typists, the average typing speed is about 76 words per minute. Many college students trying to finish their assignments on time usually type 60-70 words per minute.

If you are having an essay crisis and can’t seem to figure out how to write a 2000-word essay in two hours, use the following tips;

Plan your essay

Take 10 – 15 minutes to organize your thoughts by identifying your essay's main topics and ideas. Focus only on key ideas and avoid unnecessary details to save time. Then, decide how you will organize them in your paper. A great tip is to have a logical order, ensuring a link between all ideas.

Research Efficiently and effectively

All academic papers, especially long-form essays like a 2000-word essay, require in-depth research to gather supporting information for your topic. You need to dedicate a few minutes to gather sources before writing.

Write the Introduction

Use 5-10 minutes to write a compelling introduction, beginning with a hook to grab readers' attention. Then, provide some context about the topic and state your thesis statement.

Write the Body Paragraphs

Allocate 10- 15 minutes to discuss each idea supporting your main topic. If you have 5 ideas, it will take you about 50 minutes to finish writing the body of your essay.

Write Your Conclusion

Use 10-15 minutes to finalize your essay by restating your thesis statement, summarizing the main points, reminding the readers why they should care, and providing recommendations/ suggestions for the main topic.

Revise Your Essay

Use 20 minutes to review your draft to correct any mistakes you made while writing. The final draft should be free of any errors (punctuation, grammar, and spelling) and be plagiarism-free. You must also ensure that all ideas are clearly and concisely written.

Please note that writing a 2000-word essay under time constraints will likely affect the quality of your work; however, following the above tips ensures you finish a well-structured 2000-word essay quickly.

What is the Format for a 2000 Word Essay?

A 2000-word essay is an academic paper with the same format as others. This means it has an introduction, a body paragraph, and a conclusion. Your introduction and conclusion should comprise approximately 25% of the total word count of the essay, while the rest of 75% should be dedicated to the body.

Introductions

An introduction of a 2000-word essay is 5-10% of the total word count. It should be between 100 – 150 words of concisely written content. If you have no idea what to include in the introduction, the following tips will offer a starting point.

  • Set the scene
  • Introduce the topic or problem under discussion.
  • If needed, provide definitions of complex concepts.
  • An explanation of why the topic or problem matters. (provide the size or the scope of the matter).
  • The purpose of the essay.
  • Introduce the thesis statement, which is the central idea of the essay.
  • Briefly provide the outline you will use to explain the paper's logic.

Your introduction should be a paragraph or two long since a paragraph is made of 100 words.

The Main Body

A body of a 2000-word essay will make up about 75% of the total word count. It should be divided into 5-7 paragraphs, each discussing one central idea that identifies the main topic. These paragraphs should be 150- 250 words, each supported by 2 or more references. Note that the longer the assignments, the more important it is to provide links that refer to earlier points, thus connecting ideas.

When you begin writing the body, your ideas will likely flow randomly from the mind. Since you are writing for readers with different backgrounds and viewpoints, you must organize these ideas to make it easier for them to process and understand. Use the following format to organize the body of your essay;

  • Write a topic sentence that identifies the paragraph topic you will discuss.
  • Supporting information , such as examples, details, and evidence, contributes to the main topic. When you provide evidence, ensure you explain why it is relevant to the topic.
  • A concluding sentence also acts as a transition to the next paragraph. Provide a conclusion that reminds readers of what they have read and shows the topic's significance.

Use the above format to organize the rest of the body paragraphs. Consider writing this plan on paper and pinning it on your desk to remind yourself whenever you write an essay. 

Additionally, consider using the following writing techniques and tools to help finish your essay in under two hours.

Technique 1: The Pomodoro technique

The Pomodoro Technique. This technique involves working continuously for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. The Pomodoro technique is effective because it allows you to focus while avoiding burnout. Research shows that taking regular breaks can increase well-being and performance.

Technique 2: Write in Batches

Writing in batches is an effective method to finish a 2000-word essay in two hours. It involves dividing your essay into sections and working on them before taking a break.

Use tools such as Grammarly and Hemingway Editor to help edit your work and ensure no errors before submission.

This is the final paragraph of your essay. Like an introduction, a conclusion makes up about 5-10% of a 2000-word essay. This means that a conclusion for a 2000-word essay has approximately 100-150 words.

If you follow the above format, the total word count will 2050.

How Long Will It Take to Write a 2000 Words Essay?

Finishing a 2000-word essay will take 6-8 hours on average. However, if you are just typing the essay without doing any in-depth research, outlining the work, or adding citations and references, it will take about 50 minutes. For a handwritten essay, it takes about 1.7 hours to finish a 2000-word essay.

Please note that some students can finish a 2000-word essay in just under two hours, while others can take at least five days (2 for in-depth research, 2 for writing the essay, and one for revising and editing) to finish. All this will depend on the complexities of the topic. A complex topic will probably require more time for research, especially if getting the sources for the topic is challenging.

The assignment deadline will also influence whether someone can finish the essay quickly or not. Many students often find themselves swamped with assignments, wondering which to prioritize. If you have a 1000-word essay and another for 2200 words, prioritize the latter and focus on finishing the shorter one later.  

If you want to finish your essay quickly, avoid distractions such as social media, TV, friends, etc.

How Many References Are in a 2000 Words Essay

A 2000-word essay should have between 10 and 20 high-quality references. Please take note that these are just suggestions. Logically, there should be a source in every paragraph. Each argument supported by credible evidence must have a reference. Some factors that will determine how many references each of your paragraphs will have include:

The Type of Research

If you are conducting empirical research, you will need more references compared to doing research for a theoretical paper. This is because the latter focuses on synthesizing existing concepts.

Depth of the Research

If your 2000-word essay is about a complex topic, you must do more thorough research to locate all the evidence supporting or refuting your claims. This means your essay will have more references than one that does not need much research.

Assignment’s Requirements

Your instructors will specify the number of references to use in your essay; they might verbally communicate this in class or highlight it on the assignment prompt. Thus, it's essential to always read and understand your prompt before working on the assignment.

If there are no specifications about essay references, check with your instructor how many are appropriate for the type of essay you are writing.

Writing Time by Word Counts

The following table outlines how long it takes to complete an essay, depending on the number of words.

Word Count

Slow Typist (5 wpm)

Average Typist (40 wpm)

Fast Typist (60 wpm)

100 words

20 minutes

2.5 minutes

1.7 minutes

125 words

25 minutes

3.1 minutes

2.1 minutes

250 words

50 minutes

6.3 minutes

4.2 minutes

500 words

100 minutes (1 hour, 40 minutes)

12.5 minutes

8.3 minutes

600 words

120 minutes (2hours)

15.0 minutes

10.0 minutes

750 words

150 minutes (2 hours 30 minutes)

18.8 minutes

12.5 minutes

800 words

160 minutes (2 hours 40 minutes)

20.0 minutes

13.3 minutes

1,000 words

200 minutes (3 hours 20 minutes)

25.0 minutes

16.7 minutes

1,500 words

300 minutes (5 hours)

37.5 minutes

25.0 minutes

2,000 words

400 minutes (6 hours 40 minutes)

50.0 minutes

33.3 minutes

2,500 words

500 minutes (8 hours 20 minutes)

62.5 minutes

41.7 minutes

3,000 words

600 minutes (10 hours)

75.0 minutes

50.0 minutes

3,500 words

700 minutes(11 hours 40 minutes)

87.5 minutes

58.3 minutes

4,000 words

800 minutes (13 hours 20 minutes)

100.0 minutes

66.7 minutes

5,000 words

1,000 minutes (16 hours 40 minutes)

125.0 minutes

83.3 minutes

7,500 words

1,500 minutes (1 day

187.5 minutes

125.0 minutes

10,000 words

33.3 hours (1 day)

250.0 minutes

166.7 minutes

20,000 words

66.7 hours (2.7 days

8.3 hours

333.3 minutes

25,000 words

83.3 hours (3. 4 days)

10.4 hours

416.7 minutes

30,000 words

100.0 hours (4 days)

12.5 hours

8.3 hours

50,000 words

166.7 hours (6.92 days)

20.8 hours

13.9 hours

75,000 words

250.0 hours (10 days 10 hours)

31.3 hours

20.8 hours

100,000 words

333.3 hours (13 days)

41.7 hours

27.8 hours

From the above table, it's clear that a person's typing speed will dictate whether they can finish an assignment quickly or not.

Writing Time by Page Counts

Wondering how long it takes to complete a page? The table below will let you know how long it will take to finish an essay based on page counts.

Page Count

Slow (5 wpm)

Average (40 wpm)

Fast (60 wpm)

1 page

100 minutes

12.5 minutes

8.3 minutes

2 pages

200 minutes

25.0 minutes

16.7 minutes

3 pages

300 minutes

37.5 minutes

25.0 minutes

4 pages

400 minutes

50.0 minutes

33.3 minutes

5 pages

500 minutes

62.5 minutes

41.7 minutes

6 pages

600 minutes

75.0 minutes

50.0 minutes

7 pages

700 minutes

87.5 minutes

58.3 minutes

8 pages

800 minutes

100.0 minutes

66.7 minutes

9 pages

900 minutes

112.5 minutes

75.0 minutes

10 pages

1,000 minutes

125.0 minutes

83.3 minutes

25 pages

41.7 hours

312.5 minutes

208.3 minutes

50 pages

83.3 hours

10.4 hours

416.7 minutes

100 pages

166.7 hours

20.8 hours

13.9 hours

250 pages

416.7 hours

52.1 hours

34.7 hours

500 pages

833.3 hours

104.2 hours

69.4 hours

750 pages

1,250.0 hours

156.3 hours

104.2 hours

1,000 pages

1,666.7 hours

208.3 hours

138.9 hours

This rough estimate is based on slow, average, and fast writers.

Tips to Help You Finish a 2000 Words Essay

So, you left your 2000-word essay until the last minute and can't seem to figure out how to finish it on time? No worries. The following tips can help.

Eat a Good Breakfast

A study published in the National Library of Medicine has shown that eating a good breakfast is associated with positive outcomes for learners and professionals. Breakfast gives you energy after fasting overnight for more than 7 hours. Take some brain food fuel, such as yogurts topped with berries, to give you steady energy as you write your essay. This will prevent you from feeling hungry, which could be a distraction.

Pick Your Equipment and Workstation

When you sit down to write, everything must be within reach. So, pick a conducive environment away from distractions and collect all materials like your laptops, pens, notebooks, etc.

Set Time Management Goals

When you have an urgent assignment that is 2000 words long, time management is key to success. Good time management skills will help you finish the task quickly while avoiding distractions. You can break up your tasks into chunks and work on them individually.

Use Online Tools to Speed Up the Research Process

Research can take an awful amount of time, especially for a complex topic. So, speed up the process by using online tools like Google Scholar to find sources for your essay.

Also, check if your instructor has published a list of sources on your module's online platform. Most of them are kind enough to put them online.

Write Your Notes directly on Your Laptop.

Normally, when researching a topic, you will write ideas in a notebook and then use it later when typing on your laptop. However, since you are in a hurry, skip this step and directly type the ideas and their sources on our computer. Once you are done, you can drag and drop paragraphs in the correct order.

An essay that is 2000 words long is a common type of essay you will encounter in school. You must be well prepared by understanding what it takes to complete this type of essay. Whether you are a seasoned writer or a beginner, the above guide will be helpful when writing a 2000-word essay.

If you are struggling with writing a paper or essay that is 2000 or 2200 words long, we can help. EssayManiacs has a team of professional writers who can write such an essay in under a day or between 7 and 8 hours or less. Therefore, if you want help with your assignments , we are online and ready to help. Please place an order, and we will assign your paper to a writer within the next few minutes. In terms of cost, it should cost you around $18-25/page, depending on the urgency. Engage us for a discount.

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How often should you reference?

(Last updated: 14 February 2019)

Since 2006, Oxbridge Essays has been the UK’s leading paid essay-writing and dissertation service

We have helped 10,000s of undergraduate, Masters and PhD students to maximise their grades in essays, dissertations, model-exam answers, applications and other materials. If you would like a free chat about your project with one of our UK staff, then please just reach out on one of the methods below.

Essay referencing can be a headache at university. How many references do you need? When should you use a reference? Should you use references even when you haven't used a direct quotation? How many references are too many? By knowing how to reference properly, you can reduce the stress involved in your essay writing .

To help make essay referencing easier, we've tackled a few of those niggling questions that should make the process a little smoother.

Why does referencing matter?

Including references in your essay is your way to show your markers that you've truly engaged with your subject matter. It is also important as it proves that you've read the key sources which relate to your topic. They additionally show that you've thought carefully about how each source relates to the subject you're writing about. The more helpful references you include, the more well-informed you appear to be about your topic. It’s not always about quantity, either. Quality sources which really inform your essay are really worth including.

Including a bibliography is good academic practice. If you go on to study further, write more about your subject or publish your work, giving kudos to the writers whose work you took information and inspiration from is essential. A bibliography also provides a helpful resource you can go back to and use for future work.

How many references is too many references?

Of course, it is possible to use too many references . If you are using references just to show off all the books you've read, this will be obvious and will not impress your markers. You need to choose the sources which really contribute to your essay; supporting your argument, contesting it or prompting interesting, relevant questions.

Remember, markers also want to see evidence of your own, original thinking. Using too many references does not leave much room for your personal standpoint to shine through. As a general rule, you should aim to use one to three, to support each key point you make. This of course depends on subject matter and the point you are discussing, but acts as a good general guide. It can be useful to have a best practice breakdown of your essay to help you work out how many references to use. Here's a rough guide to help you get the balance right for any piece of academic work:

Introduction

  • Your introduction should make up approximately 10% of your essay. You may want to use one or two references to define your topic in this section, depending on your word count.
  • The main body of your essay (which will include the key points in your argument ) should make up approximately 75% of your essay. For example: In a 2000 word essay, you will have 1500 words to use. Each main point you make should typically use 1-3 paragraphs, which should average around 200-400 words in total. This will give you room for around 5 key points, each supported by 2 or 3 references. Try and use direct or primary references where possible. Sometimes you’ll need to use in-text references, too.
  • Your conclusion should account for around 15% of your essay. You may wish to use 1-3 references to lend authority to your concluding statements. Of course, it is really hard to suggest exactly how many references your essay should include. This depends totally on the subject matter and word count. A Philosophy essay, for example, may have a lot of critical thinking and be quite theory-heavy, and for this reason you may need more references than a typical English Literature Essay. This is just an example – you’ll need to consider your own subject matter and topic.

When to use references

References aren't just used to give credit for quotations. They can be used to indicate that an idea, concept, fact or theory has come directly from a particular reference. Other instances when references must be used include:

  • Illustrations

And if you've used any information or ideas from:

  • Computer programmes
  • Any external source

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How Many References Should Be In 2000-Word Essays?

how many references for 2000 essay

References are essential for supporting your arguments in essays you write for school. They provide credibility to the work you do. A 2000-word essay, on the other hand, frequently leaves students wondering how many sources they should cite. Though there isn't just one right solution, you may choose with the aid of a few factors. 

Understanding The Purpose Of References

References are a way to show you know where your essay's information and ideas came from. These things help show how much study you did and your strong points. They also allow people to check your claims and learn more about the subject.

Better Quality Than More Quantities

It might be tempting to include as many references as possible to give your essay a more reliable appearance. But quality should always be more important than number. To get better results, only use a few good, valuable sources. These should directly back up what you're saying. Do not fill your essay with many sources that are only slightly connected or whose trustworthiness you doubt.

Consider The Depth Of Research

A 2000-word essay's appropriate number of sources depends on how much research you have to perform. You could require many sources for a literature review or a research-based article. It might indicate that you are well knowledgeable about the topic. On the other hand, an article that is more conceptual or theoretical might need fewer sources. These might instead be about deep research and thinking critically.

Consult Assignment Guidelines

Always look at the assignment instructions that your teacher or school gives you. They may state the minimum or maximum number of references necessary for some tasks. Some people may leave it up to you, though. By following these rules, you can ensure you meet the assignment requirements. It demonstrates your ability to follow instructions.

Function Of Primary And Secondary Sources

Primary and secondary sources should be distinguished while selecting references. Reports or statistics from firsthand witnesses make up primary sources. Some examples are interviews, study works, and historical records. On the other hand, secondary sources explain or examine primary sources. Some examples are academic books, papers, and reviews. In school writing, both types of sources have their place. However, the focus will change based on your essay type and the assignment's requirements. Also Read - How Many References Should Be In 1000 Word Essays

Strategies For Effective Referencing

If you want to get the most out of your sources in your writing, try the following:

Relevance:  Ensure that every reference you use has something to do with your topic. It has to make a real difference in your case. Don't add sources that don't add anything to your essay just to make it longer. Instead, pay attention to the ones that give you important new ideas, back up what you're saying, or give you important background information.

Currency : To keep your knowledge up-to-date and in line with the latest research and development in the field, give priority to new sources. Some important works may still be valuable years later. You can show that your research is based on current academic debate by using the most recent studies and data.

Credibility :To keep your study's integrity, choose sites you can trust. Expert-reviewed papers, educational books, and trustworthy websites are all great options. These sources go through extensive review methods. They make sure that the information they give is correct and honest. Be careful when using information from websites that aren't serious. They might not have the right level of academic intensity.

Diversity : Use various sources, such as scholarly papers, books, reports, and trustworthy websites. These help you see your topic from different points of view. This range strengthens your essay and shows that you've read a lot of different kinds of books. It makes your study more in-depth. Also Read - How Many References Required in 3000 word essays

Finally, it's essential to have a good mix of sources. Usually, 10 to 20 good references are enough for a 2000-word essay. When choosing references, don't just look at the number but also the quality and importance. Make sure they add to the believability and flow of your case. Digi Assignment can help you with your tasks if you're having difficulty finding the right mix. Digi Assignment Help provides tailored service with a group of skilled writers and experts. These people can help you do well in school.

 

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The Critical Turkey

Essay Writing Hacks for the Social Sciences

The Critical Turkey

How many sources should I use in my essay?

Possibly the most frequently asked question when it comes to social science essay writing (certainly in first and second year courses) is how many sources should be used in an essay. This is a very legitimate question, especially if you don’t have much essay writing experience to start with. But the answer is not very straightforward. It depends. Rather than providing a fixed number, this blog post lays out what it depends on, and what kinds of parameters play a role in determining the number of readings.

The purpose of referencing

First, however, a short reflection on why you need to use references in the first place. Anchoring this discussion to its purpose will help you gain a deeper understanding of the issue, and the rest will make more sense. It is tempting to see this as a tick-box exercise of a specific number of readings you need to cover. But providing references goes deeper than that.

What distinguishes academic writing from other forms of writing is that indeed, it builds on what others have written before, and makes explicit reference to it. This is because social science is ever-evolving. When we write about social class today, we stand on the shoulders of giants , scholars like Marx, Weber, or more recently, Pierre Bourdieu. And those are only the big names. Hundreds of other authors have dedicated their scholarly lives to academic research, and added bits and pieces to an ever-evolving body of knowledge, be it on social class or any other topic we write about.

Providing references to their work pays tribute to this. It is a sign of respect for the work of others. But it also a way of showing your own awareness of the different debates and different perspectives in the field. And it is a way of showing where your position is. For example, if your analysis of class follows a Marxist tradition, this will show in the readings you use, as you will be drawing primarily on authors that have also followed this tradition (and probably some original Marx as well).

Rather than this being a tick-box exercise, then, referring to the work of others has a deeper meaning. It is about who you are, and where you see yourself, as a budding scholar. And you might not think of yourself as a budding scholar (yet?), but hey, we all have to start somewhere.

Parameter 1: Your ambition

And this brings us to the first parameter, your ambition. If all you want is write a reasonably well-informed essay that achieves a solid pass and a not unreasonable grade (a perfectly legitimate ambition. In our school this corresponds to a grade in the 50s range), fewer sources will do. You still need to demonstrate you have read, and are building on the literature, but there is less emphasis on integrating, for example, different perspectives. If, however, you want to demonstrate that you really know some stuff, and are aware of at least some of the different perspectives (in our school, a 60s essay), you will typically use a few more sources, integrate a few more perspectives, and a little more data and evidence. If you are aiming for those really high grade ranges (in our school, 70 and above), you want to show more of an ‘overview of the topic’, an awareness of a slightly bigger part of the body of knowledge that exists, which will result the use of additional sources, and an extended bibliography.

Okay, I know you want numbers. Here we go then. Let’s say this is a typical 1,500 to 2,000-word essay, first or second year, Social and Political Science at Edinburgh University (if you’re at another school or university this might be different. Even some individual courses might be different. Always check for local conditions): a typical 50s essay here will probably use four or five sources; in the 60s, it tends to be around five to ten, and typical 70s or above essays use probably somewhere between eight and 15 substantive sources. These are rough estimates, though. And importantly, these numbers are not deterministic. You could write a brilliant essay based on just five or six sources and still get that first. Or you could use 15 sources in your essay, but if your argument is off, or your writing is incomprehensible, or the sources aren’t very good, you might still only get a 50s grade.

Parameter 2: The kind of question

The second parameter to consider is the kind of question you are addressing. There are two main distinctions to make here: first, whether the question is mostly on a specific theory or on a topic. More theoretical questions tend to need fewer readings. For example, it could ask about a specific concept by a specific author, say Foucault’s concept of power/knowledge, or Mead’s idea of the Self. Rather than looking at several different viewpoints, this kind of essay question is asking you to engage in detail with only one author’s perspective. This means there is less importance on breadth of reading (expressed in a higher number of readings). However, this does not necessarily make things easier, as there is instead more emphasis on depth of reading. You need to engage thoroughly with that one text, more that you would otherwise. And even though the emphasis is on one author’s theory, depending on your ambition, you still want to consult additional literature, and see how other authors have interpreted and contextualised this particular theory.

If the essay question is on a specific topic, on the other hand, say globalisation, gender inequalities or social class, there is usually more of an emphasis on the breadth of reading, and of you demonstrating awareness of different perspectives and interpretations. This tends to result in a higher number of bibliography entries.

The second aspect of the ‘kind of question’ parameter you need to consider is how many dimensions the question has. In the above example, if the question is about one theorist, you will typically need fewer readings than if the question is asking you to compare theories, for example, compare Foucault’s notion of how power and knowledge are connected to what Marx and Engels wrote about the issue. Both might be 2,000 word essays, but the number of readings is likely to be twice as many if you add this comparison.

The same goes for topic questions. These, too, can involve several dimensions. A question that asks about the impact of globalisation on cultural practices in Japan is more likely to be focused on a selected number of core readings. If a similar question asks about the impact of globalisation on culture, the economy and politics in Japan, this multitude of dimensions will require additional readings for the additional dimensions.

Parameter 3: Quality of sources

Another parameter that determines the number of sources you need to use is the quality of your sources, and the kinds of sources you use. Once again, two distinctions are important here. First, there is a difference between core readings, and ones that are more peripheral. The core readings should indeed provide the core of your argument, and the basis for the essay to build on. They are usually provided in the course material, either as essay readings, or for the respective lectures or course units the essay builds on. The decisive point, however, and what defines these as core readings for the purpose of your essay, is that they touch on the core of what the essay is about. Peripheral readings are ones that provide examples, additional material, data and illustration. They help your essay branch out, and cover just that little bit more ground. The point, however, is that they are additional, and if push comes to shove, you could probably do without them. The core readings, in contrast, are indispensable.

This distinction is important for how you count your number of readings. Core readings count fully; peripheral readings, not quite so much. This can become a problem if your bibliography is overly weighted towards peripheral readings. If you have, say, ten readings in your bibliography, but only one or two are on the core of the topic, this will be insufficient, despite the relatively high number of readings. If we take the above example of the effects of globalisation on Japanese culture, if only one or two readings are on globalisation, and ten others on examples, this might leave the core a little hollow, and the discussion of globalisation in a more general sense might just not have sufficient substance. I have used the word ‘might’ here, because this does depend on the kinds of readings, and there is a chance that this bibliography actually does work. The important point is that this is something you need to pay attention to, and ultimately it is your judgment call.

The second distinction of the kinds of sources is between academic and non-academic sources. As a rule of thumb, you should be very careful about using non-academic sources in the first place. All of the above is written on the assumption that we are talking about academic (i.e. peer-reviewed) journal articles and books. Under certain circumstances, however, it is possible to use non-academic sources, such as news articles or blogposts, mostly to provide current examples and illustration of whatever you are writing about. If you do use such sources, however, they should never be seen as a replacement for academic sources. And when you count how many sources you have used, you should simply take these out of the equation. If you have used, say three academic sources and 15 non-academic sources, in the eyes of your marker (at least if I am that marker) you have only used three sources, plus some additional, peripheral, illustrative material. This is not to say that this additional material cannot also be very useful. But as discussed above, academic essay writing starts with an acknowledgment of what is already out there in terms of academic literature and research, and is based on the body of knowledge that has evolved over time on a specific topic, not on yesterday’s news.

Parameter 4: specific instructions

The last parameter to consider can throw the entire calculation over board. It is whether the essay question comes with specific instructions. Such instructions could be, for example, that an essay in social theory really only needs to engage with this one theory. This gives you permission to limit the number of readings. However, be careful here, as this can be a false friend. Reading additional secondary literature on the theory might actually help you understand it better.

Or you might be encouraged to use news articles to provide examples for your discussion. This can potentially lead to a much higher number of bibliography entries. But as discussed above, this should not replace academic literature, and the latter should always form the basis and core of your discussion.

These four parameters are what I think are the most relevant determinants for the number of readings you need to use in your essay. But maybe I missed something? What other considerations do you think are important? Or maybe you disagree with some claim made in this article? Do let me know in the comments below.

how many references for 2000 essay

3 thoughts on “How many sources should I use in my essay?”

These articles are so, so helpful. Thank you so much.

Thank you so much! This helps me a lot : )

This is so helpful and clear, thanks a lots

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  • How Many References Should You Have in Your Research Paper?

And how many references are enough?

Writing a research paper involves not only the collection and analysis of information but also the proper citation of sources to support your arguments and ideas. A common research question often arises during writing: “How many references should I have?” The answer to this question depends on various factors, including the length of your paper, your research, and the specific requirements of your assignment or publication.

Here, we will break down this question, provide a rule of thumb for reference count based on the paper’s length, and offer some general tips on referencing. Additionally, we will introduce a helpful tool, the Reference Finder, to simplify finding and formatting your references. Balancing the number of references can be a challenge in academic writing; the question of how many references should I have and how many references are enough often depends on the paper’s length and complexity.

How Many References Should You Have in Your Paper? Specific Numbers Included

The ideal number of references for a research paper can vary significantly based on the type of paper you are writing and its intended audience. To determine how many sources should a research paper have, consider the following factors:

  • Paper length

One of the primary determinants of the number of references you should have is the length of your research paper. As a general rule of thumb, you should aim for one source for your paper’s reference list per 150 words . Here’s a breakdown by essay size:

  • 1500-word essay: Aim for at least 10 sources in the reference list.
  • 2000-word essay: Aim for at least 13 sources in the reference list.
  • 3000-word essay: Aim for at least 20 sources in the reference list.
  • 5000-word essay: Aim for at least 33 sources in the reference list.

Keep in mind that these numbers are general guidelines, and you should always check your specific assignment requirements or the guidelines of the publication you are submitting to for any variations.

How many sources are enough

  • Type of research

The nature of your research can also influence the number of references needed. For empirical research papers, you may need more references to support your findings and methods. On the other hand, theoretical or conceptual papers may require fewer references since they focus on synthesizing existing theories and concepts.

  • Research depth

Consider the depth of your research. If you are conducting an in-depth study on a complex topic, you may need to include more references getting the breadth of your knowledge and provide a robust foundation for your arguments.

  • Assignment requirements

Always check the specific requirements provided by your instructor or the publication you are submitting to. An application may specify a minimum or maximum number of references you should include.

Determining the Right Balance: How Many Sources Should a Research Paper Have?

The number of sources in a research paper is a critical aspect that can significantly impact the quality and credibility of your work. Striking the right balance between the number of references is important to ensure your paper is well-supported without overwhelming your readers. Here, we delve deeper into understanding how many references should a research paper have:

  • Scope and complexity of the topic. The complexity and breadth of your research topic play a pivotal role in determining the number of sources. For instance, if you are writing a concise essay on a straightforward subject, you may only need a handful of well-chosen references. On the other hand, a comprehensive study on a complex, multi-faceted issue may require a more extensive list of sources to encompass all aspects adequately.
  • Supporting different perspectives. Including various sources can strengthen your paper by showcasing different viewpoints and arguments related to your topic. This diversity of perspectives demonstrates a well-rounded understanding and thorough research effort. For example, if you are writing about climate change, you might reference scientists, policymakers, and activists to present a comprehensive overview.
  • Research depth. Your paper’s depth is a crucial factor. You may need more sources if you aim to provide an in-depth analysis or discuss a specialized niche within your field. For instance, a Ph.D. thesis exploring a niche area of astrophysics may require many references to cover the extensive body of knowledge within that domain.
  • Publication requirements. Always ask the specific requirements of the publication or assignment you are working on. Some journals or academic institutions may have guidelines on the minimum or maximum number of sources you should include. Adhering to these requirements ensures your work aligns with the intended audience’s expectations.
  • Peer-reviewed sources. Confirm the use of peer-reviewed sources when applicable. These sources are typically considered more reliable and credible in academic writing, adding weight to your arguments.

“Science,” one of the most popular and credible journals, requires about 50 references per 2000-3000 words.

Tips: How Many References Are Appropriate?

How many sources should be used in a research paper depends on the context and character of your research. In some fields, such as scientific research, it is common to have a substantial number of references to demonstrate the depth of the literature review and the reliability of the research. However, a smaller number of carefully chosen references may be more appropriate in other fields, such as literature or philosophy.

So, how many references is too many?

Do you know how many references is too many? While it is crucial to have enough references to support your paper’s content, there is also the potential to have too many references. Excessive citations can make your paper appear cluttered and may distract readers from your main arguments. Moreover, relying heavily on references without providing your analysis or insights may suggest a lack of critical thinking.

A good rule of thumb is to avoid mistakes or unnecessary repetition of sources. If multiple sources convey the same information or perspective, citing one or two to represent that viewpoint is generally sufficient.

On the other hand, having too few references can weaken the credibility of your paper. Insufficient references may give the impression that your research is not well-grounded in existing literature, which can impact the overall quality of your work. To determine if you have enough references, consider the following questions:

  • Have you covered the key literature related to your research topic?
  • Have you cited authoritative and reputable sources?
  • Have you included references to support each major point or argument in your paper?

If you can answer “yes” to these questions, you likely know how many references should you have.

Even More Tips on How Many References Should You Have

General tips on referencing Now that we have discussed how to determine how many references are appropriate, let’s explore some general tips on referencing in your research paper:

  • Use credible sources

Ensure that the sources you cite are from reliable and reputable publications. Academic journals, books from established publishers, and government reports are typically considered credible sources. Avoid using sources from questionable websites or unverified sources.

  • Cite recent sources

In many fields, it is essential to include recent research to demonstrate that you are up-to-date with the latest developments in your field. However, this may vary depending on the topic and the nature of your research.

  • Diversify your sources

Include a variety of source types, such as academic articles, books, reports, and primary sources when applicable. Diversifying your sources demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

  • Follow citation style guidelines

Adhere to the citation style specified by your instructor or the publication you are submitting to. Common citation styles include APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard. Consistency in citation style is crucial for the readability and professionalism of your paper.

  • Avoid plagiarism

Properly cite all sources to avoid plagiarism. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense and can have severe consequences. Always attribute ideas, data, and words to their original sources.

  • Use reference management tools

Use reference management software like EndNote, Mendeley, or Zotero to organize and format your references automatically. These tools can save you time and help you maintain the right experience and qualifications in your citations.

How to Define Credible Source

Exploring the Reference Finder: A Powerful Tool for Research Paper References

In the digital age, finding the right sources for your research paper has become more accessible than ever. One invaluable tool that can streamline this process is the Reference Finder. In this section, we will delve into its capabilities and how it can revolutionize your research paper referencing.

  • What is the reference finder?

The Reference Finder is a tool provided by the CustomWritings.com company, designed exclusively to work with scientific articles, books, and research materials from reputable sources. Its primary objective is to simplify the referencing process for researchers, students, and people alike.

  • Can a reference finder locate different types of sources?

One common question is whether the Reference Finder can locate various types of sources, such as books, articles, or websites. CustomWritings.com’s Reference Finder focuses exclusively on scientific articles, books, and research materials from reliable sources. It does not discover podcasts or other non-written sources. This specialization makes it ideal for academic research, as written materials are generally preferred for citations in scholarly papers due to their reliability.

  • How accurately do reference finder tools retrieve the information?

Accuracy is crucial when it comes to academic research. CustomWritings.com’s Reference Finder ensures that it retrieves the latest, most accurate, and directly related sources for your topic. It harnesses the power of CORE, the world’s largest collection of open-source research papers, constantly growing with new publications from around the globe. It means that the sources you access through this tool are of high quality and scientific actuality.

  • Do reference finders support various citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.)?

Yes, CustomWritings.com’s Reference Finder supports searching for papers formatted in different citation styles, including APA, MLA, and Chicago. While it can help you find sources, it is not primarily a citation generator. CustomWritings.com offers a separate tool for generating citations effortlessly and in a few clicks. So, contact their managers for more info. Don’t hesitate to begin training on how to do this right.

  • Are reference finders free to use, or do they require a subscription?

Good news for users concerned about costs: CustomWritings.com’s Reference Finder is free of charge! You don’t need a subscription to access and use this valuable tool. It’s easily accessible from the webpage and can help you retrieve exciting and reliable sources for your research or resume.

  • Who can benefit from employment reference finders? Can reference finders be used by students, researchers, and professionals alike?

Absolutely! Reference Finders are versatile tools that can benefit someone exploring a particular topic. Whether you’re a person working on a research paper, a seasoned researcher, a journalist seeking credible sources, or a speechwriter who looks for valuable content, the Reference Finder can be a valuable asset. Its reliability ensures that all the sources you discover are trustworthy and accurate, making it suitable for various fields and expertise levels.

how many references for 2000 essay

Using diverse writing tools significantly saves you time, effort, and, sometimes, your nervous system. As the pre-writing research is a solid part of your assignment, think about how you can simplify and improve this process.

Incorporating the Reference Finder into your research arsenal can help you expedite the process of finding and formatting references, making your academic and professional hiring more efficient and effective. Now, you know the answer to this question – “How many references should I provide in my research paper to ensure its credibility and depth?” Do you want to know more?

how many references for 2000 essay

  • Writing Help
  • Writing Guide

Gradmode

How Many References Should I have in an Essay?

Some teachers provide suggested guidelines for how many sources they want to see cited needed in an essay. If this is the case, students should follow this strictly. If teachers haven’t mentioned anything specifically, students should aim to hit around 6-8 references for every 1,000 words of content. This works to about 1 reference for every 200 words or roughly about 1 reference in each paragraph.

However, this is a general rule and should be considered the bare minimum. We’re not saying that every single paragraph of your assignment should have at least 1 reference. Instead, you need to consider the focus of references based on the subsection of the paper. It is important that you do not stuff in your references all in one place. You shouldn’t also make a conscious effort spread them throughout every section of your paper either . You should add in references organically where it would be needed by putting yourself in the shoes of the reader.

For instance, the literature review section is almost always going to need a higher focus on references . This is because the aim of this section is to establish existing ideas within your chosen topic. This in turn requires citations to the existing sources.

On the other hand, the findings, discussions, and conclusion sections are only going to need a moderate focus on references . These sections require you to make your own inferences based on the material you have researched. You should have partially covered the theoretical background for these in the previous sections. Hence there is a relatively lower need to cite sources here unless you are trying to further support your own findings and conclusions.

As we have mentioned in our guide on how to make introduction and conclusions for assignments, the conclusion section must not have new information that you haven’t covered (even if just partially) in the other sections. Instead, you should use this section to go over the key points to emphasize their implications further. In other words, you should not have any external references in the conclusions section .

Table of Contents

Can you use too many references in an essay?

too many references in an essay

Yes, having an excessive amount of references in-text dilutes the quality of your paper. Doing this is going to make your paper seem like a very long literature review. Instead, your professors want to see that you have read through existing literature and engaged with it to form your own ideas. We cover in this some detail in our guides on how to prepare a literature review and how to critically analyze information.

Having said that, it is generally better to have too many references as compared to too few sources cited. While both approaches are not ideal, in case of over-citing with proper interlinking of the points from different sources), it shows that you have taken the effort to look up multiple sources. So, while you would have fewer original ideas in this case, the actual content should be of a high quality.

On the other hand, having too few references gives the impression that you probably wrote the paper at the last minute. When we don’t rely on enough external sources, we are likely to end up with generic statements or going off on a tangent.

So, to get an idea of how many citations is too many, you should ask yourself the question of whether you have been able to include enough original content of your own as well. If you’re dealing with a topic which has multiple viewpoints with arguments and counterarguments for each, then it is fine to even have even two or three references clustered together in consecutive sentences. However, just make sure that you follow up these consecutive referenced sentences with what you have inferred from them.

How many times can you cite one source?

You can cite the same source multiple times, as long as you do it the right way, without making it seem like you have relied too heavily on the same source. Teachers expect to see that you have tried to explore different viewpoints on an issue. Simply citing the same sources over and over could make you susceptible to the same biases of those authors.

How do you reference the same author multiple times?

If you’re following the standard Chicago style , when citing the same source consecutively, the use of the word ‘Ibid’ is typically recommended. This word comes from the Latin word ‘ibidem’ which conveys the meaning of ‘in the same place’.

However, it is worth noting that the Chicago 17 th Edition does not favor the use of ‘Ibid’ and instead recommends shortened citations.

Other referencing styles like Harvard and MLA do not recommend the use of ‘Ibid’ and instead encourage shortened references instead. In the APA style, there is no specific recommendation to use ‘Ibid’ either. If you’re following one of these three referencing styles, then you don’t necessarily have to repeat the in-text reference for the source in each sentence. You just need to make it clear that you’re referencing the same source again.

Should Ibid be italicized?

The general consensus in academic circles at present is that foreign words which are used commonly do not need to be italicized. This includes Latin words like ibid., et al., passim, fait accompli and de facto, so you do not need to italicize these words.

Is there a comma after Ibid?

You should follow up the word ‘Ibid’ with a comma and include the page number if you have to be referencing different pages of the same source. If not, then there’s no need to have a comma after Ibid.

Can you have two citations in one sentence?

Yes, you can have two or more citations in one sentence. However, if you if do this, take care to phrase the sentence properly. To avoid making the sentence too long, you can break up the citations as shown below. Alternatively, you can potentially combine the references in parentheses as explained in the next section.

How do you cite two or more references within the same parentheses?

If you want to cite multiple references within the same parentheses, you should separate them by using a semi colon (;) in between. This is shown in the following example in which two closely related points from different sources are combined together.

Calculator for number of References Needed

Here’s a calculator to get a ballpark estimate of the number and type of references which you need for your assignment. Please follow the instructions below to get an idea of how to use this calculator.

Nandakumar, M. K., Ghobadian, A., & O’Regan, N. (2010). Business‐level strategy and performance: The moderating effects of environment and structure.  Management Decision . 48(6), 907-939.

Porter, M. E. (1979). How Competitive Forces Shape Strategy. Harvard Business Review [Online]. Available from: https://hbr.org/1979/03/how-competitive-forces-shape-strategy [Accessed 14 November 2021]

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How to Write a 2000-Word Essay and How Many Pages Is It?

How to Write a 2000-Word Essay and How Many Pages Is It?

You can easily compose a 2000-word essay with the help of ChatGPT or any other AI text generator. It will be well-written and resemble human writing; your professor might even believe you wrote it. However, using your academic writing skills is a better option if you want to create an essay that stands out.

Our expert team wants to demonstrate that essay writing can be enjoyable and exciting; just take the correct steps and use our tips! In this article, we’ll explain how to write an outstanding 2000-word essay in one day.

  • 📝 2000 Word Essay
  • ✅ 2000 Word Essay – Step by Step
  • 📚 Essay Example
  • ✍️ Writing Prompts
  • 🔎 More Essay Topics
  • 🔗 References

📝 What Does a 2000 Word Essay Look Like?

If you’re familiar with the structure and formatting requirements, writing a 2000-word essay should be easy. In the following section, we’ll outline the different parts of a 2000-word academic paper and explain how to approach each section.

The picture shows the structure of a 2000-word essay.

2000 Word Essay Structure

A 2000-word essay is an extended form of an academic paper with no significant differences in structure and formatting. It consists of 3 main parts:

🚩 200 words, 1-2 paragraphs
▶️ Main body 1600 words, 10-15 paragraphs
🏁 Conclusion 200 words, 1-2 paragraphs

Let’s look at each section of a 2000-word essay separately.

Introduction

An introduction is the first paragraph or two of a 2000-word essay. It aims to grab the reader’s attention and introduce the topic. A good introduction includes the following elements:

  • A hook . Usually, a hook is the first sentence of a paragraph that grabs readers’ attention by telling a story, discussing an interesting quote, or providing statistics or facts.
  • Background information . Here, you must provide context and necessary information so readers know what to expect from the essay. For example, include key definitions, a summary of relevant theories, or a brief description of a debate you’re addressing.
  • A thesis statement . A thesis statement is the most essential part of an introduction. It narrows down the topic and sums up the main arguments.

An essay longer than 1000 words is recommended to have headings and subheadings. Headings help readers to navigate the essay easily, and writers to structure the paper. They should be as simple and contain the main idea expressed in the section.

Subheadings are essential in the body section, as it consists of multiple paragraphs with different key ideas. The body paragraphs prove the thesis and connect the introduction to the conclusion. Each body paragraph needs to include the following elements:

  • The topic sentence . The topic sentence is the statement that contains the main idea of the body paragraph.
  • The evidence . Evidence supports your topic sentence. Examples of evidence include quotations, facts, statistics, or personal experiences.
  • The analysis . This part of the paragraph explains the evidence. You need to ensure that the evidence is connected back to the paragraph’s main idea or topic sentence.
  • The transition . Transition is the final sentence of a paragraph that helps you connect the ideas and move smoothly to the other part.

A conclusion is the last section of your paper; for a 2000-word essay, you might need two or three paragraphs. A conclusion usually does one of the two—or both at the same time:

  • Paraphrases the thesis statement and summarize the arguments . Since the conclusion is the last part of your paper, it’s important to remind readers of the point you’ve made before. Even though you repeat what has already been said, try using different words and sentence structures not to repeat the thesis exactly but, instead, to restate it.
  • Explains the significance of the arguments . Sometimes, after restating the thesis, you may need to emphasize the importance of your studies or, in other words, answer the “so what” question and show the readers why your arguments matter .

2000 Word Essay Length

The picture shows the 2000 word essay length.

Writing a 2000-word essay might feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Let’s start with the basics and see how many pages and paragraphs the paper takes.

2000 Words to Pages

  • A double-spaced 2000-word essay is 7+ pages (275 words on each page).
  • A single-spaced 2000-words essay is of 3,5 pages (550 words per page).
  • A handwritten paper with 2000 words is around eight pages long.

In general, the number of pages depends on the font, font size, line spacing, paragraph spacing, margins, and the number of headings.

2000 Words: Paragraph Count

  • A regular 2000-word essay consists of around 10-20 paragraphs, with one paragraph being 100-200 words long.
  • The introduction and conclusion take 5-10% of the paper or 1-2 paragraphs each.
  • The main body constitutes 80-90% of the paper or around 1600-1800 words.

To structure your essay, consider how many words you need for each part separately.

✅ How to Write a 2000-Word Essay

Writing an essay may seem challenging if you’re unsure how to start. Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a 2000-words essay on any task.

Step 1: Pick a Topic

Sometimes, you may have your topic assigned by a professor. If you’re given a topic, make sure it’s specific enough. Often a given topic needs to be narrowed down so you can focus on a particular aspect and present thorough research in your paper.

If you haven’t been assigned a specific topic , choose one that interests or is relevant to you. Picking a subject that sparks your curiosity is essential because it will motivate you throughout the writing process.

Step 2: Prepare an Outline

To write a well-structured essay, you should organize your ideas first. Consider what you already know and what areas of the topic you need to research more. Don’t try to keep everything in your head. Instead, write your thoughts and ideas down, or create a mind map. It’ll help you see connections between ideas and arguments more clearly.

Step 3: Develop Your Thesis Statement

The next step is to create a thesis statement. A thesis statement should summarize the main point of your essay. Remember that a good thesis statement should contain your stance on the topic. Later, in the main body of your essay, you’ll need to support your thesis with relevant arguments.

Step 4: Write the Body

The essay’s body explains, argues, or describes the topic and supports the thesis statement. Each body paragraph follows a similar structure. It starts with a topic sentence that expresses the main idea and is followed by evidence and examples to support your position .

Step 5: Complete the Introduction

You can complete your introduction when your essay’s thesis statement and body are ready. Remember that the introduction needs to grab readers’ attention. You can use a thought-provoking question, shocking fact, statistics, or quotation for a hook. It’s also essential to provide readers with the context or background information on the topic so that they know what to expect from your paper.

Step 6: Write the Conclusion

The conclusion summarizes the main ideas and paraphrases the thesis statement. Don’t add any new information to the final part of your essay. You may mention the significance of your studies and explain why your arguments matter. However, the primary purpose of a conclusion is, to sum up the paper and remind readers of the main points.

The picture shows how to write a 2000-words essay.

📚 2000 Word Essay Example

Let’s have a look at one of our 2000-word essay samples. It’s called “The United Kingdom Employment Rights Act” and perfectly illustrates the abovementioned essay structure.   

Essay structure Explanation
In the introduction, the author provides background information on the topic. They mention the ongoing debate around the Employment Rights Act, which tells readers it’s an argumentative essay. The author introduces a concise thesis statement: “It is important to establish whether a contract is a contract of service or a contract for service.”
The main body consists of several sections, each having a subheading. It helps see the central idea of each body paragraph. Every paragraph opens up with a topic sentence, which is then followed by supporting arguments. The author uses , examples, and statistical data that work as evidence and explain the author’s standing on the issue.
In the conclusion of an essay, the author paraphrases the thesis statement and summarizes the main arguments from the body paragraphs.

✍️ 2000 Words Essay: Writing Prompts

Need help coming up with fresh ideas for a 2000-word essay? Check out our essay samples on the most burning topics for inspiration!

  • 2000 Words Essay on Global Warming Climate change is a commonly chosen topic for essays as it discusses various issues, such as wildfires, floods, hurricanes, prolonged droughts, and other weather-related events. You can discuss how climate change and global warming affect people’s life and the natural environment in different parts of the words.
  • Artificial Intelligence Essay: 2000 Words There’s an ongoing debate regarding Artificial Intelligence and its future. In the essay, you can talk about how new technological developments affect people’s everyday life and professional environment, considering both positive and negative changes. You can also mention the rising concern surrounding AI’s ethical impact and contribute to the discussion.
  • 2000 Words Essay about Globalization An essay on globalization can cover various topics related to the increasing interconnectedness of the world’s economies, cultures, and societies. It may explore the causes and effects of globalization. The essay can also discuss the role of multinational corporations, governments, and international organizations in shaping the global economy and the challenges posed by globalization, such as political instability, inequality, and cultural homogenization.
  • 2000 Words Essay on Organizational Behavior An essay on organizational behavior can explore topics like individual and group dynamics, leadership styles, communication patterns, and workplace culture. It can discuss how these factors influence employee behavior, motivation, and performance and how they affect the organization’s overall effectiveness and success. The paper may also delve into the various theories and models of organizational behavior and their practical applications in the business world.
  • 2000 Word Essay on Accountability in the Army One more interesting topic to explore in your essay is military leadership and accountability. In the army, people learn to be accountable to their superiors and fellow officers for their actions. In your paper, you can explore how accountability in the military can be achieved and how it can help you become a good leader.
  • Time Management Essay: 2000 Words In your essay about time management, you can explore factors that negatively impact effective time utilization, including procrastination, lack of sleep, and stress. You can also give some tips on how to use time more wisely or describe popular time-management techniques. By addressing these topics, the essay can offer valuable insights into the importance of effective time management for personal and professional success.

🔎 Topics for a 2000 Word Essay

  • Modernism in literature.
  • Describe your experience as a foreign exchange student.
  • Your idea of a high-value individual.
  • What are your life goals?
  • The relationship between health and mental well-being.
  • Describe how music affects your mood.
  • How do you cultivate teamwork and cooperation?
  • High school vs. college.
  • Should smoking in public be banned?
  • Tattoos and their perception in various cultures.
  • Why is abortion a problem in modern society?
  • How does domestic violence affect the behavior of a kid?
  • The changing attitude towards gender roles in society. Does it solve most problems or cause them?
  • Does your diet affect your productivity?
  • Should vaccines be mandatory?
  • Music Artists and Advertising Deals.
  • Human Resource Management: Benefits and Key Issues.
  • Touch of Hitchcock: Psycho and Vertigo.
  • Americanization Is Not a Synonym for Globalization.
  • Organizational Culture – Types and Importance.
  • Human Factors and Risk Management in Aviation.
  • The Theme of Transitioning into Adulthood in “Spirited Away” by Hayao Miyazaki and “Spring Awakening” by Frank Wedekind.
  • The Main Themes in the Novel “Passing” by Nella Larsen.
  • Organizational Behaviour in Teams and Groups.
  • Diversity in the Workplace: Bridging the Gap.
  • Virtue Ethics – The Environmental Documentary.
  • Fad Diet, Their Threats, and Public Education Plan.
  • Airport Security and the Reduction of Skills in Security Staff.
  • Biotechnology: Methodology in Basic Genetics.
  • Psychological Criticism in Allende’s “The House of Spirits.”
  • Self-Care in Elderly as a Nursing Concern.
  • The Evidence Forms of Law.
  • Nursing History: Today and Beyond.
  • Mayan Civilization: Political Collapse Theories.
  • The Role of Disney Propaganda During the Cold War.
  • Globalization’s Impact on Banks in Canada.
  • Effects of Music Therapy on the Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia.
  • Path-Goal Approach to Leadership.
  • Depressed Women and Art Therapy.
  • Modern Technology and Engineering: The Prospects for the Development.
  • Health Psychology and Stress: Correlations.
  • Managing Organizational Changes.
  • Hospitality Environmental Management Plan.
  • The American Civil Liberties Union and the Legislative Branch.
  • Sugar Processing: Term Definition.
  • How Reality Television Influences Teenagers.
  • Adidas Corporation’s Organizational Justice.
  • Islamic Architecture in Its Historical Context.
  • Wind Energy as an Alternative Source.
  • Innovation as a Contemporary Issue in Business.

❓ 2000 Words Essay Example: FAQ

How long is a 2000-word essay.

A 2000-word essay consists of 10-20 paragraphs, depending on the font, font size, and margins. The introduction and conclusion each take around 1-2 paragraphs, while the body paragraphs should include 80-90% of the total word count.

How Many Pages Is a 2000 Word Essay?

The number of pages depends on the font, font size, the number of headings, and other parameters:

  • Double-spaced : slightly more than 7 pages (275 words each).
  • Single-spaced : take around 3,5 pages (550 words each).

How Many Sources for a 2000 Word Essay?

According to the general rule, you need one source for each page of an essay. That means that for a 2000 words essay, you need to use at least eight sources. However, the number of articles also depends on the topic’s complexity. It’s also important to check your assignment’s requirements because the exact number of sources might be stated there.

How Long Does It Take to Write a 2000-Word Essay?

Many factors influence how long it’ll take you to finish the paper. Mostly it depends on your writing skills. If you’re used to academic writing, you may complete an essay within 2 hours. However, if the topic is complex, you may need at least 7 hours to do the research, create an outline, and write and proofread your essay.

How Much Is a 2000-Word Essay?

Most academic essays allow 10% deviation. That means a 2000-words paper can be 1800-2200 words in total. However, it’s better to make your essay as close to 2000 words as possible. You can also reference the assignment guidelines or consult your professor regarding the word limit.

🖇️ References

  • Paragraphs-The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill  
  • Developing A Thesis | Harvard University  
  • How to Write a Topic Sentence (With Examples and Tips) | Indeed.com  
  • Make Your Essay Flow Using Transitions | ThoughtCo  
  • How Do I Write an Intro, Conclusion, & Body Paragraph? | U-M LSA Sweetland Center for Writing  
  • Writing The Main Body of Your Essay | Surrey-Content  
  • How to Write an Analytical Essay in 6 Steps | Grammarly  
  • MLA Formatting and Style Guide – Purdue OWL – Purdue University  
  • Basic Essay Structure | University of Portsmouth  

How to Write a 1200 Word Essay: Length, Structure & Examples

The gray rock method 101: what it is & how to use it effectively, how to write a 3000 word essay: free guide with tips & examples, how to write a 1000 word essay: length, tips & free samples, how to write a 300-word essay: length, examples, free samples, how to write a 500 word essay & how many pages is it + examples.

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Home » University Of Virginia » How Many References Do I Need For A 2000 Word Essay Masters?

How Many References Do I Need For A 2000 Word Essay Masters?

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For example: In a 2000 word essay, you will have 1500 words to use. Each main point you make should typically use 1-3 paragraphs, which should average around 200-400 words in total. This will give you room for around 5 key points, each supported by 2 or 3 references .

How many references should a Masters essay have?

Always check for local conditions): a typical 50s essay here will probably use four or five sources; in the 60s, it tends to be around five to ten, and typical 70s or above essays use probably somewhere between eight and 15 substantive sources . These are rough estimates, though.

How many references do I need for a 2500 word report?

Given that all the references are likely to come in the body of your essay, and that takes about 75% of the word count, then you’re probably looking at one peer-reviewed reference for roughly every 200 words , based on a 2500 word essay.

Is 40 references too much?

If you’re multi-referencing the same point, it’d look better than if you had 40 single-references in my opinion, as this would require being very brief for only 3000 words. But essentially, 40 is not too many , it just really depends how you’ve structured your essay/used your references.

How many references should I have per 1000 words?

Number of words As a general rule, there should be between 8 – 12 references for every 1,000 words.

How long should a 2000 word essay take?

It takes about 6 hours and 40 minutes to write a 2,000 word essay. How long does it take to write a 2,500 word essay? It takes about 8 hours and 20 minutes to write a 2,500 word essay.

How many pages is 2000 words?

4 pages 2,000 words is 4 pages single spaced, 8 pages double spaced .

How many paragraphs should a 2000 word essay have?

A 2,000 word essay is 13 to 14 paragraphs . A 2,500 word essay is 16 to 17 paragraphs.

How many references do I need for 1500 words?

It depends on how many points/arguments you’re referencing. It could be anywhere from 3-15 depending on the question.

How do you break down a 2000 word essay?

Longer assignments, over 2,000 words, will often be easier to organise if you break them down into 3-4 main sections, and then into paragraphs . The longer the assignment, the more important linking becomes to refer back to points you made earlier and connect ideas in one section to ideas in the next.

How many references should you use in a 3000 word essay?

There is little opportunity for your unique point of view to shine by using too many references. Generally, each important argument you make should be supported with one to three . This naturally depends on the subject and the issue you talk about, but it is a good general guide.

How long should a conclusion be for a 2000 word essay?

Assign a word count to each of your paragraphs so you know how much you are going to write (e.g a 2000 word essay might have an introduction and conclusion of c250 words and four body paragraphs of c400 words).

How many sources should a 5000 word essay have?

33 sources 3000 word essay: 20 sources (or more) listed in the reference list. 5000 word essay: 33 sources (or more) listed in the reference list.

Can you reference too much in an essay?

As a general rule, it is better to use the references too often than not enough . This does not refer to the number of different authors/texts, but the frequency of citing those authors. It should be high-frequency overall. You may have been given some advice not to use too many references.

How many sources should you have for a 1000 word essay?

Personally, I’d try to use between 6 and 9 references in a 1000 word essay.

How many references should be in an essay?

Usually 3-4 reliable sources should be sufficient . This should be enough external information to complement your original thoughts/ideas. With too many sources, the essay becomes a compilation of opinions from other writers instead of your own.

How many footnotes should a 2000 word essay have?

25-50 footnotes Your instructor will be much happier to discuss the issue of too many footnotes or endnotes than failing to provide any. A first year research essay that is 8-10 double-spaced pages in length or roughly 1500-2000 words will likely have 25-50 footnotes or endnotes.

Can you do 2000 words in a day?

In sum, there is really no reason why anyone can’t write 2000 words a day . That said, it’s important to take care of your health during the process. Get up regularly, stretch, and don’t forget to those other rhythms: eating and sleeping. No point writing a book you’ll never read.

How much is a 2000 word essay?

2,000 words is 4 pages single-spaced or 8 pages double-spaced . Documents that typically contain 2,000 words include college essays, operating manuals, and longer form blog posts. It will take approximately 7 minutes to read 2,000 words.

How many pages is 2000 words double spaced 12 font?

8 pages How many pages does 2000 words equal? The answer is around 4 pages single spaced, and 8 pages double spaced. Your word processing software and settings may result in slightly different pages counts, but with conventional page margins and a 12 point Arial or Times New Roman font you can expect similar output.

How many pages is 2000 words with 15 spacing?

1,500 words is approximately 5.5 pages. How many pages is 2,000 words? 2,000 words is approximately 7.3 pages .

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By Paul Arnold

Paul Arnold is an education expert with over 25 years of experience in the field. He has worked in both public and private schools, as well as colleges and universities. Paul is passionate about helping students learn and grow, and he has written extensively on the topic of education. He currently works as a professor at a local college.

When he's not teaching or writing, Paul enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He also likes playing golf and watching sports. Paul is a big fan of the Boston Celtics and New England Patriots.

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how many references for 2000 essay

How to Reference in an Essay: a Quick Guide to Referencing Books, Websites, Images, PDFs and More

how many references for 2000 essay

Referencing doesn’t need to be the bane of your life when you submit assignments. 

One of the biggest shifts in studying when you head to university is the importance of referencing when you write assignments. You’re expected to show where you find the answers to your work, how you formed arguments and how you got to your conclusions. It’s also a way of showing that you have read around the subject and appreciate the context rather than just offering your own opinion. 

But why we reference is one thing. HOW you reference… well that’s a whole new chapter (no pun intended).

Nothing is ever simple right? And referencing really does love to throw a spanner in the works – different universities, and even different subjects WITHIN the same university use a variety of referencing styles. Some types of referencing works better for certain subjects than others do, so it is very dependent on what your course wants to use. 

To break it down, we’ve put together this quick reference guide to cover the basics of different styles of referencing, including websites, images, journals and books, in some of the more popular referencing styles. It’s not everything, but it’s a good starting point. Need more tips on your uni work? Check out our best revision techniques.

In this article:

How to reference a website

How to reference a book, how to reference an image, how to reference a pdf, how to reference a journal article, citation generators, what’s the most popular referencing style.

Woman sat on her laptop working surrounded by books

You might find that websites are one of the most commonly referenced sources these days, especially with how many open source publications out there now. We’ve gathered some of the most popular referencing styles to make it that little bit easier.

The difference between referencing a book and a website is that books have all the printed information you need for citations – but websites can vary. So while we’ve included examples for the different referencing styles, you may need to tweak based on the website. It’s super important to make sure you’re sourcing from a reliable source, but if you find that a website doesn’t have an author, or doesn’t have a year, then amend to suit. 

Referencing a website in Harvard style

Format: Author surname, first name initial. (Year) Page Title . Available at: URL (Accessed: Day Month Year).

Example: Bartlett, M. (2024) Freshers Guide 2024: What You Need To Know About Freshers & Student Life. Available at: https://www.studentbeans.com/blog/uk/advice/freshers-guide/ (Accessed: 11 September 2024).

Referencing a website in APA style

Format: Author surname, first name initial. (Year). Page Title . Retrieved from URL 

Example: Kah-Pavlou, L. (2024). 10 Fun Alternatives To Alcohol & Drinking During Freshers’ Week. Retrieved from: https://www.studentbeans.com/blog/uk/10-fun-alternatives-to-drinking-during-freshers/  

Referencing a website in OSCOLA style

Format: Author first name initial surname, ‘Entry Title’ ( Blog Name , publication date) <URL> accessed date.

Example: K Moody, ‘Best Revision Techniques’ ( Student Beans Blog, 15 February 2024) < https://www.studentbeans.com/blog/uk/the-best-revision-techniques/ > accessed 11 September 2024.

Referencing a website in MLA style

Format: Author surname, first name. “Title.” Website name , URL. Accessed day month year

Example: Moody, Keith. “Using Mind Maps for Revision – The Ultimate Guide for Students.” Student Beans Blog, https://www.studentbeans.com/blog/uk/students-guide-to-creating-and-using-mind-maps-for-revision/ . 11 September 2024

Referencing a website in Vancouver/AMA style

Format: Author surname, first name initial. Title [Internet]. Year published [cited Date Accessed]. Available from: URL

Example: Howarth, E. Your Must-Have Uni Essentials Checklist [Internet]. 2024 [cited 11 September 2024]. Available from: https://www.studentbeans.com/blog/uk/student-essentials-list-university-checklist/  

Referencing a website in IEEE style

Format: First initial, surname, “Page title.” Website Title. URL (accessed date, month, year).

Example: E. Howarth, “The Essential Uni Food Shopping List.” Student Beans Blog.  https://www.studentbeans.com/blog/uk/essential-student-food-shopping-list-cheap-living/ (accessed 11 Sept, 2024).

Row of books in a library

If you prefer to study with a paper and pen, you’ll probably spend a lot of time in the library exploring textbooks and anthologies to support your assignments. It can be a little simpler to cite a book, as you’ll have all the information you need printed inside, which is a relief if you’re scrambling to find an author on a website! 

But each major referencing style has subtle differences between them, so check out how to reference books (and chapters within books) below. 

Referencing a book in Harvard style

Format: Author surname, first name initial. (Year) Book Title . Edition if application. Place of Publication: Publisher

Example: Thwaite, A. (1985). Poetry Today: A Critical Guide to British Poetry 1960-1984. London: Longman.

Referencing a book in APA style

Format: Author surname, first name initial. (Year). Page Title . Publisher. 

Example: Thwaite, A. (1985). Poetry Today: A Critical Guide to British Poetry 1960-1984 . Longman.

Referencing a book in OSCOLA style

Format: Author surname first initial, Title (Publisher, Year).

Example: Thwaite A, Poetry Today: A Critical Guide to British Poetry 1960-1984 (London, 1985).

Referencing a book in MLA style

Format: Author surname, first name. Title. Publisher, Year.

Example: Thwaite, Anthony. Poetry Today: A Critical Guide to British Poetry 1960-1984. Longman, 1985.

Referencing a book in Vancouver/AMA style

Format: Author surname first name initial. Title. Location of publication: Publisher; Year.

Example: Thwaite A. Poetry Today: A Critical Guide to British Poetry 1960-1984 . London: Longman; 1985.

Referencing a book in IEEE style

Format: First initial. Surname, Title . Location of publication: Publisher, Year.

Example: A. Thwaite, Poetry Today: A Critical Guide to British Poetry 1960-1984. London: Longman, 1985.

If you’re an art student, you’ll be writing a lot about your inspirations, emulations, crediting artists from all over the world, present day and past. It’s probably not the most creative thing you thought you’d be doing during your time at uni – but it’s still an important part of your work.

Referencing an image in Harvard style

Format: Artist/photographer surname, first name initial. (Year) Name of piece. Available at: URL (Accessed Day Month Year). 

Example: van Gogh, V. (1890). Portrait of Adeline Ravoux, the Innkeeper’s Daughter. Available at: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/vincent-van-gogh-portrait-of-adeline-ravoux-the-innkeeper-s-daughter (Accessed 13 September 2024). 

Referencing an image in APA style

Format: Artist/photographer surname, first name initial. (Year) Name of piece. [Format]. Site or Museum, Location. URL.

Example: van Gogh, V. (1890). Portrait of Adeline Ravoux, the Innkeeper’s Daughter. [Painting]. National Gallery, London. https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/vincent-van-gogh-portrait-of-adeline-ravoux-the-innkeeper-s-daughter  

Reference an image in OSCOLA style

Format: Author/Creator, ‘Title of image’ ( Name of website, Date published) <URL> Access date

Example: Vincent Van Gogh, ‘Portrait of Adeline Ravoux, the Innkeeper’s Daughter’ ( National Gallery) < https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/vincent-van-gogh-portrait-of-adeline-ravoux-the-innkeeper-s-daughter > Accessed 16 September 2024.

Referencing an image in MLA style

Format: Artist surname, First Name. Image Title. Year Created. Website Name, Numbers (if applicable), URL.

Example: van Gogh, Vincent. Portrait of Adeline Ravoux, the Innkeeper’s Daughter. 1890. National Gallery, https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/vincent-van-gogh-portrait-of-adeline-ravoux-the-innkeeper-s-daughter . 

Woman browsing books on a shelf

So many publications, from ebooks to journals to poetry, are now available online in PDF formats. So if you struggle to get to the library, or find something in a pinch in your research, then PDFs can be a useful alternative.

Referencing a PDF in Harvard style

Format: Author(s) or Organisation (Year). Title of Document . Available at: URL [Accessed Day Month Year].

Example: Student Beans (2024). Freshers Prediction Report 2024. Available at: https://www.studentbeans.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/StudentBeans-Freshers-Predictions-Report-2024.pdf [Accessed 16 September 2024].

Referencing a PDF in APA style

Format: Title of document . (Year). Organisation. URL

Example: Freshers Prediction Report 2024. (2024). Student Beans.  https://www.studentbeans.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/StudentBeans-Freshers-Predictions-Report-2024.pdf  

Referencing a PDF in OSCALA

Format: ‘Title’ (Organisation, Publication date) <URL> accessed day month year

Example: ‘Freshers Prediction Report 2024’ (Student Beans, 15 August 2024) < https://www.studentbeans.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/StudentBeans-Freshers-Predictions-Report-2024.pdf > accessed 15 September 2024. 

Referencing a PDF in MLA

Format: Author Surname, Author Forename. Title . Publisher, Year Published. Website Name , date page was published if known, URL. PDF download.

Example: Freshers Prediction Report 2024 . Student Beans, 2024. Student Beans , 15 August 2024, https://www.studentbeans.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/StudentBeans-Freshers-Predictions-Report-2024.pdf . PDF download.

Referencing a PDF in Vancouver/AMA style

Format: Title [Internet]. City: Publisher; Year Published [cited Date Accessed]. Available from: http://Website URL

Example: Freshers Prediction Report 2024 [Internet]. London: Student Beans; 2024 [16 September 2024]. Available from: https://www.studentbeans.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/StudentBeans-Freshers-Predictions-Report-2024.pdf

Referencing a PDF in IEEE style

Format: “Title,” website title. URL (accessed day month year).

Example: “Freshers Prediction Report 2024,” studentbeans.com. https://www.studentbeans.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/StudentBeans-Freshers-Predictions-Report-2024.pdf (accessed 16 Sept 2024).

Journal articles will be your bread and butter when it comes to your assignments. You’ll find so much information in journal articles, and luckily most are available online these days, so it’s one of the more simpler ways to reference.

Referencing a journal article in Harvard style

Format: Author surname, first name initial. (Year). ‘Journal article title’, Journal name, Vol.(Issue number), doi: . 

Example: Huang, H., Tan, Y., Zou, X. (2024). ‘Genetically determined metabolites in allergic conjunctivitis: A Mendelian randomization study’, World Allergy Organization Journal, Vol.17(4), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.waojou.2024.100894.

Referencing a journal article in APA style

Format: Author surname, first name initial. (Year). Journal article title. Journal name, Vol.(Issue number), doi: . 

Example: Huang, H., Tan, Y. & Zou, X. (2024). Genetically determined metabolites in allergic conjunctivitis: A Mendelian randomization study. World Allergy Organization Journal, Vol.17(4), doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.waojou.2024.100894.

Referencing a journal article using OSCALA

Format: Author first name last name, ‘Journal article title’ (Year) Vol(Issue) Journal name <URL> accessed day month year. 

Example: Xuyan Zou, Haiyan Huang, Yao Tan, ‘Genetically determined metabolites in allergic conjunctivitis: A Mendelian randomization study’ (2024) 17(4) World Allergy Organization Journal < https://doi.org/10.1016/j.waojou.2024.100894 > accessed 16 September 2024.

Referencing a journal article in MLA style

Format: Author surname, first name, et al. “Journal article title.” Journal name, vol. X no. X, Year. doi URL.

Example: Zou, Xuyan, et al. “Genetically determined metabolites in allergic conjunctivitis: A Mendelian randomization study.” World Allergy Organization Journal, vol.17, no.4, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.waojou.2024.100894

Referencing a journal article in Vancouver/AMA style

Format: Author surname first name initials. Journal article name. Journal name. Year;(issue). Accessed day month year. doi URL. 

Example: Zou X, Huang H, Tan Y. Genetically determined metabolites in allergic conjunctivitis: A Mendelian randomization study. World Allergy Organization Journal. 2024;(4). Accessed 16 September 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.waojou.2024.100894 .

Referencing a journal article in IEEE style

Format: Author first name initial., surname, “Journal article name,” Journal name, vol. X, no. X, Year. Accessed on: day month year. [Online]. Available: doi URL

Example: X. Zou, H. Huang and Y. Tan, “Genetically determined metabolites in allergic conjunctivitis: A Mendelian randomization study,” World Allergy Organization Journal , vol. 17, no. 4, 2024. Accessed on: Sept. 16, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.waojou.2024.100894  

You can find lots of citation and reference generators online, and your own university will likely have a referencing guide document online or in the library in case you’re not sure. 

If you’re using an online referencing generator, it’s always a good idea to cross reference with your university guide – just in case there are any errors. Just like your university essays, proofreading is a really key part of submitting an assignment, which includes your bibliography.

Harvard referencing is one of the most popular and common referencing style in the UK as it covers a lot of different subjects at university. Different subjects tend to rely on different styles of referencing as it suits the subtle nuance between a variety of topics and requirements.

If you’re trying to get prepared for uni, then don’t miss our freshers guide and our uni essentials checklist to make sure you have everything you need. Feel ultra prepared by signing up to Student Beans for the best student discounts .

how many references for 2000 essay

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How Many References For a 2000 Word Essay?

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Table of Contents

How many references do i need for a 2000 word essay.

  • Why it’s important to use References in Essays?

How Many Pages in 2000 Words Essay?

Q1. how many references are compulsory to add in a 2500-word essay, q2. how much time it will take to write a 2000-word essay, q3. is it possible to write a 2000-word essay in one day, q4. how can i improve my essay-writing skills, q5. is 8 references enough for a 1500-word essay.

The number of References in any Essay depends on the word count and guidelines. In Universities, when writing an essay, so you need to add references. If you don't have any idea about references for a 2000-word essay then you can talk to assignment help in London that offers their free assistance to their clients. 

So in our mind, there are so many questions like how many references I use for such length? Are too many references bad for my essay? So let's know all the details here. 

how many references for 2000 essay

If you already know how to Write References in an Assignment and now you are worried about several references you should put them in your Essay. The length of the essay is 2000 Words, so you should add at least 12 to 15 references. The simple rule to add references is you can aim for one reference per 150 words. 

So If your Essay is approx 1500 Words, you can add 10 sources in the reference part. Please Keep in mind that, this part always varies according to the university's assignment requirement.

1500 Words 10 References
2000 Words 12 To 14 References
2500  Words 14 To 16 References
3000 Words 20 and Above References
3500 Words Above 20 References
5000 Words 33 References

In the UK, students choose Assignment Help , because they don't have time to write essays, and also students fail to put references. The 2000 Word Essay should consist of the following parts:

Introduction

The introduction part is the first part of the essay and it takes 8 to 10% of the word count. If you are writing a 2000 Essay, the first introduction section should be 100 to 200 Words also you can check the Best Ways to Begin a Reflective Essay for Students .

The Body section is the essential part of your essay after completing the introduction part. So this part takes 60 to 70% of the word count and the word count is approx 600 to 1600 words. If you're doing a part-time job in the UK and do not have time to do such work so choose Assignment Writing Services . 

The last part of your Essay. In the Conclusion part, we need to summarize all the research that we covered in the essay. This part also takes 8 to 10% and it's 200 Words long also you can read the How to Write Conclusion in Dissertation .  

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Why it’s important to use References in Essays?

References are the assurance of the originality of your essay. It is very necessary to add references in your essay as references represent that you have given appropriate credit to the sources from which you have taken inspiration and information of any kind. 

References are necessary for any kind of essay writing or dissertation writing because they allow the reader to locate and check the source of your information. References will help you validate the arguments you have proposed in your essay and will provide more weightage.

To avoid plagiarism in your essay make sure you have added sufficient references. If your essay shows plagiarised content then it will be declared as Re-do by the university and you will have to write the entire essay again. To avoid plagiarism in your essay writing you should know how to write a plagiarism-free assignment , this will help you in writing an essay with almost zero plagiarism.

Don't Worry Workingment is Here to Help You

For writing a 2000-word essay it will consume about 4 pages as one page can take around 500 words of your essay. While writing an essay, your introduction will need at least 1 page of your essay because the introduction needs to have all the information about the essay topic and the findings. Most of the people struggling with writing their essay have found a lot help from tips that should be kept in mind before start writing an assignment . 

The pages of your 2000-word essay also depend on the type of spacing you are using in your essay. There are 2 types of spacing that people generally use in essay writing and is also considered the correct format of spacing in essay writing i.e. single spacing in which you use single space in two words and double spacing in which you use double space between 2 words.  

Writing an essay with single spacing your essay will take around 5 pages and with double pages, it will take around 7-8 pages. Globally 3 fonts are used mostly and considered as appropriate fonts for essay writing i.e. Times New Roman, Calibri, and Arial. Using these fonts you can be assured that your essay will look professional and well-structured.

Adding in your essay is a very important step in writing an essay. The main reason to add references in your essay is to make sure you are giving appropriate credit to the sources of your information. A 2000-word essay needs to have at least 15-20 references to make sure your essay is not declared plagiarised. Also to write a good essay with appropriate references you need to have good academic writing skills so that your essay is perfect.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by students.

Ans. If you are writing a 2500 words essay then you have to add references for almost every 200-250 words.

Ans. If you are a good or even an average writer with decent writing speed it will roughly take you around 2 hours to complete a 2000 words essay. 

Ans. Yes, it is completely possible to finish a 2000-word essay in a single day even if you do it very slowly. If you have written a dissertation during your coursework it will be very easy for you if you know how to write references in a dissertation because the process of adding references in both is similar. 

Ans. If you want to improve your essay writing skills you need to practice writing by keeping track of time and giving yourself a daily target of writing which is time-bound. You can work as a freelance content writer to improve essay writing skills, check out the best part-time jobs for students in UK to know more about content writing pay-out and other jobs.

Ans. Even if you are writing a short essay of 1500 words, you need to mention at least 10 references in your essay to make it legitimate.

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How Long Is an Essay? The Ultimate Essay Length Guide

It’s safe to say that most students struggle with the word limit within an essay. Sometimes, it’s hard to find ideas for a text and meet the word requirement for every part of the paper. With so many factors influencing essay length, it’s easy to get confused.

The picture enumerates the factors influencing essay length.

Luckily, our custom-writing team has your back. In this article, our custom-writing experts will answer all your questions regarding essay length. We will also help you write papers with an ideal number of words!

📜 Is Essay Length Important?

📏 essay parts: recommended length.

  • 🤔 How to Make Essays Shorter or Longer
  • 📑 Essay Length & Formatting
  • ❓ Different Academic Levels FAQ
  • 📚 Essay Length: Different Types
  • ⭐ Other Aspects
  • 📝 Essay Examples

🔍 References

Often, the phrase “word limit” causes panic among students. After all, if an essay is too long or too short, your grade will be lowered. However, in reality, there’s nothing to worry about. When it comes to words, limitations are beneficial for both the students and the professors.

Let’s see what exactly it means.

Many people believe that the longer an essay is, the better. However, according to Frontiers, research shows that it’s a bias that couldn’t be further from the truth. A perfect-length paper is one that allows students to express their ideas and showcase their knowledge fully while keeping it clean and simple.

What Influences Essay Length

Various factors determine the length of an essay. Here are the most important ones:

Some themes may require more explanations and supporting ideas to prove a point or convey a message to the reader. 
For instance, if your topic is related to literature, you might need more words and descriptions to get the point across. Subjects such as science or management typically require shorter papers. 
Usually, the more advanced the students are, the more complex their papers get. For example, high school essays differ from ones for college and university in terms of length and presentation.
Students may be asked to write various types of essays—such as short, extended, narrative, or persuasive—throughout their careers. The essay’s type reflects in both its outline and length. 

Let’s start with the essentials. Usually, assignment length is given as a number of words rather than pages. Unless your supervisor or instructor mentions any specific limitations, it’s acceptable to be 10% below or above the word limit.

It’s also worth knowing the 80/20 rule . According to it, the body should constitute 80% of the text, while the intro and the conclusion take up the remaining 20%.

Keep reading to learn more about the recommended length of each essay part. The main numbers are shown in the table below:

3-5 sentences (50-80 words)
5-8 sentences (80-200 words)
3-5 paragraphs
3-5 sentences (50-80 words)

How Long Should an Introduction Be?

An introduction is the first section and the face of your essay. For that reason, it needs to be compelling and well-thought-out. Usually, it consists of 3 to 5 sentences or 50 to 80 words .

An introduction must have a hook, some background information, and a thesis statement. While the attention grabber and the thesis are usually brief, you may need 2 to 3 sentences for the background. To avoid going overboard, try to stay on topic and don’t add any filler.

How Long Is a Body Paragraph in an Essay?

The length of a body paragraph may vary. Sometimes, it can be limited to a single sentence. In other cases, it may take up a whole page. Usually, it’s recommended to have between 80 and 200 words (5-8 sentences) per body paragraph.

Since the paper’s body contains the most information, it’s necessary to explain and support your ideas properly. That’s why it’s no big deal if your body paragraphs go slightly over the word limit.

How Many Body Paragraphs Should Be in an Essay?

Like the word count, the number of paragraphs is determined by the type of paper and its topic. The minimum is 1. Generally, however, the body consists of 3-5 paragraphs , 1 for each argument.

To improve your paper’s structure, ensure that there are as many paragraphs as there are points in your thesis statement. Each one should have a purpose and support your arguments. If there’s any fluff, it’s better to get rid of it.

How Long Should a Conclusion Be?

Like the introduction, the conclusion consists of 50-80 words . It’s essential to keep it simple and only mention the central ideas. A weak concluding sentence may affect the reader’s understanding of the topic and spoil the overall impression of your paper.

🤔 How to Make Essays Shorter or Longer: Best Tips

Undoubtedly the essay’s content is more important than the number of words you use. But there are times when students go more than 10-15% below or over the limit. Is there a solution to this problem?

Yes, there is! In this section, we will share the most useful tips to help you stay on point with your paper’s word count.

How to Make Essays Longer

Since having enough words is essential for a good grade, we’ve collected the best tips that can help you lengthen your essay without teachers noticing:

  • Use relevant quotations.  You don’t need to litter your essay with citations, but using them whenever appropriate is a great idea. For instance, if you’re working on a book analysis, referencing a couple of direct quotes from the source text will make your essay more credible and increase the word count.
Original Revision
In Indian culture, hair symbolizes self-respect, a sense of belonging, and pride. In Indian culture, hair symbolized self-respect, a sense of belonging, and pride: ”Our mothers had taught us that only unskilled warriors who were captured had their hair shingled by the enemy.”
  • Give examples.  Go through the claims in your paper and provide additional evidence where possible. It will make your essay longer and more informative.
Original Revision
Directors considered the dark side of speed, driving, mobility, and all the other icons associated with the road. Directors considered the dark side of speed, driving, mobility, and all the other icons associated with the road. Some well-known examples are movies such as (1969), (1963), and (1963-64).
  • Use transitional expressions.  Adding transition words and phrases is a natural way of increasing the number of words. It will also improve your essay’s readability. 
Original Revision
The book’s author believes this is just a general misconception. However, the book’s author believes this is just a general misconception.
  • Add more references.  Providing references is always a good idea when writing a formal essay. That way, you will increase the number of words and make your paper more credible.
Original Revision
It is believed that writing, reading, or reciting poetry positively affects our psychological well-being. According to another article published in the  in 2014, the practice of writing, reading, or reciting poetry positively affects our psychological well-being.
  • Work on your descriptions.  If you struggle to develop new ideas, go over what you’ve already written and consider adding some descriptive words. It’s a great idea for creative essays to include more imagery. 
Original Revision
They believe that language is more than a communication tool and should be introduced in a playful way for most effectiveness. They believe that language is more than a simple day-to-day communication tool and that it should be introduced in a pleasurable and playful way for the most effectiveness.

How to Shorten an Essay

Another struggle of academic writing is cutting down the number of words in your essay to meet a set limit. We are here to tell you that it’s not that hard. Writing straightforwardly and keeping your sentences short is a key to concise content. Here are several strategies you may use to tighten a lengthy essay:

  • Choose the active voice.  It takes up less space than passive voice. Using it also makes your writing more professional and compelling.
Original Revision
The research was conducted by  .  conducted the research. 
  • Remove needless transitions.  Transitions can indeed maintain the flow of the paper. But some transitional phrases can be easily removed.
Original Revision
Furthermore, it has been discovered that children who play violin have stronger visual and verbal pattern abilities. Discoveries show that children who play violin have stronger visual and verbal pattern abilities.
  • Get rid of unnecessary adverbs and adjectives.  Some students tend to overuse adjectives and adverbs. It adds wordiness to their writing.
Original Revision
The whole article focuses on the mechanics of easily managing fear itself. The article focuses on the mechanics of managing fear itself. 
  • Avoid running starts.  Some students like to start their sentences with long phrases like: “there are,” “it is believed,” or “the fact that.” Getting rid of them makes texts much more concise.
Original Revision
The fact that the dialogue contains some Shakespearean elements emphasizes the protagonist’s longing for his lover.  Shakespearean elements in the dialogue emphasize the protagonist’s longing for his lover. 
  • Delete “that.”  In most cases, the word “that” can often be easily removed from texts.
Original Revision
The idea that was expressed in the novel translated well into the live-action movie. The idea expressed in the book translated well into the live-action movie.

Another cool trick is to use our summarizing tool as essay shortener. Try it out!

📑 How Long Is an Essay Depending on Formatting?

As we mentioned earlier, the essay’s length is usually limited by the number of words. But sometimes, a teacher may ask you to write a specific number of pages. This is trickier because the amount of text you can place on the page depends on the formatting. By using the font size and spacing properly, it’s possible to make the paper visually longer or shorter. Let’s discuss it in more detail.

The picture describes how formatting affects essay length.

Essay Spacing: How Does It Affect the Length?

  • Adjusting the spacing between lines.  Try to make the changes as slight as possible. For instance, if you were asked to double-space the paper, use 2.1 or 2.2 spacing instead. Another option is to slightly extend spaces between paragraphs.
  • Extending the margin size.  You can increase the right and bottom margins by a quarter to make very subtle changes in length. For example, if the margins are 1 inch , you can set them at 1.25 inches instead. 
  • Increasing the spacing between characters.  It is less noticeable than the line spacing. Still, try not to overdo it and keep the numbers between 1.2 and 1.5 . 
  • Adjusting the footer.  Add a footer with page numbers to stretch the bottom margin even further.
  • Lengthening the header.  You can extend your header by adding your name, e-mail address, or other relevant information. Another option is double-spacing it.

Length of an Essay: Font and Size

  • Using the right type of font.  If your instructor didn’t specify which font you should use, go for the bigger ones. We suggest Arial, Bangla Sangam MN, Cambria, or Quicksand. They will make your text look longer without being too on the nose.  
  • Using a bigger font size.  This is another technique that can come in handy. However, be careful and don’t increase your font by more than 0.1-0.5 pt.  
  • Increasing the size of periods and commas.   This is one of the less noticeable tricks you can use. For instance, if your paper’s font is 12 pt. , increase it to 14 pt. only for punctuation marks. Italicizing periods and commas will also add several lines of length to your essay. 

What to Do if There Are No Length Guidelines

Sometimes a teacher sets no word limit for a written work. What to do in that case? Well, first, you can ask your professor to confirm if they have simply forgotten to mention it. But if that’s not the case, here are a couple of helpful solutions:

  • Think of the paragraph number.  Sometimes, you may be given the number of paragraphs instead of words. In that case, you can decide on the number of words depending on how many paragraphs you have. 
  • Think about the topic’s complexity.  The length of your paper is also directly dependent on the theme. If the topic is simple, 4-5 paragraphs will be enough. A more complex issue may require an in-depth explanation, so your essay can be 6-8 paragraphs long.

❓ Essay Length for Different Academic Levels FAQ

The length of the elementary school essay is usually short. Usually, a paper needs to have around 3-5 paragraphs, with 4-5 sentences per paragraph. Primary school essays can be 1-2 paragraphs long.

The word limit for a middle school essay is usually between 300 to 1000 words. The most common essay length is 500 words, which is about 5 paragraphs. However, it may differ from school to school.

The length of the high school essay may differ depending on the school and the complexity of the task itself. Usually, however, a paper can be between 300 to 1000 words long.

The length of the undergraduate college essay often falls within the range of 1500 to 2100 words. It translates into roughly 5-7 pages. 5 pages is the most common essay length at this level.

When it comes to the graduate school admission essay, the word limit is usually between 500 and 1000 words. It’s possible to go slightly over or below the set limit; however, it’s best to stick to the requirements as close as possible.

📚 How Long Should an Essay Be: Different Types

Now, let’s talk about different types of essays. How long should they be? Keep reading to learn about the length of college essays, short and extended ones, scholarship essays, and research papers.

How Long Is a College Essay?

When it comes to a college essay, it’s more important to stick to the word limit than with any other paper. Some teachers may refuse to read it unless it meets all the requirements.

The shortest limit for a college essay is about 250 words which is the shortest length of a Common App personal statement. It’s also rare to see a good college essay with over 650 words . So, an average piece usually has between 150 and 650 words ; you can go over or below the limit by 50.

How Long Is a Paragraph in College Essays?

A college essay usually consists of 4-5 paragraphs . One paragraph takes about 1/3 of the page, which is roughly 5 sentences . Each sentence corresponds with one of the following components:

  • Topic sentence.
  • Explanation.
  • Transitions.

College Essay Length Requirements: Top 5 Schools

To understand the requirements for a college application essay even better, take a look at the table below. It showcases the top 5 schools and their length criteria for personal statements. Keep it in mind when writing your college essay:

HBS essay length 900-word limit
UC essay length 350-word limit
Chicago Booth essay length 300-word limit
UChicago essay length 650 suggested word limit
AMCAS essay length 5300 characters (spaces included)

How Long Is a Short Essay?

A short essay is usually 500 words long. Using 12pt Times New Roman font with standard margins and double spacing should result in about 2 pages of text.

Extended Essay Length

An extended essay is different from a short or a standard one. It requires extensive research and thorough explanation. That’s why the upper limit for this kind of essay is 4000 words . In this case, a typical essay length is 3500 words or 18 paragraphs .

Scholarship Essay Length

Generally, scholarship papers have a limit of 500 words , which is 1 page in length. Most scholarship programs provide additional requirements that indicate the minimum number of words or pages. If there are no set limitations, you can stick to the limit.

How Long Is a Research Paper?

Typically, a research paper is between 4000 and 6000 words long. Sometimes, there are shorter papers, which have around 2000 words, or in-depth ones with over 10000 words.

⭐ Other Aspects of Essay Length

When it comes to essay length, many different aspects come into play. Here, we’ve gathered all the essential information regarding an essay’s number of pages, paragraphs, words, and references.

How Many Paragraphs Are in an Essay?

Sometimes, it is more convenient to count paragraphs rather than words. Let’s now figure out how many paragraphs are in essays of different lengths. You may also check out the examples to see what such an essay looks like:

WordsParagraphs Example
250-word essay length 4
300-word essay length 4-5
500-word essay length 6 Water Cooling Tower Construction Site’s Problems
600-word essay length 7
800-word essay length 8-9
1000-word essay length 10
2000-word essay length 18-19

How to Count Paragraphs in an Essay Based on Word Count

You can also count the number of body paragraphs for your essay using the formula below:

Number of body paragraphs (average) = (TWC – TWC*0.16)/100

  • TWC – total word count
  • 0.16 – an average percentage of total word count for introduction and conclusion
  • 100 – an average number of words per paragraph

How Many Pages Are in an Essay?

The number of pages in your essay may vary from subject to subject. But it’s still possible to determine the number of pages based on word count. Check out the numbers below to see the conversions with bonus examples:

Pages (Double-spaced) Example
How many pages is a 200-word essay? 1 Food Safety: A Policy Issue in Agriculture Today 
How many pages is a 250-word essay? 1
How many pages is a 300-word essay? 1 The Major Causes of the Great Depression
How many pages is a 400-word essay? 1,5
How many pages is a 500-word essay? 2
How many pages is a 600-word essay? 2 Single-Parent Families: Source Analysis
How many pages is a 700-word essay? 2,5 CytoGainer Overview: Purpose and Results
How many pages is a 750-word essay? 3 Modeling Sustainable Food Systems
How many pages is a 800-word essay? 3
How many pages is a 900-word essay? 3,5
How many pages is a 1000-word essay? 4
How many pages is a 1500-word essay? 6
How many pages is a 2000-word essay? 8 Advocacy Campaign: the Problem of Childhood Obesity

You can also use a specialized calculator such as Word Counter to determine a number of pages in your essay.

What Does an Essay Look Like when Typed?

You might be wondering: what do essays of different lengths look like when typed? Well, here’s the table where you can find out the metrics for single- and double-spaced papers.

Single-spaced Double-spaced Example
What does a 200-word essay look like? 0,5 pages 1 page How Hate Took Hold of Him: Parrish Reflection
What does a 250-word essay look like? 0,5 pages 1 page What Social Factors Prevent Adolescents to Acquire Appropriate Education in Their Later Life
What does a 300-word essay look like? 0,5 pages 1 page “Racial Inequality, at College and in the Workplace” by Johnson
What does a 500-word essay look like? 1 page 2 pages
What does a 600-word essay look like? 1 page 2 pages “8 Million Have Slipped Into Poverty Since May as Federal Aid Has Dried Up” by Jason DeParle
What does a 750-word essay look like? 1,5 pages 3 pages Methods for Avoiding Relapse
What does a 1000-word essay look like? 2 pages 4 pages Heroin Distribution and Its Use Within the United States
What does a 2000-word essay look like? 4 pages 8 pages

How Many Pages Are in a Handwritten Essay?

In case you need to turn in a handwritten paper, you should check out the table below.

How many pages is 150 words handwritten? 0,5
How many pages is 200 words handwritten? 1
How many pages is 250 words handwritten? 1
How many pages is 300 words handwritten? 1,25
How many pages is 350 words handwritten? 1,5
How many pages is 400 words handwritten? 1,5-2
How many pages is 500 words handwritten? 2
How many pages is 600 words handwritten? 2
How many pages is 700 words handwritten? 2,5
How many pages is 800 words handwritten? 3
How many pages is 1000 words handwritten? 4

Counting Words in a Handwritten Essay

If you don’t have enough time to count the words in your handwritten essay one by one, here’s what you can do:

  • Count how many words there are in one line. Take the first and last lines and a line in the middle of a page. Let’s say there are 15, 14, and 15 words in them. Then, the average number of words per line is 15.
  • Next, count how many lines there are on one page. Let’s say there are 17 lines on a page.
  • Take the number of words per line and multiply it by the number of lines per page. In our case, we multiply 15 by 17. So, there are 255 words per page on average.
  • Finally, multiply the number of words per page by the number of pages. If your essay has 3 pages, it is approximately 765 words long.

How Long Does it Take to Write an Essay?

It is crucial to know how long writing will take you, especially if you are working on an exam essay or just short on time. Note that you need to consider the time for typing and researching necessary to complete a piece. Research time may vary. Usually, it’s 1-2 hours for 200-250 words .

The picture shows the fact about the average speed of writing.

Below, we’ve gathered the average writing time for average and slower writing speed:

Time (Slow) Time (Average)
How long does it take to write 250 words? 50 min 6.3 min
How long does it take to write 300 words? 60 min 7.5 min
How long does it take to write 500 words? 100 min 12.5 min
How long does it take to write 750 words? 150 min 18.8 min
How long does it take to write 800 words? 160 min 20 min
How long does it take to write 1000 words? 200 min 25 min
How long does it take to write 1200 words? 240 min 30 min
How long does it take to write 1500 words? 300 min 37.5 min
How long does it take to write a 2000-word essay? 400 min 50 min

And here are the results in pages:

Time (Slow) Time (Average)
How long does it take to write a 2-page paper? 200 min 25 min
How long does it take to write a 3-page paper? 300 min 37.5 min
How long does it take to write a 4-page paper? 400 min 50 min
How long does it take to write a 5-page paper? 500 min 62.5 min
How long does it take to write a 6-page paper? 600 min 75 min
How long does it take to write a 7-page paper? 700 min 87.5 min

How Many References Does an Essay Need?

Another essential part of any composition is the reference list. Different academic levels require different references. You’ll find out how many of them should be in your paper in the table below!

School College Bachelor Master Ph.D.
How many references in a 200-word essay 2 3 4 5 6
How many references for a 500-word essay 4 6 8 10 12
How many references for a 1000-word essay 8 12 16 20 24
How many references for a 1200-word essay 10 15 20 25 30
How many references in a 1500-word essay 12 18 24 30 36
How many references for a 2000-word essay 16 24 32 40 48
How many references for a 4000-word essay 32 48 64 80 96
How many references for a 5000-word essay 40 60 80 100 120

📝 Essay Examples: Different Length

Finally, we’ve gathered some excellent sample essays of different lengths. Make sure to check them out!

200-word essay example
300-word essay example Modifications of the Nomi Move
400-word essay example
500-word essay example
600-word essay example
700-word essay example Ethics, CSR, and Ignatian Values
800-word essay example
900-word essay example
1000-word essay example
1500-word essay example
2000-word essay example Research Critique: The Importance of Relationships in Mental Care
3000-word essay example
4000-word essay example

We also recommend you check out our free essay samples sorted by pages:

  • 1-Page Essay Examples
  • 2-Page Essay Examples
  • 3-Page Essay Examples
  • 4-Page Essay Examples
  • 5-Page Essay Examples
  • 10-Page Essay Examples
  • 20-Page Essay Examples
  • 30-Page Essay Examples
  • 40-Page Essay Examples
  • 50-Page Essay Examples

Now you know all about essay length, word limits, and ways to lengthen or shorten your text. If you know other interesting tricks, make sure to share them in a comment! Good luck with your writing assignments!

You may also like:

  • How to Write a Process Analysis Essay: Examples & Outline
  • How to Write a Precis: Definition, Guide, & Examples 
  • How to Write a Critical Analysis Essay: Examples & Guide
  • How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline: Template & Examples
  • How to Write a Formal Essay: Format, Rules, & Example
  • Word Limits and Assignment Length: Massey University
  • The Paragraph in the College Essay: California State University, Long Beach
  • Introductions & Conclusions: The University of Arizona Global Campus
  • How Long Should a Paragraph Be?: Daily Writing Tips
  • Paragraphing (Length Consistency): Purdue University
  • Hitting the Target Word Count in Your College Admission Essay: Dummies.com
  • How Long Should Your College Essay Be? What is the Ideal Length?: College Vine
  • Writing Personal Statements Online: Issues of Length and Form: Penn State University
  • Pen Admissions: Essays: University of Pennsylvania
  • Essay Questions: University of Michigan
  • Essay Structure: Harvard University
  • Components of a Good Essay: University of Evansville
  • Write Your Essay: UNSW Sydney
  • College Writing: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • 21 Helpful and Easy Tips to Make an Essay Longer: Seventeen
  • How to Make a College Paper Longer: ThoughtCo
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How Many References for a 2000 Word Essay

In the essay, dissertation or thesis also, supervisors advise the students to write a reference. UK Students find it challenging to write references because of a lack of knowledge about it. This handout is telling the students all about references. Firstly the definition of the reference has clearly explained. For a full understanding of the reference, the students must read it thoroughly with utmost attention and attentiveness. If students of UK do not focus on each point, then it will become difficult for them to learn each point regarding it.

Type of reference, the number of references in any essay, importance of reference in an article and many more points have got explained very beautifully in this content. Students will find it interesting to read it and explore more and more about the referral. After reading this entirely, students will surely think in their mind that it is easier than their imagination. It generally seems that scholars are many times worrying about reference, and this will further give rise to many other issues.

how many references for 2000 essay

However, they do not need to panic anymore because everything concerning referral gets explained in an understandable form. So students of UK will now find it easy to write reference without any stress or load of work.

What does a reference mean in a specific topic?

Everyone knows that it is necessary to look at the definition of anything before students start to gain knowledge about a specific topic. So, a Description of reference gets explained before anything else. It will help the students of UK to take a full package of knowledge from a single handout. If students directly focus on the type and number of references in an essay, then they find it challenging to write recommendations quickly and in less time.

As for definition, act as a base for every building topic in the brain of the students. So students of UK should never ignore the interpretation of any matter. If students have decided to understand a subject thoroughly, then they cannot overlook the definition part of that specific topic.

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Reference is a scheme that enables students to recognize other people’s contributions and job in writing by quoting sources, which have been used by scholars. An academic writing’s characteristic is that it includes references to other people’s words, data, and thoughts. It is a must to contain references in all scholarly essays.

Now at this point, everything that a student must know about the definition is enough. Students of UK must remember that they cannot ignore the description at any cost. It is so because, without the meaning, knowledge of any particular topic is incomplete or insufficient. After knowing the definition, scholars can go to the further part of this handout to get a full understanding of the issue.

What is the role of Reference in an essay?

Once UK students have gone through the definition, it is time for them to know the purpose of reference in essay writing . Also, in this section, we are going to explain why it is necessary to write the reference during essay writing. Most of the time, reference has written in the last part of the essay. It is because it allows the readers to know the contribution of other authors in completing the mission — reference help in acknowledging the efforts of others in writing the essay.

Referencing enables the students of UK to recognize other authors and researchers ‘ contributions to their job. Students must include citations in any university tasks which draw on other writers ‘ thoughts, phrases or research.  Reference is a means of providing proof to support allegations and claims in your tasks. Thus it is essential to write a page on the reference. It is crucial to write a reference in every kind of essay writing. Reference has generally written in the last of the papers. Students of UK cannot ignore the immense importance of the reference in the essay, dissertation and many others.

While writing an essay, UK students must focus on every single subheading that should be present in it. Nowadays students can handle anything, but they cannot tolerate any fall down in their academic score. So they always put their hundred percent effort while performing their academic tasks. Thus if they ignore the reference, then it will leave a wrong impression on readers or professors’ minds, and later there will be a downfall in the result. At this time, students are almost transparent with the importance of the reference.

Now all their queries regarding the reference have vanished. In this handout, solutions or answers to every single question which may have any place in the mind of students have given. After reading this, ultimately they will for sure say that “oh! My god, what an easy topic.” students always take reference in essay writing as a burden. Thus because of this, they skip it. Thus results in low grades in academics, which was not afforded by the scholars. Therefore it is imperative to write references in the essay and know its importance so that they can feel good while writing it.

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How important is to include References in assignments?

Students should write references at the end of the essay. However, that does not mean that it is useless. The reference itself holds a magnificent significance. Students of UK cannot ignore its importance. Also, UK university students should start practicing writing a reference for the essay. Students mostly thought that supervisors do not pay attention to this part of the composition.

However, that is not the truth, and supervisors always check out every subheading of an essay. Professors will deduct students’ marks if they forget to include this main thing in their homework assignments . For a strong impression of the piece over the minds of readers, students have to write on each subheading. It shows that the student has an interest in the topic and essay. Also, students have to give their hundred percent in the essay writing. It will help them in scoring grace marks in academics.

  • Formatting style of writing a reference:  Most of the times, students have queries regarding the formatting style and a number of referrals. The answer to these queries has mentioned in the following two sections of this handout. There are many styles for the formatting of references. Sometimes supervisors or professors advise the students of UK to write the referencing in a particular kind of format. Also many times UK students have to decide on their own to write which style of it. Students find it difficult to judge to determine what kind of formatting for reference they would prefer to write.

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However, now they do not need to worry about that because here, everything related to the formatting style of referencing has explained very beautifully. Students of UK will find it easy to understand and remember. After reading this, all their confusion concerning referencing formatting style has solved.

APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard are the most common formatting style. There are other types of formatting style also present. However, we commonly use these formatting styles. As APA, MLA, Harvard, and Chicago are preferred most for academic purposes. The good news is that there are tools and services available online to help students with assignments and referencing. This includes tools such as an online APA 7 citation generator that can make light work of citing references. So students mostly come across these formatting styles of referencing in their day to day coursework writing , assignment or task. Students of UK can use any formatting style from above mentioned. For academic purposes, i.e. for writing an article, essay, etc., professors will mostly prefer to write references in these formats.

However, students cannot fix themselves to these formatting styles only. According to the demand of the supervisors, they have to change the form.

  • A number of references to writing in the essay: Here in this section is the answer to one of the most asked questions by the UK students. Students firstly understand that the number of references in any essay varies with the type of essay they are going to write. After reading this part of the handout, students of UK will clear all their doubts regarding the ideal number of references in the essay. Mostly students have doubts regarding an article of two thousand words. After knowing the number of words, research of students will get finished on the reference.

Moreover, they will know how many recommendations to include while writing an essay.

In this handout, the knowledge which is useful for the students at their academic level has given. After that, all their queries in regards to the reference has vanished. There will not be any place for questions in UK student’s minds regarding reference and its formatting style and number in the essay. Knowledge regarding text has given in this handout in a stepwise manner. The most preferred way of learning is stepwise learning. It is so because, through stepwise education, each point will be clear and understood by the UK students.

Consequently, scholars do not find it challenging to engulf each aspect of every topic. If an excellent method of learning is not adopted that students will face difficulties in learning each of every item. So through step by step learning, each point is understood by the students very conveniently.

  • Clearing a Reference doubt by taking an example: Let’s clear the doubt regarding reference number in any essay by taking an example of a piece of two thousand words. In an essay of two thousand words and there are almost fifteen hundred words to write in the body. So in fifteen hundred words, students will write about nearly three or four main points. Thus for every aspect, there are minimum two or three references.

Therefore, in an essay of two thousand words, students can write (2 X 3 = 6) about six to eight references. So now it will be apparent to the UK that how they will decide the number of referrals. Even if the number of words in an essay or type of essay changes, students would never get confused. They on their own could create a framework of how many references are ideal for writing in it.

Students can write as many as a reference as they want or suggested by their supervisors. Although there is not as such an ideal number for reference, they can judge on their own the number of references in any style of essay. Most academic essays are of two thousand words, so the students have any queries regarding the number of referrals.

Now students will find it convenient to write the reference in the essay, and they can also judge the quantity of it in a piece of 2000 words. So, at this moment, students will feel relaxed and stress-free because their concept regarding reference is almost transparent.

Now they have to practice writing it on their own. Also, they can test their learning of reference by counting the number of referrals they will write in an essay of 2000 words, 4000 words, 4500 words or more words.

Online professional assistance for the students on UK Assignment Help

Expert academic writing help from studentsassignmenthelp.co.uk is also available for the British students to get their academic work completed from them. They do distinct research for every client and provide plagiarism-free data to them. Students can now easily amaze their professors by submitting quality work to them and that too on time.

All our experts are highly efficient in providing quality data to every client even if the time to submit the data is minimal. Students can ask for experts’ assistance even in the strictest deadline condition. We provide our service in versatile subjects, or we can say that in almost every issue. All our college assignment writing services are available for the students of UK at reasonable and affordable prices.

References are not just about including links of sources. However, for high-quality work, students should know its writing format and the accurate number of sources to include in your project irrespective of its length.

how many references for 2000 essay

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How many references should I put in a 2500 word literature review?

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COMMENTS

  1. How Many References For a 2000 Word Essay?

    References are the last part to complete to your Essay, Assignment, Dissertation, or Thesis. Students may confused about How many references are for a 2000-word essay or a 3000-word essay. Write References for the Dissertation, Thesis, and Essay is very challenging, and if you have an understanding of the topic you can write references easily.

  2. Writing a 2000-word Essay: Length, Time-to-Write, and Tips

    How Many References Are in a 2000 Words Essay. A 2000-word essay should have between 10 and 20 high-quality references. Please take note that these are just suggestions. Logically, there should be a source in every paragraph. Each argument supported by credible evidence must have a reference. Some factors that will determine how many references ...

  3. How often should you reference?

    For example: In a 2000 word essay, you will have 1500 words to use. Each main point you make should typically use 1-3 paragraphs, which should average around 200-400 words in total. ... Of course, it is really hard to suggest exactly how many references your essay should include. This depends totally on the subject matter and word count. A ...

  4. How Many References Should Be In 2000-Word Essays?

    Also Read - How Many References Required in 3000 word essays . Conclusion. Finally, it's essential to have a good mix of sources. Usually, 10 to 20 good references are enough for a 2000-word essay. When choosing references, don't just look at the number but also the quality and importance. Make sure they add to the believability and flow of ...

  5. How many sources should I use in my essay?

    Providing references to their work pays tribute to this. It is a sign of respect for the work of others. But it also a way of showing your own awareness of the different debates and different perspectives in the field. ... Both might be 2,000 word essays, but the number of readings is likely to be twice as many if you add this comparison. The ...

  6. How many references do I need for a 2000 word essay?

    Finding the Right Balance: References for a 2000 Word Essay • Balancing References • Discover the ideal number of references for a 2000-word essay to ensure ...

  7. How Many References Should You Have in Your Research Paper?

    As a general rule of thumb, you should aim for one source for your paper's reference list per 150 words. Here's a breakdown by essay size: 1500-word essay: Aim for at least 10 sources in the reference list. 2000-word essay: Aim for at least 13 sources in the reference list. 3000-word essay: Aim for at least 20 sources in the reference list.

  8. How Many References Should I have in an Essay?

    If teachers haven't mentioned anything specifically, students should aim to hit around 6-8 references for every 1,000 words of content. This works to about 1 reference for every 200 words or roughly about 1 reference in each paragraph. However, this is a general rule and should be considered the bare minimum.

  9. How many references should a 2000 word essay have?

    The Perfect Number of References for a 2000-Word Essay • Ideal References for 2000-Word Essay • Discover the optimal number of references for a 2000-word ess...

  10. How many references should I have?

    Use as many references as you need. You'll need an appropriate amount for your academic level - this will vary. Reference everything you cite. If you use an idea, cite and reference it. Ask your tutor. They may have guidance for you on how much reading they expect you to do. Students sometimes worry that there is an optimum number of ...

  11. How to Write a 2000-Word Essay and How Many Pages Is It?

    2000 Words: Paragraph Count. A regular 2000-word essay consists of around 10-20 paragraphs, with one paragraph being 100-200 words long. The introduction and conclusion take 5-10% of the paper or 1-2 paragraphs each. The main body constitutes 80-90% of the paper or around 1600-1800 words.

  12. 15 sources, not enough for a 2000 word essay?

    I recently did a 2,000 word essay with 8 references and got marked down for over-referencing, as I was 'too reliant on existing literature and not showing enough independent thought. On the other hand, I did a 1,500 word essay with 3 references, and got a first for it and a small comment saying 'references are a little thin'. It also depends on ...

  13. How Many References Do I Need For A 2000 Word Essay Masters?

    Table of Contents. For example: In a 2000 word essay, you will have 1500 words to use. Each main point you make should typically use 1-3 paragraphs, which should average around 200-400 words in total. This will give you room for around 5 key points, each supported by 2 or 3 references.

  14. How to reference in an essay: books, websites, journals & more

    How to Reference in an Essay: a Quick Guide to Referencing Books, Websites, Images, PDFs and More. 16 Sep 2024, by Mikaela Bartlett, min. read. ... How to reference a PDF. So many publications, from ebooks to journals to poetry, are now available online in PDF formats. So if you struggle to get to the library, or find something in a pinch in ...

  15. How Many References For a 2000 Word Essay?

    Students may confused about How many references are for a 2000-word essay or a 3000-word essay. Write References for the Dissertation, Thesis, and Essay is very challenging, and if you have an understanding of the topic you can write references easily.

  16. How Long Is an Essay? The Ultimate Essay Length Guide

    How many references for a 2000-word essay : 16 : 24 : 32 : 40 : 48 : How many references for a 4000-word essay : 32 : 48 : 64 : 80 : 96 : How many references for a 5000-word essay : 40 : 60 : 80 : 100 : 120 : 📝 Essay Examples: Different Length . Finally, we've gathered some excellent sample essays of different lengths. Make sure to check ...

  17. 17 references enough for a 2000 word essay?

    I used to get 30+ refs in 2500 word third year essays. Given that you're supposed to be referencing pretty much everything you say other than the conclusions you''ve drawn from your sources, I'd be surprised if 17 sources were enough in 2000 words. But as I said, depends on your course.

  18. How many references would be considered okay for a max 2000 ...

    Naturally, I understand the fact that it depends on the quality of the references I used and it's not just about how much I can fill the list. However, as it is my first ever proposal I would like to have some point of comparison. I am currently now at about 13 references that are actually used and a total 23 resources in the Bibliography.

  19. How Many References for a 2000 Word Essay

    Therefore, in an essay of two thousand words, students can write (2 X 3 = 6) about six to eight references. So now it will be apparent to the UK that how they will decide the number of referrals. Even if the number of words in an essay or type of essay changes, students would never get confused.

  20. how many references for a 2000 word essay is acceptable I was ...

    how many references for a 2000 word essay is acceptable I was thinking 25 any advice welcome but I feel 4th years may know the answer more than anybody since they are in their final year iam doing Id nursing not sure if this makes any difference Share Sort by: Best. Open comment sort options ...

  21. is there a rule of thumb as to how many references I should ...

    I'd say don't get hung up on the number of references. Instead, focus on the points you want to make, and ensuring that those points are supported by evidence. If you have both breadth and depth in you essay, you will naturally need to find more and more references to support your arguments. The references should serve your text, not the reverse.

  22. How many references should I put in a 2500 word literature review?

    While some people recommend 1 reference for every 100 words, I'd say it's more about quality than quantity, and also depends on your discipline. If you use only 10 sources, but all are peer-reviewed and you can discuss each critically, that's a lot better than using 40+ citations that you don't utilise well. 2 years ago. A.