The Student Room Group
Reply 1
lilac01
Approximately how long should an exam essay be, if you have three essays to write in a three hour exam? I know there isn't an exact requirement, but more or less how many pages should you keep it between?
Depending on the subject, about 2-3 pages per essay subject.
2776
Depending on the subject, about 2-3 pages per essay subject.


I personally write about 3 and a half on average and for me this is an optimum number of pages. At most, this has gone over to 5 pages but I've known people to do about 8 pages in one hour! :confused:

Anyway, just remember it's quality not quantity :tongue:
Reply 3
Thanks for the answers, much appreciated! :smile:
Reply 4
deianra
I personally write about 3 and a half on average and for me this is an optimum number of pages. At most, this has gone over to 5 pages but I've known people to do about 8 pages in one hour! :confused:

Anyway, just remember it's quality not quantity :tongue:


Surely this all depends on the size of someone's handwriting? A page-count is entirely useless, unless you know how many words per page.

I normally get 12-15 words on a line (my handwriting is PissPoor, with two capital Ps, but very thin - it looks like my father's put through a washing machine); I think I get around 350 words on a page. Generally I write 2 and 1/2 sides for an hour's essay, but it varies between 2 and 3 depending on thinking time.

Quality is always the deciding factor...
Reply 5
In Business Studies we've been told to write around 4 sides for one essay. In average sized handwriting. You can get away with a lot less though, just look at the markscheme. For instance, don't wait till the end to start your evaluation, you can evaluate points as you make them.
For a 20 minute essay, 2 pages would be good.