Can You Even Know How Long Does It Take to Write a 5-Page Paper?
Posted: July 19, 2017
No, you cannot. Here are the reasons why there is no answer.
- How long does it take to write a 5-page paper that requires deep research?
- How long does it take to write 5 pages of a personal experience story?
- How long does it take to type 5 pages you have written?
Obviously, every paper and essay will require a different amount of time based on the topic and purpose; how long to write a 5-page paper will depend on the research and writing skills of those who are writing them. And how long does it take to write a 5-page paper double spaced? Half as long as it takes to write a 5-page single-spaced, obviously.
Topic is the Real Determiner
How long should a 5-page paper take to write depends mostly on the topic of the piece. It is the topic that will determine whether research is required or not, and research is the biggest factor in time requirements.
Another factor in how long to write a 5-page paper is writer interest. If you really like the topic, things will go faster. If not, it will drag.
And in terms of how long does it take to type a 5-page paper, well, that obviously depends on how good a typist you are and how many citations, quotations, etc. you must insert.
Crafting the 5-Page Paper
- Begin with a Topic that Fits
A 5-page paper will require a very narrow topic. When you consider how long is 5 pages double-spaced (1250 – 1375 words), that’s not much, especially if the topic requires some research.
Find a topic area of interest and begin to narrow it. In the area of American history, for example, you might be enrolled in a course on Civil War and Reconstruction. If you are assigned a 5-page paper on a topic of your own choosing, you will need to select a small slice of this period in U.S. history – perhaps a single cause of the War, or a brief description of the Reconstruction Laws passed by Congress after defeat of the South. Still another topic might be one of the decisive battles.
If you are stuck for a topic that will be narrow enough, get online and do a bit of research. Are there papers out there that are around five pages in length? If so, those will be topics that will “fit.”
- The Research
The good news is that the narrower the topic and the shorter the piece, the less research will be required. For a 5-page paper, 3-4 resources will usually be sufficient. (though there is never a maximum.
The bad news is, you will need to choose those resources very carefully. They need to be only primary – original writings or at least publications from known experts in the topic field.
- Yes, You Still Need an Outline
The topic may be narrow, and the research may be limited. But that information still has to be organized for writing, so don’t skip this part. It doesn’t have to be a formal document, but at least line up the points you are going to make in the order you will cover them. Part of how long it takes to write a five-page paper will depend on how well organized your thoughts are before you begin to write.
- Your First Draft
Another step you do not skip. You go into this step knowing that this is only the rough draft and that you will be revising it before you have a polished piece to turn in. While not taking this step will shorten how long does it take to write a 5-page paper, you will be sorry in the end. Turning in your first draft will pretty much ensure a bad grade.
- Revise and Polish
This will be the step that will get you a better grade. But you already know that. So, don’t be lazy. Make sure your grammar is correct, that you have good transitions between paragraphs, and a good thesis statement in your introduction. And be certain you have cited your sources correctly.
When No Research is Required
So, how long does it take to write a 5-page essay when no research is necessary? You might think it would take less time that a researched piece, but hold on. This is not always the case.
Suppose you are asked to write a reflective essay or a critical analysis of a book or movie? You won’t spend time on research but you will spend a lot of time going back over the topic piece and getting your thoughts organized. A 5-page essay of this type can actually take more time than a paper that has to be researched.
Why shorter Papers and Essays Can be Harder
When you think about how long does it take to write a 15-page paper, you know that it will take longer. But you have “room” to expand on your point. This isn’t the case with a 5-page paper. You have to be brief and yet get your points stated clearly, with enough factual information to back them up.
The biggest problem with these really short papers is being succinct. And that often makes them harder to write. If you are really struggling with reducing what you need to say, you might want to get help from a professional writer at a writing service. Finding one these days is much easier, because there are websites dedicated to college paper writing service reviews. Access one or two of these websites and choose a company that has a solid reputation.
So, how long should it take to write a 5-page paper? As was said in the beginning of this article, it depends.
