Reducing a draft to meet a length requirement involves decisions about meaning, not just shorter sentences. Check the actual rules about word counts and included material. This exercise uses invented practice documents and offers no universal counting rule or target percentage for cutting text.
An overlong fictional draft
The practice paragraph says: “The notice lists evening appointments. These appointments take place in the evening. Evening times are the appointment times listed in the notice. Appointments require advance booking. This arrangement may offer a relevant option for the particular case of a person unavailable during the day, although the notice does not show whether that person can secure a place.” The repetition is obvious, but the booking condition and uncertainty serve different purposes.
Mark each sentence’s job
Completed record: first sentence, source-based fact; next two, repeat the same fact without adding evidence; fourth, source-based condition; final sentence, the writer’s interpretation and its limit. In a real paper, verify and attribute the information to the document actually consulted. Removing repeated words must not remove the reference or make a borrowed fact appear to be your own finding.
A shorter complete version
“The fictional notice lists evening appointments requiring advance booking. For the case considered here of a person unavailable during the day, the timing may offer an option, but the notice does not establish whether that person can obtain a place.” This version keeps the fact, condition, relevant inference and uncertainty. The notice is invented; the revision does not demonstrate a real service outcome. In real use, maintain the required citation at the appropriate point.
A cut that changes the claim
“Evening appointments give everyone access” is shorter but unsupported. It removes booking and availability limits and expands a particular case to everyone. Do not treat a lower word count as proof that the revision succeeded. Similarly, replacing the whole paragraph with a quotation can remove your explanation even when the quoted words are accurate.
If the paragraph still does not fit
Ask which information the actual task needs. You may need to narrow the question or remove a less relevant example rather than hide essential reasoning in a note or appendix. Follow the instructions about notes and supporting material. Do not remove required acknowledgements or citations merely because they occupy space. Where a source remains central, the reader must still be able to identify it.
The completed editing record
Deleted: two repeated statements about timing. Preserved: source attribution, booking condition, connection to the particular case and unresolved availability. Excluded: universal access claim. Final check: compare both versions with the source and the assignment, then count using the required method. This record documents a revision; it does not guarantee that the argument is sufficient or the submission will be accepted.
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