One of the biggest traps students fall into—especially during timed exams—is the temptation to “fill space” in their essay with unnecessary or repetitive content. In Portuguese, this is often called “encher linguiça”, which refers to writing just to meet the word count without adding real value. While it might seem like a shortcut, filler phrases can hurt your grade by making your writing vague, boring, or incoherent. In this article, you’ll learn how to avoid filler content, write with purpose, and impress your evaluator with every sentence.
1. Understand What “Filler” Actually Looks Like
Filler content includes any part of your essay that does not contribute directly to the development of your argument or explanation. It makes your writing feel inflated, repetitive, or off-topic.
Common Signs of Filler:
- Repeating the same idea in different words
- Using generic phrases without substance
- Including off-topic or irrelevant information
- Overusing connectors without actual transitions
Example of Filler:
“It is important to emphasize the importance of education, which is very important for a country to be developed and important.”
✅ Better:
“Education is essential for a country’s development because it empowers citizens and strengthens the economy.”
2. Focus on Clarity and Precision
Every sentence in your essay should serve a clear purpose—introducing an idea, explaining it, or supporting it with evidence.
Ask Yourself:
- Does this sentence add something new?
- Is this idea already stated elsewhere?
- Can I say this in fewer words?
Before:
“It is extremely and very necessary to understand that the role of education is something that must be seen as fundamental.”
After:
“Education plays a fundamental role in society.”
Less is more—especially when the “less” is meaningful.
3. Plan Before You Write
One of the best ways to avoid filler is to organize your ideas before writing. When you know what you want to say and how you’re going to say it, you’re less likely to ramble or stall.
Quick Planning Steps:
- Read and understand the prompt
- Choose your thesis
- Define 2 or 3 strong arguments
- Assign an example or detail to each argument
- Visualize the structure: intro → body → conclusion
A clear roadmap = less temptation to “invent” content to fill space.
4. Strengthen Your Vocabulary (But Don’t Overdo It)
Using specific and powerful words makes each sentence more impactful and eliminates the need for repetition or vague expressions.
Replace:
- “a lot of problems” → “systemic issues”
- “very important” → “crucial”
- “things” → “factors,” “issues,” “elements”
But be careful: using sophisticated words without understanding them can make your writing unclear or artificial.
✅ Tip: Build a vocabulary list with useful, academic-level synonyms you truly understand and can apply.
5. Avoid “Padding” Your Paragraphs
Some students add unnecessary phrases to make paragraphs look longer. Evaluators notice this quickly.
Padding Examples:
- “In today’s modern world of society…”
- “It can be said that one might think that…”
- “This is a topic of much discussion nowadays…”
Replace with:
- Clear statements
- Strong topic sentences
- Evidence, data, or examples
- Logical reasoning
Better Paragraph Example:
One major challenge in public education is inequality. Students in rural areas often lack access to resources like libraries and qualified teachers, which puts them at a disadvantage compared to urban students. Addressing this gap is essential for educational justice.
Clear. Concise. No filler.
6. Use Examples, Not Repetition
When you’re stuck on what to write, don’t repeat yourself—give an example instead.
Repetitive:
“Education is very important because it helps people. It is very important for society. And it is important for the country.”
Improved with Example:
“Education empowers individuals to make informed decisions. For example, countries with higher literacy rates tend to have stronger democracies and better public health outcomes.”
Examples show depth. Repetition shows lack of ideas.
7. Write with Intent, Then Revise with a Critical Eye
After finishing your essay, always take time to revise critically.
Look For:
- Sentences that say the same thing twice
- Overused phrases like “as already stated” or “in conclusion” used too early
- Weak transitions or redundant connectors
Cut ruthlessly: If a sentence doesn’t help your argument, it doesn’t belong in the final draft.
8. Practice With Word Limits, Not Word Goals
Instead of trying to reach a word count, try writing within one. Set a limit (e.g., 300 words) and aim to make every word count.
This forces you to choose your best arguments and express them clearly. Later, if you need to expand, you’ll do it with quality content—not fluff.
Final Thought: Write to Express, Not Impress
Good writing doesn’t come from saying a lot—it comes from saying something that matters. When you plan ahead, write with precision, and eliminate filler, your essays become powerful, direct, and persuasive. That’s what evaluators want—and what makes you stand out.
