Some help on the college essay format for students in English IV

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Ideas gleaned from Paul Roberts' essay How to Say Nothing in 500 Words: (NB: Can you suggest a better link for this essay?)

• Avoid obvious content: make a list of ideas that come to mind about your topic and move beyond them.
• Be specific with your topic.
• Take the prompt to heart; this path will produce genuine material.
• Take the less usual side; illuminate specific and colorful evidence.
• Show rather tell your reader.
• Get rid of obvious padding. In the student union, we might hear someone say, get rid of that "verbal ____ ____."
• Beware of euphemism, pat expressions, cliches.
• Use colorful words!
• Focus on creating strong verbs.