A standard rule of thumb is that a typewritten page has 250 words. It should take at least two minutes to pronounce 250 words aloud. If you only have 20 minutes to talk, keep your paper to 10 to 12 pages. If you have time for more than that, go for it! In general, the longer the paper, the better it is. More content means more ideas covered and more references made, which increases its chances of being accepted for publication. There are people who can write very quickly; they can write one page and be done with it. For others, it may take several pages before they're finished. The usual rule of thumb is that it takes about as much time to write a long paper as it does to read one. So, if you want to write a good paper in less than a day, you'll need to pack as much information into that paper as possible. The most effective way of doing this is by using multiple sources. Rather than simply quoting the author's work, include your own analysis of his or her arguments. This will make your paper appear more comprehensive and interesting to readers. They will also appreciate being given the chance to learn more about the topic outside of what is written in the paper itself. Of course, writing over multiple days is not an excuse to put off the task forever.