How long should your IELTS writing task 1 & task 2 be? Learn how the examiner counts your words and the recommended length of your IELTS essay. This page contains information about:
- IELTS Writing Word Count Rules
- Recommended Essay Length
- Word Count Warning
- How Words are Counted in IELTS writing
- IELTS have set a task of writing OVER150 words for IELTS writing task 1 and 250 for writing task 2.
- However, there is no upper word limit.
- While the under word count penalty has been removed, writing an essay that is too short will lower your score. Click here: penalty removal and short essays
- Always write over the word count as this is the best way to approach your IELTS writing.
- Aim for around 170 – 190 for writing task 1 and about 270 – 290 for writing task 2. This will mean you have developed your writing sufficiently for the higher scores in terms of words, but you must still ensure that each sentence is relevant and focused.
- Don’t write too much. Aim for quality rather than quantity. This means focus on writing excellent English and organising your information rather than writing a long essay in task 2. The also applies to your report in task 1 academic or your letter in task 1 GT.
Watch this video to learn more about how long your IELTS essay should be:
The answer is very simple = no. IELTS is look for a highly relevant, focused essay. If you try to add information that is not 100% relevant to your task, you will get a lower score.
Don’t try to add a hook to your introduction to make it interesting. You don’t get more points for interest. You get more points for being focused and concise.
You do not get a higher score for a longer essay.
- If you copy the information given by IELTS for your introduction, the examiner will not count those words. This means you might be under the word count. So, always paraphrase your introductions. This lesson shows you how to write an introduction for IELTS writing task 2 by paraphrasing.
- How to check how many words you have written – you don’t have time to count each word you have written, so you should count the lines instead. Knowing the length of your handwriting on the official writing answer sheet will help. Watch this video lesson to learn about practicing with the official writing answer sheet.
More IELTS Writing Tips & Lessons
10 Sentences to Avoid in IELTS Writing Task 2
How many Paragraphs for an IELTS Essay
How to use the Official Answer Sheet for IELTS Writing
All IELTS Writing Task 2 Lessons, Model Answers, Tips & Free Videos
Develop your IELTS skills with tips, lessons, free videos and more.
