Word limits in the Writing Test.

Today's best IELTS information is about how many words to write in the IELTS Writing Test.

I am frequesntly asked about IELTS Writing Test word limits.  OK, for Task 1, the test says to write AT LEAST 150 words and for Task 2, AT LEAST 250 words.  The crucial words are 'at least'; if you write less than 150 words / 250 words, you will be penalised.  But what about an upper word limit?  The test doesn't specity one.

As a teacher, I usually advise my students to write between 150 and 170 words for Task 1, certainly not more than 180 words.  Why not?  Well, you don't need to; you can use your time better; constructing a good answer, checking grammar and vocabulary etc.  This point also applies to Task 2, where I advise students to write between 250 and 280 words; certainly not more than 300.

 

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Here’s to the best IELTS score possible!

 

Alanna