How many words are too much in writing tasks?

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terry3218
Posts: 107
Joined: Sat Mar 28, 2015 3:34 pm

How many words are too much in writing tasks?

Post by terry3218 »

Hi, David, hope you're doing good. I just wanted to ask how many words are too much in ielts writing task 1 and 2? For instance, are 340words for task 2 essay are acceptable?

Regards
David.IELTS.Examiner
IELTS Examiner
IELTS Examiner
Posts: 1371
Joined: Tue May 05, 2015 4:34 am

Re: How many words are too much in writing tasks?

Post by David.IELTS.Examiner »

Hi Terry,
There is no upper limit on the number of words - only on the amount you can write in 20 or 40 minutes!
Don't add meaningless words just to make your report or essay longer.
I recommend that candidates aim for about 170-180 words in T1 and 280-290 words in T2.
All the best,
David
terry3218
Posts: 107
Joined: Sat Mar 28, 2015 3:34 pm

Re: How many words are too much in writing tasks?

Post by terry3218 »

Thanks a lot, David.
David.IELTS.Examiner
IELTS Examiner
IELTS Examiner
Posts: 1371
Joined: Tue May 05, 2015 4:34 am

Re: How many words are too much in writing tasks?

Post by David.IELTS.Examiner »

Of course, every examiner will tell you that they LOVE essays with zero words! Literally 'money for nothing' as we still get paid for them!
terry3218
Posts: 107
Joined: Sat Mar 28, 2015 3:34 pm

Re: How many words are too much in writing tasks?

Post by terry3218 »

Sounds right :D
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