Word limits in IELTS Writing
IELTS Writing has two tasks in 60 minutes. Task 1 asks for at least 150 words — a report on a chart, table, diagram or map in Academic, or a letter in General Training. Task 2 is an essay of at least 250 words and is worth twice as much as Task 1, so the usual advice is to spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2. The timer in the tool switches between these two lengths when you change the task.
How words are counted
- Articles, prepositions and pronouns all count — “the”, “of” and “it” are words.
- A number written in digits (2024, 15%) counts as one word.
- Hyphenated words (well-known, long-term) and contractions (it’s, don’t) count as one word.
- Words copied from the task are not credited, so always paraphrase the question.
Worked example
A Task 2 essay with an introduction of 45 words, two body paragraphs of 95 words each and a 35-word conclusion totals 270 words — comfortably above the minimum, with four paragraphs and room to check grammar in the final minutes. If the same essay had only one body paragraph, it would fall to 175 words and the argument would almost certainly be under-developed.
Making the most of your word count
- Plan before you write: one clear main idea per body paragraph, each supported with an explanation and an example.
- Keep sentences readable — around 15–22 words on average. Check this with the readability checker.
- Vary your linking words; the linking words checker shows where you repeat yourself.
- Leave two or three minutes at the end to proofread — reaching the word count is not the same as finishing.