How Many Words Should I Write in the IELTS Exam?

One of the most common questions IELTS candidates ask is: “How many words should I write in the IELTS Writing test?” Writing too little can reduce your score, while writing too much can waste valuable time and increase mistakes. Understanding the ideal word count for IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2 is essential for effective time management and achieving a higher band score.

In this guide, we explain the recommended word limits, what happens if you write fewer or more words, and practical tips to manage word count effectively in the IELTS exam.

Overview of the IELTS Writing Test

The IELTS Writing, for both Academic and General Training, consists of two tasks that must be completed in 60 minutes:

• IELTS Writing task 1
• IELTS Writing task 2

Although both tasks are important, Task 2 carries more weight, accounting for two-thirds of your total Writing score. This makes managing time and word count especially crucial.

IELTS Writing Task 1: Word Count Explained

General Training Task 1

In the IELTS General Writing Task 1, you are required to write a letter based on a given situation. The letter may be:

• Formal
• Semi-formal 
• Informal

You must write at least 150 words.

IELTS General Training Writing Task 1

The General Writing Task 1 of the IELTS tests the candidate’s ability to write in an every day, functional manner. The question types include:

• IELTS General Writing Task 1: Sample Formal Letters
• IELTS General Writing Task 1: Sample Semi-Formal Letters
• IELTS General Writing Task 1: Informal Letters

Academic Task 1

In the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you need to write a report describing visual information. This may include:

• IELTS table chart
• IELTS bar chart
• IELTS Writing Task 1 - Line graph
• IELTS pie charts tips and strategies
• IELTS Map Diagram
• IELTS Process diagram

Here again, the minimum word requirement is 150 words.

Recommended Word Count for Task 1

While 150 words is the minimum, writing exactly 150 words is risky. A safer range is:

170–190 words

This allows you to fully address the task without unnecessary detail or repetition.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Word Count Explained

IELTS Writing Task 2 is the same for both Academic and General modules, although the Academic version is often more conceptually challenging.

You are required to write an essay of at least 250 words. The essay may ask you to:

• IELTS Opinion Essay
• IELTS Agree and Disagree Essays
• IELTS Discussion Essay Topics (with or without opinion)
• IELTS Problem Solution Essays
• IELTS Advantage and Disadvantage Essays
• IELTS Direct Question Essay/ Two-Part Question Essay

You must support your ideas with explanations and examples.

Recommended Word Count for Task 2

Again, it is best to write slightly more than the minimum requirement:

270–290 words

This range helps demonstrate strong task response without risking time loss or grammatical errors.

What Happens If You Write Less Than the Required Word Count?

If you write fewer than 150 words in Task 1 or fewer than 250 words in Task 2, you will lose marks under Task Achievement / Task Response.

Even if your language is accurate, failing to meet the word count means:

• Your ideas may be underdeveloped
• The task may be considered incomplete

This can significantly lower your overall Writing band score.

Does Writing More Words Help You Get a Better Score?

No. Writing more than necessary does not improve your IELTS score.

Here’s why:

1. Limited Time
   You have only 60 minutes. Spending too long on one task reduces time for the other.
2. Higher Risk of Errors
   Longer answers increase the chance of grammar, spelling, and coherence mistakes.
3. Quality Over Quantity
   IELTS examiners assess clarity, coherence, vocabulary, and grammar, not length.

A well-structured, concise answer within the recommended range scores higher than an unnecessarily long essay.

How to Make Sure You Reach the Word Limit

You won’t have time to count every word in the exam, but you can estimate effectively through practice.

• Regular writing practice helps you naturally recognize what 150 or 250 words look like
• Practising under exam conditions improves speed and accuracy
• Over time, you will instinctively write within the correct word range
• Consistency is key.

Should You Copy Words from the Question?

No. Avoid copying full sentences from the question.

• Repeated words from the prompt may not be counted toward your total
• IELTS assesses your paraphrasing ability
• Using synonyms and rephrasing improves your Lexical Resource score

You may reuse one or two key terms, but never copy entire sentences.

Tips to Manage Word Count in IELTS Writing

• Do not add unnecessary sentences just to increase length
• Spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2
• Use cohesive devices carefully and avoid repetition
• Practise writing full answers regularly
• Build vocabulary and learn synonyms for common words
• Proofread your writing to remove repeated phrases

IELTS has specific assessment criteria, and writing within the recommended word limit helps you meet them effectively.

Understanding how many words to write in the IELTS exam is a simple but powerful strategy for improving your Writing score. Aim slightly above the minimum, focus on clarity and structure, and practise regularly to develop confidence. With the right approach, managing word count becomes second nature—and one less thing to worry about on test day.

Additional Reads

• Best IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips for Achieving Band 9
• Writing Techniques for the IELTS Writing Section
• Connectors / Linking Words for Writing - Functions and Tips
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Tips, Strategies and Criteria
• 21+ Tips On How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Band Score
• Best IELTS Writing Task 2 Tips for Achieving Band 9
• 6 Great Essay Writing Secrets You Must Know to Boost Your IELTS Score!