IELTS Writing Penalty for Being Under Words
Limited-Time Offer : Access a FREE 10-Day IELTS Study Plan!
IELTS Academic and General Training Writing test consists of two parts: task 1 and task 2. IELTS Academic Writing task 1 asks you to write a report based on the diagram given in the question. It can be a pie chart, bar graph, line graph, process or map. On the other hand, IELTS General Training Writing task 1 asks you to write a letter on the situation requesting, suggesting, explaining the details. It can be a formal, semi-formal or informal letter.
IELTS Writing task 2 is similar to both the Academic and General exam. This task asks you to write an essay that proposes a solution to the given problem, expresses your ideas and thoughts, justifies your opinions, and evaluates your points with facts or examples.
For writing task 1, you are supposed to write at least 150 words, and for Writing task 2, you are supposed to write at least 250 words. If you write less than the word count, you will be penalized.
What is the penalty for writing less than the recommended word count?
If the examiner suspects that the written words are under the recommended word count, he/she will count the words. Therefore, if words are less than the recommended word count, your band score would be negatively affected.
As a result, in Writing Task 1, try to write about 160 to 180 words, and in Writing Task 2, aim for 260 to 270 words. Do not count the number of words because it is a timed exam, and counting the words would suck most of the time. Rather, train until you get a good idea of whether you have reached the prescribed word count limit or not.
Is there any penalty for writing more than the required words?
No, there is no set upper limit for both Writing task 1 as well as task 2. However, just because you have written extra does not mean you’ll get a high score. Instead, concentrate on writing high-quality content.
What words are counted in the IELTS Writing exam?
All the words are counted, but some of them are counted as one word even though they are composed of two or more words. Let’s see some examples to understand how words are counted in the IELTS exam.
Compound Noun
A compound noun is a noun that is made up of one or more existing words.
| Example:
Play+group = playgroup = one word Motor+cycle = motorcycle = one word |
The compound noun that are written as two words
| Example:
Driving licence = two words Swimming tool = two words |
Hyphenated words
Hyphenated words are many compound words combined together by a hyphen.
| Example:
Self-respect = one word Son-in-law = one word Under-the-count = one word |
Numbers and dates
Numbers and dates in figures will always be counted as one word.
| Example:
20 = one word 31/04/2020 = one word |
Numbers and dates in words will always be counted as two/three words.
| Forty thousand = two words
September 23, 2021 = three words |
Words with symbols
Words with symbols are counted as one word.
| Example:
33% = one word |
Prepositions and articles
Each preposition is counted.
| Example:
Her house is across the street. = six words |
Other factors that can affect your score:
- You will be penalized if the examiner cannot read your handwriting.
- If your answers appear to be memorized somehow, your answers will be disqualified, and you will receive a score of zero.
- Similarly, you will lose points if you do not thoroughly answer the questions or if you stray too far off-topic.
Also check :
Explore IELTS related articles
Start Preparing for IELTS: Get Your 10-Day Study Plan Today!
Post your Comments