Word Counting in IELTS Writing
There are few things that we need to learn while Word Counting in IELTS Writing. In today’s article we will discuss about such rules.
– Hyphenated words like ‘Anti-theft’ or ‘Brother-in-law’ count as one word only.
– Contractions like “we’ll” or “you’re” also count as one word.
– Articles “a” “an” and “the” are always counted towards the word limit.
– Numbers, dates and time are counted as words in writing. For example,50,000 = one word / 65 = one word / 10.30am = one word / 15.879 = one word.
– Dates are written as both words and numbers are counted in this way: 15th July = one number and one word.
– Symbols with numbers are not counted. For example, 65% = one number (the symbol “%” is not counted as a word). However, if you write “67 percent” it is counted as one word and one number.
– All prepositions, such as “in” or “at” are also counted.
– Compound nouns – are those nouns which when combined together to yield a new one is called a compound noun, which are written as one word are also counted as one word. For example, blackboard = one word.
– All words are counted, including words in brackets. For example, “The majority of energy was generated by electricity (85%).”. This sentence is counted as 9 words. The number in brackets is counted.
– Punctuation is not included in the word count.
The best approach for IELTS Writing Band 7+ strategies
The ideal task 1 essay should be between 160 and 180 words and for task 2 the essay should be between 260 and 280. This the best word for avoiding for getting any penalty for IELTS writing. If you copy the information given by IELTS for your introduction, the examiner will not count those words. This means you might be under the word count. You are being judged on your ability to paraphrase using synonyms, so try to master this skill and you will avoid copying.
Keep one thing in mind, if you memorize any model answers and use it in the essay, the examiner will know it is a memorized answer and you might get a penalty. You can repeat some words throughout the essay. You do not get a penalty for using the same word 3 or 4 times because in some cases it is difficult to find synonyms for some words.
Don’t write too little
There is actually a penalty in IELTS writing if you write under the word count. IELTS examiners have to sit and count all of your words. It is really unfortunate when a good candidate produces a great answer and only writes 248 words in part 2 and examiners have to mark them down.
Don’t write too much, more doesn’t mean high scores
You don’t get any penalty for writing too much. Although, it doesn’t necessarily mean if you write more you will get a better score. On the contrary, your chances of mistakes rise with more words. The more mistakes you make the chances of getting a low score is high, so be smart and write to the point. The IELTS examiner is looking for quality, not quantity!
Is writing paragraphs ideal for achieving IELTS Band 7+ in writing?
Paragraphs are very important for your IELTS score. There is a clear guideline that each task 2 essay must have an introduction and a conclusion. Also, it is mandatory to add a supportive paragraph.Then comes the body of the essay which must be divided either into two or three paragraphs. In total, your essay must comprise of four or five paragraphs.
Thank You 🙂
