Writing · Unit 1: Know the test
W04: 150 words, 250 words, 20 and 40 minutes
Target band 5.5 to 6
"How many words should I write?" "Is it okay to write 400 words?" "What if I write 240?" These questions come up all the time. The answers are simple, but they matter. Writing too little costs marks. Writing too much costs time and usually adds mistakes. Here's the sensible middle.
Why this matters
Under-length answers are penalised. If your Task 2 has fewer than 250 words, you're likely to lose marks in Task Response. On the other hand, very long essays don't get extra marks. They just give you more chances to make errors and less time to check.
The minimum and the sensible target
| Task | Minimum | Sensible target |
|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | 150 words | 170 to 190 words |
| Task 2 | 250 words | 270 to 300 words |
The target gives you a safety margin above the minimum, without wasting time.
Don't copy the question
Words you copy directly from the question may not count towards your total. And copying shows the examiner you can't paraphrase. Always write your introduction in your own words (W30).
How to split your 60 minutes
If you start with Task 2:
| Time | What to do |
|---|---|
| 0 to 5 min | Plan Task 2: position, two main ideas, examples |
| 5 to 35 min | Write Task 2 |
| 35 to 40 min | Check Task 2 for errors |
| 40 to 43 min | Plan Task 1: overview and key features |
| 43 to 57 min | Write Task 1 |
| 57 to 60 min | Check Task 1 |
Counting words
On the computer test, a word counter shows your total as you type. Use it, but don't stare at it.
When practising on paper at home, count how many words you usually write per line. If it's about 10, then 27 lines is about 270 words. You won't need to count every word each time.
What if you run out of time?
- If you're short on Task 1, write a clear overview and the most important details. A short complete answer is better than a long unfinished one.
- Never leave Task 2 without a conclusion, even if it's one sentence (W30).
Is longer better?
No. Look at it this way: a 280-word essay with clear ideas and few errors usually scores higher than a 400-word essay full of repetition and mistakes. Quality beats quantity.
Try it yourself
- A student writes 235 words for Task 2. What's the risk?
- A student writes 420 words for Task 2 and has no time left for Task 1. Good plan?
- What's a sensible Task 1 length?
Show the answers
1) Losing marks for being under length. 2) No. Task 1 still counts, and the extra Task 2 words don't earn extra marks. 3) About 170 to 190 words.
Honest note
Word count is a minimum requirement, not a score booster. Once you're safely over the minimum, all your energy should go into clarity, ideas and accuracy.
Your task today
Write one Task 2 essay in 40 minutes. Count your words. Then count how many minutes you had left to check.