Your task 1 letter or report should have at least 150 words. Your task 2 essay should have at least 250 words. If you write fewer than the required number of words, you will lose marks.
Do they actually count the number of words in your answers?
Generally speaking, they do not. However, if they suspect that your essay or letter is not long enough, they will count the words. If your answer falls short by fewer than 10 words, you are unlikely to lose marks. If you repeat several words/phrases from the task rubric, the examiner may deduct those words from the count. So, try to write 270-280 words to be on the safe side.
Here are a few things you need to know about the word count.
Some words are written as one word. Examples: cannot, everybody, notwithstanding etc. However, sometimes students mistakenly write can not or not withstanding. Keep in mind that these words are still counted as one word although you wrote two words instead of one.
Hyphenated words and contractions are also counted as one word. However, if you write do not instead of don’t, it will be counted as two words.
Words written in the salutation (Dear Sir or Madam) and closing formula of General Training task 1 letters are not considered while counting the number of words.
Numbers written using numbers and symbols are counted as one word. However, if they are written in words, every one of those words is counted. For example, 20% is considered as one word whereas 20 percent is considered as two words.
Articles and prepositions are counted. Because these are small words, some test takers assume that they are not counted. That is not true.
