“Under the word count” penalty update for IELTS Writing Task 2
As you see on the page below, previously you would have a fixed penalty of band score 5 for Task Response in IELTS writing task 2 if you wrote under the word count which is 250 words. This rule has now been removed.
Does this mean you can now write under the word count?
The answer to this is yes and no. Let me explain. It is possible to write under the word count and you will get no fixed penalty. But will it impact your score?
Writing a short essay which is under 250 words will definitely impact your score and not in a good way. The requirements of good band score are that you develop your ideas sufficiently. This means you must have enough words to develop your main points. A short essay doesn’t do this. Take a look below at the requirements of Task Response regarding this:
- Band 5 = ideas are limited and not sufficiently developed
- Band 6 = ideas might be inadequately developed
- Band 7 = extends main ideas
- Band 8 = presents well-developed response with extended ideas
- Band 9 = fully extended ideas
As you see, developing and extending your main points is crucial to increase your score. You cannot develop your ideas properly if your body paragraphs are too short. Certainly, a long paragraph is no guarantee of a well-developed idea, but a short paragraph will ensure it is not developed enough. So, you need two things: 1) body paragraphs that are long enough to be considered developed. 2) body paragraphs containing sentences that are focused and relevant. Basically, the right length and focused.
What word limits do you recommend for paragraphs?
- Your introduction is a functional paragraph of just two statements usually about 40-50 words.
- Each body paragraph MUST be sufficiently developed for a high score. If you have two body paragraphs, it’ll be about 95 words per paragraph and about 65 words for three body paragraphs. Having less might put you at risk of not having sufficiently developed main points.
- The conclusion is also a functional paragraph of about 30-40 words.
In total, your essay should be around 270 – 290 words in length. If you write less, your ideas might not be developed enough for a high score. If you write more, your ideas might lack focus and sentences might lack relevancy. See my model essays on this page: IELTS Writing Task 2 Lessons & Tips
Word count Rules Previously Used by IELTS Before
There used to be a fixed penalty in IELTS writing if you wrote under the word count which is 150 words for writing task 1 and 250 words for writing task 2. You would automatically get only band 5 in Task Response which counts for 25% of your marks.
Other things affecting your score
- Your handwriting – if the examiner has problems reading your handwriting, your band score can be seriously affected.
- Memorised answer – if your essay answer is memorised, it will not be accepted and could result in a 0 band score.
- Limited answer – if you fail to answer the whole question and only answer half of it, you will not get above band score 5 in task response.
Is there a penalty for writing too much?
No, there is no upper limit. However, writing too many words does not mean you will get a better mark. In fact, it might cause problems. It might include sentences that are less relevant and less focused. People often like to add “padding” to their essays but this only lowers your score. See this page: How Many Words is Recommended for Writing Task 2
Recommended
For more answers to questions about IELTS writing task 2, follow the link.
is it considered as a penalty to make 5 paragraphs (with 180 words) in task 1 writing?
There is no set number of paragraphs. Most writing task 1 reports (for the Academic test), will require an introduction, an overview and two body paragraphs. However, occasionally, you might have three body paragraphs (although this is not common). Having four body paragraphs would mostly likely be an error in judgement and shouldn’t happen.
Hello Liz,
You’ve written that the word count penalty for writing tasks has been removed. However, I couldn’t find any authentic sources stating this rule. Could you please cite the authentic source to be fully assured. Thank you.
The penalty was never published or acknowledged publicly by IELTS. It was insider knowledge known only to people who had completed the IELTS examiner training. Regardless of the penalty, the advice has never changed – write more than 150 words for task 1 and more than 250 words for task 2.
That the penalty no longer exists to automatically give you a fixed low score for Task Response, a low word count under the minimal advised limit will have a negative impact on your score anyway. So, in essence, it makes little difference if there is a penalty or not – a low word count must be avoided for you want a high score.
Hi Liz! I took my preparation following your youtube channel. I’ve a question about the writing section. In task-1, there was a line graph and I couldn’t write anything about one of the four lines beacuse I ran out of time. However, I mentioned the key features which include all four lines in the overview section. I’m not sure if I wrote a total of 150 words, but there’s a high chance that I did so. Now I’m very concerned if I can score at least 6.5 in the writing section. Please share your comment on this, I’m actually quite shocked that this happened to me.
This will lower your score for Task Achievement in Task 1, which counts for 25% of your task 1 marks. But the other criteria in task 1 will not be affected at all. Also, your task 2 scores, which count for 66% of your final writing score, will not be affected. Your final score for task 1 will depend on how strong your other marking criteria were and your final score overall will depend on task 2 as well. Therefore, it is not possible to predict your final score. Try not to worry. Good luck with your results!
hi liz., i took my ielts a couple weeks ago.,.i wrote below 150 words and below 250 words in writing.,.what is my possible score?
You will be marked down for not develop ideas in task 2 and probably for missing key features in task 1. You final score will depend on how well you did in other marking criteria.
Hello Liz! Hope you are well.
I had my IELTS exam today. I’m quite unsure about the writing section as I didn’t get enough time to revise it. I’m worried about the word count. I wrote 159 words in task 1 and 260 words in task 2. Will that have a bad impact on my score?
Another thing is I couldn’t give more than two examples in task 2. Is it possible to get a band 7?
There is no longer a penalty for being under words in IELT writing. In writing task 1, some reports are not very long and some are slightly longer. So, it might be possible for a task 1 to be 159 and still fulfil the criteria of the higher band scores. For task 2, your main points need to be well developed. This isn’t easy with under 270 words. However, it really depends on the quality of your writing overall. There is no rule about giving examples in IELTS writing. It makes no difference if you give one or three or even just some basic illustrative points instead.
Hi Liz,
Jus now I have finished my IELTS exam and suddenly I got a doubt regarding my writing task 1 overview. So I just want know if any case my writing task 1 overview incorrect would it be effect for my whole task 1 marks?
Task Achievement is 25% of your marks for task 1. This criterion is about completing the task, as well as presenting and selecting information. So, the content of your overview would affect only this marking criterion, not the other three criteria.
Hi! If I couldn’t just conclude my essay in task 2 does it mean I will fail the whole IELTS exam?
Task Response, which includes writing a conclusion and completing your task, only counts for 25% of your final writing task 2 marks. So, failing to write a conclusion will only impact that score.
hello mam, i want to ask i gave IELTS exam 2nd time. in my first attempt I got 7 overall and 6.5 in reading. so in this test i attempted the IELTS writing module with almost same effort and same word count for both tasks as i did in last one. please tell me would i be able to get 6.5 in writing this time as well? i actually attempted again because i scored 5.5 in reading last time but this time my reading was perfect. just worried about writing module. if i couldn’t score 6.5 in writing i won’t be able to get scholarship. please share your views.
Each essay you write is different. You use different words, present different ideas, having different supporting points etc etc etc. So, there is no guarantee of the same score at all. If your level of English is on the border between 6 and 7, it means that with some essays you might end up with band 6, in others you might get 6.5 and in some band 7. All because your English and because of Task Response as well as Coherence and Cohesion. Here is a link to all my free lessons, tips and model essays for writing task 2 and task 1:
https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/
https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/
Don’t ignore task 1, 33% of your marks can be the difference between band 6 or 6.5 or 7.
I also have paid advanced lessons and e-books in my store: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/
Hello Liz, What is a memorized answer?
It is an answer where you have memorised all the words so that you can repeat those words in the test. Of course, we learn language to use, but that isn’t the same as memorising a whole sentence or a whole paragraph. Each sentence should be uniquely created by yourself in the test.
Hello ma’am, I wrote my exam on the 3rd of June. My question was “The values we learn from our parents and family have greater influence on our future success than knowledge and skills we learn at school. To what extent do you agree or disagree. I agreed on the two ideas but I didn’t use the word ‘I totally agree’ and I didn’t extend my ideas properly. My idea was that knowledge and skills will help us secure good jobs while the values will instill morals in us so we behave in an appropriate manner in the society. The time was flying and I couldn’t even proofread what I have written to correct any mistake. Will I be able to get a band 6.5 ma?
It’s a good thing you didn’t write “I totally agree” because the ideas you’ve presented are not in total agreement with the statement. In fact, you are not in agreement with the statement. You have written what I call a specific view point. You’ve taken the concept of “future success” and divided it into “career success” which does require education, and then our morals, which often come from family values.
The key questions are – were your points introduced sufficiently? Did you explain why “morals” are important for success (because this essay is all about future success”? Did you divide ideas into relevant paragraphs? Did you use linking words? Not being able to proofread is a problem because mistakes do lower your score.
It isn’t possible to predict scores without seeing a full essay. You will have to wait to see what results you get. As you only need 6.5, hopefully it will be ok. But remember that task 1 is also part of your final score for writing.
Anyway, I wish you lots of luck!!
Hi Liz,
In the 5th paragraph on the website https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-penalty-for-writing-under-word-count/ please correct the typo. The word ‘too’ has been used, instead of ‘two’.
Well spotted. Thanks
Hi mam,
Today I wrote my ielts exam.In writing task 2 I performed well, but coming to task 1 I have no time and I wrote introduction, overview and body paragraph of maps with 100 words. Do I have Chace of getting 6 mam?
As there is no longer a penalty for being under words, you will have a chance. But it will depend on the level of your writing in both tasks. Good luck!
Hi, I heard that IELTS abolished the under word count penalty rule and that it’s ok to go under 250 words for an essay etc… could you clarify this?
Many thanks
The reason I’ve left this page is because while IELTS do not have a fixed penalty for being under words, you will lose points because you fail to sufficiently develop your ideas. If your aim is around band 5 or 6, it isn’t such a big problem. But if you are aiming for band 7, you ought to be aiming for 270-290words in task 2. Previously, you would get an instant band 5 for Task Response (25% of your marks for task 2) if you wrote under the word count. But now if you don’t develop your ideas enough by writing enough, you will simply not meet the requirements of a band 7 in this criterion. So, you see, it isn’t about fixed punishment anymore. It’s about whether you fulfill the band score requirements for task response. Basically, word count is still important. Hope you understand.
Hi,
First of all I want to thank you for your precious advices.
I just took the IELTS and in the writing task 2 I didn’t manage my time well and and ended up writing 248 words only. I would like to know if that will have an impact on my band score.
Thanks in advance for your answer.
It’s fine to write only that number of words for task 2. There won’t be any penalty. However, the problem comes if you didn’t expand your main ideas enough. To illustrate:
Band 6 for TR = main ideas are not sufficiently developed
Band 7 for TR = main ideas are extended
But remember, that’s only the score for TR, not for the whole task 2 score. Good luck with your results 🙂
Thanks for the quick response and hopefully I will get the band score I need.
Hi Liz.
I have a question, do you have vip courses? Or any paid course?
Yes, you can find some advanced lessons and e-books here: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/
Hi Liz,
thank you very much for all the information.
by mistake I started writing task 2 from the back page of answer sheet am really upset from yesterday kindly tell me will I lose band and marks by this mistake?
That’s an interesting question. There are no rules about this. The examiner should notice that you’ve started on the wrong side in which case it won’t affect your score at all. However, you ought to speak to your test centre directly about it. Get in touch with them. Good luck with your results!!
Hello!
I had just taken my IELTS exam and the writing section went pretty well for the most part. Almost every marking requirement was met in terms of grammar, structure, and usage of vast vocabulary. I have also met and surpassed the word limit. Unfortunately, as I was wrapping up Task 2, I decided to add one last sentence to tie it all together and time was up just before I could finish the sentence with approximately 3 keywords remaining in the conclusion section. I was wondering how badly this could affect my score? Thank you so much for your time in advance.
The most important thing is that you have a conclusion. Even though you didn’t finish it, there is a conclusion. If you had missed the conclusion completely, you would have scored 5 in Task Response which is 25% of your marks. But this isn’t the case. Sure, not finishing a sentence will affect your score, but not with a serious impact. Your score will depend on many factors and can’t be predicted. Lots of luck with your results !!
Hi Liz, I find difficult not to write less than 150 words in diagram mocks. As these diagrams practically speak for themselves, for instance, showing clearly how electricity is produced or how rain water is collected, I can’t reach the required length for my description. I do not know if I should invent something, like, for example, how many minutes each process involves –considering that it is not given–, or describe processes that are not explained in the diagram –for example, the way in which water is turned into steam–, or if I should try to expand expressions, like using “in order to” instead of “to”, just to gain words. I feel really frustrated, because I think that these people are trying to make things more complicated, forcing me to explain in too many words a process that is clearly detailed in just a few sentences.
I like the other task 1 exercises, but if I had to design a test I would eliminate the diagram type of exercises. Not that anyone cares lol.
Never invent anything for the diagram. You can’t add your opinion, your ideas, your predictions, your knowledge – nothing extra. Take each stage at a time, describe it in full and then link it to the next. Step by step through all the diagrams. For the overview, summarise all key stages in one statement. If you do this properly, you’ll reach the word count. Even if you only reach about 140, it’s still ok. Diagrams are tricky that way. But with practice at going slowly through the stages for the body paragraphs, you will get there 🙂
hey liz i’m inspired by your videos. I had a query about writing task. I repeat atleast one word like 6-7 times and always i see it after completing the entire task. Can you tell me how will it affect my score? and how can i improve this? also is it ok not to paraphrase the terms given in the process diagram, like can i copy the exact words from the process diagram?
It is normal to repeat words. Not all words can be paraphrased. If a word can be successfully paraphrased you should show your paraphrasing skills. The terms given in a diagram should be used – the key is using them correctly.
Dear Liz,
Do we have to leave a line space after every paragraph? I think i got low marks for writing because of that. Please advise.
The empty line is to help the examiner see the paragraph more easily – it is not a requirement. If your paragraphs are indented and easy to see, it’s fine. That is unlikely to be the cause of your low score. Review your understand of the marking criteria and check your technique.
Hi Liz, will I be penalized if I write more than 200words in task 1
Band 5 Task Achievement – may give too much detail. You need to avoid that. Don’t get lost in detail – your aim is to focus on key features in a concise report.
Hey Eliza, I have a question that… in the words count do the preposition like a, an, the… and the numeric data and values …which are mostly used in any writing counts or not?
All words are counted – the length of the word does not matter.
Hi Liz . Do you think you should write a book for writing task 1 🤐 Your books that have already realised are so crucial for IELTS candidates .
I plan to create Advanced Video Lessons for Writing Task 1 when my health is better. Unfortunately, I’ve been sick for a long time which has limited the work I can do. Keep your fingers crossed for me – the sooner I get better, the sooner I can make the video lessons.
Hi Liza, thank you for useful infomation. I ask a question about the writing test. If I foget the source of cited articles in my essey, can I tell a lie such as writing “according to the United Nations”, not writing honestly “according to a reputable source” in order to make my argument stronger? Thanks,
You should not be stating any source of information or data in an IELTS essay. This is not a university essay. It is a language test. The examiner has no interest at all where your examples or information come from. You do not get a higher score because your argument is more convincing. You get a higher score for relevancy and well explained ideas. Make sure you pay attention to the things that really matter in IELTS and don’t waste your time with thinks that don’t improve your score.
Hey Liz,
I took my CBT ielts academic today and I think I have done horrible in Reading and writing by
1. Leaving two questions unanswered in reading
2. Writing only around 200 words in task 2
Listening and speaking , I am confident of scoring more than 8
Can you please let me know how point no 1 & 2 will affect my score ?
1. Each answer is worth one point. That means you do not gain two points. See the band score information on this site if you need the point system.
2. In task 2, one of the marking criterion called Task Response is about developing your ideas. You will get a lower score for that. Nothing else is affected.
Thanks a ton for your reply
I will keep that in mind if rewriting !
Will keep you posted about score once I have it to benefit the many test takers who might incur this doubt
Hi! Same situation. What did you score?
I would like to know what did you score in writing as I had a test today and I think I wrote around 200words in task 2
Hi Liz! I just sat for the IELTS exam and had severely mismanaged my time. This resulted in me writing less than I had expected (151 for Task 1 and 258 for Task 2). How badly would this affect my band score, and if it does, what are the odds of me scoring at least a 7.5 with this omission?
Thanks, love your youtube videos, it’s a shame I discovered them too late!
It will have an impact on your score for Task Response which is 25% of your writing task 2 marks. For task 1 is has less impact as not all reports need to be extended. However, for task 2 essays, you are being marked on developing ideas sufficiently and 258 words is not much. It is absolutely not possible to predict your score. There are many other variables to consider. Good luck with your results 🙂
Hi dear Liz
I hope you are great.
I have a question about copying 80-90% of sentences of a sample letter (in writing task1 of GT) and writing them for a roughly same question in real exam ,but with a slight change in some words or sentences in order to suit the question.
How examiner recognize that this is a copy? As maybe I have copied them from a sample which is not seen or read by examiner before.
The examiner will recognise it is a copy because the memorised parts will be band 9 and the parts you put in will be band 6 or 7. Do not memorise sentences. It is a test and you can’t cheat.
Hi, Liz.
I am planning to take an academic IELTS test. Regarding the word count, will IELTS count word tokens or word types? Thanks
Each word is counted. All words are counted – there are no exceptions. “A man walked into a house” = 6 words.
Hello there!
Dear Liz, Could you please tell me if mistakenly we tend to write off the topic, Are the words included in our Essay that are off the topic are counted or not?
ALL words are counted. There is no exception. If your ideas go off topic, it will only affect your score for Task Achievement/ Task Response.
Mam I, m very frustrated towards IELTS And It’s preparation I , m preparing it from one year (from may 2018 to 2019) I gave exam in Jan 12th but I got 5.5 in writing as well in speaking. I join many schools but they real not know how to teach please help me. Mam if you have a skype or Facebook account can I contact you, I also use cambly if you are on family let me know and other than this what I do to improve my writing and speaking from 5.5 to 6.5 and more please answer this. I, m waiting your answer in a hurry. Thanks regards gurkirat
Sorry, I don’t offer private lessons. There are over 300 pages of free lessons and tips on this site for you to use. However, I suspect you will need to improve your level of English first.
Hello liz.. i think i had misused one word in my essay writing test. How would it affect my score in task 2? One word only 😭😭😭 and i cannot sleep thinking about it. I doubted the word but i still used it 😓, when I checked the meaning at home, it was completely different, it wasn’t the meaning i’d expected. 😭😭😭
Vocabulary is only 25% of your marks and the score is based on more than just one incorrect word. It is about paraphrasing, using of collocations, spelling, range, accuracy etc. Time to stop worrying and relax – it’s all over now. Wait for your results.
Ohhh.. what a relief ☺️ Thanks so much liz.. may God bless you always..
Hi Liz, I finished my IELTS exam today and I’m so worried too. I forgot to separate the paragraphs and it was too late when I realized as I panicked and spent too much time in task 1. So it may seem that I only did one paragraph for task 2 although my ideas were organized in order. How will that affect my score Liz? I cannot get over it. I’m crying awhile ago. 😭😭😭
Try to relax. Were your paragraphs impossible to see? You do not have to leave an empty line – it is a recommendation. If the examiner can see the paragraphs, it’s fine. If the paragraphs are not clear at all and it really looks like one single paragraph, you will be given band 5 in Coherence & Cohesion – but that is only 25% of your writing task 2 marks. So, it see how it impacts your score, you must wait for your results. Try to forget about it for now – get some rest 🙂
Thank you Liz. I just feel like I could have done better. Coherence and cohesion is the organisation of your thoughts and ideas isn’t it? So if it’s organized, although the paragraphs isn’t clear, does the IELTS checker still mark it 5? Thanks for making me feel relieved. To be honest I practiced alot in writing, however, it’s indeed true, in althe actual exam, the time pressure will really make one abit uneasy. Praying for my results. Godbless you Liz.
hi Myreen. I am interested in your result. What is your score?
Hi Liz,
I recently took my IELTS exam. I’m worried about my Writing because I have only written 152 words for task 1, because I consumed most of the time writing for task 2 which is around 320 words. Will I get a bad score because of my task 1?
IT is still possible to do well with only 152 words in task 1. However, it will depend on the task given and the information presented.
Hi Liz.
I’m gonna have a test in 3 days. Is it possible to just cross out the mistaken words in writing? And not to erase them?
Of course, it’s fine. You can correct your writing as you want. As long as the writing is easy to read and understand, it’s fine. See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/
Hi Liz, I took my IELTS test a week ago. I didn’t get enough time for the writing test so I couldn’t conclude my task 1 and couldn’t count the number of words, so I’m worried if I’m under word count. But I have described the given table well (except the conclusion) and done a satisfactory job on task 2, grammar, paraphrasing and all. Will my score be too low because of this?
It is a shame that you didn’t learn from my free lessons and videos. There is no conclusion in task 1. There is an overview in task 1 and it is the most important paragraph. Without an overview in task 1 your score for TA (25% of your task 1 marks) will be stuck at band 5. For this reason, I teach people to write their overview after the introduction so that it is the paragraph to focus on.
hi Liz, do you think i can get band 6 if i didn’t finish and didn’t write a conclusion in task 2?
There are four marking criteria for task 2. On one criterion (Task Response) you will automatically get band 5 because you missed the conclusion. This is why I made a free video about the importance of writing the conclusion. However, your score for the other marking criteria will not be affected. It isn’t possible to estimate your score – your score will depend on the other three criteria and on task 1.
Hello Ma’am!
My name is Abdur Rehman, and I have just given my IELTS exam. My question from you is that I have written Full word instead of One option (A, B, C) in IELTS listening, so can I get marks for that?
If you are asked to write a letter, then it is wrong to write a word.
Hi Liz,
It’s so useful your page . Thank you so much .
Could you please advise me for improving my listening . Getting around 20-22 scores only . Getting nervous. I am afraid of this task. Other 3 tasks I don’t have tension .Please help me .
Click on the RED BAR at the top of the website for the IELTS Listening free lessons.
Hey Liz, just came back from my ielts. I have a very important question. I took computer-delivered test and in the writing task 1 section forgot to remove the plan of the essay( I had my draft on top of the text box, so I can follow it) the plan was written in abbreviation and spelling mistakes. Then after the plan I wrote the actual essay, and I didn’t have a chance to correct one mistake, that affected other words and meaning of the last sentence, also i might have written less that 150 words. All of this happened because I didnt organize my time properly. What will be the score in this case. Please advise. Thank you
You should have highlighted this to the invigilator at the end of your test. I can’t advise you about this. If you are still worried, call your test centre and talk to them.
Hi Liz,
Thanks a lot for your great advanced lessons. I have purchased them and been trying to follow up your rules.
However, I am facing with a big problem that I can not overcome. Despite writing in required time, the word counts of my essay are always more than 350 words. The writing off-topic is not the case here, but the lengths of my sentences which is at least 20-25 words in every single of them.
Take both body paragraphs have 6 sentences in each (2 thesis statements+4 supportive points). Then the essay will be formed with about 15-16 sentences which means 350-400 words overall for my writing.
Would this kind of writing impact my score adversely so I should make my sentences more concise, or it would be enough to get 7 or 7,5 in case I meet the requirements of this band score.
Thanks a lot for your advice in advance.
The body paragraph as I taught has the first sentence which contains the main point. You do NOT have two thesis statement in a body paragraph. After one sentence with the main point, there will be 2 or 3 sentences which explain in more detail. You plan which points to put in. You do not put in all points you think of – you select and choose. This means you control which ideas you use and which ideas you don’t use. Try writing again following guidelines.
Thanks a lot for your valuable answer. While writing two thesis statement in a paragraph I meant two ideas, such as “Firstly….+2 supporting sentences and Secondly…+2 supporting sentences” in the advantages paragraph, for example, and the same structure for the disadvantages paragraph.
Is it acceptable to write very long sentences in IELTS essay (around 20-30 words)? While I try to rewrite it, I can only eliminate one supportive sentence, but not the shortening of the sentences’ length.
Thanks a lot
Lets continue this by email: ieltsliz789@gmail.com. Send me an email and we’ll talk.
Hi liz..you seemed to be very helpful to me through all my ielts learning…i appreciate you..
i just appeared my ielts exam yesterday…but while writing essay in writing section i found that i had written only 254 while counting each words one by one ..but it can be seen only 242 while counting according to line wise..i need your suggestion on its impact in my score band..it would be a great help for me..
The examiner will count each individual word.
Thank you so much miss liz…😍😍
Hello Liz. Yesterday I Took The IELTS Exam For Academic And I Wrote About 145-147 Words For Task 1 And Around 247 Words For Task 2. Will I be penalized for this?
IELTS usually allow you about 10 words under the limit before the penalty kicks in. You should be fine.
Hi Liz,
Hope you are doing good. I am disappointed with my first attempt with General Training – Task 1 IELTS exam which ended with 140 – 145 words due to improper time management by myself.
My questions to you, please :
1. Will there be a huge penalty, if there are 145 words for Task 1 (Letter).
2. Is the penalty counted per word. I mean a letter with 145 words will suffer a higher penalty than a letter with 140 words .
Thanks in advance,
Priyanka
IELTS allow for about 10 words under the limit before the penalty kicks in. However, being under by 10 words means you haven’t extended your ideas very much which will have an impact.
Dear Liz,
I hope you are doing good. How is your health now?
I wanted to know does word count for letter writing include salutation (Dear….,)
,signing off ( Your sincerely) and the name or only the body of the letter is counted.
I have taken IELTS once with a score of L:8, R:7 ,W:6,S:8. In the feedback for general writing its mentioned that : conclusion(s) of letter are unclear, some details are wrong and irrelevant. I wanted to know how to determine whether the detail which is being given
is a relevant one or not. I was wondering whats conclusion(S) in a letter is and what’s the parameter to know its clarity.
I would also like thank you for your wonderful subscription videos ! I wish there something for like that for general writing too.
Yes, the word count includes each and every word you write on the lines of the answer sheet. I have no idea what you mean about your feedback for your writing task 1 and “conclusion(s) in a letter”. There is no such thing as a conclusion in a letter and that is part of no IELTS band descriptors. Who gave you this feedback? My Advanced writing task 2 lessons are for both GT and Academic essays. I hope to put together an e-book for GT letter writing but it won’t be until next year.
Hello Liz, Is it necessary to write the “word count” at the end of essay in writing task 2?
No. The examiner will count.
hi Liz
I find your material really helpful, however i am having an issue with describing complex diagrams, any help on that?
Check the model answers on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/
I missed writing the last word of my writing task2…I finished my writing task1 well and almost finished my task2. How much will I be penalized for it?
It won’t have any impact on Task Response which is 25% of your marks. In fact, it will have little impact on your score overall. As long as your conclusion was started and was almost complete, it’s fine.
Hi Liz, I took my IELTS academic test yesterday. I’ve been following your tips and I have also watched almost every video that you’ve posted. For me the writing was the most difficult part because I didn’t have enough time. Despite that, I finished both tasks but I feel like I could’ve done that part so much better. The rest was fine. I hope I get the results I want to get. Wish me luck!
Fingers crossed 🙂
Liz,
I recently completed my writing test and am very apprehensive about a mistake done.
I think I did reach the word count limit for the second essay, but didnt finish the final line in conclusion part. There was about 4 words left to complete that sentence but the time had completed by then. Will this be penalized?
Please let me know what you think.
There is only one essay in IELTS writing. So, I presume you are talking about task 2 because task 1 is a report, not an essay. As long as you have a conclusion, it’s fine. Just 4 missing words will only affect your score for task response in a minimal way.
Thank you so very much for the response. Yes I was talking about task 2.
Now is the hardest part of this whole endeavor. The wait for results.
In my Writing Test. I wrote extra time 1 second, 2 words after completion of time.The examiner forced me to sign a “Ielts Warning Letter”, which was a folded paper and I was able to see only My Name,Candidate Id, Signature boxes in that page.I don’t know what was inside that letter. Is this effect my score?
What will be in that letter?
You should contact your local test center and ask them about this. IELTS is an international test with strict policies and very strict time control. Phone them and ask them about the letter and the consequences for you.
hoping your result will be withheld .
please update it you got any response.
I have a problem i forgot to put the introduction and conclussion on an essay, how many points do u lose?
It does not work on a points system. It will serious affect your score. You need to think carefully about why you failed to do the most basic aspect of an essay, which is to prepare paragraphs and plan your organisation.
Hey Liz,
I just came back from exam. I am little worried that,
In the task 2 , I’ve been asked essay of to what extent do you agree/disagree?
In the intro, after paraphrasing I ve said that “I agree to a large extent….”and wrote 2 bodies that gives reason for my agreement and wrote conclusion..so is it good?
Bcoz I’ve seen that I’ve to write 3 body ..in which 2 for agree and 1 for disagree…bcoz I answered I agree to a large extent.
So will it be okay or not? And if not then how much it will effect on my score?? Will I be able to get at least 5.5 or 6!!
There are NO rules about how many paragraphs to have. It is fine to have only two. The most important thing is that your opinion is VERY clear and that your body paragraphs FULLY explain your opinion.
Thanks for prompt reply.
Yes, I’ve stated reason with detailed explanation and example.
So will it be okay if I wrote ‘ I agree to a large extent’ instead of ‘i strongly agree’ in intro??
With the 2 paragraph showing reason behind my agreement.
Of course it’s fine. I don’t understand why you doubt this. It is a clear opinion. Your opinion shows that you do not fully agree and that there are reasons for this. Your body paragraphs will explain why you agree, but also why you do not 100% agree (you will explain your reservation).
No, you might misunderstood me. I have said that, i wrote ” I agree to a large extent” it means my opinion is not full agree… But i wrote 2 body paragraph only and both are of the reasons why i agree.. and i have not write any para that states about disagree. That is why i was asking that, will it effect on my score and if yes then how much!!
This is a problem. you have shown that you DO NOT fully agree. “I agree to a large extent” means that you agree about 80%, 90% or 95%, but NOT 100%. This is the meaning of your words. So, in your essay, you need to explain why you mostly agree, and you also need to explain why you do not fully agree. If you fail to explain why you do not fully agree, you will lose marks. It will affect your score for Task Response.
Yes i know. But i was having less amount of time in last and so had wrote conclusion directly. 🙁 What do you think how much band will be reduced because of this overall on writing?
Task Response is based on more than just your main points. You will have to wait for your results to see how it has affected them.
Oh okay thanks. Hope to get atleast more than 6 so it won’t effect my admission. Wish me luck. 🙈
Good luck!!
Hi Ma’am
I got my IELTS result today I got overall score of 6.5 ( listening 7.5, reading 6.5, writing 5.5)
I wrote task 1 following your instructions but only of 90 words and task 2 of around 230 words, although I used complex sentences with some high vocabulary words and also wrote overview and conclusion ( in task 2) . Is my band low because of word count penalty ? Please advice me , should I go for a recheck ?
Your score will have been lowered due to your lack of words. It is essential that you write OVER the word count.
Hi Liz,
I’m grateful for your help. You have a gift for teaching.
I just want to post my experience from today’s test. With regards to the writing part there is really NOT ENOUGH time. I came across a subject about to what extend should the national governments interfere with ones preference towards a study subject during the university period. I felt I had so much to say in the essay but I ended up not even writing half of what I could. I constantly went back and forth. So disappointing. Good luck to all of you guys!
Once again thank you Liz,
M
Dear Mrs. Liz,
I’m Vinay kartheek, today I gave my listening, reading and listening test. However, in writing task 2 I shared my views regarding the topic but I forgot to give relevant examples which they asked for. I’m worried about the score now. Could you please talk regarding this.
Thank you for your time
It is not required to give examples. You give examples if you want to – only when relevant.
Hello Mrs. Liz
Firstly thankyou for your response.
Secondly, in task 2 they particularly asked to mention some relevant examples or experiences. Awaiting for your response
Thanks again
Relevant examples – that means if you find them relevant. If you don’t find them relevant, you don’t give them. There are many ways to illustrate ideas. Don’t worry about it.
Thank you Mr.Liz
Mrs. Liz not Mr. Liz !
Neither actually. I am not a man and I am not married 🙂
Hello,
I wonder what would be the penalty if I wrote everything correctly, and follolowed the instructions, but I couldn’t write 250 words for Task 2. Instead I’ve written only 160.
I also wrote everything for Task 1(170 words).
Thank you!
For writing task 2, you will be given a score for TR/ CC / GR & VOC. Then the score will be reduced due to lack of words.
Ellie may I know what was your score ?
Sorry if a miss this but you didnt answer how underwriting the task would affect the final score. Is it an essencial part of the test? like if you do not complete you always score band 5 or may the penalty reduced your score 10 percent? or how does this work?
You will get a lower score if you write under the word count. That is the meaning of being “penalised”.
hallo liza haw can i count words in order to write like 150 words
Count lines instead.
Is it compulsory to state total words below essay??????
No, you do not write the word count. The examiner always counts for himself.
Hi Liz,
I got this question in writing part 2 : Some people support the developement of agriculture like factory farming and scientific creation , While other oppose.
Discuss both views;-
What I Wrote:-
1 body paragraph:- development of farming for business purpose and greenhouse farming
2nd body :- ehnacement of technology rather than farming is a better development.
I know, i am off topic in second body. How much will it effect?? Can you please analayis
I answered this question for another student called Jay on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/recent-ielts-questions-and-topics/
Hi Liz,
I had viewed most of your videos on youtube as my only aid for IELTS preparation. I was able to complete only 50% of writing task 1, I din’t have enough time to explain a few details on one category. I have written introduction, overview and the major difference, my word count is going to be definitely below 150. Could you give a ballpark figure of my score for this task?
Your score is not calculated in that way. You will need to wait for your results.
Thank you so much for replying..
Some people think that there are important things in life and they can’t be bought. This is essay topic but i wrote about natural resources. I think i wrote irrelevant. Can i score low in the writing essay task. Please guide me.
Natural resources count as important things in life.
For my exam, I have used variety of sentence structure… But I have a habit of writing long essays which would be at least 400 words. Is that a big issue?
Yes, it’s a big issue. It means your essay is not focused and highly relevant. No essay should be longer than 300 words. See my advanced lessons for training: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/
Hello Liz.I just had my Ielts exam today and on the writing test I only managed to write Task 2. I started task 1 but I didnt even finish the first sentence in the introduction and the time was up!The essay question was a bit confusing so I struggled making a decision what type of essay it is .
The topic went like this: Some people think that a country can benefit by hosting major international sport events. Other people think there are more disadvantages from hosting that event.
Discuss both sides and give your opinion and supporting arguments and examples. So Im honestly confused if it was a Discussion essay or Does advantages outweigh disadvantages. Of course it is made to confuse us .what confused me was the words advantages disadvantages and my opinion.So I made a decision to go with the outweight adv.disadv.essay and in both body paragraphs I gave examples but suported the advantages with a few arguments and explanations for each.Whats the biggest score I can get if only one of the essays is written (if I chose the right typeof essay )
hope you can give me some aproximate answer .
I think the instructions were very clear. Discuss both sides. This means you discuss both sides = a discussion essay. And give your opinion = with an opinion. So, you discuss both sides and give your opinion. It is a basic, standard discussion essay for IELTS. Writing task 1 is worth 33% and writing task 2 is worth 66% (more or less).
Hi Liz,
Thank you so much for your valuable suggestions.
I have a small doubt. Can I write IELTS GT essay/letter in alternate lines? ( to avoid erasing nearby words for correction when written in pencil )
Don’t do that. It makes paragraphs difficult to see. Write each line and then leave one empty between paragraphs. If you plan your letter or essay enough, you will have less errors to correct.
Thank you, I could perceive the wisdom in your answer!
Hi Liz
Ma’am I m really worried about my test could you please clear my mind… I did well in ielts writing task 1 but my task 2 wasn’t so good … Let me tell you what I have did … They asked that nowadays companies are using sports events to promote their product.some people think that it has wrong effect on sports. I wrote mostly about their company advertisements through sports events and I said a little about its wrong effects on sports… Could you please tell me to which extent it can effect my score???
See this page about scoring: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2-band-scores-5-to-8/
You are the best thanks for your help…
I gave my ielts exam yesterday. Listening and reading were fantastic. I think I might score 7.5-8 in these sections. In writing, task 1 was good. I’ve written more words than the word limit but however in the second task I was able to write around 180 words only. What do you think how much score will I get in writing for not completing the word limit?
For task 2, you will get a lower score if you write under 250 words. Your score can’t be predicted because it depends on the other marking criteria scores.
Okay. Thank you so much Liz!
HI how much u got for writing
Hi ,i gave my ielts test on 14th oct. i had write 210 words in task1 and 300 word in task 2 will my score reduce? For over limit
There is no upper limit. But you will be marked down for lack of focus for task 2 and adding too much detail in task 1.
Hi Liz, I gave my Ielts exam today, my task 2 was good. I completed it with more than 250 words. But I didn’t get sufficient time to complete my task 1. I might have written just 100 words. How much score should I expect?
Your score will be reduced for task 1 due to lack of words. However, the total score cannot be predicted.
Hi ,
Same thing happened with me. I wrote around 100 words in task 1. Awaiting for results. How much did you score in writing then?
Same.. Task 2 was really good but I didnt have enough time to write task 1 so I could write only 85 words.. What was your score?
Did you guys receive your results? How affected it was by the lack of words?
Hi Liz,
I have been following your blog and it is very helpful! Thank you.
I am fairly new to the IELTS test. I am planning to take IELTS General Training by mid of October 2017. The responses to IELTS questions have to be given on a paper is it? I was under the impression that our responses will be typed on a computer.
Thanks for your response.
See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-help-faq/
Mam i have written 385 word in task 2 but this is only written on only one sheet, can my score get effected due to this over writing
If you have written a long essay, it usually means it is less focused and includes unnecessary information which will lower your score. Your aim in task 2 is between 270 and 290 words.
DEAR LIZ,
The question for ielts writing task 2 was
“IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF SCHOOL TO TAKE PART IN CHARACTER FORMATION OF CHILDREN APART FROM TEACHING FORMAL SUBJECTS.”
TO WHAT EXTEND DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE TO THIS.
MADAM
my answer were mainly 2 point in 2 different body paras
my opininon- agree with this with parental collaboration
para 1- topic sentence- school is responsible because a teacher can highly influence her students character
para 2- topic sentence- parental collaboration is equally important because children try to copy parents.
my doubt is whether para 2 about parental influence is relevant.
is it relevant to question
This essay question is not about parents at all. It is only about the role of schools.
Is it 100% necessary that we should use examples in our body paragraphs?
I messed up with time and I totally forgotten about writing examples.. can it effect band?
It is not necessary to have examples. As long as you explained your points clearly, that’s enough.
Thanks so much because i was very tensed following the exam. I have explained my points clearly but the question read that give examples from own experience. So then also they won’t penalise me right ?
Hey Lokesh,
Same was the case with me. What band did you managed to get?
Hi
In my mock tests I write more than 300 words in task 2 and still manage to save some time. I think my answer is good but I get 5.5/6 only. Is it because of exceeding word count??
There is no upper word limit. But writing 30 0 words isn’t recommended. Your aim should be to produce a focused, highly relevant essay with no unnecessary information and an essay which is accurate in language. Writing 300 words means you will have made more mistakes. You should aim for between 260 and 280 more or less. See my advanced lessons if you need training: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/
hello , in task 2 wrote 200 word only ! task one was really nice , however task 2 was 70% good but I ended up with 50 words less 🙁 please tell me what do you think about it?
You will get a reduced score for being under words. However, it is not possible to predict your final writing score.
hi Abed, I did the same mistake . I wrote only 200 words . what was your score in ielts?
what is your score on writing?
so how much did u get finally on writing 2? i wrote also less than 250. Waiting for my results
Hi Liz!
I’m Felicita, from Paraguay, South America.
I have a query related to the format of the writing skill.
I took the test last week and while I was reviewing my task 1 I realized that I had made a mistake. Therefore, I corrected it, but I left some extra spaces between words.
For example:
“The most common vehicle in UK was the railway”
The reason why I mistakenly used extra spaces was because I had to erase some words and write others instead, but I had not time to use all the space of the line before the start of next sentence.
Would this affect my marks?
When my comment was posted the “extra spaces” of my examples didn’t appear.
The error was to write extra spaces between words in one sentence. I am worried that this will affect my marks.
As I said, if the examiner can read it clearly, it’s fine.
It depends if the examiner understands the full sentence. There are no set rules. If the examiner can see the problem, it’ll be fine.
Thank you for your response, Liz!
Your website is excellent and extremely useful!
Hello mam,
My test was on 6 may. In writing task 1, I mentioned only percentage but did not mention percentage of GDP. I forgot to use word GDP, will it affect my score.
It might affect your score for Task Achievement which is about presenting the right information. But there are still plenty of other things being assessed which you can still do well on in task 1.
Hey Liz,
I want to get my writing task 1 & 2 marked. What is the procedure?
Thank You
See this page to find a teacher: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-essay-correction/
Hi Liz, I just gave my ielts test. In task 2 of the writing section I only had three paragraphs. An introduction, body and conclusion. Will I get lower marks for not adding another paragraph to the body?
Yes, your marks for coherence and cohesion will be lower as you didn’t dived your main ideas into body paragraphs. Hopefully you did well in the other marking criteria. Don’t think about it for now.
Hi liz,
My husband took his ielts yesterday. He did both his task 1 and 2 really well. However, he dint have enough time and the examiner snached his paper away. So he had just written 1 sentence in his conclusion and his paper was taken away before he could finish the next sentence. How badly will this affect his band score.?
This is for task 2 btw
Luckily, you only need one sentence for a conclusion in writing task 2. Hopefully, it was a good sentence with the key points 🙂
I write out of the topic in ielts academic writing task 2.
So how many band around i get?
If there are any chances to get very low band around 3 to 4?
See this page to learn how your writing task 2 is marked: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2-band-scores-5-to-8/
Hello liz,
Is all helping verbs such as is am are was were are counted as word in Ielts writing.
ALL words are counted – big and small. All words.
hello liz,
Today I gave my ielts exam. But I had some spelling mistake in writting task 2 I wrote “vehical” instead of ”vehicle” I used this word 3 times. will my band score decrease due to this?
Spelling mistakes do count as a vocabulary mistake. But band scores are not calculated just by counting errors. You will need to wait for your results.
Hi Liz! Thanks for the resourceful website you have to guide the IELTS examination takers. I wrote my IELTS (academic) module a couple of days ago. Task 2 in writing was about whether criminals released from jail are safe to be in society or not and suitable solution for the problem. Due to lack of time, I managed to squeeze out only one sentence in conclusion. However, I wrote the sentence in a way, it summarized what I wrote in two body paragraphs of the essay and meaning complete. So writing such one sentence summary affect my scores?
A lot of teachers recommend having just one sentence for your conclusion. I personally recommend either one or two sentences. It’s completely up to you and won’t affect your score. As long as you have a conclusion and there are main points or a position summarised. Good luck with your results 🙂
What happened if count the word and write at bottom, it is good or bad ? Please tell me
It is a waste of time. It is better for you to edit grammar mistakes.
will the punctuation and numbers get count as words ?
“,” is not a word. So, no, punctuation isn’t counted as a word. Numbers are counted.
Hi Liz,
Thanks for this terrific site and it is really helpful for all the IELTS aspirants like me.
Is there anyway, I can validate my writing skills with a band score (ofcourse, for FREE)? In that way, I can learn my mistakes and improve my band.
Your earliest response would be highly appreciated !!
Sorry, but I don’t offer free marking.
No worries .. Cheers !! Plz continue your good work !!
Thanks a lot Liz .In my standpoing You are one of the best teachers throughout the world.I want to ask a question.I got 6 from writing a month ago.Can you give me suggestion to improve my writing skill.Thanks in advance.
See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/. Check the band score page which gives requirements for band scores and tips for improving.
Hello Liz,
Thanks for your very helpful website.
My question is: could you be more precise about the penalty for an under word count writing task?
Thanks in advance.
Leo
Your words are counted by the examiner. If you are under the word count you will lose a band score. How much you are penalised, depends on how many words you are under the word count. So, if your score was 7 but you were under the word count, your score will drop from that point, depending on how much you failed to achieve the word count. The most important thing to remember is to aim for between 160 and 180 words to be sure of avoiding this.
Dear Liz,
Thank you for existing 🙂
And, also I do appreciate your work.
Renctly I finish my IELTS exam, and in the Writing skill, I didn’t achive the word number for task 1.
Can you please tell me, in the best situation, If hipotheticaly, I did well for every thing else, what band score may I have?
Thank you in advance,
Kl
Your writing score is calculated with both task 1 and task 2. Your score for each is determined by 4 criteria. If you were under the word count in task 1, your score will be lowered slightly but no one can predict the final outcome. Task 1 is worth only around 33% of your total writing marks.
Ok, but what score i best possibly I can get?
No one can predict scores.
Hi liz! thank you for your terrific website, it’s really helpful.
I would to ask you one question: in writing task, abbreviations like It’s, there’s, I’m and so on are counted as 1 word or 2? thanks in advance for your response! Wish you the best
There is only one time when you can use contractions and that is GT writing task 1 informal letters to a person you know well. NEVER use contractions in writing task 2 (GT and Academic) and never use contractions in GT Writing task 1 formal letter and NEVER use contractions in all Academic writing task 1. See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/do-you-understand-how-words-are-counted-in-ielts/ and also see : https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-tips-how-words-are-counted/
Hi
I had written over 300 words in writing task 2 in ielts in British council. How much penalty for these?
There is no upper word limit. However, if you add unnecessary information you will get a lower mark. Also a longer essay means you might have made more grammar or vocab mistakes which will also lower your score.
The topic for task 1 is the problem I faced when I use local public transport . I forgot the word local . I written all about the bad services I hv received when I travelling a flight from mel to Malaysia . Izit there is going to be a serious problem ? Thx u
It might affect your score for Task Achievement which is 25% of your marks but the other three marking criteria should be fine.
I have repeated a word of household many times in Task 1..how many many marks im gonna lose because of that.
Points are not counted in that way. Your score for vocabulary will also depend on spelling, collocations, range etc.
Please reply
hi, I wrote the answer for task 1 on task 2 answer sheet and answer of task 2 on task one answer sheet. Will it effect my band score?
I can’t tell you for sure but hopefully the examiner will understand what has happened and not penalise you.
hey Liz,
i just finished my exam and made a mistake in task 1. i thought the letter was for Manager while it supposed to be for employee. could you plz tell me that i will be marked zero for task 1 or still can get marks for my good use of vocabulary, cohesion and lexical resource.
thanks
You will get a lower mark for Task Achievement which is only 25% of your task 1 marks. You can still pick up good marks for the other three criteria as well as task 2.
Hi Liz,
Your website has been very helpful to me and to other IELTS test takers as well.
Could you advise me on how to improve my writing skills? I believe it is my weakness compared to the other parts of the exam. Are there any books that you can recommend for me?
Thank you very much and keep up the good work!
Firstly, see my free tips and exercises: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/. Then think about getting my advanced lessons which explain in great depth the techniques needed for a high score: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore
Hi, Liz! Is it okay to write more than 200 words in academic task 1 of writing ? My lecturer from an IELTS review center in our country gave me a penalty for it.
There is no penalty given by IELTS for writing over the word count. However, it is not advisable to write over 200 words. You are being marked on your ability to select information, not to give it all. You must also focus on key features – don’t give too many small details. So, aim for between 160 and 180 words and keep your report focused and well selected.
Mind sharing your scores here
Hi Liz!
I just finished my exam earlier but I failed to finish my writing task 1. I only wrote the introduction (paraphrased) then in the 2nd paragraph is my overview (which i think is strong) then the 3rd paragraph was the problem because i only wrote until the first sentence. Do you think until what band score will it only be in task 1? Thank you!
You will be marked down on task 1 if you wrote under 150 words. However, task 1 is only around 33% of your writing marks, so hopefully you can still do ok.
Hey Liz!
Today I’ve given IELTS test. I wrote 65 words less in writing “Task-2”. My hand-writing is understandable, and the answer also matches with what the question has asked.
Could you please tell me how much marks could be reduced (minimum)?
I can’t say what your score will be but you will receive a penalty for being under the word count. 65 words are a lot of words to miss out. But you can still do well in task 1.
Would you mind sharing your writing scores? I am really tensed , I think even I wrote an underlength essay. But I did write well. . I spent a lot of time on task 1 and just couldn’t write more than 200 words in task 2
Hello there,
can you please update what was your band in writing after writing underlength essay?
Hi liz, today i given writting test. major issue is that i didnt wrote writing -1 because of lack of time and also unable to complete my writing task 2. So can u tell me how much score i will get.. Please tell m very worried about it
Writing task 1 is worth 30% of your marks so you will lose that if you didn’t write task 1 at all. What your final score will be, I can’t predict.
10 words under? Really? In the Cambridge exams you lose marks if you are more than 6 words under, but I was told by an examiner that in IELTS you lose marks if you are even a single word under!
So much conflicting information on the Internet 🙁 I wish IELTS would release their REAL marking criteria, instead of the paired down public one, it is really no use at all.
Hi Liz,
Thank you very much for your lessons. You are a blessing.
I am an English teacher and your lessons helped me and my friend. He achieved his goal of getting at least 6.5. I am also planning to take IELTS by the end of this year.
Well done to your friend. I’m sure you can learn a lot from him 🙂
Dear liz,
I was out of time in writing exam and missed writing word count at the end of task 1 and may be a line short in the ending paragraph how mich marks can be deducted
If you are under the word count, you will get a penalty. It will affect your score for task 1. However, how it will affect your overall writing score, I can’t say.
Dear Liz,
thank you for your lessons.
They are really useful!!!
I have two question about the writing test, I need a score of 6.5.
I think to be a good writer, but in my last test I got 5.5 because I didn’t write enough word in task 1. Is it possible that the penalty takes off 0.5/1.0 point?
The second question is: can I write my writing answers in capital letters? My hand writing it is not so clear…
Thank you
Federica
You will definitely get a lower mark for being under the word count. Yes, you can write your essay in all capital letters if you want – but it is often slower to do so.
hy i wrote my little bit personal view in conclusion of task 1 would i be having less bands for thatg nd also i stopped in th last 10 sec of the speaking module but i spoked a bit thb examiner said it its fyn how much should i expect the score mam
There is no conclusion in task 1 and you don’t offer opinions in task 1. Your speaking is score is marked based on your overall performance, so I can’t predict your score. Fingers crossed!
Hlo liz,
Yesterday was my exam, i done one mistake
I wrote ‘the rendered tabular provides’
instead of ‘the rendered tabular chart provides’
Will it effect my band score?
Is it wrong to write only ‘tabular’ ?
A table is a table – it is not “a tabular chart”. This counts as using inappropriate vocabulary.
Hey Liz !
I took my exam today and am concerned with writing module. I am confident that my writing skills are efficient enough to score 8 band.
But the question I want to address is, is it possible to score 9 bands even if I have a spelling mistake?
There is only 1 spelling mistake in the both the tasks. (to my mind)
I wrote :
“The tabular chart JUXTAPOSTS the variation………”
instead of
“The tabular chart JUXTAPOSES the variation………”
The problem is not just spelling but also use of language. I would never recommend using the language you have mentioned. A table is a table – don’t complicate your language. The more you try to impress, the more mistakes are made with word choice. Lets see how your results are.
I will inform you about my result.
One more question please.
Is it possible to achieve 9 bands with 39/40 in Listening and Reading or do we need a perfect score of 40/40 ?
My module is Academic.
https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-band-scores/
Hii liz
How many time we can use a same word in writing .
There are no rules. You paraphrase when suitable and repeat when necessary.
Hello Liz!! I want to ask you that, is there a sample or an example of a WT1 and WT2 that you can provide?
I want to know how the ideas are centered in each paragraphs, so with that I can get to know how to write a good WT1 and WT2.
Thank you!!
See these pages for model answers: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/ and https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/
Hi Liz,
As you have said that under-length essay gets penalized. Can you please tell me by how much does it affect the band score? For example if I have written an essay deserving band score 8.0. But I have written only 220 words instead of 250, how many band score points would be deducted? Is there a percentage ?
You will receive a lower score for task 2 due to the lack of words. IELTS have not released information regarding how much the score will be reduced by but 30 words is quite a lot to miss. Hopefully your task 1 will help boost your score.
Do you mind sharing your writing score here with us?
What do I have to do if I am not aware of a word in question in writing task?
You must still try your best and hope your essay is on topic.
thank you very much for your contribution to IELTS success. may i ask you to publish in your webpage easy IELTS essay templates. I think it will ease writing
It’s best to see my advanced lessons to get a clear understanding of IELTS writing task 2 techniques: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore
hii liz…i wanna ask is yesterday was my exam..nd in task 1 i write it in present tense becoz i overlook the intriduction nd forget to see that the year they gave was 2000..so it would b in past tense bt by mistake i wrote it in present…so how much bands will be cut for this??
It counts as one grammar mistake and grammar is 25% of your marks. I can’t predict your score.
Hey Liz, My IELTS test was held on 18 Feb,2016. I got 6.5 in writing.Here, I’d like to admit that I am not very good at punctuation and also make spelling mistakes sometimes. And at the end of the test, I did not have any time left to revise my writing. I spent over half an hour on W T1 and had only 25 minutes to write on task 2. How can I increase my band score from a 6.5 to a 7 in writing? I hope that you respond to me at your earliest and give me some valuable advise on how I can improve my writing.
with regards,
Lovepreet Singh
See my band score tips for writing task 1 and how to improve your score:https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-band-scores/ . For writing task 2, see my advanced lessons to learn high score techniques: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore. It is essential that you practice writing under timed conditions many times before your test but learn the right techniques first.
All the best
Liz
Hey Lizz,
hi recently i was appeared for an Ielts test and unfortunately i got overall 5.5 bands. i made some blunders in writing task . I wrote almost 370 words in Part-2 and i was expecting that i might get 7 bands .
Regards
Bilal
Writing over 300 words mean that your essay might contain irrelevant or unnecessary information and also it provides more chance of mistakes in vocabulary and grammar which can lower your score. You should be aiming for around 270 words in task 2.
Hi Liz,
Just recently I did my IELTS Exam,I wrote 267 words in task 1 and in task 2 I ran out of time I wrote about 230 words so what you would think that can I get 6 bands in writing task.
Best Regards,
Walid Raza.
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Hi Liz,
I’ll like to say thank you. These free lessons actually helped me achieved my dream score in IELTS. Of all the online lessons I surfed through, yours was the best. Continue the good work.
L-8.5, R-8.5, S-7.0, W-7.0
P.S- I was really worried about the writing score after the exams. So glad, I got a 7
It’s a good score. Well done 🙂
Hello liz,
If you don’t mind clarify for me if one doesn’t write a conclusion in task 2,will this effect the score?
I’ll appreciate your reply
Kind regards
Sara
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Hi Liz,
If you don’t mind clarify for me if one doesn’t write a conclusion,will this lower the score?
I’ll appreciat your reply
Kind Regards
Sara
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Hi Liz! Just finished my written exams.I’m so worried aboit my writing because I did not finish the task 1 because I ran out of time,had only 10 mins left for the task. There were two graphs.The intodruction i wrote is i think acceptable because i was really in hurry.I think i described all the main parts in graph 1,however i did not have time for the graph 2 and i just ended my conclusion with a summary of only graph 2.I was really panicking. Whatdo u think will be my score in taskm1?I finished my task two and I think It was okay. I am also concer mn about my speaking test because it just lasted for almost 11 minutes only.Does it mean my english is bad?
— thanks Liz
Sorry I can’t predict scores for writing that I haven’t seen. You will need to wait for your writing results to see the impact. For speaking, the test lasts between 11 and 14 minutes – this is for all students. It is not longer or shorter. The actual length does not reflect the final score.
All the best
Liz
Dear Liz,
There are two questions in the writing part I wanted you to ask you if you please:
The first question is: Do you know what the penalty for writing task 1 on a writing 2 sheet is when you properly notify the examiner about it during the test? I wrote my task 1 on a task 2 paper and was able to notify the examiner, so she stapled my task one with a blank task 1 sheet and signed on it.
My second question is what the maximum band score for overall writing you can possibly obtain if you completely miss your task 1? I think there is a chance my task 1 sheet was misplaced and therefore has not been graded towards my final writing score.
Thank you in advance for you response
Evgeny
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Hey Liz,
I just found out about your site and let me tell you – it’s a treasure of great information!
I want to ask if there is a penalty for writing more than 150 words in Task 1 (and 250 for t.2 I guess). I don’t ask this in order to brag, it’s a legitimate concern of mine. I start analysing all the points in the bars, charts, tables etc in fear of omitting anything that is considered important. I know that I have to practise pointing out the features that stand out the most and give less details on the other information, but, let’s say that I do emphasize the proper features and that I am on time, but my words exceed the limit, would that have any negative impact on the grade?
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
can we write more than 200 words in task 1 if we are given a complicated task?
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
On 20 jan a i done my speaking and 23 jan I done my listening, reading,writing so when a my result will declare on which day in February
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Does your first language affects the ielts grading?
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Dear Liz, first I really enjoy your blog and appreciate your help to all of us, thank you. I recently participated the January 09th academic test in China and checked my results literally hour ago, I’v been shocked by the results, well, 8/8/5.5/8, as you may guess, 5.5 for the writing. Honestly, writing has always been my short slab, but 5.5 is no way near my anticipation, shamelessly speaking, after the test, I thought writing should archive 7 as minimal. What would be the possible reasons contribute to such a huge gap between my expectation and reality, would you kindly share some of your experiences and insights to this, sincerely thank you.
There is a big difference between your writing and other skills. You clearly have a very good level of English. However, IELTS writing is only based on 50% English and the rest is writing technique. You need to understand more about what the examiner is looking for to get a high score. See my advanced lessons for very detailed lessons: http://subscriptions.viddler.com/IELTSLizStore
Good luck!
Liz
Hi liz!
I did my written tests today and im really anxious about my writing. I finished my task 2 well but i messed up with my task 1. I was out of time and i mislooked some of the informations by writing “the number of Asian people ages 18-25” when it was written “ages 18-25 in the Universities in four countries in Asia”. Do you think i have a chance to get an overall writing score of 7. Thank you.
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Hi.
I had a similar experience. What did you eventually score in Writing?
hi dear
can you count the number of words in below sentence ?
A good idea for passing exam would be practicing more .
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
hi..this is harshdeep.
i wrote just 122 words in my task 1 .task 2 was totally fine….
nd task 1 was such that one cannot elaborate it too much..so there is a problem in that task.exam was on december 19 . can i score still 6 .any idea??? Mam/Sir
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
mam,
on 19th dec exam.i wrote roughly 254 words.do i have to face any penalty for dat.plz tell me mam bcoz i m so tensed about that and my essay was about taxation.
If you wrote over 250 words, you will be fine.
Liz
Hey, Help me Please! Is It possible to get more than 6 for the writing task 2 as I wrote less than 250 words!?
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Hello Liz, thank you very much for all the information, I just wanted to ask you if it’s possible to get more than 5 in the writing test if you write less than 250 words. I’ve taken the test yesterday, I think it went quite well in terms of grammar, structure etc but I’m quite sure I’ve written about 230-240 words, even if I didn’t manage to count them.
You will get a reduced score if you write under 250 words (although they usually start this penalty at about 240 words). Your final score will depend on how you scored in each of the main marking criteria so it is impossible to predict your score.
All the best
Liz
Hello Liz,
I’m applying Master degree and English Academic course in one of the Australian University. They asked me any of English test result. They will process, how many weeks i must study in EAC, based on this result.So i planning to take IELTS on this saturday. And I want to know if i get 4, how much weeks i must study? Just want to know how long i will be in australia.
Thank you,
Best regards!
https://ieltsliz.com/liz-notice-2015-2016/
Thanks for answering! I’m just a bit disappointed with myself because I skipped writing a simple conclusion.I was so engross into writing a good body, but I hope to get atleast an over all band of 5.5 for writing test.
By the way, I’ve watch your youtube videos and they were very informative.
Same happened to me yesterday