What Happens If You Write Under 150 or 250 Words in IELTS?
Quick answer: If you write fewer than 150 words in Task 1 or 250 words in Task 2, your score is likely to be lower, because a short answer gives the examiner less evidence of your ability and often leaves parts of the task underdeveloped. There is no maximum word limit, but very long answers cost time. Aim for about 160 to 190 words (Task 1) and 260 to 320 (Task 2).
Facts checked: 29 October 2026
What are the minimum word counts in IELTS Writing?
Writing Task 1 needs at least 150 words and Task 2 needs at least 250 words. This applies to both Academic and General Training. You have 60 minutes in total, and the usual advice is about 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2.
The official IELTS Academic Writing format page states both minimums. Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1 towards your Writing score, so a short Task 2 is the more costly mistake.
| Task | Minimum | Suggested time | Sensible target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task 1 (report or letter) | 150 words | About 20 minutes | About 160 to 190 words |
| Task 2 (essay) | 250 words | About 40 minutes | About 260 to 320 words |
The "sensible target" column is our own advice, not an official rule. It gives you a safe margin above the minimum without wasting time.
What happens if you write under 150 or 250 words?
IELTS does not publish a fixed number of marks taken off for each missing word. Instead, a short answer usually scores lower because it gives the examiner less to reward. The ielts.org format page explains that if your answer is too short, there may not be enough evidence of your writing ability.
In practice, an under-length answer is most likely to affect Task Achievement (Task 1) or Task Response (Task 2), because there is less room to cover every part of the question and develop your ideas. It can also limit what you show in Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
A few words short is not a disaster, but it is a risk you do not need to take. Always aim to finish above the minimum.
Is there a maximum word limit?
No maximum is set. According to an IDP article on Writing myths, words beyond the limit are not penalised, but writing more does not automatically earn a higher score.
The real cost of a very long answer is time. A 400-word Task 1 can leave you rushing Task 2, which carries more weight. Longer answers also give more chances for errors and less time to check them.
Do words copied from the question count?
Copying the question is a risky way to add words. IDP's guide to paraphrasing warns that if you write out the original statement, it may not be counted and could hurt your word count. Paraphrase the question in your own words instead.
Memorised phrases that do not fit the topic are also unhelpful. They add words but rarely add relevant ideas.
How can you check your word count in the exam?
IELTS on Computer: the Writing screen shows a word count, so you do not need to count manually. IDP India lists this word count display as one of the on-screen tools.
Writing on Paper: in India, the IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper) option lets you handwrite your Writing answers. There is no automatic counter, so use this quick method:
- During practice, find out how many words you usually write per line in your normal handwriting, for example 10.
- Learn how many lines you need for 150 and 250 words.
- In the exam, count the lines and multiply. Only count word by word if you are close to the minimum.
How do you reach 250 words without padding?
The best way to add words is to develop your ideas, not to repeat them. Add a reason, a result or a specific example to each main point. Compare these two versions of the same body paragraph.
Underdeveloped (24 words): Online shopping has many benefits for consumers. It is convenient and people can buy things at any time. Also, prices are often cheaper online.
Developed (62 words): Online shopping offers clear benefits for consumers, the most important of which is convenience. Busy parents or shift workers, for example, can order groceries late at night and have them delivered the next day, without travelling to a shop. In addition, prices are often lower online, because retailers can compare offers easily and sellers save on the cost of running physical stores.
The second version adds an example ("busy parents or shift workers") and a reason for lower prices. It is longer because it says more, which is exactly what the examiner wants to see.
How should you manage your time to avoid a short answer?
- Plan for about 3 minutes (Task 1) and 5 minutes (Task 2). A plan stops you running out of ideas.
- Some candidates prefer to start with Task 2 because it carries more weight. Try both orders in practice and choose the one that suits you.
- Set a time limit for each task and move on when it is reached.
- Leave 2 to 3 minutes at the end to check spelling, grammar and length.
Practise now: Check your timing and length with a full timed paper: try the free Academic Writing Test 1 or General Training Writing Test 1.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get zero if I write under 250 words?
No. An answer under the minimum is still marked, but it is likely to score lower because there is less evidence of your ability and the task is often not fully covered.
Is there a maximum word count in IELTS Writing?
No maximum is set. Writing more than the minimum is not penalised, but it does not guarantee a higher score and it takes time away from checking and from the other task.
Does the computer-delivered test show a word count?
Yes. IELTS on Computer shows a word count on the Writing screen. If you choose the Writing on Paper option, you need to count your words yourself.
Do words copied from the question count towards the total?
They may not be counted. Paraphrase the question in your own words instead of copying it.
Is 240 words acceptable for Task 2?
It is below the 250-word minimum, so it is a risk. Developing one more idea with an example would usually take you safely over the limit.
Does the word count rule apply to General Training too?
Yes. General Training Task 1 (the letter) needs at least 150 words and Task 2 needs at least 250 words, the same as Academic.