How to use the ielts task 2 word counter
- Write or paste your IELTS Task 2 essay into the editor.
- Watch the progress bar against the 270-word target; use Set goal to enter the exact number in your brief.
- Check the paragraph and sentence counts to confirm the structure is balanced.
- Edit down or build up until you are inside the range, then copy or save the text.
How long should it be?
| Level / type | Typical length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 250 words | Under-length answers are penalised |
| Recommended range | 270–320 words | Allows development and a conclusion |
| Time | 40 minutes | Including planning and checking |
| Paragraphs | 4 or 5 | Introduction, 2 body, conclusion |
Lengths here are common expectations, not rules. Your brief, supervisor or awarding body sets the real requirement, including what is excluded from the count.
Four-paragraph model
Introduction (35–45 words) paraphrases the question and states your position; two body paragraphs of 100 to 120 words each develop one idea apiece with an explanation and an example; the conclusion (30–40 words) summarises. That adds up to 270 to 320 words. Practise this structure until it feels automatic.
What examiners reward
Task response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource and grammatical range and accuracy. Length alone does not appear anywhere in the criteria. Writing 400 words of errors does worse than 280 clear ones. Use the paragraph and sentence figures to check balance, and the Readability Checker to avoid overlong sentences. For all tasks, see IELTS Writing Word Counter and the IELTS Writing Word Count Guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many words for IELTS Task 2?
At least 250; aim for 270 to 320.
Can I write more than 300 words?
Yes, but only if time allows and quality stays high.
Are contractions counted as one word?
Yes, but avoid contractions in formal essays.