Why Length Matters

A common question asked is ‘how much do I write’ and teachers are often concerned with providing a number because then people only focus on word count.

But it does matter, especially in a time-restricted exam. In this course, we’ll show you how you can use word count to start analysing your writing.

Some people don’t like the idea of writing within a word count, but we recommend it for exams because:

• ‘More’ is not better – increases chance that there are errors, may also be symptomatic of other issues in writing e.g. including irrelevant information. Your piece may leave the reader feeling overwhelmed.
• ‘Less’ may lack enough words to fully explore your arguments/discussion points. Your piece may leave the reader feeling dissatisfied.

Also, we found that a lot of top scoring pieces, naturally converged to a certain number of sentences and paragraphs. Coincidence or math?

What Length is a Good Length for a Piece?

Length is determined by the amount of time that you have in the exam. Here’s our recommendation based on time limit:

20-25 minutes:

• Approximately 300 words. No more than 400 words and no less than 200 words.

Persuasive:

• 4-5 paragraphs. Introduction with 2-3 sentences -> 2 argument paragraphs with 4 sentences each (can range from 3-6 sentences) -> Optional: counter-argument and reorientation with 2 sentences -> Conclusion with 1 sentence.

Discussion:

• 4-5 paragraphs. Introduction with 2-4 sentences -> 2 discussion point paragraphs with 4 sentences each (can range from 3-6 sentences) -> Separate opinion paragraph (optional or can be included within conclusion) -> Conclusion with 1-2 sentences.

30-40 minutes:

• You have two choices, you could do the 4 paragraphs (like above) and focus the extra time on improving expression, or you could do the following:
• Approximately 350-380 words. No more than 450 words and no less than 220 words.
• 5 paragraphs with the ‘optional’ as standard inclusion for each of the genres OR extending the argument or discussion paragraphs to 5 sentences with further examples/explanation.

What’s the Right Length for a Sentence

In your piece, it’s important to also look at the length of your sentences. Mainly because length reveals the type of sentence they may be.

• Sentences that are 13-15 words long are usually to the point.
• Sentences that are 18-26 words long are usually explainer sentences.
  

Sentences that are super long (26+ words) sometimes indicate issues with inclusion of irrelevant or duplicate information.

Paragraphs that contain only short sentences may appear ‘blunt’ while sentences that contain only long sentences, may sound overwhelming.

Now that you know how length plays a part in your persuasive or discussion piece (and time limit), you can use length to your advantage!

Practice time!

Now, it's your turn to practice.

The questions in this checkpoint are provided to help you develop your writing skills.

To do your practice questions, click on the below to download your question paper. You can print it out or work from the electronic version. We do recommend that you write your answers by hand in a notebook or on paper.

PDW-CP6-Questions.pdf

Once you have completed your questions, review the suggested solutions. You can download (and print if you wish) the PDF suggested solutions and/or watch the suggested solutions video (all below).

Once you're done with reviewing the practice question suggested solutions, move on to the next checkpoint.

PDW-CP6-Answers.pdf

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