Answers to word count questions

How are words counted – Answers

The answers below show how these words and numbers are counted in IELTS writing and IELTS listening. The reading test uses the same system as the listening test.

1. fair-haired
   1.  This is counted as one word. It is a compound noun but it is connected by a hyphen to make one word.
2. 55%
   1. This is counted as one word in writing and as one number in listening. 
3. 1960’s
   1. This is counted as one word in writing and one number in listening.
4. 21st July
   1. This is counted as two words in writing and in listening is it one number and one word.
5. can’t
   1. This is counted as one word. Although it has a meaning of two words, the words are contracted to make one word.
6. blackboard
   1. This is counted as one word only.
7. 9am
   1. This is counted as one word in writing. In listening, it is counted as one number only. The “am” does not count as a word on its own.
8. up-to-date
   1. This is counted as one word because it is a compound noun joined with hyphens.
9. at school
   1. This is counted as two words.
10. $19.17
    1. This is counted as one word in writing and in listening it is counted as one number. Symbols do not count at all.