22/09/2022
What does ‘two words and/or a number mean?
As with every part of the test, you must always follow the instructions for each task carefully. In particular, notice whether you must choose one letter or several letters from a list, like these examples (picture below) from The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS:
Notice that bold type is used to draw your attention to how many answers you must write, and when you need to write more than 2 answers, you are reminded to write your answers next to the correct question number on your answer sheet. This is a key point and a reminder not to rush. If you do, you run the risk of making mistakes when you transfer your answers and losing marks as a result.
Also, notice whether you must write one word only, or one, two, or three words and/or a number. If you write too many words, then your answer will be marked wrong. In both reading and listening, if the instructions say ‘write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND / OR A NUMBER’, this means that your answer may consist of:
🔸 a number
🔸 one word
🔸 one word and a number
🔸 two words
🔸 two words and a number