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PassTheFCE

FCE writing word counter and checker

Paste your text into this FCE writing word counter to check your word count against the 140–190 word range, see how many paragraphs you have and spot the linking words you used. It is a free checking tool, not a marker: it does not grade your writing. It is one of our free FCE tools.

By Eleanor BennettLast updated:

Every B2 First Writing task asks for 140–190 words. When you practise, it helps to know quickly how long your text is, whether it is clearly divided into paragraphs and how you link your ideas. That is exactly what this checker does.

0 / 140–190 words

Paragraphs
0
Sentences
0
Avg. sentence
0 words
Linking words
0 (0 types)

Linking words you used

  • Addition: none yet
  • Contrast: none yet
  • Cause and result: none yet
  • Examples: none yet
  • Sequencing: none yet
  • Concluding: none yet
  • Opinion: none yet
Check it yourself: Essay (Part 1)

This checker counts and highlights; it doesn't give a grade. Only Cambridge examiners give official marks.

How to use it

  1. Write your text first, on paper or on screen, within your practice time limit. Don't use the counter while you are writing; you won't have it in the exam.
  2. Paste or type the text into the box.
  3. Check the word count. Is it inside the 140–190 range?
  4. Check the paragraphs. Most B2 First texts need an opening, a few body paragraphs and an ending. If the checker finds only one or two paragraphs, think about your structure.
  5. Look at the linking words. Are you using the same ones again and again? Could you add variety? Our list of FCE linking words gives alternatives.
  6. Then review the quality yourself with the FCE writing checklist.

How it works

The checker does three simple things:

  • Counts words. It counts the words in your text and shows whether you are under, inside or over the 140–190 range. Different tools can count slightly differently (for example with contractions or numbers), so treat the number as a close guide.
  • Counts paragraphs. It shows how many paragraphs it finds, so make your paragraph breaks clear, just as you would in the exam.
  • Finds linking words. It looks for common linking words and phrases, such as however, in addition and on the other hand, and highlights them so you can see how you connect your ideas.

That's all. It is a fast, honest check of length and structure.

Making the most of your practice writing

Word count is easy to fix; quality takes practice. After the checker, read your text against the task. Did you cover every point? Is the style right for the reader (formal for a report, friendlier for an article)? Our guides to the FCE essay, article, review, email or letter and report show what each task needs, and our FCE writing examples show complete answers with comments.

Also see how writing is marked to understand the four criteria. Better vocabulary also improves your Language mark, so short sessions with the phrasal verb trainer and word formation trainer help your writing too. If you are planning your study weeks, the study planner can help you fit in one text every week.

Common mistakes when checking your writing

  • Trap: Writing with the counter open and stopping as soon as you reach 140 words.

    Fix: In the exam you won't have a counter. Write first, then check. Learn roughly how many lines of your own handwriting or typing make 140–190 words.

  • Trap: Adding linking words just to make the list longer.

    Fix: Use a linking word only when it shows a real relationship between ideas, such as contrast, addition or result. Forced linking makes a text harder to read.

  • Trap: Fixing the length but not the content.

    Fix: If you are over 190 words, cut repeated ideas and unnecessary examples, not the points the task asks for.

  • Trap: Writing one long paragraph.

    Fix: Plan your paragraphs before you write. Each paragraph should have one main idea, and the reader should see the structure at a glance.

Frequently asked questions

How many words should an FCE essay be?

Both B2 First Writing tasks, including the Part 1 essay, ask for 140–190 words.

What happens if I write more than 190 words in FCE?

The task asks for 140–190 words, so aim to stay in that range. Writing much more takes time you could use for checking and increases the chance of mistakes and irrelevant content.

Does this tool mark my FCE writing?

No. It counts words and paragraphs and highlights linking words. It does not give a grade or check grammar. Use our writing checklist and model answers to judge quality.

Do contractions count as one word?

Counting methods vary slightly between tools, for example with contractions such as “don't”, hyphenated words and numbers. Treat any count as a close guide and aim to stay comfortably inside the range rather than right at the edge.

How many paragraphs should a B2 First text have?

There is no fixed number, but most good answers have a clear introduction, two or three body paragraphs and a conclusion or closing. The right structure depends on the task type.