So let me get this straight..

[tea.squaredd]

Some people are telling me that:

A) In essays, the structure DOES count as words.  i.e  date, title, school newsletter name etc

and some people have been telling me it doesnt count...

So which is it?

B) We can use pencil for the WHOLE exam?

C) Is there some leeway for surpassing the 250 character limit for SL?
Or is it mega strict..?

Cheers guys (:

[gossamer]

a) My teacher has always said that it counts for 1 word

b) :/ I assume so?

c) It's not like they're going to sit there and count every word you write And definitely a couple words over isn't going to matter. But I think, if you've gone too much over (and considering how many exams they have to mark, they'd probably be able to tell, roughly), the examiners might just take a mark or two off.

But don't take my word for it

[Gloamglozer]

a)  If it hasn't changed since 2008, then yes.

b)  Yes.  I did and I received a study score.  Although, if you are going to use pencil.  Make sure you write legibly, don't smudge it & write hard.  There's nothing more annoying to the examiner than having to correct an illegible exam at 3am in the morning.  be nice to them and they'll be nice to you. 

c)  250 characters should be sufficient to write a decent essay.  But If you're 1-3 characters over, I wouldn't stress.