The following are guidelines, not rules. They should help you to understand the amount of research and analysis expected for each level of study.
Regular questions should be about 50 to 100 words per level.
Merit questions require a higher level of research and analysis, and should be 100 to 150 words per level.
Distinction questions require substantially higher level of research and analysis, and should be about 200 words per level.
| Level | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Regular Question |
150-300 words | 200-400 words | 250-500 words | 300-600 words | 350-700 words |
| Merit Question |
300-450 words | 400-600 words | 500-750 words | 600-900 words | 700-1050 words |
| Distinction Question |
600 words | 800 words | 1000 words | 1200 words | 1400 words |
The numbers above are for regular text answers. When the assignment calls for a presentation, or a leaflet/fact sheet, then the word count would be expected to be less. However, the amount of research and analysis would be the same. This may actually be harder as it requires not just the effort to create the answer, but the ability to edit down your content to fit the format required.