Computer-delivered or paper-based IELTS: which is better?

This is a question that everyone is asking themselves when it is time to book their test: "Which should I book, IELTS on paper or IELTS on computer?"

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This is a question that everyone is asking themselves when it is time to book their test: "Which should I book, IELTS on paper or IELTS on computer?" But ideally, you should be thinking about this much, much earlier – before you start preparing for your test, and here is why. In terms of interface IELTS on computer is very different from the paper-based test and it requires some different skills which you may need a bit of time to develop. The question types don't change, but the presentation of some questions does. This means they will look differently and the way you need to answer them is also different in IELTS on computer. For example, when you match headings to paragraphs, in the paper-based test you write the letter corresponding to the right heading in the answer gap. In the computer-delivered IELTS you need to drag the actual heading into the answer gap. Here is a quick comparison of the two ways to take IELTS, with their pros and cons, to help you choose the right type for you. The pros and cons of the computer-delivered IELTS Pros The results are out faster when you take the computer-delivered test – they are ready in just 3-5 days. In the paper-based test it takes 13 days to get the results. If you have a problem with bad handwriting, on a computer it's gone. Cons If you are slow at typing it will create a problem in a computer-delivered test. You may miss answers just because you couldn't type them in time. If you have a problem looking at the computer screen for 3 hours, the computer-based test is not for you. Listening in IELTS on computer Pros You get headphones for the Listening test and can hear the audio more clearly. The volume can be adjusted. Cons Your attention is split between typing answers on the screen and making notes on a draft paper. Making notes is optional, but people do it when they hear something that seems important, yet they don't know which question this may be the answer for. You get less time to check your answers after the Listening test ends. In a computer-delivered test you have 2 minutes instead of 10 in the paper-based test. Students use that time to check the notes they wrote on a draft paper during the test and possibly find and add some answers they missed earlier. They also check the spelling of their answers during that time, which is important to avoid losing marks for misspelled answers. People who aren't used to typing while listening may find it tricky. Reading & Writing in IELTS on computer - read more here "So what's the best way to prepare?" Whether you choose IELTS on paper or IELTS on computer, make sure you prepare for the type that you have chosen. If you're taking IELTS on paper, practice on paper. If you've booked IELTS on computer, practice on computer. If you have chosen to take IELTS on computer, our IELTS Online Prep Platform is perfect for your practice sessions. It's a new part of IELTS-Blog.com, where you can take the practice tests online, with or without time limits, check your answers, analyse your mistakes and improve all of your IELTS skills. You will get to see all the possible question types before the test, and you'll know how to answer them – plus there are explanations for the answers, telling you why the correct answers are correct. It's a true game-changer if you are taking IELTS on computer, because on our website the tests look and work JUST LIKE in the real computer-delivered IELTS. Why is that a good thing? If you are taking IELTS on computer, you will be so well-prepared, there won't be any surprises for you in the real exam. Sign up for the generous free trial and practice, practice, practice!

Quick Video Tutorial

Our IELTS Online Prep Platform is a great tool for your online practice sessions. This quick video tutorial will show you how to do practice tests, check your answers, analyse your mistakes and improve all of your IELTS skills. Let's kick-start your IELTS prep today!

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