What is IELTS on a computer?

Use a computer to take IELTS for faster results and increased test availability.

• Results in 3-5 days

• More tests, more days of the week

• Face-to-face speaking test

You can now choose whether to take IELTS on paper or on a computer.

Both choices have the same test material and format, and the Speaking test is still conducted face-to-face with a professional IELTS Examiner.

The date options are more in case of IELTS computer-based test which gives candidates more options to select a date which is more suitable accordingly.

At an authentic IELTS test centre, you can take IELTS on a computer. Go to ielts.org/test centres to discover your nearest test centre.

It's your IELTS, so choose wisely."

Still the same trusted IELTS test

IELTS is one of the most popular English proficiency exam globally. It is attempted by the individuals who want to study, work or migrate to a foreign land whose local language of communication is English

In less than three hours, IELTS examines your hearing, reading, writing, and speaking skills.

You may be confident that whether you take IELTS on paper or on a computer, you will be taking the same reliable English language test, with no variations in:

• Content

• Test Timings

• Structure - Marking

• Question Types

• Security

• Speaking Test

• Form of Test Report

The timings for the IELTS on Computer Listening test change slightly from those for the IELTS on paper. Because IELTS on paper requires users to transfer their responses to an answer sheet, this is the case. When using a computer to respond, this step is no longer necessary.

• You will have some time to read the questions before each segment of the Listening test begins.

• You will have some time to review your answers after each segment of the Listening test is completed.

You will have 2 minutes at the end of the Listening test to double-check your answers.

Tutorial 1: How to use the IELTS on a computer platform

Tutorial 2: Making Notes

Tutorial 3: Highlighting Text

Tutorial 4: How to Use the Help Button

Tutorial 5: Computer-delivered IELTS – Writing

Tutorial 6: Computer-delivered IELTS – Listening

Tutorial 7: Computer-delivered IELTS – Reading

Advantages of the IELTS Computer-Delivered (CD) Test:

• • You do it in a smaller room/venue with fewer people (some centres offer individual cubicles), making it easier to concentrate and maybe less stressful.

  • In some test centres, you can take it whenever you like, for example, in the morning or afternoon, before or after the Speaking.

  • You obtain your outcomes a lot faster (5-7 days)

  • You're listening with headphones, so the sound is clearer and simpler to follow.

  • In the Writing section, the word count is displayed on the screen.

  • At the top of the screen, there's a countdown that flashes and turns red when you've got 10 and 5 minutes left (Reading and Writing Test)

  • You don't have to be concerned if your handwriting isn't perfect!

• • You can readily revise your writing with a computer rather of a pencil and paper.

  • You can right-click and highlight text in the Reading and Listening assessments.

  • You may modify the screen settings, which allows you to alter the text size and colour.

  • The volume of the Listening can be adjusted.

  • At the bottom of the page, there is a Navigation Bar where you can view your progress and any answers you missed.

  •Within the time restriction, you can go back and review your answers at any moment. Simply select the number you want to review from the Navigation Bar and it will be highlighted.

  • Just like the Paper IELTS Test, you have complete control over your time and can go back and forth whenever you choose (using the Forward and Back arrows).

  • You don't have to press enter to save your answers; they'll be stored automatically (you can change your answers at any point).

Drawbacks of the Computer-Delivered IELTS Test:

• You must gaze at a screen for three hours, which might be exhausting.

• You can't write or draw on the Writing Tasks (but you can on the Listening and Reading Tasks). Most individuals like to add arrows on bar charts/line graphs in Academic Task 1 so that the important elements are easier to discern (you still get a pencil and some paper to make notes, but this is not the same as actually writing on the Task itself).

• At the completion of the Listening test, you do not have 10 minutes to upload your answers (but you get more time in between each section, and 2 minutes in the end). Some students like the 10-minute transfer time since it allows them to double-check their answers and spelling; however, this is no longer possible.

• Many people find it challenging to type (or click and drag) their answers while listening to each part.

• There is always the sound of people typing (but some centres use noise-canceling headphones and quiet keyboards)

• You might not be accustomed to typing, which could cause you to lose time.

• It's difficult to listen and type at the same time.

• You must be able to listen and type at the same time, which might be challenging for those who aren't used to typing.

• There are few chances to practise taking the test on a computer (see my link below for the official practise site)

• It may seem self-evident, but you must be computer proficient. You must be able to navigate, scroll, click, clear, highlight, drag and type, copy and paste (CTRL+C and CTRL+V), and do all of this rapidly while concentrating on the test.

• If you are unfamiliar with these computer skills, you may waste time. It's worth noting that you can skip to the next question by pressing the TAB key - many students claim they didn't need to use the mouse much.

Here are bookuradmission.com Top Tips!

1. The Computer Delivered Reading Test

The CD Reading Test has the following advantages: 

• You save time because you don't have to constantly going back and forth and turning the pages over. The passage is on one side of the screen, and the questions are on the other. There is a separate scroll bar for the Text and the Questions (scroll all the way to the bottom to avoid missing any questions!)

• you can easily compare parallel statements by double-clicking and highlighting essential phrases — this is especially useful on a large screen.

• Because gap-fill answers can be copied and pasted, you're less likely to commit a spelling error.

• There's a timer on the screen, which is preferable than the invigilator yelling '10 minutes left! 5 minutes left!' when you're trying to focus! (However, because it doesn't show seconds, you have no idea when the screen will lock you out beyond the last minute.)

Our advice: Many students find that they have extra time towards the conclusion of the semester; take advantage of it by going over your answers and checking them methodically.

Make your practise 'IELTS valid' by using the computer test. Some things are different, for example, map-labeling is provided as a table, and you must click on the correct item. If you've never done it before, it can be perplexing (there are also some click and drag questions).

2. The Computer-Delivered Listening Test

The following are the main benefits of taking the IELTS CD Listening Test:

Many people like the CD Listening Test since it uses headphones, which means the music is much crisper, and there's less chance of someone coughing or scraping their chair at a vital moment! (You're also in a smaller room with fewer people, which may be less stressful for some.)

Jess's tip: If you double-click on a word, a small box appears. You have the option of either highlighting text or taking notes. REMEMBER NOT TO TAKE NOTES! This will cause you to become overly distracted, causing you to overlook answers and lose time.

Before you take the computer test, make sure you try it out. You DO NOT have 10 minutes to transmit your answers at the end. As you take the test, you jot down your answers.

IDP's Practice for the Computer-Delivered Test can be found here.

On this official Australian IELTS site, you may get more practise.

3. The Computer-Delivered Writing Test

One major disadvantage of taking the CD IELTS Writing test is that you are unable to draw or take notes on the computer, which can be problematic when you have a graph or chart that you want to annotate to see the main points.

Some examiners believe that the quality of responses typed on a computer is inferior.

Jess believes this is true because: 

• people type too quickly on computers and make 'typos' (small typing errors); Jess believes this is true because: 

• people type too quickly on computers and make 'typos' (small typing errors); 

• students write too much (because they can type quickly), stray from the topic, and fail to follow a clear structure; and 

• they write so much that they run out of time and fail to proofread.

I also believe there's a risk of lulling yourself into a false feeling of security because it appears beautiful because it's typed out, making it more difficult to see errors.

The secret is to plan ahead of time and practise typing on a computer with a timer.

4.'Can you give me some IELTS tips?'

It's hard for anyone to intelligently respond to that question or to summarise the vast amount of knowledge required for the IELTS exam.

You have access to the information and can use it to your advantage. Please take your time. It is impossible to speed IELTS preparation!

5. 'Can you pass IELTS by using special strategies?'

Will help you in enhancing your English language proficiency for life time.

We're all human, and we're all looking for methods to cut corners and reach our objectives faster.

Yes, there are tactics you should know, study, and employ, but choose a system you can trust and stick to it. Choose your course, believe in it, and keep practising those tactics, especially for reading. It WILL get easier, but it will require HOURS of practise and repetition of the strategies.

This exam will help you in increase your linguistic knowledge. The answers will become clearer as your language improves.

After passing the IELTS test, you'll need to continue learning English, so start looking for tactics that will help you learn English in the long run.

6. 'How can I stay motivated?'

First and foremost, be truthful and self-aware. Why do you think you've been trapped with the same Band for so long? What knowledge gaps do you have?

Also, if you're really tired of it, take a few of weeks off. Spend some time enjoying English in a way that motivates you before returning to your studies.

Most individuals avoid doing things they aren't good at - unfortunately, if you're trapped, you'll have to do more of the things you're not good at!

7. How can I find the time?

Try to use as much English in your day-to-day life.

For the time it takes, you must make IELTS a priority.

You might have to get up earlier, go to bed later, skip a few nights out, or opt for reading over shopping.

Continue to concentrate on your objective and give it everything you have.

Everything should be written in English (your phone, your search engine, etc).

8. Can I practice Speaking by myself?

Definitely! Simply converse with yourself! Make a video of yourself. Return your attention. Participate in one of my Speaking Challenges!

Consider narrating a tale in Speaking Part 2: employ the BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER approach. Details and context are required.

Remember: the examiner isn't interested in what you're saying. You don't have to go over all of the bullet points. There are NO CRITERIA for completing a task!

At the end, talk about how you feel about the topic in general. What matters is how you say it, not what you say! Too much emphasis on bullet points can derail your Part 2 — Jess has a podcast on the subject!

If you want to practise with an internet partner, there are a few trustworthy websites where you can do so (here are some places to find Speaking Partners.)

However, before you sign up for something that costs money, make sure you know what you want to get out of it. A regular English teacher will not be able to assist you with an IELTS practise test.

9. 'What's the best way to learn vocabulary

Discovering the words you wish to use is the best approach to gain vocabulary (including idioms and slang).

When it comes to learning language, you must be proactive and deliberate. Get yourself a notebook. Each topic has ten words to learn. Maintain a straightforward approach. Make an effort to employ the words as you speak and write.

Keep in mind that passive (words you understand) and active (words you use) vocabulary are two different things.

When we read and listen to English more actively, we understand more. Look up terms in a dictionary. You'll remember them more the more you see them.

WORDS AND PHRASES SHOULD BE LEARNED IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTEXT. Make sure they're proper. Take note of how individuals write in everyday situations, such as emails or Facebook comments.

10. 'How do I know if words are formal or informal?'

• Look for opportunities to ask inquiries and take the initiative.

• Take chances when studying.

• Do some practise runs before the big day.

You learn by doing things and hearing what other people say. For example, when I remarked 'Oh you poor thing!' to a lady in my Members Academy Facebook group, another student was taken aback. But he was a quick study; he asked the appropriate questions and picked up a useful phrase for his General Training exam.

Confused about the Computer or Paper Based IELTS Exam?

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