Do you know in 2017, IELTS introduced the option for candidates to take the test on a computer instead of on paper? Although the IELTS computer based test was first started in Australia, now it is available around the world. However, there are many questions that need clear answers. What is the difference between paper based IELTS and computer based IELTS? Which type of tests should you go for? This write-up will address all queries regarding the IELTS computer based test vs paper based test.
What is the difference between paper based IELTS and computer based IELTS?
Candidates familiar with the paper test might notice a few changes between the IELTS computer based and paper based tests. The obvious change is IELTS on paper uses a pencil while you type your answers in the computer test. The order of the test varies, especially the listening test is shorter. Only the speaking test is the same.
IELTS on paper or computer, pencil or keyboard
In the paper-based IELTS test, candidates get a pencil and an answer sheet. A candidate has to finish the paper before the time runs out. With computer-delivered IELTS, you type your answers in the boxes on your screen. You may get a pencil or pen and paper to make notes. The good news is, even people with normal typing speed can attempt the IELTS computer based test.
The order of the IELTS computer based test vs paper based test is different
In some countries like Australia and New Zealand, the IELTS pen and paper test starts with writing, reading, and lastly listening. Sometimes, a candidate has to give the speaking test straight after this. Some IELTS test centers may take the speaking test on a different day. The IELTS on a computer starts with listening, followed by reading, and lastly, the writing test. Either before or after your computer, the speaking test may take place on the same day.
The listening section is shorter
Candidates who have done paper based IELTS tests before may remember the question booklet while listening to the recording. In the paper test, a candidate gets 10 minutes to transfer their answers to the answer sheet at the end of the test.
In the computer test, a candidate has to type answers. You do get time (2 minutes) to check your answers, but no extra time in the end.
IELTS test center/the exam venue
Usually, the paper based IELTS tests is usually conducted in a larger room. Sometimes at a university or hotel. Candidates can give computer-delivered IELTS tests in custom-built, brand-new rooms. Test takers stay comfortable while attempting computer-delivered tests.
Headphones in the IELTS computer test paper
Along with a new test room, candidates get their own computer, a quality screen, and their own headphones for the listening test. A candidate doesn’t need to talk as there is no microphone. Many computer-delivered test centers provide noise-canceling headphones to applicants for focus and better performance.
Which IELTS is better: the IELTS exam on computer or paper?
Some candidates may find it hard to decide whether to take the IELTS exam on computer or paper. Let us take a sneak peek of both test delivery formats to help you make the right choice.
You can take the IELTS test on a computer or on paper for the general Training and Academic tests.
The test format, time duration, question types for each test part, and content stay the same for both types of IELTS tests. The only difference is the test day.
If you choose the IELTS computer test, you will do the reading, listening, and writing tests using a computer. The speaking test for computer based IELTS is a face-to-face interview with an examiner. You may take the speaking test either just before or after the other tests.
IELTS on paper starts with reading, listening, and writing tests. A certified examiner takes your speaking test, which can take place within one week before or after your IELTS pen and paper test dates. In the IELTS paper test, you have to complete the writing, reading, and listening tests on the same day with no breaks.
A quick comparison of IELTS computer based test vs paper based test
| IELTS computer format | IELTS paper-based format | |
| Delivery format | A candidate uses a computer during the reading, listening, and writing sections. The speaking test takes place face-to-face with an IELTS examiner. | An applicant must complete the reading, listening, and writing parts on paper. The speaking section is face-to-face with an IELTS examiner |
| Results | Your results will be available in 5 or 7 days | Results will be available after 13 days |
| Test availability | You can attempt this test 7 days a week and 3 times a day | This test happens for 48 days per year (Thursday and Saturday) |
Why take the IELTS computer based test in India?
Let us put forward a few reasons why you should do IELTS on a computer.
Faster computer based IELTS result time
The best part is the result comes in 5 to 7 days. Also, there is no waiting in this test format; you can book your test today and get your results next week. So, if you need to get your results urgently for a visa application, go for the IELTS test on computer. Not to mention, more than 11,000 organizations accepted the IELTS results around the world.
More flexibility in IELTS exam computer based
You can attempt the IELTS computer test 7 days a week and up to 3 times a day. This may help you pass this exam faster so that you don’t have to wait and waste time.
Easier experience
You don’t have to travel to the IELTS test center, which means less stress and a quicker experience. Some centers offer a peaceful atmosphere in bigger test venues.
The speaking section is face-to-face
The IELTS speaking test is not on the computer. You do it face-to-face with an experienced and friendly IELTS examiner. This allows you to gain real-world experience. Besides, a certified examiner understands your accent, and you are not penalized for having an accent. Other English tests may require you to talk to a computer.
IELTS computer based test vs paper based test: myth vs. truth
Let us clear some misconceptions about the IELTS computer based test vs paper based test. If you plan to take the IELTS on computer or paper, read this section to learn about the listening, reading, writing, speaking tests, some myths, and what to do on the test day.
The IELTS exam on computer or paper is totally different
This is a myth, the only difference is your test day experience. The test format, question types, time allocation to each test part, and content are the same for both IELTS tests.
If you choose to complete your IELTS test on a computer, you will do the reading, listening, and writing parts of the test on a computer. You have to type all answers on the screen. However, you can write notes on a sheet during the listening test.
If you take IELTS on paper, you will have to finish the reading, listening, and writing parts on paper. You can get a pen or HB pencil to complete your writing test but use an HB pencil to write your listening and reading answers.
The speaking test is in person with an examiner in both the IELTS tests.
The IELTS computer test is easier
This is a myth because everything is the same for the IELTS on paper and IELTS on computer tests, including the level of difficulty. If you are tech-savvy, you might go for the IELTS on a computer.
The IELTS on paper test is easier
This is a myth because both the IELTS on computer and IELTS on paper have the same difficulty level. However, the IELTS computer test features a help button to assist you throughout the test. This option describes question types and how the test works. In the IELTS computer test, you will come across an option to change some of the settings, like changing the font size.
In the IELTS computer test, having a computer is mandatory
This is a myth because the test centers don’t mandate you to have your own computer or laptop. You will get all equipment such as computers and headphones in the IELTS test center where you book your IELTS computer based test.
IELTS pen and paper test results time is slow
If you take IELTS on the computer, you will get your result in 5 to 7 days after finishing your test. However, if you take IELTS on paper, your pen and paper based IELTS results come after 13 days.
Conclusion
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FAQs
The computer-based IELTS test is approximately two and forty-five minutes long. The timings are slightly different from the paper-based test in the computer-delivered listening test. One gets some time to read the questions prior to any part of the listening test. Candidates also get two minutes to review their answers once they finish the listening test. The duration of the listening test is around 30 to 36 minutes. Keep in mind, the test will close once the time is up.
In a computer-delivered IELTS test, candidates take the test on a computer. The test is convenient, and many people have started to prefer it to the traditional paper-based test.
You can take this test in several locations, including at home or in a test center. You can do reading, listening, and writing tests on your computer. However, the IELTS speaking section is a face-to-face test with a certified examiner.
Some people prefer to take the computer-based test because it is more convenient and allows them to move through the questions quickly. Of course, some students may find the computer-based test more difficult to navigate and may lose points for not having enough time to read all of the questions.
The IELTS on paper test has been around for many years, and some students find it more comfortable to take because they can write their answers on paper. The paper based IELTS test is also available in more locations than the computer-based test. However, some students find it more difficult to manage all of the materials they need for the examination. They may lose points because they do not have enough time to complete all the questions.
The IELTS reading and listening sections, while certified examiners continue to grade the writing and speaking sections. The test on a computer will be the same as the paper-based regarding scoring, content, question types, and level of difficulty.
Many factors come into play regarding handwriting, such as the level of skill you have and how comfortable you feel with your handwriting. Some people believe that handwriting does not matter in the IELTS exam, while others think it can make a difference.
While the level of handwriting skill will not make or break your IELTS score, if your handwriting isn’t easy to read, this could negatively affect your score. The examiner may not understand what you have written, leading to a lower score. If you have good handwriting, this can help boost your score.