Author
Pushpinder Bhatia
Alumni Said Business School, University of Oxford, UK
IELTS Exam: Computer-Based or Paper-Based? Making the Right Choice
If you want to study in the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, or any other English-speaking nation, you must pass an English proficiency test to demonstrate your ability to comprehend English
The , , , and Duolingo English tests are just a few examples of the many English proficiency exams that are accessible.
One of the most well-known English testing exams is the International English Testing System (IELTS). Because of its accessibility and straightforward structure, IELTS has gained the trust of Indian students.
If your university approves it, you can also take any other test. IELTS has a fairly straightforward framework and assesses your English in four different modules: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
IELTS is designed for both Paper-based and computer-based differently, and you can choose either of them as they hold equal importance.
Let us see what is the difference between the two;
What is Computer-Based IELTS?
In the computer-based IELTS, you will use a computer to submit your writing, reading, and listening responses. However, you will still need to do an interview with a qualified IELTS examiner for the speaking component.What is Paper-Based IELTS?
In the paper-based IELTS, the Listening, Reading, and Writing portions will be done on Paper, and the Speaking test will be done in person or by video call with an experienced IELTS Examiner.All IELTS exams, whether they are offered orally or electronically, have Listening, Reading, and Writing components that must be completed on the same day. But the Speaking Test can be taken up to a week before or after the other exams.
Paper VS Computer Based IELTS
|
Paper Based IELTS |
| Computer Based IELTS | |
| You must attempt the reading and writing section by doing it on paper with a pen. | You must attempt the reading and writing sections by typing it on your computers. |
| Your writing should be neat and understandable. | You need to have a good hold on typing as it is a time bound exam. |
| Paper based tests are conducted in larger rooms with a lot of students appearing for the exam | Computer based tests are conducted in smaller test centres with each student having a computer |
| The assessment in the paper based IELTS is done after the examiner collects the answer sheets and sends it to the Cambridge grading centre which is a time-consuming affair | In the computer based IELTS, the answers are saved and directly uploaded to the Cambridge server. |
| Results take up to 13 days or more | Results are obtained within 5-7 days |
Whether you decide to take the IELTS on Paper or on a computer, be careful to get ready for the test you have selected. You must practice on Paper if you decide to take the IELTS on Paper. In order to achieve that, you would need to download and print the practice tests, complete the Listening and Reading questions on Paper, and complete the Writing Tasks 1 and 2 on the answer sheets.
Just remember that the exam's mode makes no difference to the format or the questions, which are the same for both formats. The computer-based version is ideal if you have a basic understanding of computers because it offers numerous features like navigation, progress tracking, word counts, etc.
Before deciding which is best for you, you should first weigh the benefits and drawbacks of taking the IELTS on a computer versus a paper test.
I hope this blog post has answered your concerns and issues regarding IELTS on a computer versus IELTS on Paper. If you have any other queries, contact our team of experts, who will guide you through. We @ ensure the best assistance! Happy Studying!