IELTS Tips: Computer-delivered IELTS
In 2017, IELTS Australia launched the first computer-delivered IELTS test. Since then, the computer-delivered IELTS has expanded to over 20 countries, including right here in Canada.
With the rapid growth in popularity computer-delivered IELTS testing, a lot of students have questions about what the difference is between this new format and the traditional paper-based test.
Is it harder? Are the questions the same? What are the advantages? Can I still do the paper-based test if I want?
Today we’ll answer all these questions and more, so let’s get started!
What’s the same?
First of all, it’s important that we acknowledge that the IELTS test content remains unchanged. Everything you know about the IELTS test, such as the number of sections, the question styles, the type of recording you will listen to, and the type of texts you will read, remains exactly the same.
In addition, the computer-delivered IELTS test is optional! If you would prefer to do the paper-based test, you can still choose to do that. There are currently no plans for the computer-delivered IELTS test to replace the paper-based version. It is just nice to have the choice.
Finally, the speaking test is still conducted face-to-face, so this section of the test remains exactly the same.
What’s different?
There are a lot of new features in the computer-delivered IELTS, but one of the most attractive to students is the faster grading time. Instead of waiting two weeks for your results, your test score will be delivered in just 5-7 days.
There are also more test dates to choose from, as the computer-delivered IELTS test can be given more frequently. Just imagine the time saved by not having to print all those paper booklets and answer sheets; not to mention the reduction in paper waste is good for the environment.
What’s more, the computer-delivered IELTS is overall a bit more user friendly. At the top of your screen you will see a help bar that lets you easily access instructions for the task you are working on. There is also a timer which will count down the minutes remaining in your test and flash red at 10 and 5 minutes remaining.
The Reading Test
Something that can make any test a bit more challenging is the need to flip back and forth between the text pages, the question pages, and the answer page. The computer-delivered IELTS does away with all of this by displaying the text and the questions in a split-screen format so you can see both at once.
When it comes to answering questions, the questions no longer need a separate answer sheet. You can answer right there on the question. Some ask for you to type an answer, some you need to click and select, and others require you to “drag and drop.” This is also the case for the listening test.
Without paper, we obviously aren’t able to use pens and highlighters to mark up our texts and take notes. These tools are replaced with a digital highlighter and notepad. If you have ever used a word processor like Microsoft word, you have probably seen a similar highlighter function. The notepad on the IELTS is similar to sticky notes that you can place on your computer desktop at home.
One disadvantage to the computer-delivered IELTS test might be the fact that reading on a screen can be straining for the eyes. Some people (myself included) find screen reading to be less engaging, making it more difficult to concentrate. However, this is a personal preference. Some people actually read more quickly on a screen, so it’s a good idea to practice both styles before you make a decision about which test to take.
The Listening Test
When I play IELTS recordings for my students, the most common complaint I heard was about the volume. It certainly doesn’t feel like a fair assessment of your listening skills if the recording isn’t loud enough for you. The computer-delivered IELTS tests removed this problem by placing the volume control in your hands. In addition to controlling the volume, you are also seated at a computer with headphones on, looking right ahead at a screen instead of down at our papers. This listening environment may help you focus and provide more clarity of sound.
In the paper-based listening test, you had 10 minutes at the end of the test to transcribe your answers to an answer sheet. Obviously, this is no longer necessary on the computer as by the end of the test you have already selected all your answers on the screen. Instead, you are given 2 minutes to review your answers. Some students might find that this is not enough time to properly review, especially if you have trouble with spelling.
Lastly, one drawback of a screen is that you cannot cross out possible answers that you know to be incorrect. This can make your selection process a bit more complicated if you aren’t used to it. It’s a good idea to do a few practice tests online if you need to work on this.
The Writing Test
This is where the biggest advantages are seen. The most obvious being that most people type much, much faster than they can write by hand. It also removes the obstacle of needing to write legibly so the examiner can actually read your well-developed response. If you have ever written an essay on your computer, you know it’s also easier to edit and make changes to your work. No more eraser dust, shaking tables, and grey smudges! Just backspace and you’re done.
A time-consuming aspect of the paper writing test was always counting words. As an IELTS instructor, I personally loathed counting the words of all the essays my students submitted. With computer-delivered IELTS, both students and examiners can relax. The computer will count your words for you and display it so you never wonder if you’ve hit the word count yet.
Some students might be worried about the planning phase of their writing. For this, IELTS provides blank paper and pencils for you to make a plan. This is a smart move, in my opinion, as the planning of an essay is a fast and messy process, not really suited to the clean, organized environment of a computer screen.
Although I’m sure you would love it if a spellcheck feature was included in your writing test, this is unfortunately not a part of the test. It wouldn’t really be a fair assessment otherwise, would it? If you make a spelling or grammar error, there will be no red underline to warn you, so it’s important to study hard.
Finally, writing on the computer can sometimes open the door to new errors that we wouldn’t make when writing by hand. This includes things like putting a space before a comma.
Today , I ate a sandwich. X
Today, I ate a sandwich. O
Overall, the computer-delivered IELTS test seems to be a great option for test-takers. But it’s important to take your personal study habits into consideration and try out both styles before you make your choice.
Good luck on your test and thanks for reading!
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