There are two names for the IELTS exam based on the computer; CD IELTS (computer-delivered IELTS) and CBT (computer-based test).
There are multiple things you need to know about the computer-based IELTS test before you make a decision.
How is the computer-based IELTS different from the paper-based IELTS?
The only difference between both the exams is their type. You will get the same questions, but you will need to give answers on the computer instead of any paper.
What about the marking criteria?
There is no change in the marking criteria for both the exams. It will remain the same for both the exams. You will have to type your answers on the computer instead of writing on a paper.
What is the difference between computers based on IELTS and paper-based IELTS?
There is only one difference in the IELTS Listening Test. In the paper-based IELTS, you get an extra 10 minutes in the end to transfer your answer to the main sheet.
However, in the computer-based IELTS, the situation is different. You have to type your answers directly into the computer while listening to the audio.
You will get only 2 minutes at the end of the exam to check your answers. For Reading, Writing, and Speaking, every aspect is the same regardless of their type.
What is the benefit of taking the computer-based IELTS?
This is beneficial for only those who are good at typing instead of writing. If you are good at typing faster than writing, then you computer-based IELTS should be a preference for you. And if you are slow at typing, then stick with the paper-based IELTS.
What are the Pros and Cons of the computer-based IELTS?
Pros
- This will boost your performance if you are good at typing.
- You will get a good size of the screen to read all the questions and paragraphs easily.
- Not everyone opts for the computer-based IELTS; so, it wouldn’t be crowded.
- You will get fast results.
- You can easily get the slots for the computer-based IELTS.
Cons
- If you are not a good typist, then there are many chances to make errors, and you will end up losing a lot of time to answer the questions.
- Last-minute changes are not allowed as the screen will get locked at the exact mentioned time.
- The timer will not show the second at last, and therefore it would become difficult to track the exact time of locking the screen.
General Advice
- Make sure you have practice a lot for the computer-based IELTS before you opt for the main exam.
- If you are slow at typing, then don’t prefer the computer-based IELTS exam.
IELTS Listening Exam
Pros
- You can highlight the text the moment you hear a recording or read questions.
- You can use some quick tools like the tab key to move from one part to another.
Cons
- Unlike the paper-based IELTS, you will not get any extra time, so you need to type your answers directly to the computer while listening to the audio.
- You get a variety of questions where some of the answers may require typing, and a few may require you to drag the responses and some needs to be tick marked.
- You get only 2 minutes at the end, which means you don’t get enough time to check your responses.
- If you don’t know how to drag the answers, then you might lose your valuable time to figure it out.
IELTS Reading Exam
Pros
- You will get the passage on the one side of the screen and the questions on another side. The advantage is that you can quickly check passage and questions simultaneously.
- You can change the font size as per your convenience.
- In the computer-based test, it is easy to highlight the keywords as this facility is not available for paper-based IELTS as you cannot use a highlighter in the exam.
- You can also copy/paste the content so it will also reduce your chances of writing any wrong spelling.
Cons
- There is only one con of computer-delivered IELTS reading exam is that you cannot use the search function to look for keywords. You will need to read the entire passage.
IELTS Writing Exam
Pros
- You can save time to check the word counting in the computer-delivered IELTS exam as it will show you the exact number of words.
- You can easily edit your content with the help of cut/copy/paste tools.
Cons
- People may find distracting while others will type at the same time. It can be noisy too.
- If you are not good at typing, then computer-delivered IELTS Writing exam is not for you.
- You may unintentionally make typing errors without knowing. This will add a significant disadvantage in your IELTS Writing Exam.
IELTS Speaking exam is still a face to face interview round session where an examiner will take your speaking exam. In the speaking exam, there is no role for a computer.
If you’re still confused about which format to choose, revise pros and cons once more, and select the one that fits your requirements. You could also signup with IELTS Tutorials and get a consultation from the best IELTS tutors.
You will also get assured 20+ Free Mock Tests for your IELTS preparation. Signup today and continue to learn!
