In this episode, we speak with ex-IELTS examiner Robert about the Computer-based vs Paper-based IELTS Exam: which one is better for you?

We discuss:

The main differences between the computer-based and paper-based IELTS exam

Why the computer-based test has grown more popular in recent times

Why you should or should not take the computer-based test vs the paper-based test

Robert shares what he thought before and after trying the computer-based test

Common worries test takers have about the computer-based IELTS exam

IELTS is known as a more personalised English Language test because of its human touch. A face-to-face interview in Speaking, a pencil and paper and an exam booklet, not forgetting it must be said, recorded voices coming out of speakers in the Listening Section.

In 2017, IELTS began offering the computer-based version of the exam along with the traditional paper-based one. You do your exam onscreen. No paper or the risk of broken pencils. No aching wrist after 60-minute writing tests. And you get your results in 5 to 7 days. That’s so fast, compared to the 13 days wait after taking the paper-based IELTS. It costs the same, the exam questions are identical, and both tests are equally valid all over the world.

Why the computer-based test has grown more popular in recent times

The computer-based test seems to make perfect sense for all kinds of reasons beginning perhaps with the most obvious. The vast majority of IELTS test takers have grown up with the keyboard. No more worries about poor handwriting and, of course, the format of ticking boxes or typing answers onscreen is very familiar. 

Computer-based fans also point out that certain test aspects are enhanced. Listening with headphones is better than sharing loudspeakers in an open room and sitting at a table. Volume levels can be easily adjusted. Even the room itself will be smaller, which should help concentration and reduce stress. 

There are all kinds of reasons given in favour of the computer-based test version. Just go to the official IELTS websites and check them out there.

The main differences between the computer-based and paper-based IELTS exam

We’ll only be discussing the Listening, Reading and Writing sections because the Speaking Test remains face-to-face. Let’s take Listening first. 

Listening

There are some concerns that listening, reading and answering questions (by selecting a box or writing short answers, dragging text to answer matching questions) all at the same time is a challenging task. But surely, it’s the same in the paper version too. 

The most important thing is to use those seconds you have before the audio starts. You have around 30 seconds to go over the test questions onscreen. Once you know what to listen out for, you’ll have no problems answering the questions. 

When it comes to writing answers (one-word fill-in answers, for example), time should be no issue, as long as you can type relatively quickly, you shouldn’t fall behind and find it hard to catch up with what you hear. 

And of course, you do have a couple of minutes at the end of the test to look over the answers again and easily change anything. 

Reading

What I like the most about the computer-based reading test is the split-screen. The text is on the left, while the questions are on the right. Because of screen size, only the relevant part of the text is seen onscreen. Of course, the longer the text, the more you might need to scroll up and down to answer or check but the computer version does offer one or two useful ways. 

Onscreen you can select and highlight text for reference and also open a notepad on any highlighted section. In case,