Which is better? – Computer or paper-based IELTS?
You may have read that computer based is easier… or that the paper based has different questions THIS IS NOT TRUE! The exams are exactly the same. So what is different between the computer-based, or paper-based IELTS? Well, in some countries availability of one or the other is limited, and then there’s the speed of results. This varies, but it can be as fast as 3-5 days for computer based tests while for paper based tests it is around 2 weeks. Other than that the only difference is in how you do it.
So how do you choose?
This is entirely personal choice – we recommend that you consider how you prefer to do the reading, listening and writing papers. Are you comfortable enough with technology to highlight key words and answers on a screen? If not, you might be more comfortable with the paper-based test, where you can underline things. It is essential to markup or highlight the text in some way. You can see where crucial phrases are, where the answer to a question is. Then, you can compare it to the options and decide on your answer.
The listening is the only part of the computer-based exam where you can use rough paper to make notes, but you will still need to highlight key words in the questions. This will help you to focus on what you are listening for.
Many people find the writing part of the computer-based test easier because editing and correcting their work is easier. However you should be certain that your typing speed is not going to slow you down. It is also important to remember that you should still plan your work carefully before you start typing the final draft.
If you want more details on exactly what is available in your area, then contact your local test centre.