The IELTS can be taken on paper or computer. This is one very important test for anyone planning to travel for study, migration, or work experience to countries where English is the main language of communication. The IELTS test is proof of proficiency in English language skills. The IELTS is conducted to test all-round skills and every candidate of the test is treated with fairness and without bias. Knowing the IELTS test can be either written on paper or is computer-based, you may wonder which of these bases would be best to opt for when planning on taking this test.
IELTS Can Be Taken On Paper Or Computer
IELTS means International English Language Test System. The test is divided into four different parts and it is only on the language English. The parts are reading, listening, writing, and speaking. These parts are taken separately. The reading, writing, and listening test are taken in one day for a duration of 2 hours 30 minutes. The speaking test is not taken on the same day as the rest but a few days before or after the other test has been taken. The speaking test is 11 to 14 minutes which makes the test a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes approximately.
The IELTS test is in two types, which are;
- Academic IELTS which is for people who are traveling basically for higher education, and
- General Training IELTS is for people going to work, secondary education, and migration.
Countries That Have Computer Based IELTS
Sometimes, when applying for the IELTS test, your location, country, or test centers may not provide the options of either paper-based or computer-based. Not all test centers have the facilities to pull off a computer-based test for the IELTS. Some countries where IELTS test has the computer-based test option are;
- Argentina.
- Armenia.
- Australia.
- Austria.
- Cambodia.
- Canada.
- China.
- Cyprus.
- Czech Republic.
- Denmark.
- Egypt.
- France.
- Germany.
- Ghana.
- Greece.
- Hong Kong.
- Hungary.
- India.
- Indonesia.
- Ireland.
- Israel.
- Italy.
- Japan.
- Kenya.
- Lebanon.
- Lithuania.
- Nepal.
- New Zealand.
- Nigeria.
- North Macedonia.
- Oman.
- Qatar.
- Romania.
- Russia.
- South Africa.
- South Korea.
- Spain.
- Taiwan, China.
- Thailand.
- Turkey.
- United Arab Emirates.
- United Kingdom.
- Uzbekistan.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Serbia.
- Singapore.
- Slovakia.
- Slovenia.
- Pakistan.
- Peru.
- Philippines.
- Poland.
- Portugal.
- Sri Lanka.
- Switzerland.
- Ukraine.
- Vietnam.
These are some of the countries where you can get a computer-based IELTS test.
IELTS Computer-Based Vs Paper-Based Quora
There are a lot of differences yet similarities between both the paper-based and the computer-based test. Some of the similarities are;
- Both the paper-based and computer-based only cover three parts of the test which are listening, writing, and reading.
- The duration of time is the same with little slight difference.
- The speaking test is done in person with the test taker sitting face to face with the examiner.
- A supervisor is present supervising both tests.
Some of the differences between both bases are;
- Drawing, highlighting, or making notes on the screen isn’t as easy but very possible in the paper-based test.
- The computer-based test is easier to edit your answers to questions and tasks before you.
- It is easier to get your word count when writing your essay.
- You may get tired of staring at your screen but that is not the case with the paper-based test.
- Writing on paper makes less distracting noise than typing with your keyboard.
- Those who are slow typing may find it difficult to meet up with the time for the test in the computer-based test.
These differences are mostly the preferences of the individual test takers.
IELTS Exams
Taking the IELTS exams one has to get registered for the test. Firstly, you have to get in touch with your test center and follow up with the registration process. You would be asked to make payment and then your scheduled date for the test would be communicated to you.
On the scheduled dates of the test, you have to make sure you are well relaxed and fed, and carry you necessary documents for identification. Without these identifications, you would not be allowed into the hall to have the test taken.
When in the examination hall, pay rapt attention to the instructions given by your supervisor. Make sure to review the rules and regulations of the test system before the day in order not to fall short. Read instructions on your question paper before answering to avoid making mistakes.
