• IELTS

Difference between Computer Delivered and Pen & Paper IELTS Exam

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  • By:CANAM Group
  • Updated On:Mar 08,2019 01:45 AM IST

Nowadays, the IELTS exam is conducted on the computer at nearly thirty different test centres, including all the major cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Hyderabad and Chennai. In this article, we will talk about the difference between computer-delivered and pen & paper IELTS exams, What’s new in this form of testing, and which way you should go?

Difference between Computer Delivered and Pen & Paper IELTS Exam

Nowadays, the IELTS exam is conducted on the computer at nearly thirty different test centres all around our country, including all the major cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Hyderabad and Chennai. In this article, we will talk about the difference between computer-delivered and pen & paper IELTS exams, What’s new in this form of testing, and which mode you should choose to give your IELTS test? 

How are they different? 

The test of Listening, Reading and Writing modules of an IELTS exam can now be taken using a desktop computer. This means that you will see all the questions related to these modules on your desktop screen and will have to give their answers using the Computer keyboard. To thrive in the Computer-delivered IELTS exam, You need to have scrolling and navigating skills, which will help you give all the answers by typing, dragging and checking. The computer-delivered IELTS test is provided three times a day and seven days a week. It may not, however, be available at all the test centres due to the less availability of computer systems when compared with pen & paper IELTS exam.

How do they remain the same? 

The format of both the Computer-delivered & pen & paper IELTS exams is the same; the types of questions, the duration of each part, the content, the marking and the scoring all remain unchanged. The computer program also allows note-taking and highlighting, although you will need some practice to familiarize yourself with it. Further, the Speaking test is still conducted face to face with a personal examiner. You get a separate time for it, on the same day of exam. Both Academic and General Training modules of an IELTS exam are available in computer-delivered and paper-based modes. The test fee for both versions of the test also remains the same. 

Also read: IELTS Syllabus

Why you might prefer the computer:

  • In the Computer-delivered IELTS exam, You get the IELTS test results within a week. 
  • The time and date of an IELTS test are more flexible in Computer-delivered IELTS test. 
  • Counting the words during the Writing test is simpler on the Computer machine. 
  • Illegible handwriting isn’t a concern. 

What makes the paper test a better option:

  • In the Pen & paper IELTS test, It’s easier to flip pages going back and forth between the Reading passage and the question. 
  • You can underline and scribble notes wherever necessary in a pen & paper IELTS exam. 
  • More speed and fewer errors if you’re accustomed to writing. 
  • Paper IELTS tests are available at more test centres and admit more candidates. 

All in All, you will see no difference in the content, structure and marking, whichever path you choose between the Computer-delivered IELTS exam or Pen & paper IELTS exam. It’s simply a matter of what you’re more comfortable with. In the end, You will have to show your ability to understand and use the language, so you shouldn’t let any fumbles with your fingers stop you from giving your best answers. Choose the mode of delivery that you are more accustomed to and comfortable with so that your focus is on the content and not on the delivery. 

If you want to start your IELTS exam preparation and achieve your desired band score, then you can contact Canamprep- the best IELTS coaching institute in Punjab today and learn from their faculties that have years of experience in providing the best IELTS coaching services to the students that aspire to study abroad. 

Also read: IELTS Eligibility

FAQ

In pen and paper based, candidate need to write answer on answer sheet with a pencil, on the other hand, in computer based, IELTS test answers need to be typed in their respective boxes on the screen.
It is possible to change the format of the IELTS exam . Candidate can do so by contacting their test centre.
If the candidate is having bad handwriting and have good typing speed , then he/she should choose computer based exam. Moreover, test format is same for both exams.
Reading and listening section are marked automatically by computer, whereas writing and speaking is graded by the trained examiner.
In case of CD –IELTS, result is declared within 3-5 days, while for pen and paper, results will be available in 13 days.

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