Computer-delivered vs Paper-based IELTS — which one should you go for?

IELTS, back in 2017, for the first time, had introduced an alternative to give the IELTS exam on a computer, instead of paper. This choice was available only in Australia but later was made accessible to the world. As soon as the computer-based IELTS exam was introduced, it was soon surrounded by a lot of myths revolving around the nature of questions, difficulty levels, marking schemes, etc. In fact, as we have repeatedly seen from the questions being asked by our students, a lot of such misconceptions still exist about the computer-based IELTS test. Some people have come to believe that the computer-based test would be easier than the paper-based test, or that it would be less time-consuming, etc. There are also arguments suggesting that the paper-based test is comparatively harder.

We want to put all your inhibitions to rest and tell you that none of the above is true. The two options — computer-based and paper-based, are in fact just modes to write the IELTS exam, that is, they have no correlation with the difficulty level of the questions, evaluation schemes, time limits, etc. The format and the type of questions for both modes are exactly the same and collated by the same organisations. The two modes have been introduced to just give the test takers an option to choose their preferred writing medium. For your better understanding, we have clearly pointed out the similarities and differences between both the test modes below in detail.

Which one should you opt for?

So, which of the two IELTS exams should you opt for? Well, if you have taken the test earlier, then you would have experienced any one of these modes already. Depending on how comfortable you felt the last time, you can choose whether you want to take the IELTS exam using the same way or try the other mode.

Both the IELTS exams have their pros and cons, like everything else. For instance, the paper-based IELTS exam requires you to write fast and in a legible handwriting, whereas the IELTS computer-based test will require you to have a decent typing speed. Your choice would, therefore, depend on your personal abilities and preference. For instance, if you have a good typing speed and favor typing over pen and paper based writing because perhaps you have not written essays after passing from school, then you can opt for the computer-based IELTS test. Whereas, if you have a good handwriting with a fast writing pace, then you can opt for the paper-based IELTS test. Hence, it totally depends on you, which mode you want to opt for your IELTS exam. We advise you to choose the one that you will be more efficient and comfortable in. Do not pay any attention to the misconceptions floating around regarding the two alternatives as both of them are approved by the British Council and IDP. They will both be conducted in an organised manner abiding by all rules and regulations. The British Council has introduced the computer-based IELTS exam for the convenience of some exam takers, especially for working professionals who have long lost the habit of writing by hand as they mostly work on their laptops or computers and hence, prefer typing to writing.

In conclusion, paper-based and computer-based IELTS are two modes to write the IELTS exam with the same pattern, format and rules applicable to both of them. So, choose whichever option you find more convenient for yourself. Needless to say that whichever of the two modes you choose, make sure that you prepare well for the exam, read the instructions carefully and write the exam properly to score well.

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