computer-delivered

Preparing for IELTS on Computer

IELTS, the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and migration, can now be taken on a computer.

In this blog post, we will talk about our online resources that can help you get acquainted with the IELTS on computer test.

Find out how it works

The British Council’s Take IELTS website has several video tutorials that will help you understand how computer-delivered testing works. As well as an introductory video that focuses on some general features, the website has tutorials on different sections of the test. You can also find videos that give step-by-step guidance on using various features of the test, such as highlighting text and making notes.

Where to go: https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/ielts-on-computer/how-it-works

Access sample test questions

Finding IELTS materials online these days is as easy as falling off a log – there are scores of websites with information, tips and practice tests. Unfortunately, practice tests found on the internet may not contain task types that are similar to the ones used in the actual test, making them unsuitable for test preparation.

You needn’t fret about it, though, as you can access official sample test questions to have an authentic experience of three sections of IELTS on computer – Listening, Reading and Writing. And what is more, you will find sample task types for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

Where to go: https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/ielts-on-computer/practice-tests

Attempt the familiarisation test

What better way to prepare for IELTS than by taking an official mock examination, that too for free? The IELTS on computer familiarisation test lets you do just that! Lasting 2 hours and 30 minutes, just like the real test, it is a full sample version that has the Listening, Reading and Writing sections. On completion, you get results for the Listening and Reading sections too. And as there is no need to book or register beforehand, you can take the familiarisation test at a moment’s notice. 

Where to go: https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/take-ielts/prepare/ielts-on-computer/familiarisation-test

If you need to take IELTS, opting for computer-delivered testing will certainly be a smart move, as it has increased test availability and faster results turnaround times. Just make sure you find out in advance how your test day will look like.

IELTS on Paper vs. IELTS on Computer (Part 2)

In Part 1, we mostly focused on test features unique to IELTS on computer that help you keep track of time, manage your word count, highlight text, and make notes.

More Test Dates

A significant advantage of IELTS on computer is the degree of flexibility it offers test takers. For starters, exam dates are available round the year: many test centres have exam sessions up to 3 times a day and up to 7 days a week. This means that IELTS on computer can be taken on a date and at a time that you find most convenient. So, if you need to take the test at a moment’s notice, the computer version could offer you many more dates to choose from.

Test Venue

As far as test venues go, IELTS on computer is normally conducted in small, custom-built facilities that can accommodate only about a handful of test takers. These computer labs typically make use of the latest technology and have technical staff on hand to help test takers if needed. IELTS on Paper test sessions, on the other hand, are usually held in larger spaces at places such as universities or hotels. This is because there are fewer test dates per month, so test taker numbers per session is generally higher.

Fast Results

Finally, the best selling point of IELTS on computer is perhaps its faster results turnaround time. If you take IELTS on computer, your results can be previewed online 3 to 5 days from your test date. So, if you’re someone in desperate need of IELTS scores so as to meet a visa or university application deadline, look no further than the computer version.

If typing into a computer is something you find easier than writing by hand, then IELTS on computer is definitely the test for you. You can book your test today and have your results by next week, allowing you to pursue your study or work goals without losing any time. And all this at no extra cost!