What is IELTS Computer Based Test and Its Pros & Cons

What is the IELTS Computer Based Test?

This mode of IELTS exam is also known as the computer delivered IELTS. In this mode, the test takers go to the exam center and take the test on a computer system. However, they do get a page to do rough work while forming answers. Besides, it is also facilitated for people with disabilities or special needs. This makes the IELTS exam format inclusive. Besides, for both PBT and CBT IELTS, the entire test is held on the same day and at the same place. However, you may have to appear for the IELTS speaking test either before or up to 1 week after the other sections.

Also Read: IELTS General Training Task 1: Informal Letter

This was all about the IELTS CBT. Now, let us take a look at why you should opt for computer delivered IELTS instead of paper-based tests. The next section will talk about the same.

Why Take CBT IELTS?

The computer based IELTS test is taken by several students and working professionals. The IELTS exam requires you to take the test at the center. As noted before, this test is also taken by people who have special needs. Here are a few more reasons to opt computer based exam over the paper based IELTS test:

1. Faster IELTS Results
2. More Options for Test Dates
3. Saves Time by Copy Paste
4. Automatic Word Counter

Here is the entire explanation of the pointers above:

Faster Results

Firstly, taking the IELTS exam on a computer ensures faster checking by the evaluators. Moreover, the digitized answers will be exactly what you type. Hence, your handwriting won't be a hurdle for the examiner. The IELTS results in this mode are released within 2 days of taking the test.

More Options for Test Dates

Secondly, the dates to conduct the computer based IELTS exam at every test center will be more. Therefore, opting for the CD IELTS mode of the exam will be feasible and flexible. You can choose from a variety of dates from any month.

Saves Time by Copy Paste

You can copy and paste lines from the text while answering the questions. Moreover, the IELTS computer based test also facilitates you to highlight text and make notes while reading passages. Besides, you also get a pen and paper for rough use.

Also Read: 50 + Synonyms to Use in IELTS Exam

Automatic Word Counter

While doing the writing task of the IELTS writing test, you must keep track of the word count. Moreover, these tasks are also evaluated on the basis of how you stick to the word limit of each task and present your ideas well.

These are the reasons for taking the computer based test for IELTS. Now, let us know the difference between the computer-based IELTS exam and the paper based mode.

Computer Based Vs Paper Based IELTS?

This section will talk about how the CD IELTS mode is different from the paper based mode. The table below will discuss each pointer in detail:

These were the differences between the computer based IELTS test and the paper-delivered IELTS. Now, let us know about the advantages and disadvantages of the IELTS exam. The section below will state the pros and cons of IELTS CBT with regard to every section.

Also Read: Double Question Essay in IELTS

Pros and Cons of Computer Based IELTS

Here are a few pointers to explain to you the merits and demerits of taking the IELTS computer based test:

Pros

• Firstly, if you are a fast and accurate typist, the CBT would be easy for you.
• Usually, it is not very crowded as the people who take the CBT mode are very few.
• Thirdly, there are more flexible options for dates and days available. Thus, it is easy to get the date and day of your choice and even the time!
• Moreover, you can make notes and highlight text on the screen. In addition to this, you have a paper and a pen to do rough work.
• In the reading passage in the IELTS reading test, you can have the passage and the question side by side. This, indeed, is very convenient.
• You can increase the font size of the text.
• You can highlight text in the IELTS listening test of the IELTS test online.
• The computer counts your words while writing in the writing sub-section of the IELTS exam.
• Furthermore, you can move paragraphs and sentences to reorder them.
• You can cut, copy, and paste while typing your answer and this makes proofreading and editing really easy.

Also Read: How to Send IELTS Scores to Universities?

Cons

1. Even when you are provided with a pen and paper, you have to write the answer directly on the computer. Thus, it has to be done while listening to the audio.
2. You can't look for specific words using the search option making it fair for all test takers.
3. The typing test can be noisy as there will be many hands typing fast on their keyboards around you.
4. Moreover, you have to work on your typing speed along with regular IELTS test online
5. Furthermore, it is possible to make a lot of mistakes while typing and not even realizing. In addition to this, there will be no spell check.
6. To transfer answers for IELTS on computer, you get only 2 minutes and not 10 minutes like the paper-based IELTS exam.
7. There are different ways to answer the questions in the computer based IELTS test. In some, you have to get used to fast typing. In some of them, you have to drag words from the text or copy and paste to save time. Moreover, in others, you have to select boxes on the screen.
8. During the last minute of the test, you will not get time in seconds. Thus, you won't know when the time will get over and your screen will be locked.

These are the several pros and cons of writing IELTS on a computer. Now, let us know more about the general advice for the IELTS exam.

Also Read: IELTS Test Report Format

General Advice for IELTS Computer Test

You will find a range of useful advice in this section to clear the IELTS computer based test on your first attempt.

• Make sure that you do not use third party websites or IELTS computer based mock test to practice for the computer based test. The answer key, marking criteria, and other aspects will not match the actual standards of the IELTS exam.
• Secondly, the answer key for both paper-based tests is the same as the computer based test IELTS. Thus, the preparation of both of them does not have any major differences.
• Thirdly, make a habit of scrolling and get used to it for navigating passages on the screen and skimming through it.
• Moreover, study through the sample types of the questions, their feel, and their appearance from the authentic websites. It will help you.
• Despite taking the online IELTS speaking test, you will have to face the examiner on a video call where turning the video will be compulsory. Thus, you should prepare accordingly
  

To sum up, the IELTS exam is not tough if your preparation is up to the mark. These were the advice an expert will give you for your computer based IELTS test. Go through them and practice from the right resources. You can contact experienced IELTS experts to get training for passing the exam. You can also access their IELTS mock test computer based. Moreover, their customized study plans for different types of learners can be very helpful too.

FAQs

Q1. How Does the IELTS CBT Cater to Candidates with Special Needs?

The candidates with needs like breastfeeding and other medical conditions are given extra time. Moreover, for the hearing impaired, there is a lip-reading version of the IELTS listening test. Besides, these facilities are also available to those who opt for paper based test.

Q2. What is the Structure of the Computer Based IELTS?

The IELTS CBT and PBT tests, both have the same exam format. Thus, the listening, reading, speaking, and writing sections have the same number of questions, and the time given to take each of them is also the same. Below is the IELTS test format:

1. The listening section consists of 40 questions and 40 minutes.
2. The reading section is of 40 questions and 60 minutes.
3. The writing section is of 2 tasks for which you get 60 minutes.
4. The speaking section is of 3 parts which is of 11 to 14 minutes.

Q3. What are the Benefits of Taking the IELTS CBT Over the Traditional Paper Based Test?

There are several benefits of taking the IETLS CBT test over the paper based test. These are the flexibility of choosing the test date and day along with faster results. The test results for CBT test takers get released within 2 days of taking the test.

Q4. How Long is CBT IELTS?

The IELTS exam is 2 hours and 45 minutes. Both the CBT and the paper based test are of the same time duration.

Q5. How to Prepare for CBT IELTS at Home?

To ace the IELTS CBT test in one go, it is essential to practice well. Here are some tips you can use to study for IETLS at home:

1. Firstly, practice fast typing and learn to maintain a good speed while brainstorming ideas.
2. Proofreading on a computer screen can be challenging if you struggle with eye strain.
3. Be mindful of mistakes while typing as there will not be any auto spell check activated.
4. Stay calm and focus the right way while typing or reading.
5. Take online IELTS mock tests and practice tests to get habitual.