Paper-based Vs. Computer-based IELTS Exam

Article by: Road to Abroad (Education Transcending Borders), Delhi

A lot of students have been asking us whether they should take the online IELTS test or go for the conventional paper-based IELTS test. To answer their question, we surveyed our students who have taken online IELTS test and received valuable feedback. Based on their comments, following Pros and Cons have been compiled for each section of the IELTS test:
 
General Pros of online IELTS test

• Test Centres are less crowded, so it will be easier to find an available slot.
• Online exam is held much more frequently, up to 7 days a week and multiple times a day. This is a big advantage over paper based IELTS which is held as low as 3-4 times a month.
• Results are declared much faster for online exam, about 5-7 days earlier than the paper-based test.
• Bad handwriting is not a problem since you will type all your answers on a computer.

General Cons of online IELTS test

• Very few practice tests are available in online test format. Therefore, for most of the practice you will have to use paper-based test material.

Speaking

• No change. Identical to paper-based test

Listening Pros of online IELTS test
Listening section has no advantage that we could think of over the paper-based exam.
 
Listening Cons of online IELTS test

• You will be given 2 minutes to check your answers at the end instead of 10 minutes in paper-based exam
• You will not get the opportunity to mark or highlight the important parts of questions as you can do in paper based exam using a pencil.
• You will have to listen and type your answer at the same time.
• Online tests employs variable methods of answering questions. For some questions you are required to type in the answer, whereas for others you have to drag words from one place to another or select correct option.

Reading Pros of online IELTS test

• Screen is divided in to two sections. The passage is displayed on the left section and questions on the right section. This allows you to answer questions while reading the passage unlike paper based test where you have to flip pages all the time.
• Font size of the text can be increased
• Text can be highlighted by selecting ‘highlight text’ from right click menu. Highlighters are generally not allowed in paper based IELTS exam, although you can mark important parts using a pencil.
• You can copy words from the passage with CTRL+C and paste in answer section with CTRL+V.

Reading Cons of online IELTS test

• Not all students are comfortable in reading on a computer screen. Some students find it easier to read from paper and experience ‘Screen Fatigue’ while reading from a screen.

Writing Pros of online IELTS test

• Computer shows the word count. No need to count the words.
• Easier to edit your answer as you can cut, copy and paste.

Writing Cons of online IELTS test

• You should have a good typing speed
• Many students are accustomed to Autocorrect function in word processors, which is not available in IELTS online exam. This may lead to unconscious typos and spelling mistakes.
• Since many students will be typing their answer at the same time, there could be enough keyboard noise to distract you.  

Overall Judgement
We think that the decision between online test and paper-based test really depends on preferences and dislikes of students. Online test can be an excellent fit for some students but may not work very well with others. Same is true vice-versa. It is very important that you know the pros and cons of each format and make an informed decision. You can be assured that the content, difficulty level and assessment criteria is exactly the same for the two formats.