01/12/2021
IELTS computer-based or paper-based test, which one should you take ?
The answer depends on how much time you have. If you are short on time, and only have about 3weeks, then the computer-based makes more sense, as availability for the paper-based is very limited, and for the computer-based test, you get your results in 5 days. On the other hand, if you have time, and want to increase your chances of getting the desired score in your first attempt itself, then pick the paper-based test. Why ? Firstly, there is tons of practice material available for the paper-based test. And as you know, the more you practice, the better your final performance will be. For the computer-based test, there is hardly any material available, in fact, I did not find any OFFICIAL full-length practice test for the computer-based test. Without any material, how are you going to practice ? Secondly, when the test is timed, you are already under stress, so any kind of distraction can disorient you, in a computer-based test you need to scroll the mouse back and forth, drag and drop etc ... which is distracting. Additionally, you cannot highlight or make notes. In the paper-based test, the paper is right in front of you, you can underline keywords, make notes at the side etc ... Lastly, in reading, going from the last paragraph to something in the first paragraph for a long passage in the paper-based test is easy, as you just need to flip a page. So in summary, if you are not short on time, paper-based ielts is the best choice. Take a look at the picture below that quickly summarizes the pros and cons of the computer-based test. Hope this has helped you make up your mind. If you have any other questions regarding the IELTS, send me your question. All the very best in your test !
