Which is Better Computer-Based or Paper-based IELTS Exam?

Comparison Between Computer Based and Paper-based IELTS Exam

IELTS is the acronym that means International English Testing System which assesses a candidate in terms of writing, reading, speaking and listening skills in English. If you want to join a college or university in an English speaking country and English is not a native language of your country, then it is mandatory to submit English proficiency tests scores to the concerned colleges and universities. One such test that is accepted globally is the International English Language Testing System or IELTS. Some other tests that are recognized internationally for English language proficiency are-TOEFL and PTE.

The IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System, it is one of the most popular English proficiency tests. When organizing the IELTS you have to decide which form of the test is preferable: traditional paper-based one or more recent computer-based one. Altogether, both formats have their pros and cons; yet, each needs to be considered depending on a particular context. In this article, we'll dive deep into the debate of "Which is Better: Looking for Computer-Based or Paper-Based IELTS Exam?” to provide you with a clear comparison of both options and guidelines that would help you decide based on your situation.

There are many factors to consider while deciding between the computer-delivered and paper-based IELTS test. Your decision to opt for either of the formats will to a greater extent depend on your attitude toward technology, understanding and ease in working with the respective format.

Computer-Based IELTS Exam: Advocating and Incorporating Convenience Devices

Some of the advantages which a computer based IELTS may appeal to the technologically inclined are: 

• Flexibility in Test Dates: Computer based tests are usually held at multiple occasions given that one can select any date of their preference.
• Quick Results: One of the biggest benefits of computer based testing is that you get your results a lot quicker than with paper based format. This can be a game-changer if you are restricted on time or want to accomplish the job quickly.
• Intuitive Navigation: The interface that is used in the computer based exam is friendly, this is to minimize the complexity of the examination. It is convenient to switch between sections, revise and modify the answers, and use the cursor to highlight the sections needed.
• Enhanced Reading Experience: Another benefit of the computer based exam is that you can increase the font, underline texts and even write notes on the screen which may be more comfortable.

Paper-Based IELTS Exam: A Timeless Concept That Comes with Some Advantages

While the allure of technology is strong, the traditional paper-based IELTS exam still holds its ground with its unique advantages:

• Familiarity: Most students have practiced taking tests in the traditional pencil and paper method throughout their schooling. This can aid to lessen test related stress as the student already feels comfortable with such an environment.
• Natural Diagram Drawing: If you are writing tests that require diagrams or any other graphical representations, then it might be more comfortable and precise to do on paper.
• No Technical Glitches: Computer-based tests are most commonly perfect, but technical difficulties certainly can occur. In contrast, paper-based exams remove this issue completely into consideration.
• Easier Reading Comprehension: A few students mentioned that they are comfortable reading difficult texts on paper rather than on the computer screen.

Read More: Using Your IELTS Score to Secure Scholarships

Pros and Cons: A Side-by-Side Comparison

To help you weigh your options effectively, let's break down the pros and cons of both formats in a comparative manner:

Originally, IELTS was a paper-based test until 2017 when IELTS was administered through Computer Testing in addition to the paper tests. It is obvious that one question that would crop up in the minds of all the test takers is which test is better or which one is easier. Of course, before we endeavour to provide a positive answer to this question, it is important to know how the two tests are alike and different from one another.

There are two modes of taking the IELTS exam namely the paper-based mode and the computer-based mode.

The content, types of questions, the manner in which the paper is set and the amount of time allowed for both the IELTS computerized and paper-based versions are the same. The only difference is instead of writing your answers on paper, you enter them on the computer. The other area of difference is in the order of the test, and the testing environment is also not the same. It’s therefore up to the user as to which one they will use most often and frankly, which one is faster. Some may find it more comfortable with pencil for writing while for others it may be clicking or typing in the exam.

When it comes to the IELTS computer-based mode, you would be completing the reading, writing, and listening sections on a computer. However, you will be offered a pencil and pen for taking notes.

As for writing in paper-based IELTS, you will be given a pencil and an answer sheet for writing and you write answers in the question booklet. Candidates are allowed an additional ten minutes at the end of the listening section to rewrite their answers on the actual answer sheet. This additional time is not for the computer delivered examination. The speaking section that is applicable for both paper and computer based test is still an interpersonal communication with the examiner.In general, paper-based exams are taken in large rooms in centrally located offices, universities, educational institutions, or hotels. Computer based exams are normally conducted in small rooms that are specialized to conduct these exams.

Hence, arguably the major advantage of computer- based IELTS is that the fast turn-around time in that one receives results within a week that is between three to five days for the test taker The paper- based IELTS on the other hand takes an average of thirteen days to produce result.

Everyone who sits for the computer based IELTS test will receive the headphones to carry the listening section and a new high quality display unit that is in a new and a different room. They will not be communicating directly with the devices; therefore, a microphone cannot in any way interfere with their operations. Nearly all the centers that conduct computer-based IELTS also offer the listening section’s noise-reducing headphones for improved functionality. In some countries such as New Zealand and Australia, paper-based IELTS consists of the writing section succeeded by the reading section as well as the listening section. Sometimes you might have a speaking section immediately after the listening section. However, in some of the test centres, you will be required to do the speaking section the next day. The computer-delivered IELTS test includes the first section of listening, the second section of reading and the last section of writing. The speaking test is conducted on the same day, though before the computer test or after it is optional for the candidate.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Based IELTS Exam

Pros

• A computer-based test gives you the result within three to five days of the test as compared to thirteen days of a paper-based test.
• The IELTS on the computer also has an advantage in choice of the day and time because it is available from Monday through Sunday (up to three times a day.
• Since the test rooms are constructed as per the specific requirements there is a lot of comfort and ease for candidates. It also means that there are few people taking the test simultaneously, therefore, there is less pressure. A maximum of twenty-four candidates are allowed in a computer-based IELTS examination at a particular period.
• The order of the reading section is set in a manner whereby the candidates experience a lot of ease in responding to questions. The passage is at the left side of the screen while questions are at the right side of the screen.
• If one wants to highlight text, all that is needed is to simply right-click and then click on the highlight option. If you try this with the paper-based test, it is much more difficult because you are not allowed to use a highlighter pen in the exam.
• You can also copy it by using the keyboard shortcut CTRL+C and then paste it by pressing CTRL+V which help to minimize typing mistakes.
• In the case of the writing section, the essay, it is not necessary to count the words because it appears on the screen when typed. This saves a lot of time.

Cons

• Computer-based tests have typing requirements because you have to write quickly if you are typing.
• However, what has been entered in the screen cannot be changed after some time because the screen gets locked. The timer does not include seconds and you won’t know when exactly the screen is locked.
• In the listening section, it requires one to listen and type the answers at the same time which might not be very comfortable.
• Some questions require typing the answer, and some require you to drag and drop words into the corresponding boxes. You really need to get used to these different ways of answering.
• With all the people in the test centre typing their answers using the keyboard it gets a little noisy and distracting.

However, depending on the amount of your experience and your preferred method of taking the test, computer based IELTS is slightly more preferable. The content and questions for both kinds of tests are exactly the same, so preparation for one type readies a student for both.

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