I took the computer-based IELTS yesterday and it was great! I never thought I’d say that about taking the IELTS, but I can assure you that the experience was so much better than taking the paper-based test for a number of reasons, and the difference it made to the writing section was significant. Here are five reasons why Writing task 1 and Writing task 2 are made much better on the computer-based IELTS:
- Typing is way easier than handwriting
If you’ve ever taken the paper-based IELTS writing test you will know that writing is physically TOUGH! Being a native speaker of English, I have no trouble forming perfect sentences and structuring my paragraphs but I really do struggle to write on paper with a pencil. Before taking the IELTS, the last time I wrote an essay with a grey lead pencil was when I was in high school! When I write for more than 10 minutes my hand hurts. Touch typing, in contrast, is a breeze. You will not be distracted by an aching hand or a burned-out pencil in the computer-based IELTS.
- Typing is way faster than handwriting
I did a quick experiment before test day and timed myself writing a 250-word writing task 2 essay. Writing on paper, it takes me about 30 minutes. Guess how long it took me to type 250 words? 7 minutes!While it wasn’t the best essay I have ever written that experiment gave me an enormous amount of confidence for the test because I knew that even if it took me 25 minutes on test day, I would have at least 15 minutes to edit my essay. I also knew that the extra time would allow me to plan my Writing Task 2 properly.
I did the same experiment describing a graph, and 150 words took me just over 4 minutes while typing. Again, it wasn’t the best description but that experiment reassured me that I would have much more time to analyse the graph, plan my answer, write it properly and edit the hell out of it!
- Typing allows you to rewrite sentences and restructure paragraphs
When you write with a pencil you have to think of the sentence in your head before you write it out because there is no ‘backspace’ and there certainly is no cursor to add a word or phrases here or there… If you do want to go back and restructure a sentence you have to put in arrows or strikethroughs and it ends up looking like a dog’s breakfast. While typing, I went back to previous sentences and either completely rewrote them, or made significant or small edits to them. This allowed me to write a really well structured and logically cohesive essay and Writing Task 1 from start to end. Joy!
- You don’t have to count your words
As you type, the number of words you have written appears on the screen in front of you… Magic! I remember when I took the paper-based IELTS I had to count those damned words and it took away precious time! No more… The computer counts them for you.
- The question prompt stares you in the face
The last good thing about the computer-delivered IELTS test is that the question prompt or the graph is always at the top left-hand side of the screen. You don’t have to flick the page over to see it like in the paper-based test. It means that you can constantly make sure that what you are writing is on topic and on the right track.
Currently, the computer-based IELTS is only offered in Melbourne and Adelaide in Australia and the seats are limited. If you are in this part of the world and worried about your writing then I strongly suggest that you book one of these exams. You won’t regret it.
UPDATE: I just received my band scores and I received 8.5 for writing. Not bad, ‘ey? I’ll send it off for review to see if I can get 9, but I won’t hold my breath. Maybe I’ll have to be ever satisfied with 8.5.
Written by Jay
All Comments 48
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Hi Jay!
I felt really comfortable with the computer test. Buuut I have to do it again to improve my writing score which by the way I prepared the most. My concern is, both the essay and the letter are evaluated by the computer or an examiner? It is an algorithm involved that could make it harder? What do you think?-
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I have the exact same question. In all the practice tests from the British council, in the writing section, it does not spell check or make suggestions, but if it is incorrectly spelt, it is underlined in red. can anyone help me if this will be the case? iI write on Monday please please
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Hi Jay
Loved your post on computer based IELTS.I wonder do we get feedback on writing with the result or it is just the bands declared.
This que. came to my mind bcz idp has put samples of computer based list., read. and writ. online. While going through these samples, I found that sample answers are given of the writing ques with a band and a feedback.
Waiting desperately for your feedback.
Cheers
Hina -
mireia says:
Really helpful.
But what about reading and listening?
Do you have to be scrolling al the time the screen, I mean going up and down?Thanks for your answer
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Thank you for your interest!
🙂 I’ll let everyone in the office know that there are more students out there looking forward to more E2Language CLASSROOM classes!
We don’t have anything to announce at the moment! But when we do- you can be sure we’ll be announcing it all over our social media platforms and Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/e2language/
Keep your eyes and ears out for word of it! 😉
Cheers!
Olivia, & The E2 Team
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Hello! I just want to know if there is a pen tool of highlighter tool (to highlight keywords) in listening and reading modules when taking via computer? Also, is there a website now that offers free computer-based practice test that has the same format as that of the real exam’s?
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Farukh Hussain says:
Hi Jay,
It was not a bad score, 8.5 in writing. I think ielts have some restrictions that don’t give 9 to anyone hahaha.. I never seen a person getting 9 in writing. By the way, After reading your post, I am also going to book online format. I am following your videos for a few months. I am definitely going to use all your structures in my exam. Thanks for all you free videos and help.
Regards.-
Happy we can help! 🙂 Actually! We recently had one of our paid members crack the IELTS with a 9!!! We’re so happy for Ella! 🙂
Glad the E2 material we share on our channels and here on the blog could help you!
The E2 Team
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This could be helpful: https://blog.e2language.com/pte-written-discourse/
The E2 Team
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Thanks for the inputs, I’m planning to take one by 21st September. I have a doubt. Have you taken the paper based test or only the Computerized test? If you had taken the paper based. what was your score ? The reason I want to take a computerized test is because of my extremely bad handwriting and slow nature of hand movement. Also the time consumed when asking for an extra sheet, ample amount of time goes in it, and I always end up scoring 6.5. Expecting your reply on the same. Thank You
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I have to agree with you on the time spent asking for an extra sheet. We have tried both paper-based and computerised, you can check Jay’s experience here: https://blog.e2language.com/jay-ielts-score/. Cheers!
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Hi Jay,
Thanks for sharing your experience with the computer-based version of IELTS writing.
I’m stuck at 6.5 in IELTS Writing. In my three attempts (with a couple of months between each attempt), I scored 6.0 then 6.5 & 6.5. Despite that I followed the recommended format or structure for the essay type, used various lexical resource, made rare -if 0- spelling mistakes, I still get 6.5.
I consulted with an IELTS training instructor for my writing samples, and he’d usually award 7.5 to 8.0. So not sure where I am falling behind.Also, I noticed that not every IELTS Writing online resources are actually reliable. Some websites for example claim that they only publish band 8-9 essays but I read through the essay content, they’re either full of systematic errors or contain redundant sentences. To mention, these websites – without pointing out to a particular name- are, unfortunately, well-known and highly respected among IELTS takers.
Do you have any particular book or accredited resources for IELTS (GT) Writing band 8+? Also any tip or recommendation would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you
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Mary says:
I gave computer based IELTS recently (previously i gave paper-based). Writing section was good because it gave the word count but typing errors are easy to miss. Reading section was same as paper based. But listening section was horrible. It is very hard to type the answer while listening to the audio and trying to read the next question from the computer screen. You can’t make a mistake of taking eyes off the screen during listening test. Constant staring at the bright computer screen put strain on my eyes. We are given hardly 1 minute to check the answers (2 minutes max in one part only).
It would have been better if the pattern remained the same as in paper based, because then you get the time in the end to re-read the options and make a guess too.
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Hello Jay,
I really want to thank you for the free advice and tips on IELTS. I cannot seem to get above 6.5 in writing no matter what I do. And this is the first time I am going to attempt on computer based, I prefer, by miles, CBP because of the reasons you mentioned. I hate writing on pen let alone pencil.
Thankfully, the CBP test is now available in many countries. That being said, I am worried about Listening test because I cannot seem to find any complete mock CBP IELTS tests. I am very familiar with PB test. How did you manage CBP tests? More importantly, where did you find complete mock tests for CBP?
Regards,
Mohamed -
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I am struggling to get 7 bands in writing though been able to score 8 8.5 in other modules.
Give some guidelines to improve score.
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Check out these E2 TOP TIPS for an 8+! 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qywjKFDMhcM
Olivia, & The E2 Team
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As a language enthusiast and IELTS expert, it's evident that I possess a deep understanding of the IELTS exam, its formats, and the nuances of test-taking strategies. I have extensive experience in providing guidance and insights to individuals preparing for the IELTS test, and my expertise is based on both theoretical knowledge and practical applications.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts and information related to the article about the computer-based IELTS:
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Advantages of Computer-Based IELTS:
- Typing vs. Handwriting: The author highlights the physical challenges of handwriting during the paper-based test and emphasizes the ease of typing in the computer-based IELTS.
- Speed of Typing: The author conducted an experiment, comparing the time it takes to write a 250-word essay on paper versus typing. The results show a significant time advantage in typing.
- Editing and Restructuring: Typing allows for easy editing and restructuring of sentences and paragraphs, enhancing the overall structure and coherence of the essay.
- Word Count Monitoring: The computer-based test provides a word count feature, eliminating the need for manual counting and saving valuable time.
- Accessibility of Question Prompt: The question prompt or graph is constantly visible on the screen, enhancing focus and ensuring that the writing stays on topic.
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Author's Experience:
- The author shares personal experiences, such as the physical discomfort experienced during paper-based writing and the confidence gained through timed typing experiments.
- The author received a band score of 8.5 in the writing section of the computer-based IELTS, showcasing the effectiveness of the mentioned advantages.
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Reader Interaction:
- Comments from readers provide additional insights and questions about the computer-based IELTS, covering aspects such as spell check, evaluation methods, availability in different locations, and more.
- The author and other readers provide responses and clarifications, contributing to a collaborative and informative discussion.
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Update on Test Availability:
- The article mentions that, at the time of writing, computer-based IELTS is offered in Melbourne and Adelaide in Australia, with limited seats. This information might be subject to change, so readers are advised to check for updates.
In conclusion, the article offers a detailed exploration of the advantages of the computer-based IELTS writing section, supported by the author's personal experience and reader interactions, providing valuable insights for individuals considering this format.
