How to Prepare for Computer Based IELTS - Tips & Tricks

Before wondering how to prepare for computer-based IELTS, know a little about the examination first. The IELTS test is one of the universally accepted and immensely popular global English language proficiency assessments. It is imperative to gain admission into higher education institutions and even find work in English-speaking nations. However, there are two variations of the IELTS, namely the paper-based test and the computer-based test. 

The only difference worth noting is that the computer-based test is taken on laptops or computers. You will be completing the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections on the PC while the Speaking section is done face-to-face with an IELTS examiner. 

Tips for preparing for computer-based IELTS

Here are some useful tips that you can use to ace your computer-based IELTS examination. 

Listening Section- 

● The computer-based IELTS does not vary much from the regular IELTS examination pattern. The section has a total time of 30 minutes. 

● You will only have a single chance to listen with the audio containing either Australian or British accents. Ensure that you practice beforehand by listening to these accents and pronunciations in your practice examinations. 

● Always remain patient, and you will eventually find all the answers to the questions at the end or beginning. However, do not lose focus throughout this section. 

● The paper-based test gives you 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer paper from the question paper. However, in the computer-based test, you will have to keep typing in your answers as you move along. You only have two minutes afterward to check the answers. Hence, type carefully, avoiding grammar and spelling issues as much as possible. 

Reading Section- 

● You will have the reading passage towards the right and the questions on the left of the screen. This will help you read the text and questions more conveniently. 

● While you are reading, if you feel that a word or sentence is vital, you can highlight it via right-click and choose highlight. In the paper-based test, you cannot use a highlighter. This is one advantage of the computer-based test. 

● You can also increase the font size if you want. 

● You can copy-paste from the text given via CTRL-C (Copy) and CTRL-V (Paste) to keep typos away. 

Important Resources to Read About IELTS Exam:

Writing Section- 

● When thinking about how to prepare for computer-based IELTS, know that it will test your typing skills. The timings and circumstances are like the paper-based test. The difference is typing the answers. It may seem easy initially since you do not have to bother about your handwriting and being legible or even worry about the word count. Yet, typing for a long time may be exhausting. Hence, you should work on achieving a decent typing speed without errors. 

● You will not get a lot of time to re-check answers. Hence, while typing fast, be careful about errors. 

● You can readily edit what you write; you can select the entire line and use backspace or delete commands for deleting the same. You can also make use of the copy-paste feature throughout the test. 

● You will have a paper and pen for planning your essay- Structure it as much as possible, jot down the key points and be prepared to type everything neatly. 

Speaking Section- 

● The speaking test is the same for paper and computer-based IELTS examinations. The human examiner will hold this test, which is akin to a conversation with an individual. 

● Always smile since it will help you pronounce better and demonstrate your confidence levels. Speak in a composed manner and confidently. 

● Avoid using complex words unnecessarily. While good vocabulary is always desirable, you should not use such words for their sake. 

● You may have to talk about almost anything like your opinion on global aspects, family, or hobbies. Make sure that you are well-versed in current affairs and practice speaking in front of others at home. 

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