Which one is better? Computer-based vs Paper-based IELTS!

With the dream to pursue higher studies at an internationally-recognized university at global level, students need to fulfil the eligibility criteria. Apart from academic score, documents, professional experience, and more, one of the most important things is language ability criteria that help scholars to meet the minimum requirements of the different measures of English language which include speaking, reading, listening, and writing. There are several tests such as IELTS, GRE, PTE, GMAT, Duolingo, and more; but, among these most students prefer to apply for IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) examination.

Why give IELTS and Why it is Superior?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination is considered as one of the topmost examination which fulfil the criteria of different fields like academic, professional and migration. Many institutions and countries only consider IELTS for the language ability criteria and appearing for this also assist candidate to apply for permanent residency (PR) more efficiently. Here are some pointers that will assist you to understand the benefits of appearing the IELTS exam:

1. IELTS is considered as one of the higher level of English proficiency test. It assist candidate in enhancing their English skills that include listening, speaking, reading, and writing. While preparing for this, candidates look after several things and try to improve them like spelling, grammar, word choice, and more.
2. Several countries such as USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and more only consider IELTS for the language ability examination. Therefore, appearing for the same would assist the candidate to accomplish their dream to study abroad at an internationally recognized university.
3. All over the word, there are more than 9,000+ universities in 132+ countries that only consider IELTS as the English test. All these countries provide candidate with easy approval for their VISA whether it is for education, immigration, skilled function, and furthermore.
4. Getting offer letter from the desired course takes lots of efforts and requires lots of documents. One of the documents that candidate need to submit is IELTS score card as it help the university to understand the eligibility of the student in terms of English language, self-empowerment, immigration purpose, and so on.
5. Passing IELTS examination assists candidate to become applicable for world-wide career opportunities. Appearing for the IELTS exam help candidate to improve their communication skills and establish good command over it. Hence, it will assist candidate to work and live in any country with excellent communication skills.

These are some of the reasons why IELTS is considered superior English proficiency test. It helps the candidate to not only meet the course requirement but also qualify for the migration requirements. Hence, 95% students prefer to go for the IELTS examination to fulfil the admission and visa requirements.

Take a look after IELTS format

Earlier, every student used to give their IELTS examination through paper-based mode in which they have to book the appointment and take a slot. The test consists of two types including General and Academic in which both the tests include Listening and Speaking, while Reading and Writing module differs on the type of test. The total time allocated for the test is 2 hours and 45 minutes in which there is fixed time for every module. Here is brief information about the IELTS Test Format:

• Listening Test comprises of 30 minutes in which student has to listen to 4 recordings and the answer the questions accordingly. Students need to listen the recordings carefully and understand the native English.
• Reading Test is of around 60 minutes in which student has to give answer of total 40 questions. This module helps student to demonstrate their reading skills as they have to read and understand components.
• For the Writing Test, the student gets 60 minutes in which you have to complete two tasks. For general interest based test, the topics are based on the modules that student take for examination.
• Speaking Test comprises of around 11 to 15 minutes in which student has to record and conduct the test adequately. Student has to appear for this module in three different components.

This is the standard format of IELTS examination and to quality for the same; student opts for IELTS coaching classes and give mock test for practice.

Which is the preferred mode of IELTS?

After taking the decision to appear for IELTS examination, students need to choose the mode of examination between, online and offline. Traditionally, students used to give the examination through offline mode, i.e. Paper based IELTS examination. But, with the advancement of technology, nowadays, students prefer to give their test through online mode, i.e. Computer based IELTS examination. In this section, we will learn about both the modes and which is better to give the test.

• Paper-based IELTS Examination

In this form of IELTS examination, student has to give three modules Reading, Writing and Listening on same day without any break in between the test. For the speaking test, student can choose the date either one week before or after the test date. The speaking test held through face-to-face mode in front of the examiner.

• Computer-based IELTS Examination

For the computer based IELTS examination, student has to give the speaking test on the same day of examination through face-to-face mode of interview with the examiner just before or after the test. For the rest of the modules, including Reading, Speaking, and Writing, student has to appear for the same on the computer.

These are both the modes of IELTS test through which students can appear for the language ability examination. But, while choosing for the appropriate option, student gets confuse as they do not know which mode is suitable for them. Hence, in the next section, we will look towards the difference between the computer-based and paper-based IELTS examination.

Comparison between Computer-based and Paper-based IELTS Test

Most of the students, get confused which mode of test they have to choose as they are unable bifurcate the pros and cons between the computer-based and paper-based IELTS. Hence, here is a comparison that will help you to understand the difference between both modes of test:

Both the modes of test are good, but you have to choose wisely between them as per your convenience. Choosing computer-based IELTS will help you to give rush-free test whereas, paper-based IELTS will assist you to give your test without getting strain on eyes.

Conclusion

IELTS is a major test that helps candidates to fulfil their dreams to study, work and migrate abroad. But, preparing and appearing for the same creates lots of issues and problems for the candidate. One of the most important topics over which candidate worry is mode of the test, Computer-based and Paper-based IELTS. This blog will help you to understand how these two methods are different from one other and how they help you in different ways.