Paper-delivered vs Computer-delivered IELTS test in India

[nns14]

This is exactly my feeling. I gave both Paper based and computer based exam. I felt much comfortable and confident with CB IELTS. But turns out, results for CB exam were disappointing. Felt like they were intentionally giving lower scores. Apart from scoring 6.5 in writing yet again(inspite of writing what seemed like my best essay)..specially my speaking score decreased to 6.5 band that never happened in my previous paper 2 based attempts in academic and general when I scored 7.5-8 in speaking. I remember on test day, felt like it went on par or even better than previous attempts.

Finally, only got success with paper based IELTS. So I have my doubts on this mode of test. Why spill our hard earned money on this meretricious IDP Computer based IELTS test. Go with tried and tested Paper based., If possible go for British council option they are better trained evaluators. Just my two cents.

I finished my CB exam about an hour or so ago and I must the experience is nothing to compare to paper based. It has so many advantages over it.

Regarding the marking computer vs paper, speaking has not changed one bit so I doubt it has any influence. It is the same face-to-face interview and same procedure as paper based version. Not a thing has changed in this module.

Anyways, doing the test over computer, no one really knows if it has affect on the result from the examiner point of view.

Did you go for revaluation on that result (CB)?

 

[Rajanila]

Got my reval result from IDP-No change

Computerised Exam
Scores (8.5,8,6.5,7.5)
Revaluation was applied for all sections but purpose was to get .5 inc in writing.
Applied on 31st Oct, Recieved TRF today and date on IDP cover letter is 14th Nov

If anyone is planning to go for reval of computerised writing attempt then please think twice because I have seem various instances where scores are not increased, specifically in computer based. Frankly, I havn’t heard any success story.

I was confident with my exam and did really well.

Do you feel comfortable on computerized writing than paper based. I have booked my exam on Nov 15 paper based but still in the dilemma because I have bee struggling lot in the computerized writing. Even I know the spelling correctly but without my knowledge making the typo error.
Can you share you experience on your practice and exam as IDP is marketing for computer based than paper exam.

 

[ajaypsdba]

I finished my CB exam about an hour or so ago and I must the experience is nothing to compare to paper based. It has so many advantages over it.

Regarding the marking computer vs paper, speaking has not changed one bit so I doubt it has any influence. It is the same face-to-face interview and same procedure as paper based version. Not a thing has changed in this module.

Anyways, doing the test over computer, no one really knows if it has affect on the result from the examiner point of view.

Did you go for revaluation on that result (CB)?

Thanks for the feedback...I wished BC also offered CBT....have heard many "not so good" reviews regarding IDP

 

[jaytishah]

I gave my exam yesterday through IDP computerized in Mumbai. Reading , Speaking and writing went well... Lost track during listening .. Is there anybody who has achieved 8777 in LRWS through IDP ?? If yes then how many attempts were given ?

 

[sachinkumar01]

I gave my exam yesterday through IDP computerized in Mumbai. Reading , Speaking and writing went well... Lost track during listening .. Is there anybody who has achieved 8777 in LRWS through IDP ?? If yes then how many attempts were given ?

Did u gave the exam on 28nov?????

 

[jaytishah]

Did u gave the exam on 28nov?????

Yes

 

[ajaypsdba]

can anyone please confirm, who took CBT recently if the shortcut keys work like CTRL + F for finding a key word in reading/listening modules?

 

[jazy3313]

This test only available in New Delhi right now. First exam I think is on 23 August. I have given PTE and Manual IELTS . Computerized IELTS test introduced to compete with PTE. Below are my thoughts on Comp IELTS.

Listening - This will gonna be hard nut to crack. Reason of this is, you will have no pencil to underline or circle the keywords rather you need to right click and select highlight option to make selected text highlighted in new exam. Also AFAIK, there is no 10 extra minutes in end to review your answers. I think its 2 min in this exam.

Writing - This will again check by manual examiners. Hence, very less chance to get benefits from this section. Only one benefit you can get from your typing speed If you are a computer guy.

Reading / Speaking : No change.

Overall, It it sensible to wait and look for other aspirants reviews before booking the exam.

Listening - If you practice on the laptop and instead of writing the answers, use sticky notes to type then you will get a good practice.
Reading - More convenient than before because now you don't have to turn pages to refer back to the text, you can simply scroll the entire passage on the left side of the screen. Moreover, you can highlight the text if you feel the need to and can copy the text to fill in the blanks.
Writing - This is the section where you will get most out of computer delivered exam. To get a good score you need to structure your essay in a way that it is coherent, so you will save the time needed to erase and re-write sentences. Moreover, you can cut paste as well. From my experience I would advice for anyone who is writing a computer delivered exam to start writing immediately because you don't need to plan anymore, you can always cut/paste and refine your answer. Get done with writing ideas in 25 mins and spend 15 minutes to work on structure, spelling, grammar and cohesion.

Speaking - NO CHANGE

 

[eirevir88]

Just want to share with you guys my experience..

Last Nov 1 I took paper-based, and I got LRWS 7.5 8 6.5 7.5

Then i took computer-based, and I got LRWS 8.5 8 6 8

My writing became lower but I studied more and practiced more for my 2nd attempt. Both British Council. Im wondering now if I can apply for EOR for my writing. As I am reading forums here about computer-based, almost everyone got 6.5 in writing, I think only 2 got more than 7.0.. anyways, is it advisable to apply for EOR with computer-based?

 

[nipa123]

Can I have a pencil and paper while giving the computer based test, I need that to draft my listening answers?

Please someone reply.

Thanks

 

[pravbang]

Can I have a pencil and paper while giving the computer based test, I need that to draft my listening answers?

Please someone reply.

Thanks

You will be given a pencil and paper even during a CBT. My recommendation is that you should use pencil paper only for outlining your essay. You will really not have the time during listening test for drafting answers

 

[pravbang]

i gave my pencil test as well as CBT in the last 2 months
Here are the scores
Pencil test with BC: L=9, R=7.5, W=6.5, S=7.5 (13 Oct 2018)
CBT at IDP: L=8.5, R=9, W=7, S=7.5 (08 Dec 2018)

In general, CBTs are way better for people who are comfortable typing rather than writing. This will play a big role in Writing tasks.

 

[tristam15]

I had a lot of questions about CD IELTS and not enough information available on the internet about Computer based IELTS so I am writing about it. This will help you if you are taking CD IELTS in Hyderabad or CD IELTS anywhere. I took the General Training module.

1. I chose the early morning slot and was asked to come at 8:15am, the test started at 9. It ended at 11:45 (approx). My speaking test was on the same day at 2:40pm. There is no option to choose Speaking Test Slots in CD IELTS.
2. There is free car and bike parking available in the cellar for IELTS test takers. Just say IDP and park in the designated slot in Gowra Trinity. I am told there is a limit of 5 cars. A person who didn’t know this had taken a ticket and paid 50 Rs/ hour. It was about 5 hours.
3. There is no need to carry a printout of the email. Only your passport is necessary. I wish they had mentioned this in the email, this would have saved some trouble for people and also saved a ton of paper.
4. There are lockers available for big bags and small items can be put in numbered pouches that the security guard collects and keeps in his locker. You do not get a token for this, you are only recognised by a tag that is given to you and are supposed to wear.
5. The test takers are provided with a pencil, a pen, an eraser and a sharpener. There are some sheets with logic credentials available which can be used to take notes if needed.
6. At the computer, you will be given separate login credentials for each section. You need to use these to login for each section. You have a choice of using a standard font, large font or extra large font. I chose large because it made it easier to read.
7. You also have a choice of changing the colours of the font and the background. I chose the Yellow on Black option. You can choose the one that makes you feel comfortable. When you choose an option, you can see how it looks and decide on which one you like. Black and yellow was easiest to read to read for me.
8. Unlike regular IELTS, there is no extra time provided in the listening section to transfer answers. I originally thought that this would make it difficult but in practice, it was no trouble at all.
9. In reading, I had a lot of time left over, something like 35 minutes. My strategy was something where I only read the questions and then searched for the answers. I wished that this time could have been utilised for writing.
10. I never took the paper IELTS, however, I have taken the TOEFL twice before and the benefits of a computer based test are clear. Writing can be edited and checked multiple times. If you are a fast typer, it is extremely easy for you. This does not mean your essay automatically gets better but at least you can check and retype things that you felt were bad.
11. I registered online and paid Rs 13450 using CC. They sent a book in 2 days which contains previous test papers and a CD for listening to the audio.

My score was announced on Saturday (I took the test on Tuesday-Dec 4). I got

L- 9

S- 8.5

R- 9

W- 7

I must add that I have given my score of writing and speaking for Enquiry on Result (EoR) and the cost for it is 9980 for CD IELTS vs 9500 for Paper Based IELTS. They return your money if you have a score increase, there is no chance for a score decrease.

 

[harvey0898]

Finally the good news came yesterday.
IELTS Cleared with flying colors. This was my 4th attempt
first two attempts were paper based and the last two were on computer(Mumbai).
I followed E2 IELTS for speaking and writing
L9
R8.5
S8
W7.5

 

[priteshgondalia]

Computer based exam
Overall 8
Reading 8
Speaking 8
Listening 8
Writing 7

If you are good at typing, go for it.

Thanks