Overview of Computer-Delivered IELTS Testing | Generated by AI
Question: What does the article at https://ielts.idp.com/canada/prepare/article-how-computer-delivered-ielts-works say?
Answer:
The article, titled “How IELTS on Computer works” from IDP IELTS Canada, explains the computer-delivered version of the IELTS test (also called IELTS on computer). It describes this as the same IELTS test used for work, study, or migration purposes, but delivered digitally on a computer instead of on paper. It has been available as an alternative for many years, offering the same content, question types, timing, and scoring as the paper-based version, with the key difference being in the delivery and user interface.
Main Features and Differences
- Sections delivered on computer: Listening, Reading, and Writing.
- Speaking section: Remains face-to-face with a real examiner (unchanged from paper-based).
- Advantages highlighted: Multiple test sessions available per day and faster results.
- Overall test timing (identical to paper-based):
- Listening: ~30 minutes (no extra time to transfer answers).
- Reading: 60 minutes.
- Writing: 60 minutes.
- Speaking: 11–14 minutes.
- A stopwatch appears in the upper middle of the screen and flashes during the last 10 and 5 minutes of Reading/Writing.
How Each Section Works on Computer
- Listening
You enter answers directly into the system as you listen (no transfer time needed).- Navigation: Bottom buttons show all 40 questions; forward/backward arrows to move; “Review” button (lower-left) lets you flag questions (their numbers turn into circles).
- Volume control via a bar in the upper right.
- At the end, you get 2 minutes to review answers.
- Reading
Question types and scoring are the same as paper-based.- Layout: Texts on the left, questions on the right; swipe/scroll to view content.
- Tools: Highlight text by selecting it (right-click or similar for colors), add on-screen notes.
- You can answer in any order, change answers, or leave questions blank.
- Writing
- Layout: Questions/task on the left, typing area on the right.
- Answers save automatically.
- Word count displays in the lower-left corner.
- “Help” button provides instructions and details on question types/how to answer.
- You can start with either task.
Navigation and Usability Features
- Starting the test: An information screen appears first, then click “Start Test”.
- Breaks: Use the “Hide” button (upper right) to conceal questions during bathroom breaks; resume with “Resume test”.
- Settings: Adjust font size and background color via the “Settings” button (upper right) for comfort.
- Ending: The system auto-saves answers when time runs out and shuts down.
- General tools: Review flagged questions, easy navigation, automatic saving (no manual transfer), highlighting/notes in Reading.
The article recommends watching the official IELTS on computer Introduction video to become familiar with the interface before test day, so you can focus on the questions rather than the system.
References:
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[How IELTS on Computer works IDP IELTS Canada](https://ielts.idp.com/canada/prepare/article-how-computer-delivered-ielts-works)