The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most widely recognised English language proficiency assessments, accepted by over 11,000 organisations across 140 countries. IELTS is a requirement for study abroad and immigration applications to several countries.
Recent research by RedSeer Consulting highlights the growing trend of Indian students opting for international education, with an estimated 1.8 million students planning to pursue studies abroad by 2024.
To accommodate the diverse needs of test takers, IELTS now offers two main formats: computer-delivered and paper-based. For a comprehensive understanding, it is crucial to understand the distinctions between these two formats.
Format
The computer-delivered format of the IELTS exam allows test takers to take the test on a computer at an official test centre. The entire test — including the listening, reading, and writing sections — is conducted on a computer. On the other hand, the paper-based format involves using pen-and-paper for the exams listening, reading, and writing sections. However, the speaking test is conducted face-to-face with a certified IELTS examiner in person for both paper-based and computer-delivered formats.
Test duration
The total test duration for the computer-delivered and paper-based formats is the same. The IELTS exam is divided into four sections, and the overall test duration is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Listening section
In both formats, the listening section consists of four recorded monologues and conversations with a variety of accents. Test takers are provided with headphones and must answer questions based on the audio recordings. In the computer-delivered format, answers are entered directly on the computer. In contrast, in the paper-based format, answers are written on the question paper and later transferred to an answer sheet.
Reading section
The reading section in both formats evaluates a test taker’s ability to comprehend written texts. The computer-delivered format presents the passages on the computer screen, and test takers answer the questions by selecting the correct option. In the paper-based format, test takers receive a physical booklet containing the reading passages and answer the questions on the question paper.
Writing section
The writing section in both formats assesses a test taker’s ability to articulate their thoughts in written form. Test takers type their responses directly into the computer in the computer- delivered format. They have the flexibility to delete, insert, and revise their written content. In the paper-based format, test takers write their responses by hand on the provided answer sheets.
Speaking section
While reading, listening, and writing will take place in one sitting, the speaking test can be taken on the same day or within seven days before or after the examination, depending on one’s convenience. The speaking test is conducted face-to-face with a trained examiner in both paper-based and computer-delivered formats.
The Test Report Form (TRF)
The IELTS results are available within 13-15 days for paper-based and 3-5 days for computer- delivered format. Upon completion of the IELTS exam, test takers receive a Test Report Form (TRF), regardless of the format chosen. TRF contains the test takers overall band score and individual scores for each section. The TRF is accepted by universities, employers, and immigration authorities as proof of English language proficiency.
Convenience and accessibility
Both the computer-delivered and paper-based formats of the IELTS exam offer flexibility in choosing the format that suits their comfort and preferences. The content and level of the exam are identical in both formats, ensuring that test takers are assessed equally. The only difference lies in the test day experience, where test takers can choose between computer or paper-based.
There is no discrepancy in the evaluation of test-takers in the computer-delivered and paper-based formats. The scoring process is standardised, test takers are assessed based on the same criteria, and the choice of format does not impact the fairness and accuracy of the evaluation.
The presence of IELTS test centres in over 80 cities across India has significantly contributed to providing equal opportunities for individuals throughout the country to pursue their dreams of studying or living abroad. With the possibility of relocating to nations such as the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or Ireland for better education or work prospects, IELTS is vital in facilitating this transition for those who can now pursue their aspirations and explore new horizons.
(The writer is the Regional Director- South Asia and Mauritius of IDP Education)