So you have registered for your IELTS on computer test and it’s time to do well to get the score that you desire - but where do you start?
During the IELTS on computer test, you will be tested on your Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking skills.
In this article, we will go through some of the best ways to prepare yourself for the IELTS on computer test to score your best on test day!
How to prepare to ace your IELTS on computer test
1. Practice typing at an adequate speed for Writing on Computer
In IELTS on computer test, if you choose the Writing on Computer* option for your Writing test, it means that you will be typing your answers into the computer. While you won’t have to worry about messy handwriting that makes your words hard to read, you will however need to type fast.
The key here is to start practicing typing on your computer and track your words per minute. You’d want to be typing real full-length essays comparable to what you will be tested, ideally from the actual test tasks themselves to really get a good gauge of your typing abilities.
* For the Writing section of the IELTS on computer test, you have two delivery formats to choose from: if you choose IELTS Writing on Computer, you will type your answers using the keyboard; if you choose IELTS Writing on Paper, you will write your answers by hand on the paper answer sheets provided.
2. Practice proofreading at a computer screen to minimize errors
Because you are typing into a computer, the tendencies to make mistakes are greater. Accurate grammar use and correct spelling are necessary if you want to score your best without getting marks deducted.
Thankfully, the solution is a simple one that just requires you to practice consistently. Take the time to proofread your writing after you type them in.
Start by slowing down a bit as you proofread as there is a temptation to quickly skip past words - proofreading your answers isn’t the same as reading through a blog post!
3. Take online practice tests
While getting familiar with the computer and typing there is a good first start, there is nothing like actually taking the IELTS on computer test itself!
Take the IELTS computer familiarisation test from the comfort of your home to understand first-hand how taking the test on a computer will feel like.
It allows you to type into the computer and proofread while taking the real test format. This helps you to pinpoint key areas within the test format that might affect the way you key in your answers, allowing you find ways to improve the way you sit for the IELTS on computer test.
Read: Get familiar with IELTS on computer
4. Stay calm and meditate before the test
The key is to stay calm and even meditate before the test.
Take some time and clear your mind and understand that the test won’t be anything too different from what you have practiced during your preparation. The more familiar you get with the test, the better prepared you will be and there is nothing to worry about.
5. Be mindful of any typos or typographical mistakes
While typing allows you to quickly cram in as many words as possible, it is really easy to be error-prone. You want to solve this by typing as intentional as possible to minimise mistakes as you write - go slow first, especially if this is new to you.
Be also sure to do a final proofread after all your answers have been keyed in, it is likely you will catch some errors with a fresh pair of eyes!
Just be sure to allocate some time during the test for proofreading.
Prefer writing by hand? Try IELTS Writing on Paper
If writing by hand feels more natural than typing, you can now choose a format that better suits you on test day.
With IELTS Writing on Paper, you can handwrite your Writing answers on paper and take the Listening and Reading on computer. The Speaking test remains a conversation with an examiner.
And there’s no new test format to learn. The tasks, timing and scoring stay exactly the same. The only difference is how you complete your Writing test.
Learn more about IELTS Writing on Paper
Get faster results with IELTS on computer
Did you know that IELTS results are now faster than ever? With IELTS on computer, your results are typically available in one day!
Learn more about faster results with IELTS.
More resources to help you prepare
The IELTS on computer test is an excellent choice if you feel more comfortable on the computer, need faster results, or desire more flexibility in your test dates.
Take the time to go through our resources and prepare yourself better with our wide range of practice tests at your disposal!
You can also read other articles that discuss IELTS on computer:
And once you are ready, you can book your IELTS test!
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