Computer-Delivered IELTS: Format, Writing & How to Prepare
Computer-delivered IELTS tests exactly the same content as paper IELTS — same question types, same 9-band scoring, same face-to-face Speaking test — but you read on screen and type your Writing answers. The main practical differences are typing instead of handwriting, on-screen tools, and faster results.
Computer vs paper IELTS
| Computer-delivered | Paper-based | |
|---|---|---|
| Content & scoring | Identical (Band 0–9) | Identical (Band 0–9) |
| Speaking | Face-to-face with an examiner | Face-to-face with an examiner |
| Writing | Typed on a keyboard | Handwritten |
| Reading/Listening | On screen, with on-screen tools | On paper, transfer answers |
| Results | Often within a few days | Around 13 days |
| Test dates | More frequent slots | Fewer slots |
What changes for Writing on computer
The biggest difference is that you type both Writing tasks. That helps if your typing is fast and accurate: editing, reordering, and counting words is easier on screen, and there's a live word count. If you handwrite slowly or make many typos, practise typing under timed conditions first.
The task types are unchanged — Academic Task 1 (describe data) or General Training Task 1 (a letter), plus the Task 2 essay. Planning, structure, and the four marking criteria are exactly the same as paper.
Reading and Listening on screen
Reading and Listening are the same questions delivered on screen, with tools like highlighting and note-taking. For Listening, answers are entered as you go (no separate transfer time at the end as on paper), so practise typing answers quickly and accurately.
Speaking is unchanged: a face-to-face interview with a real examiner, regardless of whether you choose computer or paper.
How to prepare for computer-based IELTS
Practise Writing by typing full essays under time, and get feedback on the four criteria so you know what to fix. Build the habit of an on-screen overview and structure. Langujet's IELTS Writing practice gives you a band estimate per criterion and sentence-level corrections on typed responses, which mirrors the computer-delivered experience.
Common questions
Practise IELTS Writing the way you'll take it
Type an essay and get a band estimate with sentence-level fixes — free to start.
Langujet is an independent preparation platform and is not affiliated with IELTS, the British Council, IDP, Cambridge Assessment English, ETS, TOEFL, or any other test provider. Exam formats and requirements can change — always confirm current details on the official test website.