IELTS on Computer (Writing on Paper): What to Expect on Test Day

IELTS on computer (Writing on Paper) gives you the flexibility of taking the IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training test on a computer in a test centre while completing the Writing section on paper.   

If you’re considering this test option, or have already booked your test, you might be wondering what to expect on IELTS test day and how the Writing on Paper section works in practice.   

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each stage of the test day experience, from arriving at the test centre to completing your Writing test.    

By understanding what happens before and during the test, you can feel more confident and focus on what matters most: showcasing your English language skills.  

When you take IELTS on computer (Writing on Paper), you’ll do the Listening and Reading sections on a computer at a test centre. For the Writing section, the task questions will appear on-screen, but you’ll handwrite your responses on the answer sheets provided. 

The Speaking test remains a face-to-face interview with an IELTS examiner.  

Make your test day as smooth as possible by getting everything ready beforehand. 

• Check your confirmation email carefully for your arrival time, as check-in times can vary between test centres. 

• Plan your journey in advance and allow extra travel time as late arrivals may not be allowed into the test room. 

• Make sure you bring the same passport or national identity document you used when booking your test. 

• Eat and drink before arriving, as food isn't allowed in the test room. Some test centres may allow water in a clear bottle, so check your test day instructions beforehand. 

Phones, watches, smart glasses and other electronic devices are not permitted in the test room. If you bring them with you, you'll need to switch them off and store them in the lockers provided. To make things easier, consider leaving unnecessary valuables at home. 

If you're taking Writing on Paper, there's no need to bring your own pen. The test centre will provide everything you need. 

Here’s what you can expect on the test day itself:   

*At some test locations, you may be seated in a secure waiting room before you are allowed to enter the test room for instructions. 

What to do if you need help during your test 

If you have a question during your test, raise your hand and wait for an invigilator to come to your computer.  

The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are completed in one sitting, with no scheduled breaks between them. If you need to use the bathroom during the test, raise your hand and let an invigilator know.   

Keep in mind that you are not allowed to use the bathroom during the Listening section. If you go during the Reading and Writing tests, the test timer will continue running while you are out of the room, so it's best to use the bathroom before the test begins.  

Keep reading to learn how the Writing on Paper section works on test day.

When you take a standard IELTS on computer test, you complete the Listening, Reading and Writing sections on computer, typing your responses.  

If you choose IELTS on computer (Writing on Paper), you take the same IELTS test with the same tasks, time limit, and scoring. The only change is that you complete the Writing section on paper. 

For both test delivery options, you’ll complete your IELTS Speaking test face-to-face with an IELTS examiner in a private room.   

Here’s what it looks like on test day:  

 You can prepare for Writing on Paper the same way you would normally prepare for the computer-based IELTS Writing test.     

A good place to start is our IELTS on computer practice tests, which can help you build confidence with timing and navigating the test screens before test day. 

When it’s time for you to complete the Writing test, you’ll watch a short video, which gives instructions. After the video, you’ll be asked to raise your hand to ask for the answer sheets.  

You’ll be given Writing Answer Sheets; a blank sheet for notes and a pen to handwrite your two task responses. You need to write your responses to Task 1 and 2 on the answer sheets provided. You can ask for extra paper if you need it.

The questions will be shown on the computer screen throughout the Writing test. The Writing test automatically stops when the time limit finishes, and an invigilator will collect your answer sheets before you leave the test room.  

What is the structure of the IELTS Writing test? 

You’ll have 60 minutes to complete the IELTS Writing test and will be asked to complete two tasks. We recommend that you spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2. 

IELTS Academic Writing 

IELTS General Training Writing 

As soon as you begin your IELTS Writing test, you’ll see a clock on your computer screen, so you can keep track of how much time you have left. The IELTS Writing test includes two tasks, which will appear on screen as Part 1 and Part 2. The instructions for each part are in a box at the top of the screen.   

You can choose to complete the two tasks in any order. Use the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen to navigate from one task to the next.   

Want to see what the test screens look like? Watch our Writing on Paper test tutorial.

The IELTS on computer (Writing on Paper) allows you to combine the benefits of computer-delivered testing with the familiar comfort of writing by hand.  

These computer tools can help you navigate your IELTS Listening, Reading, and Writing tests more easily and focus on important information.  

• Flag a question: Not sure about an answer? You can flag a question and come back to it later. This helps you keep moving through the test without losing track of questions you want to review.  

• Scroll bar: Use this to move through longer texts and questions. For example, you can scroll through an IELTS Reading passage or view the full visual in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. 

• Change the text size or color: You can adjust the font size and choose different contrast settings to make the text easier to read. 

• Adjust the volume: During the IELTS Listening test, you can increase or decrease the volume at any time to a level that is comfortable for you. 

• Highlight text: Highlight important words or phrases in questions and reading passages. This can help you focus on key information. 

• Make notes: Use the notes feature to type notes next to a question or section of text.  

Watch the video below to learn more about how to use these features during your IELTS test. 

If you’ve got questions about how IELTS Writing on Paper works, you’re not alone. Below we’ve provided a list of answers to the most common questions test takers ask.  

When choosing how to take your IELTS test, the best option is the one that helps you feel confident on test day.  

Whether you choose to take the entire test on a computer or opt to complete the Writing test on paper, knowing what to expect on test day helps you focus less on the process and more on performing at your best.  

Ready to take the step towards your future?