You can choose to take IELTS on a computer or paper for both the General Training and Academic tests.
The test format, question types, time allocated to each test part and content is the same for both IELTS on computer and IELTS on paper test. The only difference is in your test day experience.
If you choose to complete your IELTS test on a computer, you will do the Reading, Listening, and Writing parts of the test using a computer. The IELTS Speaking test remains the same, with a face-to-face interview with an examiner. The Speaking test will be completed either just before, or just after the Reading, Listening, and Writing test.
If you take IELTS on paper, you will complete the Reading, Listening and Writing parts on paper. The Speaking test is completed in a face-to-face interview with an IELTS examiner, and this can be done one week before or after your test date. In the IELTS on paper test, the Writing, Reading, and Listening tests are all completed on the same day with no breaks between each test.
We'll share some free sample questions to help you decide whether you want to take IELTS on paper or computer. But first, let's take a quick look at the difference between IELTS on paper and IELTS on computer.
A quick comparison of IELTS on paper and computer
| IELTS on computer | IELTS on paper | |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery format | Complete the Reading, Listening and Writing parts of the test using a computer and the Speaking test face-to-face with an IELTS examiner | Complete the Reading, Listening and Writing parts of the test on paper and the Speaking part face-to-face with an IELTS examiner |
| Results | Results will be available 3 to 5 days after taking your test | Results will be available 13 days after taking your test |
| Booking | Look for the computer icon when you book your test | Look for the paper icon when you book your test |
| Test availability | Testing up to 7 days a week and 3 times a day | Testing up to 48 days per year (Thursday and Saturday) |
Practice Listening on computer
Try these free Listening sample questions and get a feel for what it's like to take IELTS Listening on a computer.
The IELTS on computer Listening practice test is made up of 6 question types and 24 questions including:
Multiple choice
Matching
Plan, map, diagram labelling
Note completion
Short answer questions
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Practice Listening on paper
Download our free sample questions for IELTS Listening and see what it's like to take IELTS Listening on paper.
Multiple choice
Matching
Sample 1
Sample 2
Plan, map, diagram, labelling
Form completion
Note completion
Sentence completion
Short answer question
Sample 1
Sample 2
Practice IELTS Reading on computer
Try some IELTS Reading sample questions on computer to see if it is for you. It's also a perfect addition to your IELTS study plan.
The Reading sample questions for IELTS on computer are made up of 11 question types and 41 questions including:
Multiple choice
Identifying information
Note completion
Matching headings
Matching sentence endings
Summary completion
Sentence completion
Flow-chart completion
Start the sample questions for Reading by clicking on the link below
Download the answer sheet to see how you went.
Practice Reading on paper
Try these free sample questions for IELTS Reading on paper to see if IELTS on paper is for you.
Sample questions
Flow chart completion
Identifying information
Multiple choice
Summary completion
Practice IELTS Writing on computer
Try our sample questions for IELTS Writing test on computer to see if it is for you. And if you have booked an IELTS on computer test, add it to your study plan.
The sample questions for IELTS Writing test consists of 2 tasks.
Task 1: You will be asked to write 150 words and spend about 20 minutes on this task.
Task 2: You will be asked to write 250 words and spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Start your Writing practice test by clicking on the link below:
Download the answer sheet to see how you went.
Practice Writing on paper
Download these free sample questions for IELTS Academic Writing to get better idea of how IELTS Writing works in the IELTS on paper test.
IELTS Academic
Writing Task 1:
Writing Task 2:
IELTS General Training
Sample question