How to prepare for IELTS on computer: Practice habits that help you succeed

Are you worried about taking IELTS on computer?

Maybe you're confident with your English, but you're not sure what the test will look like on screen.

Or maybe you're worried about typing, scrolling, or moving between questions.

Don't worry! These are all things you can practice before your test.

You can prepare by building your IELTS skills and getting comfortable with the computer test experience. Here are some tips to help:

• Take an IELTS on computer Familiarisation test.

• Practice Reading on a screen.

• Build your typing speed and accuracy.

• Practice Writing on a computer.

• Complete Listening practice on a computer.

• Practice Speaking with another person.

• Use timed practice to build your confidence.

Yes, you can't skip planning! Before we dive into the specifics of how to prepare, we suggest actually starting with a plan. This helps you:

• Know how much time you have before your test.

• Plan short and regular study sessions around that schedule.

Once you have that sorted out, try adding these habits to your week:

Build these habits into your week

You don't need to work on every IELTS test skill every day. Instead, build a mix of these into your weekly IELTS practice.

Once you have a study plan, try answering practice tests on a computer.

Of course, studying on paper or your phone through the IELTS by IDP app is fine too.

But just so you can get more used to the format of the test, try to make practicing on computer part of your study sessions.

This can help you feel more familiar with:

• reading on a computer screen for a longer time

• typing your answers accurately with minimal errors

• moving between questions

You don't need any special computer skills. Focus on getting comfortable with the simple actions you will use during your test.

Take a Familiarisation test

Here's the best part!

Even at home, you can practice what it's like to take IELTS on computer through our Familiarisation test.

You can explore the test screens and practice moving through questions.

You can also try features such as highlighting key information and adding notes.

And there's no time limit. So, you can take your time getting familiar with the test before adding the pressure of timed practice.

Worried about reading long passages on a screen while looking for answers? You have 60 minutes to answer the questions to three passages, so knowing the test interface and reading quickly can make a difference on test day.

You can:

• See the text and questions side by side. The text is on the left and the questions are on the right.

• Highlight important text. You can mark key words or details you may need later.

• Make notes on screen. You can add notes to selected parts of the text.

• Move between questions. You can skip any question and move to another passage.

• Return to difficult questions. You can come back to questions you want to check again.

The key is to get used to these IELTS Reading features before test day.

For example, practice skimming the text to understand the main idea. Then, scan for key words or specific details when looking for an answer.

Quick tip:

Preview the questions before reading the passage closely. Look for key words, then scan the text for those words or related ideas. Highlight useful information as you find it.

Practice skipping and returning

During the Reading test, the text appears on the left side of your screen. The questions appear on the right.

Use this layout during your practice.

Look for key words in the question. Then, scan the passage for the same words or words with a similar meaning.

Can't find the answer? Don't spend too much time on one question. You can move on and return to it later.

Does typing slow you down when you write in English?

Remember, you have 60 minutes to complete both Writing tasks. You need to write at least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2.

That means at least 400 words, plus time to think, plan and check your work.

So, you don't need to be the fastest typist. But you do need to type comfortably and accurately.

Here are a few simple ways to practice:

• Type your IELTS Writing practice. Get used to writing full answers on a computer.

• Try short typing exercises. Even 10 minutes of regular practice can help you get more comfortable.

• Check your accuracy. Look for spelling mistakes and typing errors after each practice.

• Practice with a timer. Get used to typing while keeping an eye on your time.

• Learn to edit as you type. Practice correcting mistakes without rewriting more than you need to.

Now that you're getting comfortable with typing, practice how you will use your time during the Writing test.

Try to follow the same simple routine each time you practice.

1. Plan your answer

Take a moment to organise your ideas before you start.

2. Type your response

Focus on getting your ideas down clearly. Try not to stop and edit every sentence.

3. Check your answer

Check your spelling and grammar. Make sure you have answered the task.

4. Make small edits

Fix mistakes without rewriting more than you need to.

As you practice, use a timer because the the real Writing test includes one. Keep an eye on the on-screen word count. Leave yourself enough time at the end to check your work.

Listening while entering answers on a computer can take some practice.

Use computer-based IELTS Listening practice to get used to doing both at the same time.

As you practice:

• Skim through the questions before playing the recording.

• Answer the questions in chronological order.

• Listen carefully for keywords or synonyms.

• Enter your answers directly on the computer.

• Check that you have the accurate number of words and/or numbers for each answer.

• Pay attention to your spelling.

• Use the highlighter or notes if it helps you follow key information.

The more familiar this feels, the easier it can be to focus on what you are hearing.

Remember, IELTS on computer doesn't mean you'll speak to a computer.

Your Speaking test is still with an IELTS examiner.

So, make real-life speaking part of your daily practice. You can:

• Answer IELTS-style questions aloud.

• Speak English with friends or study partners.

• Record yourself and listen back.

• Notice long pauses or repeated words.

• Practice giving clear and complete answers. For Speaking Part 2, work on keeping your ideas going without running out of things to say.

Even a few minutes of regular speaking practice can help you get more comfortable expressing your ideas aloud.

Good IELTS practice is also about knowing what not to do.

Here are some common habits to watch out for:

Your test is getting close. So, how do you know if you're ready?

Use this quick checklist:

☐ I have practised Reading on a screen.

☐ I can type comfortably and accurately.

☐ I have completed timed computer practice.

☐ I know how to move between questions.

☐ I am comfortable highlighting and making notes.

☐ I have practised entering Listening answers on a computer.

☐ I have practised my Writing routine.

☐ I have continued practising Speaking with other people.

Still have a few boxes to tick? Use our official IELTS preparation resources to keep practicing.

When you feel ready, you can book your IELTS on computer test and put all that practice to work.