BEST TIP: CD IELTS – BENEFICIAL OR NOT
COMPUTER DELIVERED IELTS or CD IELTS, as it is better known, is the popular format of language test taking in the current time. This test is basically the same language test as paper-based one, but the only difference is that it is conducted on a computer.
Along with this format, you get an opportunity to choose among numerous test dates and time slots – for both, Academic and General Training. The test slots are available up to atleast three times per day as well as for seven days on weekly basis. What’s more is that you get your results within a time period of 3-5 working days.
FORMAT
The format is slight different from the Paper-based test as in this type you will take the three modules which are Listening, Reading and Writing using a computer. Rest all aspects of the test are similar as compared to the paper-based IELTS test, which include the Question types of all modules, Content of tests and Marking criteria. However, the only exception is time and that too in the listening module only.
In the computer-delivered Listening test, the timings are a little different from the paper-based test. The reason is that the paper-based test asks the candidates to transfer answers to an answer sheet but this step is out of the question when answering directly on a computer.
CD IELTS – BENEFICIAL OR NOT
Positives and Negatives of CD IELTS
1) The CD IELTS is mainly focused for the people who are more used to typing rather than writing with hand. So the first benefit can appear for those who are efficient in typing rather than writing as you can use this skill to get a good band score. However, if you’re poor at typing skills you should prefer PB test Or else you won’t be able to complete your test on time and would probably loose the chance of cracking IELTS.
2) The screens provided in these tests are also of sufficient size and the text is easily readable with properly visible content. However, it can be a problem for those who have eyes sensitive to screens. The other thing is that, the screens get off and locked at the exact given time therefore you would not get any chance or time to make last moment changes or give a proof reading to your answers. Also the timer doesn’t show the seconds in the last minute, hence you cannot get any idea that when would the screens get off.
CD IELTS – BENEFICIAL OR NOT
3) The third point is that in a CD IELTS test the centre is probably less crowded as fewer people appear for this test at a particular moment. Whereas, the case is opposite in the case of a PB test as hundreds of candidates can appear at a single time slot. Also, numerous time slots are available to choose from which makes it easier to select a convenient time for yourself.
4) In CD IELTS, you can get another advantage which is the results can be obtained a lot instantly as compared to PB TEST. You generally receive the results for the former one in 3-5 days, whereas for the latter it takes a time of atleast 12-13 days.
CD IELTS – BENEFICIAL OR NOT
5) The bright points about CD LISTENING is that you can highlight the text , but the opposite is that even after having a pen and paper, you have to transfer the answers to the computer at the same time as there is no extra time provided for it. Other than that, for listening in some questions you simple need to type but sometimes you have to drag answers here and there along with selecting correct boxes in certain questions, which can be both time consuming and confusing
CD IELTS – BENEFICIAL OR NOT
6) If we talk about READING, it is again a combination of positives and negatives. The best thing is that you can have questions on one side and passage on the other, which makes it easy to find answers, while in PB you need to turn pages at times. Other than this, you can easily highlight the text or increase the font size, making your reading convenient. Also you can copy paste answers from passage reducing the chance of spelling errors. However, it won’t be easy to highlight the text as you don’t have a pen or highlighter.
CD IELTS – BENEFICIAL OR NOT
7) Last but not the least, in WRITING, you can have certain benefits such as you need not to do a word count as you can figure it out through the computer. Secondly, being able to cut, copy and paste makes it easier to edit your tasks. However, the cons can be spelling errors committed while typing rapidly and also the lack of time if your typing is slow.
CD IELTS – BENEFICIAL OR NOT
Resultanly, after having a look on these two sides of the coin of CD IELTS, you should analyze it according to your abilities and skills and then decide whether to go for it or no. If you have an answer in yes, don’t forget to practice typing and reading long passages on digital devices to get accustomed to it.
All the best
CD IELTS – BENEFICIAL OR NOT
CD IELTS – BENEFICIAL OR NOT