I want to share my recent first-hand experience with the computer-delivered IELTS test with the British Council. I hope that all future test takers will find some of my experience with the computer-delivered IELTS useful.
My speaking date was scheduled a day before my reading, writing and listening tests. I arrived an hour or so earlier at the British Council test centre on the day of the speaking module. They call and ask you to show your identification that you used during the initial registration process. You are then escorted to a room, where they will take your biometric fingerprint scan and picture, and you wait your turn to start your speaking test. I was very comfortable with the examiner and the staff made me feel at ease from start to finish. The speaking component is not computer-based and is more of a one on one conversation with the examiner.
On the second day of my test, I was taken to the testing room before the test. I would suggest you not to carry anything other than your passport used for identification verification. The invigilators are welcoming and will guide you to your seat. They will hand out headphones which you will be able to test for any technical issues. You will be able to adjust the sound and font size according to your comfort. If you have any complaints, the invigilators are more than happy to assist you at any point during the exam. The invigilators are very clear and announce all rules and regulation before a module begins. The first module on that day was the listening module, you will be given time to go over the questions before the recording starts. I found it very easy to type as I listened and gathered the answers. The second module was reading – expect to read multiple paragraphs and type in your questions. The writing module was comfortable as I could spend time just typing away without going back and counting words manually.
The pros of delivering your test via a computer are many.
First, you will receive your test results within five to seven days online. Second, you will not have to waste precious time counting how many words you have written since there is an automatic counter on the screen showing your total word count as you type. There is also the added advantage of having a timer on top of the screen, making it so much easier to keep track of the time that is being spent on the tasks. Also, you will have a scope to rewrite as well.
If you are comfortable with typing, I would highly recommend you sit for the computer-delivered IELTS test. I feel that typing is so much faster and convenient than writing.
My advice to all who intend to sit for the IELTS is to remember to be calm and use your abilities to your best. A minimal amount of preparation is more than enough. All you need to know is how to deliver your modules clearly, concisely and cohesively.