IELTS is the English language given by people who wish to study, settle, or work abroad. The test happens on 48 specific dates every year and includes four skillsets of English, i.e., reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The exam is governed and owned by Cambridge English Language Assessment British Council and IDP – IELTS Australia. Before the advent of the online IELTS exam, it was conducted offline for nearly 30 years.
At present, the IELTS online exam is available in India, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Korea, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. Other countries still conduct the exam in offline mode. The online exam is taken by more than 100 candidates at a time, whereas the test for offline students happens only for a small group of people.
Exam timings and formats for both online and offline IELTS exams remain the same. The offline test is a pen and paper exam, whereas the online test happens on a computer. Candidates should know that students attempting the computer-based exam will have more convenience of rewriting sentences and choosing options in comparison to offline takers. Also, proofreading text in an online examination is much easier than the offline test.
Another advantage of giving an online exam is that the timer for the test will be on the computer, whereas offline test-takers will need to follow the wristwatch, wall, or desk clock rule of the supervisor. Offline IELTS exam takers must note that their results will be delivered in four to six weeks, whereas online the result for the online IELTS exam is given within thirteen days. Additionally, the answers to your online examination go directly to the server of Cambridge. On the other hand, a supervisor collects the paper-based tests and sends them to the evaluators at Cambridge.
Offline test-takers might also face issues in listening to audio played on a speaker; however, online examinees face no such problem because they get personal headphones. Only the speaking test of the exam remains the same as it is either taken on the same day or a latter-day. As mentioned before, the time and test format of both exams are also the same.
Aside from the differences mentioned above, there are a few more differences between both exams. An online test does not require page flapping, showcases consistent handwriting and word count, and incorporates small batches of applicants at any given time. There are many disadvantages to it too. It can lead to screen fatigue, might be distracting due to the typing sound, not suitable for those who have speed issues on the computer, and showcases no space for making notes, highlights, and drawing.
However, it all comes down to your preparation, study material, classes, trainers/tutors, or institutes. There are many ways to improve your scores and overall rank in the exam, one is IELTS online coaching. Also, taking an online examination in comparison to an offline test may prove more worthy to an examinee.
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Michelle Joe
Michelle Joe is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences, and express herself through her blogs. You can find her on twitter
