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IELTS on paper
With IELTS, you can choose how you want to take your test - on paper or on computer. If you're more comfortable writing instead of typing, IELTS on paper is the test for you.
You can take IELTS Academic test and General Training test on paper. The contents, test part times, question types, scoring and results of the paper-based test are the exact same as the computer-delivered test, but your test day experience is a little different. Test day staff will hand you booklets and answer sheets before each test and will then collect these booklets and answer sheets, before moving on to the next test part.
What to expect on the test day?
If you take IELTS on paper, you will complete the Writing, Reading and Listening parts on paper. You can use an HB-pencil to complete your Writing test and write your Listening and Reading answers on the answer sheet.
For IELTS on paper the Writing, Reading, and Listening tests are all completed on the same day with no breaks between each test. 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.
Ask IELTS
Paper-based IELTS
Yes, you are encouraged to write notes on the question booklets. IELTS examiners do not have access to your question booklets.
Pencil is recommended for the IELTS Listening, Reading, and Writing tests. It also means that you can easily erase and rewrite words. If you forget to bring a pencil, the test centre will provide one for you.
If you choose to take IELTS on computer, you will take the Listening, Reading and Writing test parts using a computer.
If you choose to take the IELTS on paper, you will complete the Writing, Reading and Listening test parts on paper.
The Speaking test for both paper and computer are face to face with an examiner. This is the best way to measure your speaking skills as it takes a more realistic approach: a life-like conversation with an examiner.
For both paper-based and computer-delivered IELTS, you will not be able to bring your own paper into the test for security reasons.
If you are sitting computer-delivered IELTS, we will provide you with a pencil and paper. You also receive paper for your Speaking test to help you organise your thoughts as you speak with the examiner.
We post your test results to you as soon as they are released, which is 2 to 5 days for computer-delivered IELTS and 13 calendar days for paper-based IELTS. Some test centres will allow test takers to pick up their Test Report Form directly from the centre, so we recommend contacting them prior to the release of results to discuss this.
If you have been waiting on your IELTS Test Report Form (TFR) with your official result, but have not received it, we recommend contacting your test centre. In some rare circumstances, IELTS results can be delayed because of security and integrity reasons.
If there are concerns about any matter associated with your test and if it is considered that malpractice may have occurred, you will be advised that your results have been withheld. In exceptional circumstances, it may be required that you need to re-sit one or more IELTS test parts.
Here's why the IELTS Speaking test is done with a real person
There are many advantages to choosing IELTS for your English test thanks to our human based speaking component, which is just like a conversation in real life.
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Join us online or face-to-face at a free IELTS Masterclass near you. Presented by an IELTS expert, the free IELTS Masterclass will help you:
- Improve your skills in IELTS Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking
- Understand common IELTS mistakes and how to avoid them
- Understand how IELTS is scored and the assessment criteria
- Ask the IELTS expert anything you’ve wanted to know!
