Contrast between Offline and Online IELTS Exam
IELTS is a continual revolutionary test. Now, it has also developed into the online examination along with the paper-based test. Thus, in other worlds, into the digital world. Moreover, the first test was conducted in Australia on December 17, 2017.
Along with this added option, this test provides a promising future and now a number of candidates are opting for the Computer-Based Test.
Contrast between Offline and Online
Below is the detailed information about both the tests:
IELTS Online and Offline Test: IELTS Paper-Based Test and Computer-Based Test
First, let us talk about Paper-Based Tests. This test actually takes place at a large venue with 100+ students, whereas a Computer-Based Test takes place at a smaller venue and with small groups and is organised as per person on one computer. One similarity in this is, you need to appear in the examination at a pre-fixed location which you have opted for.
All four modules- Speaking, Listening, Writing, Reading, needed to be presented via computer in a Computer-Based Test, while in a Paper-Based Test, all you need to write by yourself. However, speaking in both, the examination is conducted in a similar way. Speaking is conducted with face-to-face interview in both cases, but the only difference is regarding the form of giving the test.
Paper-Based Test is somewhere herculean to represent IELTS writing tasks and it’s very simple to write. This is easier because one can easily re-write the content and can edit also, but when it comes to paper-based work, first you need to draft the writing task and then you need to write the final version. The number of errors a person makes and erases while writing in a paper-based test. In Paper-Based testing one also needs to focus on handwriting, yet it isn’t required in Computer-Based examinations.
Contrast between Offline and Online
Although there is no difference in timing of both the exams, the only comparison comes from the form of examination. In the paper-based test, there’s basically a clock or a set timer in the examination hall. On the other hand, in a computer-based test, you have a countdown clock on the computer itself and the flash light is displayed when 10-5 minutes are left.
If we talk about another difference, the results of both the exams have a great difference. The result of the Computer-Based Examination is declared in 3-5 days. Whereas in a paper-based examination, the result is declared after a time of 13 days.
How is each and every answer recorded? Although the marking criteria in both the tests are the same, the contrast lies only in how answers are recorded. In Digital-Examination, the test is automatically recorded and uploaded directly to the server, wherever in Paper-Based examination the test sheets are collected by the test takers and are further sent to examiners and invigilators for assessment.
Contrast between Offline and Online
As the centre of the Paper-Based IELTS is heavily crowded, owing to the crowd, any disturbance can arise while writing the different modules, especially in listening. When it comes to computer-based tests, IELTS candidates are given with headphones attached with the given computer, so it’s somewhere convenient in digital examination.
If we talk about the test timings, in both the tests, the time given to the candidates is equal. One additional difference is that in the paper-based examination an additional 10 minutes are given to transfer listening answers from the question paper to the answer sheet, but in the Computer-Based test only 2 minutes are given additionally. This happens because in Computer-Based, candidates directly note down the answers on the computer, whereas in Paper-Based you listen and write on question paper because you need to maintain concentration at the same point. So, you are offered 10 minutes to handwrite properly.
Contrast between Offline and Online
In a computer-based test, speaking is conducted on the same day. Thus, a paper-based speaking test is conducted on the week of your examination date.
So, these were the major differences between Computer-Based Examination and Paper-Based Examination. Both of these tests are similar in many ways, so you need to prepare well.
Contrast between Offline and Online
