COMPUTER-BASED IELTS

A CB IELTS test is the same as an IELTS test except that it is taken on computer rather than on paper. All CB IELTS candidates must take the Listening and Reading tests on computer but may choose to do the Writing test either on paper or on computer. The Speaking test is not taken electronically. To maintain our personal approach, all IELTS Speaking tests are conducted face-to-face. At this stage, CB IELTS is only available for the Academic module.

 

How do I apply to take CB IELTS?

If you would like to take the computer-based version of IELTS, you should complete the IELTS application form, ticking the computerized test box at question 17. If you would like to take the Writing test on paper instead of on computer, tick the yes box at question 17.

 

How much does it cost?

The computer-based test costs the same as the paper-based test: L.E.850

 

When can I take the test?

CB IELTS is available once a month at this centre. You can take it on the following days:

 

Friday May 18
Friday June 22
Friday July 20
Friday August 10
Friday September 14
Friday October 19
Friday November 9
Friday December 7

You are advised to reserve your place as early as possible as places are limited.

 

What time does the test begin?

CB IELTS tests begin at 0900 and finish at approximately 1200. You should arrive at the centre for registration at 0815. It is very important that you arrive on time because latecomers will not be admitted once the test has begun. Please be aware that if you are late for the first part of the test (Listening) you will not be permitted to take the rest of the test, and you will have to forfeit your test fee.

The Speaking test will take place as announced on the test day.

 

Is there any practice material available?

CB IELTS Specimen Materials CDs are available for free when you register and pay the fee for the CB IELTS test.

 

Is there a tutorial before the test which will show me how to do CB IELTS?

In the live test, there is a short demonstration before each of the test modules (Listening, Reading and

Writing), which has clear instructions and examples of what should be done in the test.

 

 

Which is easier, the computer-based test or the paper-based test?

There is no difference between the difficulty of the computer-based test and the paper-based test.

 

 

 

I’m a very slow typist – should I take the paper-based test instead of the computer-based one?

You don’t need to be good at typing in order to take CB IELTS although it is necessary to have basic keyboard skills. However, if you are a very slow typist you may prefer to handwrite your Writing test and IELTS provides this flexibility for candidates in a proven and secure testing environment.

 

How is CB IELTS scored?

CB IELTS and paper-based IELTS are scored using the same nine-band scale.

 

How are the CB IELTS tests marked?

The CB IELTS Listening and Reading tests are marked by computers, while the Writing test responses are marked by qualified IELTS examiners, in the same way as the paper-based version. 

 

When will I get the results of my CB IELTS test?

All IELTS candidates receive their test scores within two weeks of taking the test.

 

Will the receiving institution know that a candidate has taken the computer-based version of IELTS?

A candidate’s Test Report Form will look the same whether they have sat the test in its computer-based or the paper-based format.

 

How long do I have to wait before re-sitting an IELTS test?

Starting 1 May 2006 candidates are able to repeat the test whenever they wish depending on the availability of places.

 

Do I have to spell everything correctly when I am typing my answers in the Listening? And Reading tests?

As in the paper-based test, incorrect spelling and grammar are penalized. This is important in testing English language skill and ensures the validity of an IELTS score. 

 

Does CB IELTS take the same length of time to sit as the paper-based IELTS test?

The sections of the CB IELTS four part skills based language test are consistent with the paper-based test.

Listening – 30 minutes (see note below)

Reading – 60 minutes

Writing – 60 minutes

Speaking – approx. 15 minutes

 

In the paper-based IELTS Listening test, candidates are allowed an extra ten minutes for the purposes of transferring answers from the question paper to the answer sheet. There is no transferring of answers required in the computer-based test so the extra ten minutes is unnecessary.

 

In both the paper-based and computer-based tests, candidates are given 30 seconds at the end of each section to check their answers for that section.

 

What should I do if I would like more information before applying to take CB IELTS?

If you would like more information on the CB IELTS test before making up your mind, please feel welcome to contact Hala Hamad, the CB IELTS Administrator at this centre on 02 300 1666.

 

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

Where can I find out more about the Examination?

Visit the British Council website: www.britishcouncil.org

Or www.ielts.org