How to prepare for the computer-delivered IELTS test
Practical preparation for computer-based IELTS: typing speed, on-screen Reading strategies, the Listening differences, and how to practise in a realistic test view.
By English Grader study guides · AI-assisted educational content · Official sources linked below
The short answer
The test content is identical to paper IELTS—only the mechanics change, and the mechanics are trainable in a week of deliberate practice.
What actually changes on computer
Listening: you type answers directly and get only two minutes to check at the end (not ten to transfer). Reading: the passage sits beside the questions with highlighting tools. Writing: you type, with a live word count. Speaking: still face-to-face or video call with a human examiner.
Scores, timing per section and question types are the same as paper.
- Listening: type as you listen, 2-minute check
- Reading: split screen, highlight tool
- Writing: typed, automatic word count
- Speaking: unchanged
Typing speed matters
Aim for at least 35–40 words per minute with accuracy. At that speed a 250-word essay takes under ten minutes of pure typing, leaving real time to plan and review.
Practise typing essays, not random text—the punctuation and paragraph habits are different.
Related guide: Computer vs paper for Writing
On-screen strategies
In Reading, use the highlight function for names, dates and definitions instead of scanning twice. In Listening, read ahead during pauses exactly as you would on paper.
In Writing, the copy-paste function makes restructuring easy—use it in your review time to move a misplaced sentence rather than rewriting it.
Try a timed test →Practise now
Take a full computer-style Writing test: both tasks, one hour, typed.
Start the test →Put this into practice
Practise both Writing tasks in a split-screen view with one 60-minute timer, just like the real test.
Guest AI tries are limited to one use per feature per day. Sign in for saved progress. AI feedback and band estimates are practice guidance, not official IELTS results.
Official sources and further reading
Practice examples and study routines are illustrative advice, not official band-scored answers or predictions of exam questions.