The purpose of this article is to let you know ‘What is CD-IELTS’ and help you make an informed decision on your choice of English Language Proficiency Test. So let’s begin!
IELTS has been around the corner for quite a long time now and this test has helped many reach greater heights in their career and future.
Surprisingly, the popularity of this test is rising more than ever before and that’s all due to fairly good reasons.
As compared to the time period some years ago when people thought that this test would help only those who wish to study and settle abroad, in today’s time the test is considered to be an important determiner of an individual’s English Language Proficiency.
Adding your IELTS band-score on your resume is certainly beneficial and helps people know where you stand in terms of your English Communication Skills.
What is IELTS?
International English Language Proficiency Index Program is an English Language Proficiency Test which is used for determining your mettle in English Language.
This test tests four different English Communication Skills of the candidates who appear for the test and these include Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
As the test is valid both for student as well as work and permanent residency visas, it has two formats – Academic and General Training.
Apart from this, the test until the last two-three years has been available only in one format, i.e. on paper, but now keeping in mind the way computer technology has changed the mode of receiving education, the test makers have introduced CD-IELTS.
What is CD-IELTS?
CD-IELTS means Computer-Delivered IELTS. It has the same pattern as the paper-based IELTS but the format is slightly different because the mode is different.
The test has 3/4 modules conducted on a computer, and these are Listening, Reading, Writing, whereas the fourth module – Speaking is conducted in person, just as it is in the normal paper-based IELTS test.
This test is also preferred by the individuals because it is conducted in a more peaceful environment than that of the paper-based test. In this regard, the headphones provided to the test-takers are also beneficial in blocking unnecessary noises from the surroundings.
What is more, the results are also announced much faster, typically within 5 working days after the test as compared to 13 days of result announcement in paper-based IELTS.
Not only this, there are also several other technical reasons why the candidates today prefer computer-delivered IELTS over paper-based one, and in case you wish to know about these, read why opt for CD-IELTS.
What is the format of CD-IELTS?
If you have appeared for the paper-based IELTS then knowing the format of this computer delivered test won’t be much of a big deal. In case, you don’t know about the test and want a thorough explanation of the same, take out some time for reading ‘what is ielts?’.
Anyway, these are some tabular representations of all the four modules of the IELTS test in which you can also see the difference between the standard paper-based IELTS and that is computer-delivered.
Listening Section
Both paper-based and computer-delivered IELTS have the same type of questions and audio, with the former providing more time at the end of the test for transferring answers as it has to be done manually.
Reading Section
In case of both paper-based and computer-delivered IELTS, the question types are the same, as well as both of them are for the same time period. However, the latter has some features as compensation for the absence of a physical paper and pencil to write.
Writing Section
The writing section of computer-delivered IELTS is literally the best and much more liked than paper-based writing. On-screen timer, automatic word-count, easy editing are just some of the features of CD-IELTS writing that make it a preference of the test takers.
Speaking Section
The Speaking Section is exactly the same for both computer-delivered and paper-based IELTS, and is always conducted in person, i.e. not on computer.
However, in most of the countries where CD-IELTS is available, the speaking test is conducted on the same day as LRW test. This is specified as in paper-based IELTS, the speaking test is conducted on a different day.
Is CD-IELTS the right option for me?
Till now you must have had a fair idea of what the CD-IELTS test is and how it differs from the Paper-based IELTS test.
However, given the number of options available for individuals in terms of English Language Proficiency Tests, it is always advised to go through all the possible options first and then select one of these on the basis of requirement and profile.
If you are aware of the IELTS format but feel more comfortable operating computers than attempting tests on paper, then CD-IELTS is definitely one of the options for you.
On the other hand, there are several other English Language Proficiency Tests also which are delivered on computer. The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), and PTE (Pearson Test of English) as well as TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) are some of the examples of these.
In case you wish to know more, do check out www.english24x7.com where you can find all information you need to have about the tests and can also get resources for practice.
Anyway, out of all these tests, the most preferred one is CD-IELTS, given its acceptance rate and validity for different visas all around the world. You must surely try this test at least once from www.ielts24x7.com so as to get a basic knowledge of what the test is like.
Here you’ll find all the details you need to have related to the test and this will also help you in preparing for the actual test. (The best part is that the practice interface is just like the actual test, hence giving you more confidence in the real examination).
So, don’t wait anymore because wise people do not let any opportunity go in vain. Make the best use out of everything you have at the moment. For regular updates, let us keep in touch with you on our social media channels facebook, or chat with us in the comments section below.
Good luck!
