TOP TIPS FOR TAKING THE

COMPUTER-DELIVERED
IELTS TEST
(CD-IELTS)
QUICK-GUIDE

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 CONGRATULATIONS ON CHOOSING TO TAKE THE
IELTS COMPUTER-DELIVERED TEST AT IALF!

This Quick-Guide will help you to know what to expect when taking the test and provide some tips and
tricks for managing each section of the computer-delivered test. There are a few things you want to look out
for and be prepared for when taking IELTS in this newest format. But don't worry, we've got you covered!

IALF is Indonesia’s premier institution for English and Indonesian language training, IELTS testing and
preparation, and teacher training for teachers of English. We are a not-for-profit, fee-for-service Indonesian
education organisation, committed to providing high quality language training services throughout
Indonesia and the Asia Pacific region.

IALF has been delivering IELTS tests across Indonesia since 1990 and has an extensive range of IELTS
Preparation courses.

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test assesses all four language skills – listening,
reading, writing and speaking – in the context of real-life use of English. The traditional format for IELTS is the
paper-based test, and now we also offer the Computer-Delivered (CD-IELTS) too.

IELTS offers two modules: the IELTS Academic module and the IELTS General Training module. The results
are based on a 9-band scale. At IALF, you can sit all four modules on the same day, starting with Listening,
Reading and Writing in the morning, followed by the Speaking test in the afternoon, for both the paper-
based and computer-delivered versions.

GETTING STARTED with CD-IELTS

Even though what you are being tested on, and the scoring is the same, there are some obvious differences
in the way that you, as a test-taker should approach the CD-IELTS. The suggestions we are providing in this
guide will help to demystify the CD-IELTS and give you some practical tips for approaching this new test
format so you can have greater success.

So let's get started!

When you sit the CD-IELTS, you will take the Listening, Reading and Writing tests using a computer.
The Speaking test will remain face-to-face with an examiner, as we believe it is the most effective way
of assessing your speaking skills and prompts a more lifelike performance. Other aspects of the test, whether
paper or computer, are the same.

The Computer-delivered IELTS offers some great benefits:

Faster test results (5 days)

Academic or General Training
More test sessions weekly
Register and pay online with IALF

Watch this video to see the CD-IELTS in action with a full immersive experience.

There is a walk-through of the Go here to find practice

CD-IELTS that you can see here: CD-IELTS tests:

https://www.youtube.com/w https://www.ialf.edu/ielts-
atch?v=J-CrmHDU4- at-ialf/cd-ielts-computer-
8&feature=youtu.be delivered/

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 IELTS SCORING

The way you are scored in the CD-IELTS is the same as the Paper-Based IELTS. You
will be given a ranking based on the IELTS-9-band scale as follows.

THE IELTS 9-BAND SCALE

Each band corresponds to a level of English competence. All parts of the test and the
Overall Band Score can be reported in whole and half bands, eg 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0.

Band Descriptors

Band 9: Expert user:

has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with
complete understanding.
 
Band 8: Very good user:
has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic
inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar
situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.

Band 7: Good user:

has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies,
inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles
complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.

Band 6: Competent user:

has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies,
inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex
language, particularly in familiar situations.

Band 5: Modest user:

has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations,
though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic
communication in own field.

Band 4: Limited user:

basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in
understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.

Band 3: Extremely limited user:

conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent
breakdowns in communication occur.

Band 2: Intermittent user:

no real communication is possible except for the most basic information using
isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs.
Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

Band 1: Non-user:
essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.

Band 0: Did not attempt the test:

no assessable information

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 WHAT TO EXPECT ON TEST DAY

These are some general tips to help you to prepare for the test day and to know what
to expect when you take your CD-IELTS test.

You must put all your belongings If you have a question or problem
(including water bottle and once the test has started, raise your
stationery) into the locker provided hand to get the attention of the
in the test room. You may only invigilator. You must not talk to
bring your ID into the test room. other candidates once the test
commences.

Inform the invigilator before If you need to go to the toilet during

entering the test room if you the test, raise your hand to inform
require a left-handed mouse. the invigilator. If you take a bathroom
break, you must click the hide button
on top right of the screen. No extra
time is given for bathroom breaks.
You cannot go to the toilet in the last
ten minutes of each test part.

The test which you take will not be Time checks are NOT given by the
the same as other candidates in the invigilators- monitor the timer at
room at the same time as you. top of your screen to keep track of
time as you take the test. When the
time limit for each test has been
reached, the test will be locked by
the invigilator and you can no
longer access the test. Do not touch
the screen or use the computer
when the test is closing down.

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 MORE ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT

Some more details about what to expect when taking the CD-IELTS.

You will be given new login If any technical issues arise during
credentials from the invigilator for the test, raise your hand and inform
each part of the test. These are the invigilator right away. They have
handed out to you at the start of the ability to pause your test only if
each test section. That paper can they need to fix any technical
be used to make pen and paper problems such as a screen freezing
notes but remember that it is or computer closing down without
collected and not used to mark warning.
your test- only responses on the
computer count.

Listen carefully to the instructions The test time limits for each test
given by the invigilator before the section are exactly the same as for
test starts and between each test the paper-based test and you cannot
section. move more quickly or get more time
in the CD-IELTS.

The CD-IELTS is marked and assessed It is recommended that candidates

by a trained human examiner, the have some ability to type and are
same as for the paper-based test- the familiar with using a keyboard and
marking is not done by a computer. mouse if choosing to take CD-IELTS,
in order to reduce anxiety while
taking the test.

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 THE CD-IELTS LISTENING

The Listening test consists of 6 question types and 40 questions taken over four parts. The
question types in the CD-IELTS are the same as those you could be given in the paper-based
IELTS and includes: multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labelling, note completion,
short answer questions.
Tips & Tricks for Taking the CD-IELTS Listening

You do not get 10 minutes Do not make notes on the paper

transfer time at the end. There is you are given as you listen- record
just a 2 minute review time at your answers on the computer as
the end of the listening to check you listen as you will only get one
your responses. In this short time chance to listen to the recording.
it is recommended to check your This is a major difference with the
spelling/typing. paper-based and it is very
important to respond and
drag/drop your answers as you
listen.

Let the invigilator know if there are Use the navigation bar or the TAB key
any issues with your headphones on your keyboard to move from one
and hearing the test properly. You part to the next. You must move
can adjust the volume of the through the questions yourself- it is
recording using the button on the not automatic.
top right of the screen. You get a
chance to listen to a practice The computer monitors are touch
question at the beginning of the screen and you can drag and drop on
test so you can test your volume the computer monitor directly. Useful
levels. for questions when you follow a map!

You can highlight any parts of the There is a Help option in the
text and make notes by using your Settings button that provides a
cursor to run over the words you review of the task and its
want to highlight and then right requirements. Remember that
click the mouse and choose each candidate will have a different
highlight. To un-highlight, run your test and you will work through the
cursor over the words you have test questions at different paces.
highlighted and right click the
mouse to choose the un-highlight
option.

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 THE CD-IELTS LISTENING

It is useful to know what you can expect to see on the computer screen and to be
aware of some of the navigation features to help you as you take the test.

For the listening section in CD IELTS, you’d get the instructions in a

box on the top of the screen. This is also where you will see the
timer, the button to adjust the sound. The settings button will allow
you to change the text size, and screen and text colour.

Timer Settings Volume

Test questions

Navigation bar

The navigation bar appears at the bottom of The square buttons in the navigation bar
the screen and is very useful. This is where you represent each question number. When the
can use back/forward arrows that allow you to number is highlighted blue, it is showing the
move through the questions. Check ‘Review’ if question you are currently working on. If the
you want to review the question later and it number is underlined, it means you have
will change from a square shape to a circle answered that question. If it is a circle, you
until you uncheck the review button for that have marked it for review. If it is highlighted
question. You can adjust the size of the black, it means you have not yet answered the
navigation bar using the up and down arrows. question.

You need to listen and type at

the same time so the CD-IELTS
is recommended for
candidates who are TOP TIP!
comfortable with using a
computer and are competent
typists.

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THE CD-IELTS READING

The Reading test consists of 11 question types and up to 41 questions including:

multiple choice, identifying information, note completion, matching headings,
matching sentence endings, summary completion, sentence completion and flow-
chart completion.

Tips & Tricks for Taking the CD-IELTS Reading

Pay attention to the time on the Make sure that you scroll down the
timer as you will not be given computer screen to read the text in
any time checks by the it's entirety as well as to see all the
invigilators. The test will close questions that may be hidden
down on your computer when below the fold of the screen.
the time is up. Answer all the questions as you are
not marked-down for incorrect
answers.

Utilise the highlight function, notes Use the navigation bar to move
function and the shortcut keys through the questions and check
CTRL-C and CTRL-V to copy and the navigation bar number
paste text from the reading to your buttons to make sure you have
notes. CTRL-F (Find) does NOT work answered all the questions. The
in the CD-IELTS. square will be white and the
number underlined when you
have answered the question.

You can highlight any parts of the There is a Help option in the
text and make notes by using your Settings button that provides a
cursor to run over the words you review of the task and its
want to highlight and then right requirements. You can also adjust
click the mouse and choose the font size to make it bigger if
highlight. To un-highlight, run your that makes it easier to read.
cursor over the words you have
highlighted and right click the
mouse to choose the un-highlight
option.

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 THE CD-IELTS READING

It is useful to know what you can expect to see on the computer screen and to be
aware of some of the navigation features to help you as you take the test.

For the reading section in CD IELTS, the screen is split in half. The
text is on the left hand side and the questions are on the right hand
side of the screen. This makes it very convenient to read both the
text and the questions side-by-side. The highlight function is also
helpful to use as you read the text.

Timer Settings Volume

raB llorcS
Text Questions

Navigation bar

The navigation bar appears at the bottom of The square buttons in the navigation bar
the screen and is very useful. This is where you represent each question number. When the
can use back/forward arrows that allow you to number is highlighted blue, it is showing the
move through the questions. Check ‘Review’ if question you are currently working on. If the
you want to review the question later and it number is underlined, it means you have
will change from a square shape to a circle answered that question. If it is a circle, you
until you uncheck the review button for that have marked it for review. If it is highlighted
question. You can adjust the size of the black, it means you have not yet answered the
navigation bar using the up and down arrows. question.

Practice reading longer texts

on a computer screen and
become familiar with scrolling
TOP TIP! up and down to feel
comfortable with taking the
Reading CD-IELTS

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 THE CD-IELTS WRITING

The Writing test consists of 2 tasks. Task 1: Write at least 150 words (20 minutes) to
describe a chart, table, graph or diagram. Task 2: Write at least 250 words (40
minutes) to complete an academic style essay in response to a discussion question
prompt.
Tips & Tricks for Taking the CD-IELTS Writing

Pay attention to the time on the You will be able to see your overall
timer as you will not be given word count at the bottom of the
any time checks by the response box.
invigilators. The test will close
down on your computer when
the time is up.

Utilise the highlight function, notes Carefully edit and proof-read your
function and the shortcut keys work to make sure you find any
CTRL-C and CTRL-V to copy and typing errors you might have
paste from the Task 1 question to made.
your response, from your notes to
your response, as well as within
your response.

You can highlight any part of the Some helpful keyboard shortcuts
question and make notes by using that you can use in your response
your cursor to run over the words and in your notes include:
you want to highlight and then
right click the mouse and choose CTRL-Z- Undo
highlight. To un-highlight, run your CTRL-Y- Redo
cursor over the words you have CTRL X- Cut
highlighted and right click the CTRL V- Paste
mouse to choose the un-highlight CTRL C- Copy
option.

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 THE CD-IELTS WRITING

It is useful to know what you can expect to see on the computer screen and to be
aware of some of the navigation features to help you as you take the test.

For the writing section in CD IELTS, the screen is split in half. The
question is on the left hand side and the questions are on the right.
The Task 1 is on the first page and Task 2 on the second page. You
can highlight and copy & paste from the question to the task
response box. Your work is automatically saved.

Timer Settings Volume

raB llorcS
Question Response Box

Word Count

Navigation bar

The navigation bar appears at the bottom of The square buttons in the navigation bar
the screen and is very useful. This is where you represent each question number. When the
can use back/forward arrows that allow you to number is highlighted blue, it is showing the
move through the questions. Check ‘Review’ if question you are currently working on. If the
you want to review the question later and it number is underlined, it means you have
will change from a square shape to a circle answered that question. If it is a circle, you
until you uncheck the review button for that have marked it for review. If it is highlighted
question. You can adjust the size of the black, it means you have not yet answered the
navigation bar using the up and down arrows. question.

The test room can become Candidates who are proficient

quite noisy when all typists will feel comfortable in
candidates are typing furiously the writing test but will need
at once! Put your headphones to be extra cautious about
on if you find the noise finding any typing errors,
distracting. especially if you type quickly.

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 Before you go...
At the IALF we are committed to your success in getting the score you
need on the IELTS test in order to achieve your dreams.

We have 50-hour preparation for IELTS classes that will help you to
improve your level of English and to hone your test-taking strategies-
whether you choose the computer-delivered IELTS or paper-based
IELTS.

Be in touch to take a placement test with us and find out your level
and join us for an IELTS preparation course to improve your chances of
success.

We hope this quick guide has been useful and that you now feel more
confident about what to expect on your CD-IELTS.

Good luck!

Click her
e to book
your near your CD-I
est IALF T ELTS at
est Centr
e today.

Need support and feedback for the

IELTS Speaking test?

IALF offers an IELTS Indicator test to help

you prepare for the IELTS test. Click
here and select the IELTS Indicator Test
for further information.

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