Computer-delivered IELTS Writing: what changes and how to prepare

IELTS is moving most tests to computer delivery, so for most candidates Writing now means typing, not handwriting. The tasks, timing and marking are the same. What changes is how you work during the 60 minutes, and that is worth practising.

What is the same

• The two tasks, the 60 minutes and the minimum word counts.
• The four marking criteria. Your essay is marked by a human examiner exactly as on paper.
• Spelling still counts. There is no spell-checker in the test.

What is different

• A word count on screen. You can see your length as you type, so there is no counting by hand.
• Easy editing. You can delete, move and rewrite sentences, which makes planning-then-improving realistic.
• Typing speed matters. If you type slowly, 250 words can take longer than you expect.
• Both tasks on screen. You can switch between Task 1 and Task 2 freely.

Change how you practise

1. Practise typing, not handwriting. If your exam is on a computer, every practice essay should be typed, ideally on a full keyboard.
2. Turn off autocorrect and spell-check when you practise. Otherwise you are practising with help you will not have.
3. Plan, then type. Easy editing tempts people to start typing immediately and rewrite later. Planning first is still faster.
4. Watch the counter, not the clock alone. Aim to pass 250 words with at least five minutes to spare for checking.

Typing speed test: type for ten minutes from a plan. If you write fewer than 120 words, practise typing separately; it is the cheapest band you will ever gain.

Practise on screen

The essay checker works like the computer test: a typing area, a 40-minute timer and a live word count, with feedback when you finish. The word counter is a lighter option for timed typing practice.