The Reading section of IELTS General varies slightly if you take the Computer-Delivered (CD) test rather than the Pen and Paper test. If you’re still not sure which is best for you, this article will explain the differences and choose what works best.
Pen and Paper IELTS General Reading
- You have five passages to read and respond to questions.
- The difficulty level builds up from the first passage through to the final, providing you with a gentle warm-up at the beginning.
- You are allowed to underline, highlight, or make notes on the question paper — great if you’re a hands-on kind of person.
- Good for those who enjoy reading from paper and need more time control.
Computer-Delivered IELTS General Reading
- Question types may appear in a different order — for instance, “Match the Headings” might come before “True/False/Not Given.”
- Navigation is dynamic; you’ll need to scroll and switch between questions on-screen.
- Great for candidates who are comfortable with computers, type quickly, and like a digital interface.
My Advice From Experience
- If reading on the screen tiring your eyes, use the Pen and Paper test.
- If you’re a fast typist, prefer using digital tools, and enjoy viewing your progress on the screen, use the Computer-Delivered version.
- Keep in mind that your IELTS score relies more on practice than on the format. Both have the same marking criteria.
Final Words
Deciding between Computer-Delivered IELTS General and Pen and Paper IELTS General should be about what you feel comfortable reading and how you read. If you’re more confident reading from paper, then opt for that. Cognitive English Classes which is best ielts online coaching recommends that if using computers makes you work faster, use the computer version. Either option, your preparation is most important. Practice, strategy, and confidence — and you’ll be awesome!
For more details, contact us on +91 87429 28705 and If you want to join our offline classes, click here to visit us and get started with expert guidance today!
FAQs On IELTS General Reading Formats
Q1: Are both equally challenging?
A1: Yes, both are equally challenging. The only difference is the presentation of questions.
Q2: Can I note down anything in the Computer-Delivered test?
A2: You can highlight text and utilize a few on-screen tools, but it’s not the same as marking on paper.
Q3: Which test is quicker to complete?
A3: If you’re comfortable with computers, the CD test can save time on writing and navigation.
Add comment