WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO WITH THE END OF PAPER-BASED IELTS

Today, all kinds of changes are happening. Gas prices, currency values, technology—these are just a few examples of things that never stay stagnant. People might complain but, as the cliché goes, change is part of life. It can be tough, but with some reflection, we see why change happens and what benefits come over time. We are in an era where we don’t need typewriters to process documents, media and information is more available than ever, and where we can get maps and directions from our smartphones and not a spiral-bound book. It’s incredible.

In the IELTS world, the end of the paper-based test is coming to an end. In a matter of weeks, IELTS paper-based testing will cease. There are many prospective IELTS candidates that fear this. But again, with some examination, there are many advantages to this change.

Print versus Screen

A lot of people can recollect a time when music was only available on vinyl records or books were only in paper format. These folks tend to be the ones that lament the change of media to a more screen-based interface. Going further, many people have great difficultly adapting to screen media having been used to older formats, and thus dread these kinds of changes, thinking they will never adapt.

These people are selling themselves short. While there is a learning curve, people that venture into new media can learn to use it properly and change their attitudes towards new technology they encounter. With IELTS, the test will not change. The listening, reading, and writing components will have the same structure, time frames to complete them, and questions akin to what was on the paper-based tests. The band score grading will stay the same. Once candidates can get used to using a keyboard instead of a pencil, they are over any real mental hurdles.

What is to be Had

In these days of high-speed Internet, increased Wi-Fi availability, and online learning, you can bet that the move to all digital IELTS has its own advantages of the modern age. They are numerous in fact. IELTS results will be available within 48 hours, test-takers will get a chance to have more outlets to test at, and there will be more chances to take the test in a calendar week—the paper-based was typically only done on weekends. There will also be more practice IELTS for candidates to practice with.

Change can be daunting, but they come with benefits. If you’re ready to take the all-digital IELTS plunge, BITTS Testing Services wants to help you. Visit BITTS.ca for all IELTS bookings and to get information to help you with your new IELTS journey.