The IELTS Writing Test is crucial in the IELTS exam. It measures your ability to communicate well in writing. With the new Computer delivered IELTS exam centres, candidates can now use keyboards instead of pens. This change leads to an important question: Does typing instead of handwriting affect your IELTS Writing score?
Understanding the IELTS Writing Test
The IELTS Writing test consists of two tasks:
- Task 1:
- In the Academic version, candidates describe visual data, such as graphs, tables, or diagrams. In the General Training version, candidates write a letter.
- Task 2:
- This essay responds to a specific topic. It asks candidates to share their arguments, express their opinions, and back their ideas with examples.
Both versions dive into the depths of coherence and cohesion. They also explore lexical skill, grammatical flair, and accuracy’s allure. Yet, how you choose to respond—whether you type or handwrite—can shape your test journey. This choice may even sway your final score, highlighting the power of presentation.
The Advantages of Typing in a Computer-Delivered IELTS Exam Centre
With the rise of Computer Delivered IELTS Exam Centres in Kuwait, many candidates now favour the digital route. Typing your IELTS Writing answers comes with a treasure trove of benefits:
1. Easier and Faster Editing
A key perk of typing is the swift editing it allows. You can zap away words, rework sentences, and reshape paragraphs with effortless finesse. Handwriting, on the other hand, can turn your page into a jumble with manual corrections. In the world of words, typing shines bright and clear.
2. No Worries About Illegible Handwriting
Examiners need to decipher your handwriting like a treasure map. If it’s a jumbled mess, you could lose vital marks, simply because they can’t grasp your brilliance. On the other hand, typed responses are the shining knights of clarity, banishing confusion from the battlefield of assessment.
3. Faster Writing Speed
Many candidates discover they can type like lightning—quicker than they can write. This is especially valuable in Task 2, where crafting intricate arguments is key. Typing lets you focus on shaping your thoughts, freeing you from the tick-tock of the clock.
4. Word Count Display
The computer-based IELTS test boasts a handy word counter. This clever tool helps candidates easily keep tabs on their word count. With a minimum of 150 words for Task 1 and 250 for Task 2, it’s a lifesaver! No more wasting precious time counting words manually.
5. Standardized Formatting
At a Computer Delivered IELTS Exam Centre, your typed responses sparkle with consistency. Bid farewell to the quirks of handwriting, where size and spacing can waver. Instead, enjoy the sleek, professional look that typing provides. This polished presentation may just charm your examiner, leaving a positive impression!
The Advantages of Handwriting in a Paper-Based IELTS Exam
Despite the benefits of typing, some candidates still prefer handwriting their answers. Here’s why:
1. Better Memory Retention and Focus
Research shows that handwriting sparks the brain in unique ways. It enhances information retention like a well-watered garden nurtures vibrant growth. Many candidates have discovered that putting pen to paper clears the mental fog, enabling sharper thoughts and richer expressions.
2. Familiarity and Comfort
After years of penning thoughts by hand, typing can feel like an uphill climb for many. The ticking clock adds pressure, on top of it. As a result, candidates fret over speed and accuracy, longing for handwritten responses.
3. Less Risk of Technical Issues
Technical issues can happen at a computer-based IELTS Exam Centre, even if it’s rare. These include software glitches, power outages, or keyboard problems. In a paper-based test, you don’t have to worry about such disruptions.
4. More Time to Think While Writing
Some candidates see their handwriting as a thoughtful pace-setter. This deliberate tempo grants them time to finesse their sentence structure. They can carefully select each word before pouring ink onto the paper.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Choosing between typing and handwriting comes down to your personal choice and comfort. Think about these points when deciding:
- Do you type faster than you write? A computer-based test may suit you better.
- Is your handwriting clear and like writing by hand? You might prefer a paper-based test.
- Are you unsure about your spelling? Handwriting can help you avoid typing mistakes.
- Do you want easy editing and word counting? Choose a Computer Delivered IELTS Exam Centre.
Whichever you choose, make sure to practice sufficiently for it. If you opt for the computer-based test, practice typing timed essays on a computer. If you prefer handwriting, write essays under exam conditions to build endurance.
Conclusion
Both typing and handwriting are effective for the IELTS Writing test. The Computer Delivered IELTS Exam Centre offers a modern and flexible option. However, it needs you to be comfortable with typing and proofreading on a screen. Handwriting, meanwhile, gives a traditional and comfortable way for those who prefer writing by hand. Choose the format that suits your strengths best. Prepare well to maximise your performance and reach your desired IELTS score.
For more guidance, contact English Wise, a well-known place for IELTS coaching in Kuwait.
