IELTS Computer Delivered Test Experience

 Hi Amigos!

Assalamu A'laikum and Greetings to everyone!

This weekend I had a wonderful experience here in Malaysia as I approached for IELTS academic test. This was the third time in my academic career that I took this test. I would like to share a little background to address the reason for my test! And also, how does it feel to be appearing in a computer-delivered IELTS test for real. You can skip the next paragraph if you are not interested in my background with IELTS.

For the first time, I appeared in IELTS was intended to be admitted as an undergraduate student back in 2008. I was expecting to get admitted to a renowned University in the UK. I was a novice almost, completed my higher secondary school exam a few months ago. Again, without any practical English practicing environment, I scored an overall 6, which was indeed an outstanding achievement for me. I knew I was somewhat curious to learn English, but things didn't work as I planned.

Consequently, I started my Bachelor in my country, and again there was no English speaking environment. Although my entire curriculum was in English, yet nobody uttered a  single English word in the classroom. However, I participated in conversations whenever I found any opportunity. The second time I proceeded towards IELTS, it was almost after three years break since the completion of my graduation. This time I was totally detached from reading, writing, or speaking. Partially, I got some time watching English movies in my leisure hours. Needless to say that I was going through all the enjoyment and stress of motherhood throughout this long journey, as I was the only parent who had to look after my daughter. I took only one month of preparation this time. Nevertheless, I scored an overall 6.5, where I notably obtained 7.5 in reading and 7 in speaking.  I was quite content with my score, even I did not expect it to be like that.

This year, I am almost done with my Masters, looking forward to a little more higher education in my specific research field. And instead of paper-based IELTS, I picked Computer-delivered IELTS, which is relatively old but quite uncommon for the student community, who hasn't recently considered himself for an English language test. However, I was quite confident about my writing skill this time. I believe my speaking has improved as I am living in a foreign country. The communication with my advisor and other peers was mostly done in English. So in this instance, I took preparation for 2 weeks only, which was mainly for listening. 

Now I come to the specific features of CD IELTS, for the experience was fabulous with the high-tech lab they provided. The computer lab room was well organized, featuring high-tech utilities. Compared with my previous experience with paper-based IELTS, this was far placid in nature. 

So in the morning, around 8:15am I reached the British council test center in Kuala Lumpur. I noticed several test takers like me waiting in the outdoor sitting area. We were asked to enter the lift which goes one floor up to the BC test center at sharp 8:30am. Then we proceeded with the registration process with photo and biometric fingerprint records. Then we were given the instructions about the test. I liked the screen and ambiance in the computer lab. The exam was quite more peaceful than my previous experiences with the paper-based tests. The speaking test held right one hour after my other three tests. Looking at her physical appearance, the examiner lady seemed to be a Tamil Indian. She told me her beautiful name which was a bit long and hard to remember. She seemed quite tough at the beginning, although we had a good conversation throughout the test. And, I felt so bad when she told me that the test was finished. I wanted to chat a little more I guess. LoL :D :D

This morning I received my score right four days after my test. Listening -7.0, Writing- 6.5, Speaking - 7.0, and guess what? I got 8.5 in reading <3 <3 Alhamdulillah...

Thanks for reading my blog! Please drop your feedback in the comment section. Hope to write more in the future... Stay well and best of luck for your IELTS!