Hey guys, so I have my IELTS exam on October 4th, and it’s the computer-delivered one. I’m stressing a bit about the reading section because I can’t seem to score above a 7, and I’m totally stuck on the matching information and matching headings questions.
Does anyone have tips for practicing reading on a computer? It feels so different from paper. Also, any advice on how to handle the panic during the writing section? I completely blank out and can’t generate ideas when the timer starts. I haven’t been able to score higher than 6.5, and I feel like the panic is a big reason why. Any help would be appreciated!
I hope my suggestions will help you. For the computer-delivered IELTS reading section, the key is to practice reading on a screen, not on paper. Use official online practice tests to get used to the layout. For matching information questions, focus on scanning for keywords like names, dates, or places, and use the Ctrl+F shortcut to locate them quickly in the text. For matching headings, don’t read everything—just focus on the first sentence or two of each paragraph to understand the main idea, and match based on general meaning, not small details. For the writing section, panic often comes from not having a clear structure, so prepare a simple template in advance for both Task 1 and Task 2. Practice generating 2–3 quick ideas per topic under time pressure and write with a timer often. During the exam, take a short pause before writing, breathe, and jot down your ideas quickly. This helps calm your mind and gives you direction. Consistent timed practice is the best way to reduce stress and improve your score.
hey @Arjun_Mehta, don’t stress too much. Reading on the computer is tricky at first, but you’ll get used to it if you practice with official Cambridge computer-based mocks. Use the “highlight” and “note” features – they help a lot for matching info/headings. For headings, skim the first 1–2 lines of each para and don’t overthink every word.
For writing, panic is super normal. Have ur template/structure ready (intro, 2 body paras, conclusion). Once you know the skeleton, you just need to fill it with ideas. Also, before typing, take 2–3 mins to jot bullet points on the notepad. That clears your head and saves time.
And honestly, don’t aim for perfection, just keep writing without stopping, you can always rephrase later if time allows. I went from a 6.5 to 7.5 with just this shift in approach.
You’ve still got time till Oct 4th try doing at least 1 full-time test every 2–3 days to simulate exam pressure. It really calms the nerves. You got this
Thankyou so much for putting out your question and to answer it, I can share the tips that I used during the time of my preparation. When I started with my preps, I started off with practising the sections on computer only, such that by the time I go for my test, I could get used to the flow and timing of the paper. For reading question particularly, I used to read through the questions first, and then used to give a quick read to the paragraphs; navigating the keywords, identifying the introduction and conclusion and then answering the questions accordingly. I can understand it can be tricky at first, though with practise, you would be able to understand and pick the main idea about the paragraphs and having the confidence to answer it well.
As far as the writing part is concerned, it is important to know that you are getting evaluated based on your ideas, structure of the paragraphs and the intent of writing about the topic. Since there are numerous topics to write about, you can create a basic structure of paragraphs (Introduction, Para 1 Main point, Para 2 Sub point and conclusion) and follow that pattern for the topics to practise. Well, it can vary based on topic to topic, though you can use it for your practise in the time frame. I remember that while practicing about the topics, I used to write pointers such that I could clarity of my thoughts and also helping me in phrasing the paragraphs.
I understand the feeling of panic and getting blank especially when the time clock is all set for the exam day, though it should be all fine as you are preparing yourself with righ amount of practise to balance your time and also keeping your calm for the test.
Hi, @Arjun_Mehta Hope. My suggestion helps to handle your panic.It’s normal to feel extra pressure before IELTS, especially on the computer version since the screen format feels different from paper. For the reading section, the best way to adapt is to practice with online mock tests in the same format you’ll get used to scrolling and skimming quickly. For tricky question types like matching headings/information, don’t try to understand every word. Skim the first and last sentences of each paragraph for the main idea, then match keywords (look for synonyms, not exact words). Time management is key if you’re stuck, mark it and move on, then come back later.
For the writing section, panic usually comes from overthinking in the first few minutes. A good trick is to spend the first 3–4 minutes just outlining: write down your 2–3 main ideas and examples before starting the essay. That way, you’re not staring at a blank screen under pressure. Practice timed writing daily (even short 10–15 minute drills) so your brain gets used to generating ideas under the clock. Also, remember you can type faster than handwriting, so use that to your advantage.
You’re already around 6.5–7, which means with a bit of strategy and practice on the computer format, you can definitely push it higher.