Guide · CD-IELTS Writing
Computer-Based IELTS Writing: The 2026 Interface Guide
The computer-based IELTS Writing test uses the same prompts, timing, and band descriptors as the paper version — but the interface changes how you plan, draft, and edit. This guide walks through every part of the CD-IELTS Writing screen so nothing is a surprise on exam day, and shows how to practise it online with realistic mocks.
The CD-IELTS Writing screen, part by part
When Writing starts, the screen splits: the prompt sits on the left, your answer box on the right, and a header strip shows the timer, task navigator, and menu. You cannot resize or hide the prompt — it stays visible the whole hour.
1. The automatic word counter
The single biggest quality-of-life upgrade over paper. A live counter under the answer box shows exactly how many words you've written. No more counting lines with your pen — you can push right up to the 150 / 250 minimum without over-writing and losing time.
2. Cut, copy, paste, and undo
The Writing box supports the standard editing shortcuts. This is what makes CD-IELTS a genuine advantage: you can draft a rough introduction, move it to the bottom, restructure a body paragraph, and undo mistakes without erasing marks on paper. Plan less, iterate more.
3. No spellcheck. No grammar check.
The interface deliberately disables spellcheck and autocorrect. Words you misspell stay misspelled. Practise in a plain text box (or a mock platform that mirrors this) so your muscle memory matches test day.
4. Timer and task navigator
The 60-minute timer runs at the top of the screen and turns red in the final 10 minutes. A task navigator lets you jump between Task 1 and Task 2 as often as you like — Cambridge recommends 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 on Task 2, but the interface enforces nothing.
Why students move faster on the computer version
- Editing efficiency. Restructuring a paragraph takes seconds instead of a full rewrite. Most students gain 5–8 minutes back over the hour.
- Legibility isn't scored, but readability is. Examiners never squint at your handwriting, which removes an entire class of accidental band drops.
- Word counting is exact. No penalty risk from misjudging length, and no wasted time counting.
Traps unique to the computer version
- Over-editing. Because paste is easy, students rewrite the same sentence four times and run out of time. Give yourself a hard "stop editing" moment 5 minutes before the end.
- Typing speed. If you type below ~25 wpm, you'll lose time. Practise timed writing until you hit 30+ wpm comfortably.
- Spelling drift. Without spellcheck at home, you'll misspell more than you realise. AI-graded mocks flag this instantly.
How to practise the CD-IELTS Writing interface
The best practice mimics the real screen: split view, live word counter, 60-minute timer, no spellcheck. On MockTestly, the Writing module recreates this end-to-end, then grades Task 1 and Task 2 against the Cambridge band descriptors for Task Achievement, Coherence, Lexical Resource, and Grammar — with feedback in English and Bangla within seconds.
Frequently asked questions
Is computer-based IELTS Writing easier than paper?
For most students, yes — the word counter and easy editing win back time. The scoring is identical.
Does the CD-IELTS Writing interface have spellcheck?
No. Spellcheck and autocorrect are disabled on the official interface.
How do I practise CD-IELTS Writing at home?
Use an online mock that mirrors the interface — live word counter, 60-minute timer, no spellcheck, split view. Then get band feedback graded against Cambridge descriptors.
Try a full CD-IELTS Writing mock
MockTestly's Writing mocks run the exact CD-IELTS layout with AI band scoring and Bangla feedback — free to start.