Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
The tools on screen
IDP describes the IELTS on computer screen (IDP): a navigation bar at the bottom shows all 40 questions, forward and back arrows move between them, and a Review button marks a question to come back to (its number changes from a square to a circle). When time runs out, your answers are saved and the section closes.
| Listening | Reading | |
|---|---|---|
| Skip and return | Possible, but stay with the audio | Yes, start anywhere |
| Change an answer | Yes, until the end | Yes, until the end |
| Leave a question blank | Possible, but scores 0 | Possible, but scores 0 |
| Extra time at the end | 2 minutes to review | None |
Listening needs a different approach
An IDP expert says you can move through questions within a section at your own pace, which is useful in Reading and Writing, but in Listening it is important to stay in line with the audio and follow the questions in order (IDP Community). The recording plays once only and cannot be rewound (IDP Community).
IDP says there is no extra time to transfer answers on computer, only 2 minutes to review at the end of Listening (IDP).
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On paper
For the paper test, an IDP expert said it was fine to cross out a mistake on the answer sheet and write the answer again clearly; on computer you simply delete it (IDP Community).
Frequently asked questions
Can I go back to an earlier question in IELTS Reading on computer?+
Yes. IDP says you can start anywhere and change your answer.
Can I go back in IELTS Listening on computer?+
You can navigate, but the audio plays once, so IDP advises following the questions in order.
What does the Review button do?+
IDP says it marks a question to check later; its number changes from a square to a circle.
Are my answers saved if time runs out?+
Yes. IDP says answers are saved automatically when time ends.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS on computer: notes and highlighting
- IELTS Listening transfer time
- IELTS online vs computer vs paper
- Free IELTS mock test
- All 3112 guides
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