High stakes English language tests. such as the IELTS, are increasingly being delivered on the computer. DO the advantages Of computer-based testing outweigh the disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

People from around the world take English language tests, such as the IELTS, in order to migrate, enter university or attain employment. As computer technology improves, including algorithms that mark speaking and writing, the testing is shifting away from human examiners and onto computers. This essay will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of this trend and show that, indeed, computer-based testing is superior to traditional paper-based testing. There are a number of important advantages that computer delivered tests possess. The first is that the computer algorithm used to assess candidates will continue to Improve over time, becoming ever more refined. As the computer collects thousands - if not millions — of candidate responses, it will use these data to improve itself and it will eventually supersede human examiners in the way it awards marks. Second, candidates will be able to prepare online. This will make their lives much easier as online test preparation is arguably more effective, efficient, convenient and cost-effective. Clearly, language tests delivered via a computer Will be extremely advantageous. Despite the benefits, there are some drawbacks associated with the shift away from traditional testing. The main issue is that language examiners will lose their jobs. There are numerous thousands of people currently employed by testing organizations who will have to find work elsewhere as algorithms begin to replace them. In addition, computer-based language tests will take some time to develop and there will no doubt be some Issues as they mature. Being able to test a candidate's spoken English is especially complex and will take time to perfect. Overall, though, these two drawbacks pale in comparison to the benefits. This essay discussed the ways in which computer-based testing will affect those involved in my opinion, although there are disadvantages associated with the move to computer-based testing, the advantages clearly outweigh them.