Do we get blank sheets of paper to make notes on during the exam?
For the listening, reading and writing sections of the test, there’s no standard policy on issuing blank sheets of paper across all exam centres. Some centres do issue extra blank sheets of paper in addition to the question and answer sheets for both the paper-based test and the computer-delivered test, and it's common for centres to issue blank sheets for the listening part of the computer-delivered test. However, to be sure what will happen at your centre, the best thing would be to ask them.
For the paper-based test, any extra notes you want to make for listening, reading and writing can be made on the question papers themselves. When you’ve finished the exam, simply put a line through any large sections of text (for example, your essay plans).
The answer sheets for writing usually consist of two pages for Task 1 and 2 pages for Task 2. If you need extra paper because you run out of space on the answer sheet, simply put your hand up and ask for it and it will be provided.
For the computer-delivered test, you can write your essay plan at the top of the page (on the screen) where you’ll write your essay and delete it when you’ve finished your essay. For reading, it’s possible to highlight bits of text and make notes on the screen. For listening, you need to enter your answers directly in the answer sheet on the screen.
Please see the following for more guidance on how the computer-delivered test works: Computer-delivered Test online practice materials
This video shows you how to make notes during the reading test: Computer-delivered IELTS: Making Notes
For speaking, in all centres, you will always be given paper so that you can make notes before giving your part 2 talk.
