Last week, IELTS IDP announced that they are planning to introduce a new test called the IELTS One Skill Retake. This will give students the opportunity to retake only one section of the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking) in the IELTS test if they did not achieve the score they aimed for the first time around.Obviously, the introduction of the IELTS One Skill Retake could have a high impact on the time it takes test-takers to achieve their target scores, but there are still many questions left unanswered at this stage. For example,
- Will you be able to take the IELTS One Skill Retake once, or many times?
- How much will it cost?
- And will all professional bodies and governments accept the IELTS One Skill Retake certificate?
This is what Nick and I will be discussing in today’s episode.Below, you can find a summary of the episode, which includes all of the links to useful materials🚀
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The new IELTS One Skill Retake – what we know so far!
On Thursday October 27th, a long announcement appeared on the official IDP website introducing the IELTS One Skill Retake.However, the original statement was taken down almost immediately and replaced by a shorter text that simply read:
IELTS arelaunching One Skill Retake with availability initially in eligible Australian test centres only. More information will be available soon, so keep an eye on our website for more.
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However, this is the world of IELTS, and many test-takers had already taken screenshots of the original message before it was removed. What appears below is a recreation of the original message on the official IDP page:
IELTS to introduce One Skill Retake
Test takers of the world’s most popular high-stakes language test, IELTS, will soon have access to a new feature to help them boost the score they need to achieve their global learning and career goals.
Expected to be available in November at limited IDP IELTS centres in Australian capital cities, One Skill Retake will allow test-takers to retake one section of the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) in the English test if they did not achieve the score they aimed for the first time around.
Warwick Freeland, managing director of IELTS IDP education, said One Skill Retake had been introduced after listening to test-taker feedback.
(Video) 🇨🇦IELTS RESULT |😎FINALLY I CLEARED MY IELTS ON 3rd ATTEMPT😄#shorts #ielts #hardwork #motivation“With the right preparation and support we know our test takers achieve the best score the first time round. However, we listened to our test-takers, and they told us they wanted the opportunity to retake one section of the test if they didn’t get the score they were aspiring for on test day.With One Skill Retake, test-takers can get their study, migration or work applications back on track.”
In its first launch phase, the test takers who choose a One Skill Retake will receive a second form that can be used for migration and study purposes by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
One Skill Retake demonstrates IELTS commitment to customers achieving their best scores and supporting organisations to attract the right candidate. When it is launched organisations will be able to offer their candidates the flexibility to achieve entry requirements without compromising on applicant quality
One Skill Retake will be initially introduced in Australia in November. More information will be available in early November
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What questions do we have about the IELTS One Skill Retake?
Obviously, this first message about the IELTS One Skill retake poses more questions than it answers. However, what is clear is that IELTS has listened to test-takers and understand the need to introduce the ability for students to re-take only one part of the test instead of being forced to re-take all four.
This is particularly important for students whose scores fluctuate in more than one area. For example, they may find that they go between a 6.5 and a 7.0 for Speaking, but are always stuck at a 6.5 for Writing. Nothing is more frustrating for students in this position to finally achieve a 7.0 in Writing, only to receive a 6.5 for speaking in that attempt.Now, students will be able to “hold” their 7.0 in Writing and only re-take Speaking.
However, there are still a number of points that remain unclear:
- The original message said that the scheme would start in Australian capital cities. However, it is not stated if this is just a pilot scheme (i.e. one that is being tested before being rolled out across the world), or if they are simply the first centres to offer the IELTS One Skill Retake and others around the world will be soon to follow.
- There is also no mention of the cost of the test or how many times a student will be permitted to take the IELTS One Skill Retake. Will it be possible to take the test repeatedly, or is this just simply a one-off second chance after the completion of a full test?
- There is also no indication of whether the second form will be accepted by other institutions other than the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Will you be able to use the IELTS One Skill Retake to apply for residency in Canada? Or to apply for PLAB of the NHS foundation? My guess is that each of these institutions will have their own policy, so we will need to wait to find out.
- Will the service also be offered by the British Council, or will this only be available at IDP test centres?
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What do we think about the IELTS One Skill Retake?
Over the last 5 years, IELTS has done a lot to show that it wants to respond to the needs of test-takers. It has introduced a Computer-Based test, which is not available in almost every country where the Paper-based Test is run.It also introduced the IELTS Indicator test during the COVID restrictions, which allowed test-takers to sit a less-secure version of the test at home so that they could prove their level of English to Universities, and the new full IELTS Online Test is still being developed, which may one day allow test-takers to take the full version of the test in the same way.
I feel that this is another way that IELTS is trying to modernise the test as it seeks to compete with the newest ones entering the market, such as theDuolingoLanguage Test. Having to retake the full exam when only one score is low has always been a sore point for test-takers and giving them a way to retake just one element more cheaply and quickly is obviously a step in the right direction.
However, many test-takers already suffer from taking the test too many times in the “hope” of reaching their target scores, and I worry that if there is no limit on the number of times that a student can sit the IELTS One Skill Retake, this trend will only worsen. However, with so many questions left unanswered, I think that only time will tell if this new directive from IDP will be successful or not.
What I think is clear, however, is that IELTS is looking to the future and responding to the needs of test-takers, which can only be a good thing.
FAQs
What is IELTS one skill retake? ›
IELTS One Skill Retake allows test takers to re-attempt one of the four skills from the complete IELTS test: Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking.
What is one skill retake in IELTS in USA? ›You can retake any one section of the IELTS test, whether it's Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking. The format and timing of that IELTS One Skill Retake test is the same as that individual skill in a normal IELTS test, only you can save time by not needing to complete the other three skills.
Is IELTS one skill retake available? ›IELTS One Skill Retake is currently available in Australia and will be gradually launched in other regions around the world throughout 2023! Every year millions of people around the world use their IELTS scores to achieve their study, work, and migration goals.
What are the new changes in IELTS? ›New IELTS Indicator
IELTS Indicator, a new IELTS format, is now being launched. This is for applicants to take the exam at home. All four exam sections—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—are accessible for the examination. IELTS examiners on the opposite virtual side are marking the test in real time.
From March 2023 students will have the provision to retake the IELTS for one component if they did not get the desired score on the first attempt. Students who wish to study abroad can now take an IELTS retest in a module for which they did not get the desired score.
Why are there two versions of IELTS? ›The two main forms of IELTS are the Academic and General Tests (GT). To put it simply, the academic exam is intended for candidates who are going to study abroad (such as going to a university) whilst the general training IELTS test is for other purposes, such as immigration.
What is the fees for IELTS one skill retake? ›IELTS retake fee
There is no limit to how many retakes you can take for the IELTS exam. However, you have to pay the complete fee every time you take one (INR Rs. 15,500). There is no difference between the registration and the retaking payment for academic and general training versions.
You can now retake any one component of the test; Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking without redoing all four sections. IELTS One Skill Retake can help you back on track.
What if my latest IELTS score is lower than previous one? ›If you think your band score is less in the IELTS reading section, then you need to retake the IELTS exam on the whole - for all four sections.
Can I retake IELTS if I fail? ›You may take the IELTS test as many times as you like. You can use the result of the test you prefer. However, as the IELTS centre, we strongly recommend you do additional study before taking the test again. You can also improve your skills by using the IELTS Official Free Practice Materials and Preparation Book.
Do I need to retake IELTS after 2 years? ›
The validity of the IELTS certificate will be perceived as invalid once it surpasses the duration of two years in most cases. Aspirants may retake the examination if the certificate surpasses the overall validity period.
Can I get my IELTS rechecked? ›Can I re-take my IELTS test? There are no restrictions on re-taking IELTS. You can book a test as soon as you feel you are ready to do so. Please note that your score is unlikely to increase unless you make a significant effort to improve your English before re-taking the test.
What is the most difficult part in IELTS test? ›As per the surveys on IELTS modules, the writing section is considered the most challenging module of this exam.
Why do I keep getting 6.5 in IELTS writing? ›It is simply a by-product of the IELTS method of scoring. If someone receives a band 6.650, it gets rounded down to 6.5. But if someone receives band a 6.750, it goes up to band 7!
What is the latest IELTS version? ›Cambridge IELTS Academic 17
The 17th edition of this is the most recent and was released in the summer of 2021.
IELTS scores are valid for two years from the date of receipt. For all candidates, the IELTS validity period is the same.
Will IELTS extended to 3 years? ›IELTS score validity extension
There is no IELTS validity extended to 3 years for Canada or any other English speaking country. Once you receive the IELTS TRF (Test Report Form) scores, they will expire after 2 years, and you can not extend the validity.
If one comes without preparation then any exam is difficult. Preparing for the IELTS exam includes focusing on different areas of the English language. The difficulty level of skill may vary from a person to person. Listening can be difficult for someone while reading can be difficult for others.
Which version of IELTS is best? ›Which IELTS test type is right for me? If you want to move to an English-speaking country to study, then you should take the IELTS Academic test. For work or immigration, the IELTS General Training test is recommended. Please check the entry requirements of your organisation before choosing your test.
Which IELTS is harder Academic or general? ›For Academic, they test your level of comprehension, and your ability to present complex ideas clearly. That's why IELTS General Training Reading is easier than IELTS Academic. Besides the difference in the language in both exams, the scoring format is different as well.
Which mode of IELTS is better? ›
The aim of offering CD IELTS is for people who are more accustomed to typing than to writing. If you prefer to type and can type at speed, this is the best way to take IELTS. If you are poor or very slow at typing, you should stick with the paper-based test.
How can I remove IELTS first attempt without coaching? ›- Practise, practise, practise. As with any other language, you must practise English a lot before you can pass IELTS. ...
- Diversify your sources. ...
- Have everyday conversations. ...
- Polish your weak points. ...
- Prepare to pass IELTS on test day.
The Advantages of Re-Taking IELTS
There are a few reasons, but essentially it is more likely that you will get a higher score. As I said before, the maximum increase you would get from having your test re-marked is 0.5, but if you sat that test again, you might do a lot better.
Candidates with a weaker financial background can apply for IELTS Fee Waiver Scholarship. This allows them to get a full refund of their IELTS fees of INR 15,500 within 45 days of taking the test.
Can I retake only one section of IELTS? ›If you didn't reach your desired score on one section of the test, the IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) could be an option for you. It's an opportunity to retake just one section of the IELTS exam (Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking), rather than the whole thing.
Can I take single module retake in IELTS? ›Do not worry. Starting March 2023, test takers can opt for IELTS One Skill Retake to improve their scores. Currently, students who want to improve their scores have to retake the entire test for all the modules (speaking, listening, reading and writing).
How much does it cost to retake one module in IELTS? ›IELTS retake fee
There is no limit to how many retakes you can take for the IELTS exam. However, you have to pay the complete fee every time you take one (INR Rs. 15,500).
IELTS has two types: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Both tests assess your English language skills in listening, reading, writing and speaking. Read below to find out more information on each test.
Which section of IELTS is the hardest? ›As per the surveys on IELTS modules, the writing section is considered the most challenging module of this exam.
Which is the easiest section in IELTS? ›Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test is often referred to as the 'easiest' part. The reason for this, is the fact that the topics in part 1 are very familiar to you. You are asked questions about yourself, what you do and where you come from.
Can I write only one module in IELTS? ›
To help you feel confident going into your IELTS test, we've developed IELTS One Skill Retake. You can now retake any one component of the test; Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking without redoing all four sections.
How much time do I have to wait to retest IELTS? ›Students can retake the IELTS exam any number of times they want without any mandatory waiting period. However, it is advised that students should be fully prepared before retaking the test as the registration and exam fee remains the same, regardless of the number of times you take the test.