top of page
Search
Writer's pictureSona Lisa Bose

Everything you Need to Know about the brand new IELTS One Skill Retake Option



As Kishore Roy from the British Council explains in this podcast, #The IELTS One Skill Retake is a brand new option being offered to IELTS candidates who miss out on getting the grade they need in just one of the sub-tests.  They’ll be able to re-sit that one skill and their new band scores will be indicated in their certificate. 


What this means for students.


The great thing about the IELTS One Skill Retake is that candidates are now able to focus their revision efforts on just one component of the test, rather than needing to prepare for a full retake and having to deal with the pressure that can bring.


This targeted retake can only be taken within 60 days of the original exam and must be computer-based at the same test centre. By allowing test takers to resit a single skill, it saves them a considerable amount of time, money and energy compared to sitting all four sections again.


The format of the one skill retake exactly mirrors that of the full test. The timing, question types, marking criteria and overall structure are identical for the chosen reading, writing, speaking or listening section. This ensures candidates are assessed in the same rigorous manner regardless of taking a full or single skill retake.


When sitting the one skill retake, test centres may run dedicated sessions just for this purpose or incorporate retakes into regular exam days. The scheduling is organised individually by each venue.


Candidates will receive two test report forms - one showing their original scores and a second with an updated mark for the retaken skill. This clearly demonstrates to employers or institutions that only one area was re-examined.


Artificial Intelligence in Examination Delivery


Kishore then explored how AI is currently supporting IELTS examinations and may evolve to further aid the process over time. For computer-based exams taken remotely, AI can be used to monitor candidates through their webcams to check for suspicious behaviour like looking off-screen or conversing with others.


This AI-powered proctoring works alongside human invigilators. Any unusual activity flagged by the AI is then reviewed by an invigilator to determine if action needs to be taken. In this way, AI acts as an extra set of virtual eyes to help detect cheating or issues during online tests.


The future of AI and Exams


Potential future uses of AI discussed include assisting examiners with marking written responses. The AI could analyse features of answers like grammar, vocabulary and content to provide examiners with data to inform their own judgements. However, AI would only play a supporting role rather than replacing human markers.


Maintaining the highest standards of test quality, reliability and fairness is the top priority for IELTS. While AI may help boost efficiency in supporting roles, the examination board is cautious not to compromise these vital principles. Humans will continue to directly oversee all assessment and make final decisions.


Please check the criteria carefully if applying for the IELTS One Skill Retake to ensure that it is valid for your particular situation.

You can find more information about using IELTS to apply for the following situations below:

  • NMC Registration (One Skills Retake - not currently allowed.  April 2024)

  • GMC Registration (One Skills Retake - not currently allowed.  April 2024)

  • UK SELT (One Skills Retake - currently allowed.  April 2024)


You can find out more about the One Skill Retake by clicking here.

To book your IELTS full test or One Skill Retake, why not consider an MTS Test Centre?  You can find more information here.

To prepare for your IELTS, take a look at the courses offered by our sponsor, MTS.


Blogpost written by Otter AI and checked by a real life human.

0 views0 comments

Comentarios


bottom of page