⚡ TL;DROne Skill Retake lets you retake a single IELTS section — Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking — within 60 days of your original computer-delivered test. The retake fee is roughly 40–60 % of the full test fee. Your retake score replaces your original, even if lower. Available worldwide except the United States.
Originally published July 2026. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
What Is One Skill Retake?
One Skill Retake (OSR) is a feature from the IELTS partners — British Council, IDP, and Cambridge — that allows candidates to retake one section of the IELTS test without sitting the entire exam again. If you underperformed in just one area, you can focus your preparation on that specific skill.
Eligibility Requirements
- Your original test was a computer-delivered IELTS test.
- You book and complete the retake within 60 days of your original test date.
- You retake only one section per original test.
- You did not take your original test in the United States (OSR is not currently available there).
There is no minimum or maximum band score requirement. Whether you scored 4.0 or 8.0, you are eligible.
Which Sections Can You Retake?
| Section | Duration | Format | Notes |
|---|
| Listening | ~30 min | Computer | 40 questions, headphones provided |
| Reading | 60 min | Computer | 40 questions, Academic or GT |
| Writing | 60 min | Computer / Writing on Paper | Task 1 + Task 2 |
| Speaking | 11–14 min | Face-to-face | Parts 1, 2, and 3 |
How Much Does It Cost?
The retake fee varies by country and test centre but is typically 40–60 % of the full IELTS test fee. Contact your local IELTS test centre or check the British Council / IDP booking portal for exact pricing in your region.
How Scoring Works
⚠ Your retake score replaces your original — even if it is lower.There is no option to keep the higher of two scores. Before booking, be confident that additional preparation will genuinely improve your performance.
Your updated Test Report Form will show your original scores for the three unchanged sections plus your new score for the retaken section, with a recalculated overall band.
How to Book
- Log in to your IELTS account on the British Council or IDP booking portal.
- Select One Skill Retake from your recent test results.
- Choose the section and a test date within the 60-day window.
- Pay the retake fee.
- Prepare — focus on the single section you are retaking.
- Attend the retake at the test centre.
- Receive your updated results, typically within 1–3 business days.
Where Is It Accepted?
OSR results are accepted by major immigration and academic authorities including:
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) — accepted for Express Entry and other programmes
- UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) — accepted for all UKVI pathways
- Australian Department of Home Affairs — accepted for skilled migration and student visas
- Immigration New Zealand (INZ) — accepted for residence and work visas
Always confirm acceptance with your target institution or authority.
When to Use It — and When Not To
Good Candidates for OSR
- You missed your target overall band by 0.5 and one section is clearly the weak link.
- You had a bad day in one section but performed well in the other three.
- You need a specific section score to meet an institution’s minimum requirement.
Consider Retaking the Full Test Instead
- You underperformed across two or more sections.
- You are not confident you can improve, since a lower score will replace the original.
- Your 60-day window does not leave enough preparation time.
🔑 Key Takeaways- Retake one IELTS section within 60 days of a computer-delivered test.
- Available worldwide except the United States.
- Costs roughly 40–60 % of the full test fee.
- Retake score replaces original — even if lower.
- Accepted by IRCC, UKVI, Australian Home Affairs, and INZ.
- No minimum or maximum band score requirement.
- Book through the British Council or IDP portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I retake more than one section?
No. You may retake only one section per original test. To improve two or more sections, retake the full test.
What if my retake score is lower?
The retake score replaces your original. There is no mechanism to keep the higher score.
Is OSR available for General Training?
Yes. OSR is available for both IELTS Academic and General Training, provided the original was computer-delivered.
Can I use OSR for UKVI IELTS?
Yes. UKVI accepts OSR results. The retake must be at a UKVI-approved SELT centre and must be computer-delivered.
Why is OSR not available in the United States?
The IELTS partners have not yet extended OSR to the US market. US-based candidates must retake the full exam. Check the official IELTS portal for availability updates.
📁 IELTS Test Information Hub
Related Guides
Computer-Based Test Guide
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Score Requirements by Country
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IELTS Study Plans
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⚡ TL;DR
From mid-2026, every IELTS test worldwide is delivered on computer — paper-based testing ended on 27 June 2026. The test content, scoring, and difficulty remain identical. Speaking is still face-to-face with a human examiner. A “Writing on Paper” option is available in selected markets. Results arrive in 1–3 days instead of 13.
Originally published July 2026. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
What Changed and Why
In late 2025, IELTS announced the largest delivery change in the test’s 35-year history. From mid-2026, all IELTS tests — Academic and General Training — are delivered exclusively on computer. The final date for paper-based IELTS globally was 27 June 2026, according to the official IELTS partners (British Council, IDP, and Cambridge).
The decision followed years of data showing that over 80 per cent of test takers already preferred the computer-delivered option, primarily for faster results and more flexible scheduling.
What Stays the Same
- Test content — the questions, passages, and tasks are drawn from the same item bank used for the former paper test.
- Scoring criteria — the nine-band scale and all four assessment criteria for Writing and Speaking remain unchanged.
- Difficulty level — computer delivery does not make the test easier or harder.
- Speaking test — still a live, face-to-face interview with a certified IELTS examiner. This is not conducted on a screen.
- Test duration — Listening (approximately 30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes), Speaking (11–14 minutes).
- Validity — results remain valid for two years from the test date.
What Is Different on Screen
| Feature | Former Paper Test | Computer-Delivered Test |
|---|
| Listening audio | Played through speakers for the room | Played through individual headphones with volume control |
| Listening transfer time | 10 minutes to transfer answers | 2 minutes to review answers |
| Reading navigation | Flip physical pages | Split screen — passage on one side, questions on the other; text highlighting and note tools available |
| Writing input | Handwritten | Typed on keyboard; automatic word count displayed; cut, copy, paste available |
| Results turnaround | 13 calendar days | 1–3 business days |
| Test availability | Limited dates (typically 4 per month) | Multiple sessions per day, nearly every day of the week |
| One Skill Retake | Not available | Available — retake one section within 60 days |
The Writing on Paper Option
In selected markets, IELTS has introduced a “Writing on Paper” option. Test takers who choose this option complete the Listening and Reading sections on computer but handwrite their Writing answers on paper. This caters to candidates who feel more comfortable composing essays by hand.
Important: The UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) track does not offer the Writing on Paper option, as UK Home Office security requirements mandate fully digital delivery.
How to Prepare for the Computer-Delivered Format
Typing Speed
You do not need to be a fast typist, but you should be comfortable typing at approximately 35–40 words per minute to complete the Writing section without time pressure. Practice typing academic-style paragraphs rather than casual messages.
Screen Reading
Reading passages appear on screen alongside the questions in a split-screen layout. Practise reading long texts on a monitor rather than on paper. Use the built-in highlight tool to mark key sentences, just as you would underline on paper.
On-Screen Navigation
Familiarise yourself with the test interface by using the free official practice materials available from the IELTS partners. Key features to learn:
- The copy, cut, and paste shortcuts for the Writing section
- The word counter displayed beneath the Writing text box
- The review and flag feature for Listening and Reading questions you want to return to
- The timer displayed at the top of the screen
- The volume slider for adjusting Listening audio through your headphones
Listening Differences
The most significant practical change is in Listening. On the computer-delivered test, you have 2 minutes at the end to check your answers, compared with the 10-minute transfer time on the former paper test. Your answers are typed directly into the answer fields as you listen, so there is no separate answer sheet to fill in.
UKVI Candidates: What You Need to Know
If you are taking IELTS for a UK visa application, all UKVI IELTS tests moved to computer-only delivery from 22 March 2026 — earlier than the global transition. The test must be taken at a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) centre. Standard IELTS (non-UKVI) is not accepted for UK immigration purposes, regardless of your score.
Existing Paper-Based Results
If you took IELTS on paper before the transition, your Test Report Form remains valid for two years from the date of the test, as confirmed by the IELTS partners. No re-test is required solely because of the format change.
🔑 Key Takeaways- Paper-based IELTS ended globally on 27 June 2026 — all tests are now computer-delivered.
- Test content, scoring, and difficulty are identical to the former paper format.
- Speaking remains a live face-to-face interview with a human examiner.
- Results arrive in 1–3 business days instead of 13 calendar days.
- Listening gives you 2 minutes to review (not 10 minutes to transfer answers).
- One Skill Retake is available exclusively on the computer-delivered test.
- The “Writing on Paper” option is offered in selected markets (not UKVI).
- UKVI tests transitioned to computer-only on 22 March 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the computer-delivered IELTS test harder than the paper test?
No. The test content, question types, and scoring criteria are identical. The only difference is the delivery method — you read on a screen and type instead of writing by hand.
Can I still take IELTS on paper anywhere in the world?
No. The last global date for paper-based IELTS was 27 June 2026. In selected markets, the “Writing on Paper” option allows you to handwrite the Writing section only, while Listening and Reading are still on computer.
Do I need to bring my own keyboard or headphones?
No. The test centre provides all equipment, including a computer, keyboard, mouse, and noise-cancelling headphones. You only need to bring your valid identification document.
How fast do I need to type?
A comfortable speed of 35–40 words per minute is sufficient for most candidates. The Writing section gives you 60 minutes for two tasks with a combined minimum of 400 words, so speed typing is not required.
Is my old paper-based IELTS score still valid?
Yes. All existing Test Report Forms remain valid for two years from the original test date. The format transition does not affect previously issued scores.
What is One Skill Retake?
One Skill Retake allows you to retake a single IELTS section (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking) within 60 days of your original computer-delivered test, instead of retaking the entire exam. It is available in most countries except the United States.
📁 IELTS Test Information Hub
Related Guides
IELTS One Skill Retake
Read guide →
Test Day Tips
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Academic vs General Training
Read guide →
⚡ TL;DR
A complete model answer and preparation guide for this IELTS Speaking cue card topic. Includes key vocabulary, follow-up questions, and examiner-approved response strategies.
Originally published March 2025. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
Describe a gift that you gave to someone recently. You should say: what the gift was Whom you gave it to how you felt about it and explain why you chose this gift for this person.
Learn How To Answer IELTS Speaking Test Part 2 : CUE Cards.
Sample Response 1:
I recently gave a handcrafted wooden photo frame to my best friend on her birthday. I chose a frame that was embellished with intricate carvings, and I inserted a picture of the two of us from a memorable trip we took together.
My friend has always been appreciative of artisanal crafts, and since we both value our memories, I thought it would be a heartfelt gesture. The look on her face, when she opened it, was priceless, and I felt a deep satisfaction knowing that the gift was both meaningful and personal.
Sample Response 2:
For my father’s retirement, I gifted him a set of golf clubs. My father has always been interested in golf but never had the time to play. Now, as he enters this new phase of life, I wanted him to have something that would encourage him to pursue this hobby.
I spent a considerable amount of time researching and finding the perfect set that would suit his needs. When he opened the gift, his eyes lit up, and I could see the excitement in his face. It felt wonderful to be able to give something that not only brought joy but also aligned with his interests.
Sample Response 3:
I recently gave a personalized cookbook to my sister, who has recently discovered a passion for cooking. The cookbook was filled with recipes from our family, friends, and some of her favorite chefs, each one annotated with personal notes and tips.
I chose this gift because I wanted to support her newfound interest and also provide something that would be a unique treasure. Compiling the recipes and adding personal touches made the gift even more special. When she received it, her reaction was one of surprise and delight, and I felt thrilled to have found the perfect gift that reflected her personality and passion.
Explore Various IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card Questions and Answers.
Recommended Vocabulary:
Handcrafted: Made by hand or by using only simple, non-mechanized tools.
Example: The handcrafted wooden frame added a personal and artistic touch to the gift.
Intricate Carvings: Complex and detailed designs cut into a surface.
Example: The intricate carvings on the frame made it a beautiful piece of art.
Heartfelt Gesture: A gesture done with genuine feeling or emotion.
Example: The gift was a heartfelt gesture, symbolizing our close friendship.
Newfound Interest: A recently discovered hobby or passion.
Example: The cookbook was perfect for my sister’s newfound interest in cooking.
Annotated: Provided with explanatory notes or comments.
Example: Each recipe in the cookbook was annotated with personal notes and tips.
Aligned with His Interests: Consistent or matching with someone’s likes or preferences.
Example: The golf clubs were aligned with my father’s interests and hobbies.
Priceless Reaction: A reaction that is so precious or valuable that its value cannot be determined.
Example: My friend’s priceless reaction to the gift made all the effort worthwhile.
Unique Treasure: Something very valuable and unlike anything else.
Example: The personalized cookbook was a unique treasure that my sister could keep forever.
Reflect Her Personality: Represents or embodies someone’s character or traits.
Example: The gift was chosen to reflect her personality and her passion for cooking.
Deep Satisfaction: A feeling of fulfillment or contentment.
Example: The joy in my father’s eyes gave me a deep satisfaction in choosing the perfect gift for him.
Different Cue Card Topics
Personal Experiences: IELTS Cue Card TopicsPeople and Personalities: IELTS Cue Card TopicsPlaces: IELTS Cue Card TopicsObjects: IELTS Cue Card TopicsEvents: IELTS Cue Card TopicsExperiences and Achievements: IELTS Cue Card TopicsHobbies and Interests: IELTS Cue Card TopicsPlans and Dreams: IELTS Cue Card TopicsNature and Environment: IELTS Cue Card TopicsEducation: IELTS Cue Card TopicsWork and Careers: IELTS Cue Card TopicsTechnology: IELTS Cue Card TopicsHealth and Fitness: IELTS Cue Card TopicsFood and Drinks: IELTS Cue Card Topics
