How to use this guide

1. Read the text flowchart once.
2. Follow your branch and apply the matching quick plan.
3. Use the readiness checklist before booking.
4. Keep decisions simple and based on numbers and proof.

Simple decision rules

Choose EOR when

• Only Writing or Speaking is 0.5 below target and you have:
  • Consistent higher mock scores, or
  • Strong teacher feedback with proof lines, or
  • Clear mismatch between Writing and Speaking vs Reading and Listening.
• You can wait for the EOR timeline and can pay the fee.
  If EOR fails or time is tight, move to OSR or retake.

Choose OSR when

• Exactly one skill is below target.
• OSR is available for your recent test and meets your deadline.
• You can study that skill for 10 to 14 focused days.

Choose full retake when

• More than one skill is below target, or
• You are short by 1.0 or more overall, or
• Listening or Reading are the blockers, or
• OSR is not offered for your location and time.

Readiness checklist before any booking

• Target vs result written clearly.
• Error log with proof lines or time codes for 20 recent items.
• Two timed mocks that are within 0.5 of your target.
• A 14 day or 4 week plan that fits your calendar.
• Budget confirmed for EOR or rebooking.
• Centre and test format chosen (computer or paper).

If the blocker is Writing

Common causes

• Weak task response, loose paragraph focus, vague vocabulary, few precise data points for Task 1.

Do this (10 day OSR or pre retake micro plan)

• Day 1: Analyse your last essay. Tag every sentence as claim, reason, example, result.
• Day 2: Write 3 topic sentences for the same prompt. Choose the strongest one.
• Day 3: Paragraph drill with a 6 step chain: claim, reason, example, mini result, counter, reply.
• Day 4: Task 1 overview practice from 5 visuals. One overview each with trend plus key figure.
• Day 5: Lexis upgrade list of 20 precise nouns and 10 verbs. Replace weak words in old essays.
• Day 6: Cohesion pass. Delete fillers, add reference words and clear links.
• Day 7: Full Task 2 in 35 to 40 minutes.
• Day 8: Full Task 1 in 20 minutes.
• Day 9: Mixed edit day. Apply a 4 box rubric: task, logic, vocabulary, grammar.
• Day 10: Mock day. Task 1 plus Task 2 under time with final check.

Quick rubric (0 to 2 per box)
Task focus, logic flow, vocabulary precision, grammar control. Aim 6 of 8 before booking.

If the blocker is Speaking

Common causes

• Short answers, weak examples, unclear pronunciation, slow recovery after errors.

Do this (7 day OSR or pre retake)

• Daily: 5 prompts Part 3 using reason, example, result.
• Record 2 minutes for Part 2, listen back, fix one word stress and one connector daily.
• Shadow a 30 second clip and copy timing and chunking.

Fluency guardrails

• Answer length: 20 to 25 seconds for Part 3.
• Structure: one reason, one example, one result.
• Replace very, really, a lot with precise words.

If the blocker is Listening

Common causes

• Distractors in Section 3, number and plural errors, slow prediction.

Do this (14 day repair for retake)

• Day 1 to 3: Prediction drills. Write word type above each blank.
• Day 4 to 6: Distractor spotting. Note phrases like changed my mind, actually, instead.
• Day 7 to 9: Transfer accuracy. Practice spelling and formats for dates and numbers.
• Day 10 to 12: Section 3 focus. Two practice audios per day with time codes in the log.
• Day 13 to 14: Two full tests under time. Review with scripts.

If the blocker is Reading

Common causes

• Over reading, weak scanning, poor heading choice, no skip rule.

Do this (14 day repair for retake)

• Micro split per passage: 2 skim, 1 map, 12 answer in batches, 3 rescue, 2 check.
• Use a 40 second skip rule for any item without a clue.
• Practice heading choice with gist only first, then confirm with first and last sentence.
• Do two sets per day, one easy plus one medium.

If test day issues affected your result

• Report serious disruption or illness to the centre on the day.
• Keep emails and incident numbers.
• If the issue was material, ask the centre about options. Then choose EOR or retake based on deadlines.

Budget and time planner

• EOR: pay once. Refunds may apply only if your score changes. Timeline varies by centre.
• OSR: one skill fee. Check eligibility window and centres.
• Full retake: full fee. Pick a date 3 to 6 weeks out so you can run a complete repair cycle.

Computer vs paper choice

• Choose computer if you type fast and prefer on screen highlighting.
• Choose paper if you read better on paper and your typing speed is low.
• Listening is the same content. Reading and Writing interface comfort can affect pace.

Booking checklist

• Same ID as registration and still valid on test day.
• Centre, date, format confirmed.
• Speaking slot noted.
• Transport plan with 30 minute buffer for traffic and rain.
• Pack list ready: ID, clear water bottle, glasses if needed.

72 hour mini reset before any retake

• Day 1: Full mock under time. Log errors with proof lines and time codes.
• Day 2: Repair the top two error tags only.
• Day 3: Half mock for weak skills and a light confidence routine with quick breathing.

One page action sheet to copy

Target: ______     Result: ______ Gap overall: ______   Weak skills: __________________ Path: EOR / OSR / Full retake Dates - Decision date: ______ - Booking date: ______ - Test date: ______ Practice plan - Tests scheduled: ______ - Daily minutes: ______ - Top 2 error tags: __________________ Readiness check (tick) [ ] Two recent mocks near target [ ] Error log updated [ ] First 10 day plan complete [ ] Budget ready [ ] Documents ready

Use this flowchart and the matching plans to pick the fastest, lowest risk route to your goal. Decide once, focus on the right repair work, and book only when your readiness checklist is fully green.