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About this exam

The Bagrut in English is the English component of Israel's matriculation (Bagrut) certificate, taken by high-school students and by external candidates working toward the same credential. It is a proficiency examination: it tests whether you can read demanding English texts, work out what unfamiliar words mean from context, and write clear, organized English at a level expected for university entrance and workplace communication. Units of study (typically three, four or five) determine which question booklet a candidate sits, with the five-unit track carrying the highest demands in reading load, inference and writing. The exam mixes multiple-choice items, short-answer comprehension questions and extended writing tasks such as a paragraph or an essay, so preparation has to cover both comprehension speed and production quality. Because the test is built around authentic-style passages rather than a fixed syllabus of facts, the most effective preparation is regular reading of articles, reports and literary extracts, followed by practice in summarizing, inferring and justifying answers with textual evidence. Build a writing routine too: plan, draft and revise short pieces, and get feedback on organization, register and accuracy. The official administering body publishes the current format, dates, permitted aids and retake rules, and candidates should confirm those details directly with it or their school.

What you'll study

Common questions

About Bagrut English preparation

What exactly does the Bagrut in English certify?

It certifies English proficiency as part of the Israeli matriculation certificate, at a level tied to the number of study units you complete. Higher unit tracks signal stronger reading, inference and writing ability to universities and employers. It is a school-leaving credential, not an international language certificate, so check whether a specific institution also wants a test like TOEFL or IELTS.

How many questions are on the exam and how long is it?

Those details vary by unit track and by the specific questionnaire issued in a given year, so there is no single figure to memorize. The administering body publishes the current structure, timing and permitted aids for each track. Confirm with your school or the official site rather than relying on past papers alone.

How hard is it compared with everyday English?

The vocabulary and grammar are not exotic, but the reading load and the reasoning demands are. You must handle long passages, identify purpose and tone, and support answers with evidence under time pressure. The writing tasks reward clear organization and appropriate register more than rare words or complicated structures. Strong general English alone is not enough; you need exam-specific practice.

Can I retake the exam if my grade is too low?

Retake options, eligibility and any effect on your recorded grade are set by the administering body and can differ for school candidates and external candidates. Rules also change between years. Ask your school's English coordinator or check the official site for the current retake policy before you plan a second attempt.

In what order should I prepare?

Start with reading volume: short articles and narratives daily, then longer reports and literary extracts. Add vocabulary work in context rather than word lists alone. Then practise question types, especially inference and purpose questions. Only after that drill full timed sections, and keep a separate writing routine with feedback on organization and register throughout.

What are the most common ways candidates lose marks?

Answering from general knowledge instead of the passage, copying long quotations without explaining them, missing the scope of a question (whole text versus one paragraph), and writing essays with no clear structure. In writing, register slips and unanswered task points cost marks. Careless time allocation, leaving the writing task rushed, is another frequent cause of a disappointing grade.

How much should I write for the open-ended tasks?

Follow the instructions on the paper exactly; they state the expected length and the points to cover. Going far over the limit wastes time and invites errors, while writing too little usually means missing required content. Plan for a few minutes, write to the stated length, then reserve time to check task coverage, linking words and verb forms.

Are dictionaries or other aids allowed?

Permitted aids depend on the unit track and the current regulations, and they are announced with the exam instructions. Do not assume a dictionary will be available, and do not build your preparation around one. Train to infer meaning from context, since that is precisely the skill the vocabulary-in-context items test.

Does this page or my prep course give an official grade?

No. Only the administering body awards grades and issues results. Any preparation material, including this page, is independent study support and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the exam authority. Always verify format, dates and scoring rules with your school or the official site.