IELTS TRAINING CENTRE KENYA - IELTS PREPARATION | OET | TOEFL | PTE | GRE | DUOLINGO
Title: IELTS TRAINING CENTRE KENYA - IELTS PREPARATION | OET | TOEFL | PTE | GRE | DUOLINGO
Is the OET an easier test for healthcare professionals?
The short answer is ‘no, on test day candidates might meet content outside their own familiar field of practice’.
Healthcare professionals attempt the OET test because it appears more accessible than other tests, such as IELTS. As the content of all four subsections relate to healthcare situations, there is a sense of professional familiarity. This familiarity is both reassuring and motivating, and can make studying for the test more satisfying. Candidates might also feel more motivated because the new words they are learning are connected, to a greater or lesser extent, to their own knowledge and skills.
Let’s look at what you need to do for Reading and Listening:
Reading and Listening Requirements:
On test day, the content of a specific test may still be an unfamiliar medical context. A successful candidate will have a strong vocabulary and strong language skills.
the standard of English required for a C1 level on the Common European Framework, which corresponds to a 350 on Reading
I can understand long and complex factual and literary texts, appreciating distinctions of style. I can understand specialised articles and longer technical instructions, even when they do not relate to my field.
This means you can understand texts containing technical instructions, even when you are not familiar with the terms used in the field. Think about Reading A and Reading C here.
Next, let’s look at the standard of English required for C1 at Listening:
I can understand extended speech even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are only implied and not signalled explicitly.
The words ‘relationships are implied’ means that you need to be very sensitive to the way the writer links people, actions, consequences. Specifically, you need the ability to do two things:
- keep on listening,
- reflect on how the speaker is linking ideas, even when it may not be obvious.
Here are three free and easy ways that you can independently improve your core English.
1. Read widely!
For example, a young adult novel, eg. Harry Potter, journalism, and articles written for healthcare professionals. This is good for reading C where you need stamina at reading longer texts.
2. Listen widely to content that is just outside your comfort zone.
Get exposure to various English accents, not just the one you are most comfortable with. Here the wide listening is good for part C, and the different accents for Listening A.
3. Establish an active system for learning new vocabulary.
I recommend Brainscape and using words in context. Try to do one of these things every day and you will build momentum and confidence.
Stay Motivated with Structured Tutoring Sessions
While the tips above will certainly help you with your reading and listening in English, sometimes you need personalized guidance to achieve your goals faster. As an experienced OET tutor, I understand the unique challenges that healthcare professionals face when mastering English. Working with a tutor can provide you with tailored feedback, structured learning plans, and the motivation to stay on track. If you’re serious about improving your reading and listening and want to learn more about how personalized tutoring can benefit you, I invite you to book a free discovery call with us. Together, we can create a customized plan to help you succeed in your OET journey and beyond. Register with us at Unikcolors Media Institute today!
