How to prepare to pass your IELTS/OET exam well
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As a foreigner, moving to the United Kingdom with basic English knowledge might be quite scary. If you are planning to become a nurse in the UK, and do not already hold an IELTS or OET certificate, then you came to the right place: we will make sure you can start your path with great confidence. Before any confusion arises, let’s make sure you know the differences between IELTS and OET.
Both exams are accepted by the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council), however, IELTS tests your overall ability to communicate in the English language, whereas the OET tests your ability to communicate in English in a healthcare setting (Medical English).
Since the exam day will be a stressful moment for you, the first and most important thing you need to do to be prepared is practising with sample test papers, familiarising yourself with the overview and structure: it will be a race against the clock! You will have to time your answers, and when you are struggling to find one, then it is smart to skip it and attempt the next one; do not waste too much time thinking about the possible answer, because this will certainly lead you to a low score. Because the test is not about your medical knowledge, it is not important to memorise everything. It will be testing your English skills, so it is fundamental to understand the questions and answer them in the right way; this is regardless of the field you are specialising in.
Developing reading habits and conversing are two great ways to improve your vocabulary because these will help you to come across new words. Talk on a daily basis with English speakers and new learners as much as you can, even though you might struggle at first. Be consistent and record yourself, this will help you understand your mistakes when you listen to the recordings. Take note of them, it is important to avoid making them again.
The day before your exam, rest and relax, giving your brain the time to get ready for the exam day. Stressing and overstudying the day before will not help you to absorb all the information you have studied. All you need to do the day before is to make sure you have all the documents ready for the exam day. Good luck!
