IELTS / OET / UKVI / TOEFL Exam Preparations and How to do Well

Introduction

As we live in the global era, going abroad to study has become much easier than it ever was. Our world today is a global village, with all the technology to talk with anyone at any corner of the world and travel to any part of the world in just a matter of hours. In this kind of setting, Indians who want to study, work or migrate abroad have many opportunities. There is a huge requirement for candidates in the healthcare sector abroad, especially in countries like Australia, Singapore, the US, the UK, and Canada.

However, before you get a job or admission to the college/university of your choice abroad, there are some exams that you have to clear. This blog highlights the most popular exams to study abroad and how to ace them.

Popular Exams to Study Abroad

Following are the most popular exams to study abroad:

• IELTS – International English Language Testing System

The IELTS is an English language assessment exam for aspirants who want to work, study or migrate to a country where English is the native language. This includes Canada, New Zealand, the UK and USA, and Australia. Your capability to read, listen, write and also speak in English will be evaluated during this test. The IELTS is graded on a scale of 1-9. Also, the IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English.

• OET (Occupational English Test):

The occupational English test is an English language test for healthcare professionals recognized by various regulatory healthcare bodies. The test is designed to meet the English language requirements of the healthcare sector. It evaluates the language proficiency of healthcare professionals who aspire to work and practice in an English-speaking environment.

• UKVI

IELTS for UKVI test is designed to meet specific administrative requirements of the UK Home Office. The actual test is the same as IELTS (for all purposes), with similar content, examiners, format, difficulty level, scoring, and so on. However, the only difference is in the customer journey on the test day. The test report forms are slightly different, that shows that the test has been taken in an IELTS UK visa session.

• TOEFL – The Test of English as a Foreign Language

This exam evaluates how well non-native English speakers can analyze and understand English at the university level. A TOEFL score is mandatory for admissions to most universities and colleges in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many other countries.

Exam Preparation and How do you Do well?

Now that you have some details on the popular exams that aspirants need to undertake to study, work, or migrate abroad, let us understand how you can prepare and do well in these exams.  

Understanding the structure of each of these tests is the first step to passing these aptitude tests with top scores. There are differences in how each of these tests is conducted, even though they all have the same objective. Following are the tips for doing well in such aptitude tests:

• Aim at a Score: You must meet the English proficiency requirements to get admission to colleges/universities abroad. Consequently, the standard differs between the universities and courses you select. Aspirants must decide on a specific score and then work towards achieving it.
• Make an advanced study schedule: Preparation is crucial to succeeding in proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, and OTI. Ample preparation is essential before the actual test. Thus, students should create a study plan to complete as much of the curriculum. You can concentrate on each section of the curriculum. For example, it is highly recommended to practice writing to prepare for the written part, for which there is a specified time limit. Also, practice speaking English independently for the reading and speaking parts. Aspirants can also communicate with native English speakers to enhance their conversational abilities and vocabulary.
• Use practice tests to improve: Always remember that practice makes one perfect. Taking mock tests will help you understand your strengths and weaknesses. Study aids, such as grammar evaluation and timed writing, can also measure progress.
• Listen to podcasts: There are several free online podcasts on websites such as BBC and Spotify. There has to be something available for you based on your interests. Make it a routine to listen to an English-language podcast each day at a specific time, like before you go to bed or while commuting.
• Read English Newspapers and Periodicals: The capacity to read news in English is an excellent indicator of your fluency in the language. We suggest you read newspapers and magazines in English and find the meaning of the words you do not understand.
• Work on your Weaknesses: You must identify your areas of weakness and spend more time on those specific areas. Plan properly and ensure that you put in the required effort to avoid losing any exam points.
• Work on your Typing Abilities: Your proficiency with the keyboard is necessary, specifically when typing an essay. Try taking practice exams on different computers, as some students may have trouble typing on unfamiliar keyboards.
• Tips for Listening: Thoroughly work on your note-taking abilities for the listening segment. You will only have one chance to listen to the passage during the test.
• Reading Advice: You must practice skimming the text. You should be able to recapitulate the key ideas of the passage as you scan it and comprehend the overall subject matter. Once you have finished skimming, read the text thoroughly. You can maximize the available time if you practice reading with this perspective.
• Writing Advice: Explain your writing style in simple and plain terms. For example, find a format that suits you and use that format consistently throughout the essay Keep a detailed outline of the essay’s structure.
• Work on your Logical Thinking Skills: If you are not sure of the answer in any of the sections, do try and use some logical reasoning and give the answer. You don’t lose anything by giving incorrect answers. However, you may be able to get the answer correct. Also, you can gain some points by using logical reasoning.

Conclusion

We hope that our tips on how to do well in competitive exams to study, work or migrate abroad can help you. Do work on the tips highlighted in this blog, and you should be able to ace your exams.