Getting ready for the OET Test

Passing the Occupational English Test (or IELTS Academic) is a pre-requisite for being a registered health professional in Australia (or New Zealand). As a registered health professional you can enjoy a better-than-average salary, follow a satisfying and challenging career, live life to the full, plan holidays, enjoy a peaceful country. So you decide is it worth the work and expense?

OET W orkshop

As a

You have already invested lots of time and mr oo ne ys to etn to w Health P fe sg io al :here you are now The Australian Government wants you to speak, write, listen and read English at a high proficiency level, in order to become a registered and practising health professional.

OET W orkshop

The OET Workshop has writing, reading, listening and speaking materials to help you prepare for the OET Test. You need: access to an internet broadband connected computer Skype software - with headset / mic The OET Workshop also runs classroom-type Workshops. Our next one will run for 4 days: Monday 10th January Thursday 13th January 2011 10am to 4pm each day [Refreshments included]

OET W orkshop

O E T Speaking 2 role plays

The assessors/examiners are looking for: Overall communicative effectiveness how well do you maintain a meaningful conversation? You need to sound FRIENDLY and CONFIDENT Intelligibility hows your pronunciation? Fluency do the words come easily? Appropriateness dont call a him her and a her him ! Dont refer to Mrs Susan Brown as Mrs Susan - you should call her Mrs Brown Resources of grammar and expression this time it is good spoken grammar that is needed

OET W orkshop

O E T Speaking Format of the test

Your test will take 15 to 18 minutes. 2 minutes warm up time. Everything you say will be recorded. 2 minutes preparation time Looking over your first role play. 5 6 minutes ROLE PLAY NO.1 2 minutes preparation time 5 6 minutes ROLE PLAY NO.2
In the space of 5 to 6 minutes, you will need to: Introduce yourself / find out the name of the patient / find out what the problem is / ask questions / get answers / ask for clarification and do much much more. Mastering the speaking role play format needs practice and thats where the OET Workshop can help. We have heaps of role plays, the patience, the experience and expertise to help you get a pass in OET Speaking.

OET W orkshop

O E T Writing based on a case study

The assessors/examiners are looking for:

Good grammar and spelling [Control of Linguistic Features] Completing all the given tasks [Overall Task Fulfillment] Logically written letter cohesive keeping to the main points relevancy [Comprehension of Stimulus] Ones writing style [keep it formal not familiar language] Correct letter format (dated / paragraphed / a reference line / a suitable finishing paragraph / minimal abbreviations)

OET Workshop

The Writing Test - Format of a typical letter

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
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Safest is: DD / MM / YYYY

Name / Title / or create one if neither is given in case study.

Use only last name / or Title First & last name / age if known I am referring the above named patient who is suffering from . For the past five years, . Since admission / Since first attending this Clinic, the patient has been treated for Please examine and assess this patients suitability for a hip replacement Yours faithfully,

O E T Reading

The Reading test has 2 parts

Part A (4 pieces of text + a gap-fill exercise) 15 minutes is given to do Part A and Part B (2 separate pieces of text each about 1000 words long with 10 MCQ for each one) 45 minutes is given to do Part B

OET W orkshop

Criteria for the Reading Test Your overall score for Part A = 1/3rd Your overall score for Part B = 2/3rd
Lets say you get 22 out of 30 for Part A And 8 out of 10 + 8 out of 10 (two Part Bs) = 22 + 8 + 8 = 38 out of 50 2/3rd of 38 = 12.7 X 2 = 25.4 1/3rd of 38 = 38/3 = 12.7 25.4 + 12.7 = 38.1 of 50 38.1 X 2 = 76.2 = a solid pass

AT OUR READING WORKSHOP we show you the strategy to apply to successfully complete a Part A reading exercise DONT spend too much time on just one question leave it - keep going - and come back to it at the end USE a soft pencil(s) and have an eraser if necessary

OET W orkshop

Reading Strategies Part B

Look at both articles .. Make a quick choice on which one to read first Read the questions and note the key ideas (not just words) Read the opening paragraph and the conclusion carefully Read the first and last sentences of each remaining paragraphs to gain some idea of the main points. Ensure you have read each question accurately Locate the relevant section in the text and scan carefully Dont assume the exact words used in the question will be used in the text synonyms are often used by both OET and IELTS

OET W orkshop

OET LISTENING
Part A a consultation 10 12 minutes Part B - a lecture (monologue) 25 minutes

Use the read ahead time effectively Listen for clues change in intonation a longer pause Make abbreviated notes while you listen Do lots of practice tests - Understanding the context and being familiar with the topic will certainly help you. You need to be able to block out extraneous noises - really concentrate on what is being said.

OET W orkshop

Recording information while listening:

Note-taking skills

Most of us take notes to record important information such as phone call messages Note-taking increases our listening efficiency Efficient note-takers use symbols and abbreviations - for example, use hospzn for hospitalization; use medctn for medication. Can you think of any? Part B listening is spoken quickly in parts you need to be able to write abbreviated notes, in English, while listening to English.

OET W orkshop

IN A NUTSHELL . . . . . .
If you are not marvellous at English grammar start doing crosswords, or online grammar quizzes To improve your speaking start talking to your house mates, your neighbours, fellow supermarket shoppers, your travelling companion, the stranger on the seat next to you. The more you speak, the better you get. To improve your reading read, read, read, read. To improve listening practise taking notes while listening to the TV news or radio news. Get some help from the OET Workshop! We are very affordable and know how to help you pass the OET !
OET W orkshop

Listening class - OET Workshop, Sept.2009

Your OET Workshop online speaking tutors: Christian & Marg.

OET W orkshop