Considering that OET letters should be written in a formal style and polite tone, it is important to address the patient accordingly. As you know, the patient’s name is presented in many parts of the letter. This article discusses how to refer to a patient appropriately in an OET letter. Table of Contents Age and name of the patient Title Patient’s name in reference line Patient’s name in introduction Patient’s name in body paragraphs Words that should be avoided to refer to a patient Criterion 1. Age and name of the patient The age of the patient influences the way in which he or she is a ..read more

In OET letter writing, you are expected to write dates for conveying information accurately. Considering that you are writing a formal letter, it is important that everything, include dates, is presented accurately and in the appropriate style. Table of Contents Dates & Assessment Criteria Date at the start Date in the reference line (Re:) Date in the body of the letter British or American date format Date formats to be avoided 1. Dates & Assessment Criteria If the date is missing in the beginning of an OET letter, it can affect the score for the criterion ‘Organization & Layou ..read more

UK Pharmacy Licensing & Migration Guide The United Kingdom has been known for excellent medical system and attracts thousands of overseas medical professions from across the world. Recently, there has been significant migration of pharmacy specialists relocating to the UK for study and work purposes. This article will be focusing on foreign trained pharmacists who desire to move to the UK using the Pharmacy OET (English Proficiency Test). Table of Contents GPhC & PSNI Overseas-qualified Pharmacist Route 2.1. OSPAP 2.2. Foundation Program 2.3. GPhC OSPAP Eligibility English Proficie ..read more

Walking into your IELTS speaking test can be scary, especially if you feel unprepared. In order to manage your nerves, follow our Benchmark IELTS experts’ tips to achieve a better IELTS band score. Table of Contents Be prepared Don’t memorise your answers Use a range of appropriate vocabulary Use a range of grammar structures Be confident and friendly / Show interest Be yourself Remember – Nobody is perfect 1. Be prepared Preparation, preparation, preparation! There are lots of resources to help you do this: Watch online videos of IELTs Speaking Part 1, 2 & 3 Study model answers (link ..read more

UK’s NMC Updates English Language Requirements for Nurses and Midwives The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK has just approved two changes to their English language requirements. These OET changes will help make sure that language scores are reliable and fair for nurses and midwifery professionals applying for registration in the UK. When Will These Changes Be Effective? There is no fixed date for the changes to be implemented, but it will be in January of 2023 or later. What are the Changes? Let’s take a closer look at the two changes: How scores from two test sittings can be co ..read more

To succeed in IELTS Academic writing task 1, you need to be able to accurately identify the key features of a given chart or graph. In this guide, we will first understand the definition of a key feature before looking at how to identify the main and key features and include them in your Academic IELTS writing task 1 report. Table of Contents What is a key feature in Academic Task 1? How to find the key features Including key features in your overview 1. What is a key feature? In the IELTS Academic exam, writing task 1 will ask you to summarise the given information by selecting and report ..read more

Synonyms are essential in IELTS writing if you want to paraphrase successfully, avoid repetition and improve your band score in Lexical resource. In this guide, we will look at some important synonyms that you can use in the writing section of your IELTS Academic test. Table of Contents Synonyms for IELTS Writing Task 1 1.1 Introduction synonyms 1.2 Writing about time 1.3 Phrases to start paragraphs 1.4 Synonyms to describe trends 1.5 Transition words 1.6 Synonyms for estimates 1.7 Making predictions Synonyms for IELTS Writing Task 2 2.1 Giving your opinion 2.2 General introduction state ..read more

The ability to compare and contrast is important in both the speaking and writing sections of the IELTS exam and can help you to improve your score in Grammatical range and accuracy and Lexical Resource. In this guide, we will look at different grammatical structures and language to help you compare and contrast effectively in the IELTS Academic test. Table of Contents Compare and Contrast in IELTS Writing 1.1 Comparatives and superlatives 1.2 Qualifying comparisons 1.3 Comparing similar/opposite figures 1.4 Subordinate clauses 1.5 Transition words Compare and Contrast in IELTS Speaking ..read more

IELTS writing task 2 requires you to write an essay of at least 250 words that responds to a given topic. You will need to summarise details, give your opinion and support your reasons and arguments with relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience.  This guide is an overview of each type of IELTS writing task 2 question and contains example questions, useful tips, essay structures and some common mistakes to avoid. Table of Contents IELTS Writing Task 2 Explained 1.1 Overview of IELTS writing Task 2 1.2 Common Mistakes Opinion Essay 2.1 Top tips 2.2 Example questions 2 ..read more

Cohesive devices/transition words are often misunderstood and misused in the IELTS exam. This guide is full of examples of cohesive devices and advice and practice activities that will help you to understand how to use them effectively in the IELTS test. Table of Contents What are Cohesive Devices? Why are Cohesive Devices Needed in the IELTS Academic Test? Types of Cohesive Devices Practice Using Cohesive Devices 1. What are Cohesive Devices? Cohesive devices, also known as transition words or linking expressions, act as signposting language for your reader and let them know what is comin ..read more