Hey everyone, it's Reetu here!
IELTS
This is the first step in your journey of becoming a doctor in the NHS. It's arguably the most challenging part for many IMGs. But with a little bit of help and a lot of persistence you too can pass this exam in your first attempt. Many people often fail in the writing section, but we are going to share some tips that helped us both pass with high scores of 8.5 overall.
People often say that if you're able to speak English well, then this will be easy. While it may be EASIER, it is not necessarily easy. This exam still takes some decent amount of effort.
WHICH IELTS TO TAKE?
For PLAB, we are required to take the ACADEMIC IELTS. Previously, IELTS was required for the final Tier 2 visa application (after obtaining a job) and hence UKVI IELTS was required. Now, Visa requirements have changed and GMC registration alone is sufficient for Tier 2 Visa. (Due to COVID-19, travel and visa requirements may keep changing, so please check the UK visa website).
We both took IELTS in India where it can be booked via IDP or British Council. The prices are the same and we are not aware of any benefit of one over the other. However, we recommend that you book the test at the earliest as they get filled up fairly quickly.
You must attain a score of 7.5 overall and a minimum of 7.0 in each section, a 6.5 is not acceptable. The highest score you can achieve is a 9 in each section. This means the maximum number of questions you can afford to get wrong is 10 out of 40 questions in reading and listening. But always try to aim to get 36 -38 questions right in each section before you sit for the exam.
Paper vs Computer Based
Paper based:
Vaan took the paper based / written exam. She got her result after 14 days. The one drawback with the paper based test is during the writing segment, if you have any changes,you have to constantly erase or cross out what you’ve written. This could make it look messy. Handwriting is important. It does not need to be extremely neat, it just needs to be clear and legible.
Computer Based:
I took the computer based test as the results came out within 7 days. My handwriting is horrible, therefore I wanted to type my 2 essays. A positive point about computer based is that during the Reading Section, I was able to see BOTH the article and questions on screen at the same time. It was much easier to search for answers when the article was placed side by side to the questions.
We both passed with the same scores in our first attempts. Pricing for both exams are the same. The speaking part of both exams will be in person with an examiner and held on a separate date. But I would recommend computer based, as you do not have to fill in/ shade the bubbles on the answer key, which will save you some time. Also, getting the results earlier is better in my opinion, because then you’ll be able to book PLAB 1 sooner and hopefully get your first choice of testing center location.
STUDY MATERIAL
BOOKS
The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS (if you don't want to buy it ask your friends/ ask on facebook/ download a PDF- trust me someone will have a copy)
IELTS Academic Training with Answers =IDP- comes for free if you book via IDP and it has 6 full length practice exams
WEBSITES
https://www.ielts-exam.net/IELTS-Writing-Samples/Bar-Chart.html
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRSFsZwTpcm2IZKcWTOyyZg (please watch before starting the writing + take notes)
