What are the expressions to avoid during the IELTS speaking test?

Many Filipinos take English proficiency examinations as part of their requirement for visa applications in English speaking countries. In countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination is recognized. Any visa applicant – work, student, or even immigrant – has to reach the required score so that their applications will be lodged.

The IELTS has four sections: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Amongst these four, the speaking test is the easiest for some, while some consider it as dreadful and stressful. To start off, the IELTS speaking test is a one-on-one interview with a native English speaker or someone who is trained to conduct speaking exams for the IELTS. Further, this examinee will be conducting the interview for about fifteen minutes. There are three different sections in the exam: interview, long turn, and two-way discussion. All of these tasks are used to evaluate the candidate’s ability to speak English well and understand situations where the said language has to be used.

IELTS speaking candidates have to know that the responses should be logical and appropriate. Hence, most of these candidates take review classes in IELTS review centers. Speaking instructors always remind their students to use the right vocabulary with their responses. Further, they make sure that these IELTS speaking candidates have the correct pronunciation and skill in answering questions. Additionally, most of them are taught on how to be confident with their answers. Most importantly, they are taught not to use some expressions during their speaking test. Here are some words that are to be avoided.

That is a very interesting question
Honestly, I personally believe
I am of the opinion
It is my personal opinion that I have to
You know
As far as I am concerned
Look
I am not sure, what do you think?
I am afraid I know nothing
What do you mean by…

Why do these phrases need to be avoided?

First, it shows that your responses are in a pattern. It signifies that the candidate’s answer follows a certain template and this will result into a deduction. Responses should come out naturally. Secondly, some of the expressions listed above are very informal. As much as possible, always be formal with the tone of speaking. Finally, examinees should never ask the examiners about the question. Do not ask them to simply, define a word, or even repeat the question more than twice. It shows the lack of preparation and knowledge you have for the examination.

IELTS speaking with coaches is better for intensive learning and guidance towards a successful exam.

For more IELTS Tips you can refer to this site: www.ieltsexamstips.com.

Steps in Taking the NPTE or National Physical Therapy Exam

Any person always dream of a better life. This is the reason many work hard on their jobs to earn money and provide what their family needs. One profession that has been gaining more and more demand overseas is physical therapy. To find growth in their career and better paying jobs, these Filipino physical therapists find a greener pasture overseas, particularly in the land of milk and honey, the United States of America.

Many Filipinos are hunting for jobs in the USA for many reasons. For starters, they pay much better and work benefits are more promising. Second, immigrant workers can possibly bring their families to the United States depending on their visa type. Finally, it is a good opportunity to work while also exploring the country. For Filipino physical therapists, working in the US starts off by preparing for the NPTE or the National Physical Therapist Examination. The NPTE is their licensure exam. Once they pass, they can practice their profession in the US. The NPTE has five different sections containing fifty questions in five different sections. Fifty of these are pretested materials while the other two hundred is scored.

For Filipino physical therapists, this is a guide in taking the NPTE.

1. Know the requirements of the state (jurisdiction).
Some state may require a jurisprudence exam before an applicant can take the NPTE. The purpose for this test is to act as an evaluation whether the applicant has sufficient knowledge on the practice acts in the state they are applying. Once he or she passes this exam, the applicant can move forward to the next step.

2. Fill out the State Application Form. 
Complete this form. This form is from the licensing authority of the jurisdiction the applicant is applying for. Read all the necessary information in this form. Make sure that there are no erasures.

3. Registration 
Complete all the requirements for the registration. Credentialing is one of these. This is when the applicant’s education on physical therapy is compared and levelled with the current standards in the US. This is to make sure that the knowledge a Filipino physical therapist has is the same with that in the US. Moreover, the Test of English as a Foreign Language should be taken. Candidates should have at least a score of 26 in the speaking test and an overall score of at least 63 in the reading, listening, and writing tests. Payment for the NPTE should be addressed to the FSBPT or the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Online payment is done at www.fsbpt.org.

4. Special Accommodations
Applicants who have special needs should notify the test center for any special requests. This should be done months before the scheduled exam.

5. Approval from the jurisdiction
Once all is done, the licensing authority will notify the applicant on the approval of their eligibility and the FSBPT.

The process can take months and even years, so candidates need to work as early as possible to comply with the requirements.

How IELTS Online Review Helpful in Passing the IELTS examination?

When taking an examination, everybody is suggested to put a lot of effort in reviewing. This is especially true if you are someone getting ready for the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination. In the Philippines today, taking the IELTS test has been a common thing to do since it is a requirement for visa applications in countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Because of the increase in people taking the exam, different IELTS review centers in the country have seen the rise in their enrollees in the past years.


One good way in getting ready for the IELTS examination is attending review classes in IELTS review centers. These review centers have programs designed to help students gain the necessary skills in taking the IELTS examination. Since most of the test takers of the IELTS test are students and working professionals, it is a fact that they want to have flexible classes that will not conflict with school and work. Some IELTS review centers have come up with different class schedules that can accommodate students at night or on the weekends. However, some IELTS review centers have thought of having an online IELTS review

An online IELTS review is an option that IELTS test candidates should take advantage. A lot of people might be skeptical with its efficiency in providing training and knowledge for the exam. However, the online IELTS review class is sure to help students pass the IELTS. How? Here are the reasons how an online IELTS test can ensure one’s success in the IELTS test.

In an online IELTS review, instructors are given only one student in each class. This means all the attention and focus of the teacher is solely on one student. There is no divided attention in class. The teacher will be able to guide the student well in developing the skills and techniques for the exam.

Since it is a one-on-one class, it promotes participation from the student. Unlike in a group class where some students are hesitant in participating, a student has to speak and share his thoughts or opinions in class. Active participation is an important factor in learning, understanding and using the English language.

Flexible time schedule is what the online IELTS class is proud of. Students do not need to worry finding an available time to attend class. All they have to do is book a class right on their own convenience. They can study from an hour or two with their instructors.

It is so convenient to learn in an online IELTS class. What the students need is a working computer and a good Internet connection. Classes can be done anytime and anywhere.

The quality of the materials used in the online class is the same with the physical set up class. There is no need to worry since what you have in class is just the same with the regular class. Further, there are still weekly assessments and mock exams to gauge the student’s improvement in the program.

Anyone can enroll in an online IELTS review program. The secret in passing the IELTS is the amount of practice one invests before the real test.

For more IELTS Tips you can refer to this site: www.ieltsexamstips.com