One of the most important parts of preparing for the listening sub-test is exposing yourself to as much spoken English as possible. Ideally, this should be health-related. To increase your confidence and proficiency, I recommend the using the podcasts found on the websites below:

 

• www.cdc.gov/podcasts
• www.abc.net.au/radionational

Health-related programs on Radio National:

All in the Mind

Health Report

Life Matters

 

However, you need to do more than just listen to the podcasts. The following steps will help you to make the most of these resources:

1. Listen to the podcast while reading the transcript.NOTEDOWN any unfamiliar words and add them to your vocabulary list, along with their definition.

• For the CDC website, click “Listen to this podcast”, then click the “Transcript” button.
• For the ABC Radio National, click on the title of the podcast on the program home page, then click the “Show Transcript” button.

1. Listen to the podcast again, without the transcript, and write down the MAIN points you heard. You can pause the podcast as often as you want to, but make sure you are still being challenged to keep up.
2. Use the transcript, or replay the podcast, to check if you took notes accurately.

 

Going through steps 1-3 with at least one podcast per day will help you to improve your vocabulary, writing speed and, of course, listening skills.

 

The key, however, is to do it consistently! 😉

 

Good luck,

 

Anna Brzeska

OET Teacher