Important Changes to PTE and IELTS Comparison Scores

 

Important Changes to PTE and IELTS Comparison Scores

 

The PTE has issued its latest concordance report and made changes in some comparison scores to IELTS. This might lead to a significant impact on visa applicants’ eligibility for visas and skilled visa points in the future. The adjustments as listed on the PTE website are:

 

 

The PTE assures there are no changes in the conduction of the test or how it is scored. The concordance study compared IELTS Academic results with PTE Academic results and it did not involve IELTS General tests. The same scoring criteria is used for IELTS Academic and General as they are almost 50% the same test. Thus, it is reasonable to apply the concordance research results to IELTS General for setting entry requirements.

The PTE also states that the Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom governments have been notified of the changes, and it is their decision as to whether they change the score requirements for visa applications. So far, the Department of Home Affairs didn’t make any announcement of changes in the PTE score requirements for visa purposes. The current PTE score requirements will remain in place until the new legislation is released.

It is unclear on how this will affect those with existing EOIs or pending visa applications, as we have no information on the approach of the Department of Home Affairs.

5 Basic methods to get through MCI Screening Test

 

5 Basic methods to get through MCI Screening Test

 

FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Screening Exam) or MCI screening Test is a national level certified examination for the Indian citizens graduating medicine from foreign universities. It is a compulsory examination for all the foreign medical graduates who want to practice medicine in India. It was made compulsory from the year 2002 for the graduates who completed their medical course abroad from MCI recognized universities.

But you need not panic to appear and clear the MCI screening test if you have prepared for the same with a positive approach and organised time table. Clearing FMGE exams becomes easy once you plan properly and opt for a good coaching for it.

 

Exempted medical graduates to write FMGE

The students who graduated from authorised universities from USA, UK, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND and CANADA need not attempt this screening test. The graduates from these five countries can practice medicine directly without clearing any local screening test worldwide. These students can directly join any hospitals or practice medicine. But they need to clear the NEET – PG exam if they want to continue their higher studies.

 

Details on FMGE test

Get full clarity on details on the test, schedule, syllabus and other needed information to process forward.

❖     Name of the Examination : FMGE / MCI SCREENING TEST

❖     Schedule : Conducted twice a year

❖     Mode of the Examination : Online Examination

❖     Exam pattern : Objective type questions

❖     Total no. of questions : 300

❖     Total papers : 2 (each paper carries 150 questions)

❖     First paper : Morning session

❖     Second paper : Afternoon session

❖     Duration of each paper : 2 hours and 30 minutes for both the papers

❖     Negative marking : No negative marking

❖     Syllabus : Total syllabus of 5 years MBBS course

❖     Language : English

❖     No. of attempts (Exam) : No limitation on the number of attempts

❖     Marks for each question : Each question marks decided on the weightage of the question

❖     Eligibility : Indian citizen or abroad citizen of India

❖     Qualification to appear : MCI recognized Undergraduate Medical graduation degree completion

❖     Exam fee : Rs. 5,500/- (nonrefundable)

All the students having a good understanding and strategic planning during their medical course study can qualify the screening test without any doubts. Regular practicing for the test from the first year of their course would make it easier for the students to succeed in their FMGE exam.

 

Select a preferred method of study

One needs to have full focus and concentration to clear the exam. The student can either opt for a coaching center that helps to prepare for the test or can prepare on their own. This totally depends on the dedication and choice of the medical graduate applying for the test. There is an availability of plenty of online and offline books, materials and videos that can help one to prepare well.

 

Concentration is must

The applicants can refer to the previous years exam papers to analyse the syllabus and the important areas that need to be covered. With unique strategies and undistracted focus in studies, you can improve your possibilities of securing good marks. Concentrating more on the areas of difficulty or in the chapters you are weak at will definitely bring positive results.

 

Strengthen your foundation

Medical studies is not like other courses that are not much used in day to day working. It is most essential to have a strong foundation on their curriculum and total syllabus. Overlooking only a few concepts or concentrating on the interesting topics alone will fail to help you get through your examination or during your practice. Thus you are required to strengthen your foundation on the conceptual aspects of your medical knowledge and regular revision of the most important topics is necessary to understand clearly.

 

Work out MCQS:

Most of the countries abroad that follow the US based education system like the Philippines conduct their examinations in MCQ’s only. This helps the medical graduates to get themselves ready for the screening test clearance. This is the prime reason behind the medical graduates passing percentage from the Philippines being higher compared to other competitive countries.

Prepare for WAT rounds of best B-schools

 

Prepare for WAT rounds of best B-schools

 

MBA aspirants have transferred their focus from problems based on practicing aptitude to sharpening their communication abilities as well as soft skills, with the shortlist declaration at IIMs & other B-schools. The vital components for the selection procedure include WAT (Writing Ability Test) and PI (Personal Interview). In India, most of the B-schools will be conducting the selection rounds between March and April. Therefore, this is a crucial time for the applicants to get prepared for the rounds.

 

WAT looks for what?

 

Through WAT, B-schools tests the candidate's potential to communicate suggestions, think critically, draw a constructive analysis, and completing the tasks in a given time. For applicants, it is necessary for them to build up the essay in a good way. 

WAT is something that stipulates improvisation together with bona fide arranging of views to a logical whole. Practicing to put down essays about random matters revolving around your thoughts on current affairs & some other generic topics, while sharing her devise a strategy for WAT, a student of IIM, Anusha JVD said. 

 

How to structure WAT?

 

The duration for WAT is twenty to thirty minutes approximately and the word limit has been set up as 200 to 400 words. Candidates within the word & time limit, need to search for the idea behind the topic, draw the points, and then give it an appropriate structure of introduction, body, and salutation.  We  suggest the CODER approach.

 

C- Collect ideas

O- Organise them

D- Develop them

E- Express them

R- Review

 

Time management

 

The majority of B-schools offer a specific duration for writing the essay. Therefore, you need to follow the whole process within the demanded duration. Candidates must give time to themselves while practicing and should make sure that they can complete the essay writing in under ten minutes. They should finalize the content & framework after they hear the time limit, says IIM Lucknow's Ashish Shrivastava. 

 

Form your opinion

 

You need to write the essay either for or against the topic and the conclusion should carry the essence of your persuasion. It will help the interlocutors better understand your thoughts and personality as well. Student at IIM, Jayesh Patil says, that generally, the topics in WAT have both positive & negative aspects. In the given time, think about the major points with a few examples. While writing the essay, give preference to more pertinent points. And give your essay a good conclusion. 

 

How to prepare?

 

The very first step to proceed with WAT is to be up-to-date with the current affairs. Try to read magazines and of minimum 2 national dailies for example, The Week, Frontline, and Outlook and prepare notes to develop critical analysis. 

IIM Shillong's Sahithi while sharing his WAT preparation says, that focusing on enhancing knowledge for the essays and working more on grammar & sentence formation will help the candidates to perform well. 

 

Dealing with theoretical topics

 

IIM Lucknow's VK Narasimhan says, that he got "loose lips sink ships" as the topic, and he instead of getting blank elaborated what the metaphor meant & then gave examples such as the Ambani brothers' tussle for Dirubhai's property and the Tata-Mistry spat. One of the advantages of the abstract topic is you can redirect the topic to any of relevance about which you're familiar. 

 

Major topics of WAT

 

Below are various topics that had been asked in IIMs and the rest of B-schools from previous years'. Some of them are easy & direct some are abstract and you are asked to relate it with a current affair or recent event in order to make it relevant. 

 

1. Immigration- boon or bane?

2. How can we reduce the absenteeism of teachers in primary and middle schools? suggest ways. 

3. Each decision in a democracy need to be taken directly through referendums

4. Doing something right takes less time. Why it went wrong? Elaborate.

5. Cultural diversity hinders democratic governance

6. Demonetization

7. What is more important, name or money?

8. Cases of farmers' suicides are at their peak. Suggest some measures to improve this situation.

9. Ads not always just sell products but sometimes notion success. 

10. Is it correct to allocating money & profits from an investor to CSR activities?

11. How monetary will benefit from improving sanitation in rural areas?

12. Will the centralization of Indian oil companies be a boon?

13. Net neutrality

14. Impact of food delivery start-up business? Reflect your views on how it can provide a revenue stream to housewives.

15. Ethical dilemma in business

16. Indian village's sustainable modernization

17. Is there a need for women changing their surname post marriage?

18. India's bid for a stable seat at UN?

19. Is peace possible between India & Pakistan?

20. To reach the level of cricket, how can Indian sports be encouraged?

 

Abstract topics

 

1. Loose lips sink ships

2. Honesty is the best policy

3. Sometimes you win and sometimes learn

4. 1+1 is not equal to 2

5. Which leads to more comfort, order, or chaos?

6. Best animal- elephant

 

Group Discussion

                                                                     Group Discussion

 

In simple language, a group discussion judges the temperament of a person and is commonly known as GD. The behavioral traits such as team skills, leadership skills, problem-solving skills, presentation skills, and social skills are gauged in a person. 

The words Discussion and group have contrast in meanings. The discussion refers to the exchange of information on a particular topic to an abstract conclusion. Whereas group means several people classed together who may or may not have reciprocal action before. Therefore, group discussion came under animated discussion in which a specific topic is analyzed and a fair decision is made at the end of the discussion by the members. Though it needs teamwork, it simultaneously portrays discrete personalities. 

 

Who can conduct a group discussion?

B-schools, companies, engineering institutes, and other management conducts a group discussion. GD has become an important formality for the admission process and companies if they want to make GD as a part of their interview process. 

 

Reason for GD conduction

Entrance exams are conducted in order to test their academics as well as their knowledge about the subjects. But in the case of GD, the candidate's soft skills and abilities to handle different situations are tested. 

A group discussion helps companies and institutes to check if the candidate bears the required characteristics or not. Because the management is concerned about what are some particular traits they want in their respective candidates. 

However, group discussion can also be used as a mass-elimination tool. For the sake of selecting the best amongst many, GD can be useful for the institutions when they have a lot of applicants for limited seats. 

 

Common process 

Generally, a group has six to twelve members. A specific topic is given and some minutes to prepare. After this, they are invited to proceed with the discussion and the duration of the discussion is based on the topic and each member's views. It differs from every institution or the management. A supervisor is assigned for one or sometimes more than one candidate to watch their moves. 

 

Preparing for a group discussion

There are no such special rules to prepare for a GD. Nevertheless, below are some basic points that an individual to consider while preparing for a group discussion which are categorized into two parts i.e. before the GD and at the GD. 

 

1. Post group discussion

 

Stock yourself with information: Nobody has any clue before they have given the particular topic. So you need to spread branches of the knowledge that you already have more in each field.

 

Current affairs: Current affairs refers to something happening in the world at present. Reading newspapers on regular basis, watching the news on television, the understanding recent crisis will better help you to gain knowledge about what currently the world is witnessing. 

 

Historical topics: An individual should have a clear understanding of regarding country's history along with the history of other countries. It will surely help you to cite examples and to make references in case required. 

                          

Literature, sports, and arts: It would be good having a fair knowledge about personalities leading in the field of sports, literature, arts, and other basic aspects. You can easily put your opinions while attending a group discussion based on these topics. 

 

Data crunching: Make yourself familiar with important data. If you have complete control over the topic, representing your perspectives will certainly leave a fantastic impression amongst the assessors. 

 

2- At the group discussion

 

Understanding the topic: When you get your topic, pay attention to it, and try to understand how much knowledge do you have about the given topic. Having clarity regarding the topic will ensure you perform well in the group discussion. 

 

Sharp thoughts: Remember, there is quality over quantity at all times which means it is important what are you sharing rather than how much you are sharing. As you are exchanging opinions, be confidential to your views that have to be relevant, accurate, and to the point.

 

Communicating your views: Here one question arises that you may have outstanding views on the given topic, but can you fruitfully express them? Well having good communication skills will help you in getting out of this kind of situation. And if you are not good at communicating try to spot your flaws. Try to practice in the mirror, choose any topic and start communicating with yourself, or your family members. Doing this will help you to come out of your social anxiety problem. 

 

Taking initiative: Only if possible, try to start the discussion with your own. Taking initiative will take the discussion in progress and gradually every member will start participating. If you have excellent knowledge about the topic, your initiative will build your personality as a good proactive person. 

 

Knowledge about the topic: You should be confident enough about your knowledge related to the given topic. While discussing, systematically put your points and also sequentially. Your views should convey the depth of information that you take-over based on your understanding of the topic. To a great extent, citing related examples will help. 

 

Understanding dynamics

 

In a group discussion, endeavor to gain control over the discussion. Doing this will not be easy as the rest of the members will also try to do the same. Raise your voice wherever you feel you are best at. Along with this, apart from being a good- speaker, be a good- listener. Give each member a chance to take participate in the group discussion. And if someone is not contributing, ask the individual to speak up. Listen to others also patiently, correct them if they go somewhere wrong. But in order to lead the discussion, do not act egocentrically. This can leave a bad impression on the assessors. If the discussion stopped or no-one put their opinions, attempt to fuel the ongoing discussion. Showcase yourself as an outstanding team player. 

 

Logical conclusion

 

Try to conclude the discussion when it is about to come to an end through raising points that every member has made & coming to a fair conclusion. 

 

Generic tips

 

1. Be sure and confident of what you are communicating

2. Try to avoid superficial talk

3. Speak clearly & loudly

4. Use easy to understand English

5. Be a good listener & speak only at a suitable time

6. Avoid being over-confident

7. Dress up in a professional manner 

8. Do not be dissuaded by other members submissive or aggressive behavior

9. Lodge diverse viewpoints

10. Without being egocentric, put your forth points

11. Do not get diverted by other irrelevant points, instead, try to correct them

12. Do not speak if you do not know something

13. Try maintaining a balanced tone all around the discussion

14. Do not get over-excited if you know something

15. Try contributing all over the discussion

16. Try being the first as well as last to speak

17. Concentrate solely on the discussion

18. Stick to the point that you have made

19. If someone is quiet, ask the person to speak up

20. Improve your vocabulary

21. Avoid using heavy words

22. Gain knowledge as much as you can 

 

Good luck and best wishes

 

DEAL WITH JOB LOSS WITHOUT DAMAGING SELF-ESTEEM

 

DEAL WITH JOB LOSS WITHOUT DAMAGING SELF-ESTEEM

 

A career is an occupation undertaken by an individual for a significant time in his/her life. It fulfills a variety of functions within a person’s life, says D. Blustein who is a professor of psychology. Assigned work or tasks helps a person to satisfy the needs to earn an income, achieve a goal, and connect with other people. Simply saying, a career allows a person to feel as the author of their own life’s story. Blustein says that jobs are generally integrated into our lives and identities that it seems common to feel after a job loss as we have lost a sense of self. Subsequently, it takes a toll on the person’s mental health. A majority of Americans have faced unemployment during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. In case you also have lost your job during this pandemic, then here are some steps that you can take in order to regain your lost sense of self.

1-     Take your time to grieve – Losing a job or being laid off should be seen as a normal loss, just like other losses in life. Therefore, you should give yourself time for the grieving process. Ebony Joyce, the Next Level Career services’ founder, says that people need to begin this healing process after a job loss. By doing so, we will not be in angry-mode or frustrated during new interviews.

2-     Reach out to your loved ones- A majority of the people undergo isolation after a job loss. Even if you are dealing with multiple emotions, it is not healthy to isolate yourself. Blustein believes that social support becomes extremely crucial during your struggling period. Loneliness and isolation are considered compounding factors that are required to be handled and dealt with. Hence, reaching out to people, especially your loved ones, is really critical.

3-     Form a routine- When you are working, your days, even your weekend, is pre-planned. This is because jobs usually provide our weeks and days with a routine sense of structure. Thus, when a person loses a job, she/he also loses the schedule. Dr. Chope, who has founded a career-counseling program at the San Francisco state university, says that when his wife and he himself retired, they felt like every day is Saturday and every night is Friday. He adds that people need to create a new routine after they lose a job. It helps them to individuate the days and allows them to have a feeling of success. Dr. Chope suggests that after a job loss, people lose the orderliness in their lives but it is not entirely associated with their companies or organizations. They can establish or create their own routine. They can start this by incorporating regular exercises in their daily routine along with some activities that help a person to get a sense of productivity. Setting yourself up, as in your hobbies, for small wins helps you to regain your control over life.

4-     Don’t be harsh to yourself- After you lose your job, you become a negative person. At this time, you should surround yourself with the people who give you a good and positive feeling about yourself. In some cases, a job loss forces some people to move back to their families which is actually bad for their mental health or blames them. In such cases, people should try to relocate or remove themselves from that environment. According to Dr. Chope, you should not be harsh on yourself and should surround yourself with people who help you grab the opportunities with the skills that you already possess. This helps you to move into something new and different.

It is really challenging during this ongoing pandemic. However, there is some way out to tackle the problems. For example, a person who is pursuing a career in the arts stream can try reaching out to new fields to check if they are helpful. Although it is incredibly difficult, there are many people who are looking for the skill sets that you are having, and therefore, they can help you reach your goals with conducive ideas.

Tips

·       Be it your friends, family members, relatives, or friends or friends, you can always reach out for help to your network. They can help you in finding new jobs, alternative living arrangements, and some psychological support.

·       Make some time to connect with supportive people either via video chat or phone.

·       Try to create your own space and build new ideas, in case you cannot leave your home.

Try getting a low-cost therapy or visiting a mental health professional- Earlier, mental health was not even considered an issue. However, there has been growing researches and awareness in this field. Now, it is not uncommon to have a sense of alienation and depression. After losing a job, many people have to struggle to provide for their families without their income, while some even fear losing their homes. Some have installments to pay, while some have loans. Overall, these issues create a compounding effect. It has been mentioned in a study that people who have experienced housing-related, job-related, or financial hardships showed increased signs and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

Mental health professionals help such people develop a coping mechanism to see through and navigate uncertain times. Blustein says that when a person loses her/his job, she/he also loses the health insurance that consequently reduces or ceases their access to the health services. If you can, you should try seeking out therapy options to cope sooner instead of the latter. Blustein also advises that people should contact their family doctor and ask them if they can help in getting a low-cost therapy for mental health.

Try meditation- Meditation and mindfulness help to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. People can try some meditation apps and exercises. Apps that offer both psycho-education content and meditation are extremely helpful.

Seek out the support groups- The first thing you can do here is to join a support group, no matter if it is offline or virtual. There are several groups on social media, such as Reddit and Facebook, that connects you to a community. People support and share their views, tips, and even job opportunities on these platforms.

Try something new, especially which is not related to job-searching- Blustein says that it is important for people to fill their weekends or other days with activities that are not humiliating and frustrating, such as looking for a new job. People should take a break from this. One such activity is volunteering as it gives a sense of accomplishment and purpose. It also helps job-seekers to network in the job-community.

Consider the financial well-being of yourself- People should apply for unemployment insurance if they have been laid off. They can also cut their expenses until they get a new job.

Consider taking a comprehensive view- Most people blame themselves for their unemployment. But, there are certain factors on which the employee has no control or influence. The pandemic has hit several business sectors, such as air travel, restaurant industries, and live events, which consequently resulted in layoffs for the workers.

Layoffs can occur at any time due to factors affecting a certain industry-sector, regardless of the company’s economic conditions. Blustein researched and concluded that white workers have relatively lower unemployment rates than black workers, no matter what their education level or skills are. The reason for this can be discrimination. He suggests that if people can analyze and understand the ways via which they have been marginalized, then they can restrict themselves from blaming themselves for the job loss. Instead, they can use their energy to focus on developing new problem-solving skills.

Do not link your worth to your job or work- It is noticed that some people feel shameful after a job loss. However, they should remember that their worth is not determined by their company or job title. Joyce says that job loss should not be seen as a personal attack. People cannot let their self-confidence and abilities too much tied to their work.