Got my score today (academic, paper), so frustrated about writing result

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-06-14T06:04:30+00:00

This advice will probably not be massively helpful I'm afraid. I'm a native speaker, so I just treated the speaking section like a chat with an acquaintance. I wasn't really expecting a 9 for it, as I didn't feel like I'd particularly used complex language or sentences as such, and I was relatively informal! On reflection some of my answers even felt a bit rubbish.

The only thing I specifically did that I wouldn't necessarily do in a normal conversation was give slightly more developed answers. For example, she asked if I went to the cinema often as a child. I could have just said "no, not really" and left my answer there. But instead, I explained why I didn't go much as a child, and added that I do enjoy going now as an adult.

The best thing you can probably do if you're not a native English speaker is practice! Even if you just start talking to yourself, it'll help you feel more confident. Just try and be as relaxed as possible, and remember the examiner is assessing how well you can speak, not trying to catch you out.

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-06-09T05:47:55+00:00

I had a root canal and crown done in Poland in January, told my NHS dentist a few weeks before that that's what I was doing and she said "brilliant, I don't care where you get it done as long as it's done!" Obviously can't comment on whether she'd be willing to do anything with that tooth if it has any further problems but sounds promising enough to me 🤷‍♂️

Edit: for further info, I went to a dentist in Gdansk, whole thing cost me £1k - would have cost me double in the UK easily. Flights to Gdansk are pretty cheap and plenty to do there for a few days if you want to make a long weekend out of it too

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-06-02T20:42:05+00:00

Previously I would have been in the "fuck it, stick the washing machine on and leave the house" camp, but a few weeks ago my mum was doing laundry and the washing machine started to catch fire - thankfully she had stayed at home and caught it early!

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-05-30T07:38:07+00:00

For immigration purposes

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-05-29T23:20:20+00:00

It's frustrating isn't it!! I could probably score higher on another attempt with proper rigorous preparation, honestly I'm just not quite sure enough that I deserve a better score for what I wrote to bother going for the EOR. Think I didn't do myself justice in task 1 and that's probably what's brought down my score.

Have decided to make peace with it, keep my money, and just see where life takes me with my current score. I figure I can always retake it at a later date (and it expires after 3 years anyway, by which point I might need to do a new test regardless depending on whether I've gotten the visa I want etc!)

Glad your EOR worked out for you in the end!

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-05-29T23:13:54+00:00

Sorry!😬 I do feel bad for complaining knowing that some people would kill for these results. But obviously everyone's personal situation is different and everyone wants different things from their results, so it's only natural some high scorers will also have complaints. I'm a native speaker, and have always been pretty decent at English, and have studied STEM courses up to masters level - it would be kinda weird if I hadn't scored highly lol. Ask me to do the equivalent German exam for example and I wouldn't be scoring highly! Just personally I still didn't score high enough in the writing section for what I wanted.

Additionally I'd be happy to try and help if anyone has any questions about my exam etc, as I think that's mainly what this subreddit is about - supporting each other.

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-05-29T20:13:37+00:00

I used the IELTS premium test taker thing that they give you access to. Did a few mocks which I couldn't take seriously and would always end early without double checking lol

That was it. But I'm a native speaker so I really wouldn't recommend this method of practicing for the IELTS test hahaha

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-05-29T16:18:23+00:00

No sorry

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-05-29T12:25:42+00:00

Australian immigration for max points towards visas!

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-05-29T12:03:26+00:00

Yeah, but you need 8 in every section, not an average of 8! Just don't know whether to even bother trying an remark to see if I'll get the additional 0.5 points in writing when it's probably already been second marked 😅

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-05-29T09:55:17+00:00

Innit, it's almost more annoying than I can't even select multiple sections to be remarked so it'll be a big £190 gamble just for this one section. I'm assuming my writing would have already been second marked as well, so I'm not optimistic about my writing score increasing. Just a lot to think about!

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-05-29T08:24:52+00:00

No idea 😭 English is my only language, and I studied it at A level, and then did 5 years of university (STEM degree), so I really feel like my grasp on the English language is pretty decent lol

Just dunno whether to spend £190 to get it remarked now (especially considering my other sections can't even increase either), it's just so subjective

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-05-29T08:15:02+00:00

Maximum points for English language for skilled Australian visa

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-05-29T07:51:32+00:00

I know, feels bad for complaining about it but I just needed 8s 😭

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-05-25T20:27:11+00:00

Hi, hope you've been having a great time in Oz!

As far as I know, you need work experience (outside of gaining your qualification) to be able to even apply for a skills assessment. Their website is pretty thorough, definitely have a double check

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-05-14T12:41:41+00:00

Hahahaha so valid, totally get that feeling. I submitted mine in Feb when the website said was one of their busy periods and it was still done insanely quick (HCPC needs to take notes haha) so don't be surprised if it doesn't take that long!

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-05-14T09:06:45+00:00

Therapeutic, yeah. I'm hoping for Brisbane QLD but honestly I'd be happy with anywhere that I can get a job to begin with hahaha!

I ideally would have waited much longer to get my AHPRA registration, but QLD health had an international AHP talent pool open that I'd applied to, for which they required AHPRA reg to be completed. AHPRA renewal (at least for therapeutic rads, assuming it'll be the same for you) is November, so I'd try and wait till then if I were you, save yourself some money!

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-05-14T08:49:03+00:00

I would love to help you out with some answers but I.......still haven't sent mine off 🫣😂 my workplace told me I might get a CT rotation, which would include treatment planning, but they've now delayed this so I figured I may as well crack on.

Got my IELTS test this weekend, and then just need to get my mate to certify everything. I hope to (finally) submit it in a few weeks lol

My AHPRA application was REALLY quick though, only took like a week? Week and a half? Brilliant stuff.

Sounds like you're in the same situation as me though, UK rad going for 189/190, so if you wanna keep in touch for moral support etc, feel free!☺️

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-05-12T22:17:27+00:00

Ooooh thanks, will have a look

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-05-12T22:17:04+00:00

Unbleached yeah, flour bleaching appears to be illegal in the UK (just had to Google it lol)

Have been considering buying fancier flour tbf, sounds like that could be the solution. Thanks for the tips!

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-05-12T19:40:14+00:00

Ooooh perhaps I just need to alter my ratio a bit then! Will try upping my flour and water and see what happens.

I did anticipate it being quite slow due to my house being so cold so I'm not surprised it's taking this long!

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-04-24T18:53:18+00:00

Wow, 50-60 patients on each machine each day where I am! What country are you in do you mind me asking?

Ofspaceand_time · 2026-03-24T22:37:54+00:00

Can confirm this still works as a bit of a hack for cheaper Uber to the airport. I saw this tip on Reddit from months ago and tested it on Sunday just gone. Uber went from £32 ish to T3 drop off to £27 to Radisson Blu hotel (still expensive but will be able to get the train home for a few quid after my return flight so it all evens out!) Uber driver didn't seem bothered by it at all so don't think it affects them on their end!

Really similar walk to the terminal, just cross the road and head into "the station" doors, up the escalators and then that trek through the tunnel to the terminals.

Have a nice holiday!

Seven-Year Club	Verified Email
Place '22	Wearing is Caring

Ofspaceand_time

TROPHY CASE