In this episode, I talk about the difference between passive and Active Vocabulary. I also explain ways to improve productive knowledge.

Rethinking Language Learning

Receptive & Productive Vocabulary

Welcome to the first episode of OET Roleplay Practice with Kev, The English Native.

In this episode, you’ll hear a complete OET Speaking roleplay between a doctor and a patient recovering from a mild heart attack. The consultation covers building rapport, gathering information, explaining safe exercise, returning to work, and giving lifestyle advice.

Kevin also shares strategies for using these recordings to study effectively:

Listen once to get the flow of the consultation

Read the transcript to notice useful OET phrases

Shadow the doctor’s lines to improve pronunciation and intonation

What you’ll learn in this episode:

How to reassure patients naturally in OET roleplays

Useful phrases for explaining medical recovery and lifestyle changes

Why memorised templates lower your score

How to map your responses to the OET clinical communication criteria

Practical shadowing techniques to improve fluency and confidence

This episode is designed for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals preparing for the OET Speaking sub-test.

👉 Download the transcript at theenglishnative.com
 and follow Kevin for more OET practice and exam strategies.

Kev's English Podcast

OET Speaking Roleplay Practice: Episode 1 – Heart Attack Recovery Consultation

Are you “ticking the boxes” in your OET Speaking test but still stuck at a borderline score? In this episode, Kevin Dean (IELTS & OET teacher at theenglishnative.com
) breaks down the biggest OET Speaking mistake — failing to respond to the patient — and shows you exactly how to fix it.

Learn how to:

Identify and respond to patient cues (B1, B2, A4, E4)

Show empathy and gather more information naturally

Rotate your phrases to sound more like a real clinician

Avoid the “task checklist trap” that keeps candidates at C grade

This episode is packed with real examples from official OET role-plays, practical language you can use in your next test, and tips to sound like the kind of doctor or nurse patients want to visit.

Feel free to book a lesson or message me any time!

KEP 40: OET Speaking: The #1 Mistake That Costs Candidates Marks (And How to Fix It)

In this episode of Kev’s English Podcast (Ep. 39), Kevin shares his step‑by‑step IELTS study plan and explains how he’s using AI tools to help students improve their writing and speaking.

You’ll learn:

How to assess your current IELTS level

The importance of understanding test formats & band descriptors

Building an “ideas bank” for common IELTS topics

Weekly study planning & realistic goal‑setting

Why consistency is the secret ingredient to IELTS success

Kevin also talks about his new Learning Management System (LMS) on Notion, where students can access IELTS writing resources, videos, and downloadable guides — all in one place.

Whether you’re preparing for IELTS, TOEFL, OET, or PTE, this episode gives you practical strategies plus insights into how AI can transform your learning.

🔗 Download the free IELTS study guide: theenglishnative.com 🔗 Explore the IELTS Writing Hub on Notion (link in description)

🎧 Listen on Spotify, watch on YouTube, or connect with Kevin on italki for personalized lessons.

IELTS Study Plan & AI Tools for English Learners | Kev’s English Podcast Ep. 39

Are you still using memorised templates for IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE? 🚫 In this episode of The English Native Podcast, Kevin explains why examiners and AI systems penalise templates — and how flexible frameworks like PEEL (writing) and CLEAR (speaking) will help you think critically, sound natural, and achieve Band 7+ in IELTS, 100+ in TOEFL, or 80+ in PTE.

✨ What you’ll learn:

Why memorised templates don’t work anymore

How IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE examiners spot robotic language

The PEEL framework for writing (Point, Example, Explanation, Link)

The CLEAR framework for speaking (Claim, Logic, Example, Add depth, Return)

Practical tips to build critical thinking skills

🎧 Listen now and start practising smarter, not harder.
📥 Download the transcript + free handout at theenglishnative.com
See my videos on https://www.youtube.com/@TheEnglishNative

KEP 38: IELTS, TOEFL & PTE Success: Why Frameworks Beat Templates for Higher Scores!

Do you find IELTS Writing Task 2 difficult? You’re not alone. Many IELTS students – especially those from exam-focused education systems like China and Turkey – struggle with critical thinking, idea generation, and writing balanced arguments.

In this episode of Kev’s English Podcast, I share:

Why students often misread IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts

The problem with one-sided essays and memorised templates

How cultural and educational backgrounds affect IELTS performance

The importance of critical thinking for achieving Band 7 or higher

Practical strategies to develop stronger ideas and examples in your essays

I also talk about my ongoing research project with IELTS students in China and Turkey, and how it can help learners like you write more natural, effective essays.

🎧 Listen now and take a big step toward your IELTS Writing goals!

👉 For transcripts, tips, and IELTS coaching, visit theenglishnative.com
And see me on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEnglishNative

KEP 37: Why Many IELTS Students Struggle with Task 2 (Critical Thinking & Common Mistakes)

📚 Download FREE IELTS & English Learning PDFs: theenglishnative.com

In Episode 36 of Kev's English Podcast, I’m sharing exclusive FREE resources to help you master English & IELTS:
✅ How to Create Your Own English Learning Environment (50+ pages of free tools!)
✅ No Teacher Required – Why traditional classes fail & how to self-study effectively
✅ IELTS Essay Structure Guides (Sentence-by-sentence breakdowns)
✅ 100+ Sample IELTS Essays (Agree/Disagree, Discussion, Advantages/Disadvantages)
✅ Task 1 Writing Samples (Cambridge breakdowns with vocab explanations)
✅ Speaking Strategies (Fix common mistakes & sound natural)

🔗 Download Links: Available soon at theenglishnative.com (Check Episode 56!)

📢 Want my help? Book a class on iTalki: My Teacher Profile (Link in bio)

🎥 Watch my IELTS Playlists:

Cambridge IELTS Writing Task 1

Recently Reported IELTS Topics

Speaking Test Strategies

💬 Questions? Comment below or message me on iTalki/YouTube!

🔔 Subscribe for real English tips every week!

#IELTS #LearnEnglish #EnglishPodcast #IELTSTips #FreeResources #IELTSWriting #IELTSSpeaking



 Kev's English Podcast EP 36: FREE IELTS Books & Study Guides! (Real English Tips)

AI is everywhere — but is it helping or hurting your IELTS score? In this episode of Kev’s English Podcast, Kev Dean (The English Native) exposes the hidden dangers of using tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, and DeepSeek for IELTS Writing and Speaking.

You’ll learn:

Why AI-generated phrases can sound robotic and unnatural

How overusing AI can damage your fluency, coherence, and ideas

The right way to use AI for feedback without losing your voice

Real IELTS examples of “AI English” vs natural, native-like alternatives

Perfect for IELTS Band 6.5–7+ students, OET candidates, and English learners who want authentic, confident communication skills.

🎯 Get the transcript for this episode at theenglishnative.com
📺 Watch my videos https://www.youtube.com/@TheEnglishNative
🎙 Follow Kev’s English Podcast for weekly real English tips

Keywords: IELTS Writing Task 2 tips, IELTS Speaking tips, ChatGPT for IELTS, AI IELTS preparation, natural English

KEP 35: IELTS Disaster: When AI Makes You Sound Like a Robot

📌 In this episode of Kev's English Podcast (Ep. 34), I reveal the most common memorised phrases that are hurting your IELTS Writing Task 2 score — and what to say instead!

Whether you're aiming for Band 7 or higher, using vague, rehearsed phrases like "Since the dawn of time..." or "This essay will discuss..." can actually harm your chances. In this practical and honest coaching episode, I’ll guide you through natural, examiner-friendly alternatives that make your essay clear, direct, and band-score-worthy.

✅ What you’ll learn:

Why "In a nutshell" and "aforementioned" hurt your writing

Better ways to introduce and conclude your essay

Clear templates and sentence examples to boost coherence

Academic tone vs. spoken tone — when to use each

How examiners really read your essays

🎓 Whether you're preparing for IELTS Academic or General Training, this episode is packed with tips to help you write naturally and score higher.

🔗 Get the full transcript of this episode at: https://theenglishnative.com/episodes
🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more
📹 Watch the full video on my YouTube channel: The English Native