OET Writing Words/Phrases: Mastering Phrases for Making Requests

We are eager to assist you in honing your skills for making clear and effective requests in OET writing by using the below words and phrases. It is crucial to understand the nuances of requesting and informing, as they underpin the quality of your communication. To enhance your grasp of this concept, let us consider some key points.

Recognizing Phrases for Making Requests

• We recommend compiling a language bank in your notebook, containing a curated selection of useful request phrases. Limit this list to approximately five phrases, ensuring they are versatile and context-appropriate. For instance, you might include phrases like:
  • “It would be appreciated if you could…”
  • “I would appreciate it if you could…”
• Example: “It would be appreciated if you could monitor the patient’s blood sugar levels regularly.”
• To further reinforce your familiarity with these phrases, invest time in constructing numerous example sentences that employ them in various contexts. Regular practice will make the usage of these phrases second nature.

(Quick OET reading tip: https://youtube.com/shorts/HeAcmGE9mO8?si=K8UkSTDdIb28ps8V)

Understanding the Types of Information Reported and Requested

• It is pivotal to distinguish between information that is commonly reported and information that is typically requested in OET writing. This distinction aids in shaping the content and tone of your communication. Here are some common instances:
  • •Commonly Reported Information (A): This category typically includes details such as examinations, relevant medical history, and test/lab results. For example, you might report that the patient underwent a specific examination or has a pertinent medical history.
    • Example: “The patient’s recent X-ray examination revealed no abnormalities.”
  • •Commonly Requested Information (B): In contrast, this category revolves around future or ongoing actions, such as further medical treatment, diagnosis, follow-up care, additional tests, management, monitoring, or specific interventions.
    • Example: “We would appreciate it if you could arrange further medical tests to assess the patient’s condition.”

Phrases for Reporting and Requesting

To bolster your writing skills, let’s explore some illustrative phrases commonly used for reporting and requesting in OET letters.

Reporting Phrases:

• “An appointment has been arranged.”
  • Example: “An appointment has been arranged for the patient’s follow-up consultation.”
• “His Staples are due to be removed on the 13th of February.”
  • Example: “The patient’s surgical staples are scheduled for removal on the 13th of February.”

Requesting Phrases:

• “It would be appreciated if you could monitor his wound and apply daily dressings.”
  • Example: “It would be appreciated if you could monitor the patient’s wound and diligently apply daily dressings.”
• “I would appreciate it if you could assess him for the possibility of surgery.”
  • Example: “I would appreciate it if you could thoroughly assess the patient to determine the feasibility of surgical intervention.”
• “Could you please monitor his medication compliance?”
  • Example: “Could you please closely monitor the patient’s medication compliance and provide any necessary guidance?”

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Recognizing Action to Be Taken

To ensure that your communication effectively conveys the necessary actions, you must accurately identify instances where action is required. Recognizing the need for action is a pivotal skill in OET writing. Here are some case notes to consider, along with the required actions:

• “Ready for discharge.”
  • Action Required: The patient is ready for discharge, necessitating the arrangement of post-discharge care and instructions.
• “Concerns: Lives alone, no help, keen to return home ASAP, significantly lowered mobility (30 minutes of physical activity to be encouraged).”
  • Action Required: Action is needed to facilitate the patient’s return home. This entails arranging for home care assistance and providing guidance on physical activity.
• “Still episodes of confusion. Assessment for Independent Living recommended.”
  • Action Required: An assessment for independent living is required, indicating the need to schedule and conduct this assessment.
• “Write to head nurse at nursing home re-further care required.”
  • Action Required: A letter to the head nurse at the nursing home, requesting further care, should be composed and sent.

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Describing Action to Be Taken

To effectively convey the necessary actions in your writing, it is essential to structure your sentences clearly and courteously. Here, we present three scenarios where action is required and how to articulate these actions concisely and politely:

• Dressings to Leg Ulcers Three Times a Week
  • Action Description: The patient’s leg ulcers require dressings to be changed three times a week.
  • Effective Phrasing: “We kindly request that you change the dressings on the patient’s leg ulcers three times a week.”
• Monitor Hemoglobin Levels (Blood Test Once a Week)
  • Action Description: Monitoring of hemoglobin levels via a weekly blood test is necessary.
  • Effective Phrasing: “We kindly request weekly monitoring of the patient’s hemoglobin levels through a blood test.”
• Monitor Blood Glucose Level and Encourage a Low-Sugar Diet
  • Action Description: Regular monitoring of the patient’s blood glucose level is needed, coupled with encouragement of a low-sugar diet.
  • Effective Phrasing: “We kindly request continuous monitoring of the patient’s blood glucose level and the provision of guidance to encourage adherence to a low-sugar diet.”

Top Tips for OET Writing Success

• Maintain a Language Bank: Create a dedicated notebook where you compile a concise list of useful request phrases. Limit this list to around five versatile phrases.
  Example: In your Language Bank, include phrases like “It would be appreciated if you could…” or “I would appreciate it if you could…”
• Construct Example Sentences: To reinforce your familiarity with these phrases, practice constructing example sentences in various contexts. The more you practice, the more natural these phrases will become in your writing.
  Example: “It would be appreciated if you could monitor the patient’s blood sugar levels regularly.”
• Distinguish Reporting from Requesting: Develop the ability to differentiate between information commonly reported (such as examinations and medical history) and information frequently requested (such as further treatment, diagnosis, or tests).
• Analyze Case Notes: Pay close attention to case notes to identify instances where action is required. Consider the verbs used, as they often indicate the necessity for action.

Mastering the art of making clear and effective requests in OET writing using effective words and phrases is essential for effective communication within medical letters and reports. We hope this comprehensive breakdown has provided you with valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your OET writing skills.

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Think you are ready for the OET Test? Let’s assess you! Have a look at this writing question for medicine. Write your answer and email it to us at [email protected]. We will provide you completely free feedback!

OET Writing Test

Medicine:

Time Allowed:

• Reading Time: 5 Minutes
• Writing Time: 40 Minutes

Notes:

• Assume that today’s date is 18 June 2018.
• You are a practitioner examining a 50-year-old male patient, Mr. Robert Thompson.

Patient Details:

• Name: Robert Thompson (Mr.)
• DOB: 10 March 1968
• Height: 178cm
• Weight: 85kg
• BMI: 26.8 (overweight, 18/6/18)

Social History:

• Occupation: Accountant
• Marital Status: Married, 3 children (born in 1995, 1998, and 2002)
• Non-smoker
• Occasional alcohol consumption (2-3 drinks per week)
• Substance Intake: Nil
• Allergies: Penicillin; pollen; cat dander

Family History:

• Mother – Diabetes type 2, hypertension
• Father – Hypercholesterolemia, coronary artery disease
• Maternal grandmother – Alzheimer’s disease
• Maternal grandfather – Deceased due to stroke
• Paternal grandmother – Deceased due to lung cancer
• Paternal grandfather – Unknown

Previous Medical History:

• Childhood asthma; chickenpox; mumps
• 1985 appendectomy
• 1992 sports-related ankle fracture
• 1998 gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy)
• 2005 diagnosed with hypertension, prescribed antihypertensive medication
• 2012 diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia, prescribed statins
• 18 Jun 2018: Presenting complaint: Fatigue, unexplained weight gain, and joint pain
  • •Gradual onset, symptoms persisting for the past 6 months
  • •No specific trigger identified
  • •No associated fever or rash
  • •No significant morning stiffness
  • •Increased appetite and food cravings
  • •No change in menstrual cycle or libido
• Medication: Statins for hypercholesterolemia
• Provisional diagnosis: Hypothyroidism

Plan:

• Refer endocrinologist for further evaluation and management
• Order thyroid function tests (TFTs)
• Advise patient to continue with current medications
• Provide patient education on hypothyroidism, including dietary modifications
• Recommend regular exercise and weight management strategies

Writing Task:

Using the information in the case notes, write a letter of referral for further investigation and management to the endocrinologist, Dr. Lisa Reynolds, at Greenview Medical Center, 55 Elm Street, Greenview.

In your answer:

• Expand the relevant notes into complete sentences
• Do not use note form
• Use letter format

The body of the letter should be approximately 180-200 words.

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