This lecture takes you through the processing of  understanding, de-coding, and selecting, case notes.  It shows you how to approach the task - how to keep the reader in mind, and how to select pertinent information.  We show you 3 different selection formats which you can adapt to your own needs, and work through an example with you.

Let's look at a model answer to the Michael Reed task and look at why it works so well.

One of the requirements of the task is that you can transform notes into full sentences, using neat, efficient, and professional language.  Let's look at how this is done.  Once you've watched the lecture, have a go at the mini test exercises which you can download and then check your answers in the KEY which also contains pointers on grammar and collocation.  If you are not sure what these grammar or language points refer to, check in a grammar book or look at our language bank at the end of the course.

Let's look at a second referral letter.  This time, we'll do a bit of a role-reversal.  See if this technique helps you identify what to put in your letter.

De-code the case notes and see how they are transformed into the model answer.  In this lecture, we look at what works well and why.

Put yourself in the examiner's shoes and try to mark these examples of student work.  What works well and what doesn't?  What language and grammar points need to be changed and what should be kept?  Look through their answers first, then, check your ideas with the teacher in the lecture video.

Let's turn now to discharge letters.  First, take a look at the case notes and spend 5 minutes reading and then 5 minutes selecting and organising.  Then, check your answers with the teacher in the video lecture.

Let's focus in on the grammar and look at how basic case notes and ideas are transformed into whole sentences.  How much of the model answer can you remember?  First, download the task and have a go at transforming the basic notes given into correct sentences by yourself.  Then, watch the lecture and work through the examples with the teacher to highlight some of the important grammar points which will make your writing more efficient.

One of the most important ideas you have to master to score well in your OET is to keep your reader front and centre at all times.  Think about them; what do they need to read about?  How can you facilitate their understanding?  How do you need to adapt your style so that it's suitable to their needs?  This lecture uses the same case notes as in the previous lecture, but looks at how your letter would change if the reader were to change.  This time, the task is to write to Eleanor's mother, Mrs Philippa Holmes.  Start by analysing the case notes again, but think about what information you would need to supply this time.

Let's work through a student's letter.  Download and read it first and decide what works well and what needs to be improved.  Have they got the tone right?  Is all the information correct and present?  Is anything missing?  Then, watch the lecture and follow the teacher's analysis and feedback of the letter.

Let's have a look at a model answer.  Is there anything here that is surprising? What are the tone and register like?

While transfer letters are perhaps not so common as letters of discharge or referral,  you may still be asked to write one for your OET.  But what are they?  Many students are confused as to their purpose.  This short lecture tells you more about their function and use.

Now, let's re-imagine the Eleanor Holmes case.  This time, the incident happened on holiday in Spain, and whilst she is not ready for release back into community care, she is now ready to be transferred back to a UK hospital near her home and mother.  Let's look at how this changes the way we write the letter.

Download and read this letter written by one of our OET students.  What could be improved?  What works well?  Then watch the teacher's analysis of it.

Watch the lecture to find out what makes this letter of transfer effective.

This is another example of a task asking you to write a transfer letter.  Download it, spend 5 minutes planning and another 5 organising.  Then, watch the lecture to see if your ideas match those of the teacher's.

This is a letter written by an OET candidate.  Download and analysis it.  How effective is it?  What needs to be improved?  What is good about it?  Now, check your ideas with the teacher in the lecture.

Take a look at the model answer.  Is there anything you were not expecting?  How is it different from your own ideas?  Watch the lecture for some pointers about keeping the reader in mind.

Erratum: Please note, the first model answer used in the video states that Mr Cherry's (L) knee is being operated on.  This should, in fact, read the (R) knee and has been corrected to reflect this in the second model. 

Use our downloadable worksheets to refresh your grammar and vocabulary skills on some key areas.