OET Writing 3 Laws of Simple Writing
You do not have to fear OET writing. It is easy to get a good score. But, you will have to learn to make your writing simple and effective.
Write as you are guided. Read the instructions carefully to get more acquainted with the tasks given to you. If the letter is easy-to-understand and more effective, then you can cross this hurdle.
Your examiner would focus on
- Clarity/cohesiveness/relevance
- The simplicity of words/sentences
- Explanatory text (for instance, if you have added the necessary medical history or information of the patient)
- Grammar
- Punctuation
Use Familiar Words
The important thing is you will have to make the letter more appealing with simple and common words.
It is necessary that you should use only familiar words. For example, it is always good to write “Doctor” (and not Physician).
“Use" is a better word than “Utilize’”
Check out word substitutes given below:
Don’t Say |
Say |
---|---|
Arrive On Board |
Arrive |
Adversely Impact |
Set Back, Hurt |
As A Means Of |
To |
Accompany |
Go With |
Delete |
Cut or Drop |
Component |
Part |
A and/or B |
A or B / Both |
Accorded |
Given |
Attempt |
Try |
Adjacent |
Next to |
Advantageous |
Helpful |
Advice |
Recommend |
Benefit |
Help |
Commence |
Begin, or Start |
Close Proximity |
Near |
Capability |
Ability |
Desire |
Want or Wish |
Encounter |
Meet |
Expedite |
Speed Up |
Do Not Try To Explain Terminology That You Use
Most of the candidates also have this habit of explaining the terms they use in their writing. (some of the candidates go on explaining medical terms with the goal to increase word count or reach the word count of 180-200 words). It is certainly not needed that you should explain scientific or medical terms. But, at the same time, it is also important that you should not make use of complex terminology that is difficult to understand. Most of the candidates in order to make their letter more appealing add some complex scientific terms or medical terms. They think adding such complex terms or terminology will showcase their medical acumen and professional and will also increase their chances of getting a good score. But, on the contrary, this creates a negative impact on the score.
In some situations, you will have the option to replace a medical term with a non-medical or nontechnical term.
For example, in place of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft, you can have the option to make use of the shortened version such as “CABG.” (But,. use acronyms or the shortened forms of words if only if you find them in the case notes).
But, it is even better to write it by making use of simple English. You can replace CABG with Heart Bypass Surgery.
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