OET Grammar, Tense and Register in Clinical Letters

Question 1

Which sentence uses the most appropriate tense and register for a referral letter?

Accepted Answer

Mr Lee has presented with persistently elevated blood glucose levels.

Answer

The present perfect 'has presented' links a recent problem to the present. The wording is formal, with no contractions or slang. The other options are informal or ungrammatical.

Question 2

Which tense is best for a specific completed event, such as an operation on a fixed date?

Accepted Answer

Past simple: 'She underwent surgery on 3 March.'

Answer

A completed event at a specific past time takes the past simple. Present perfect is for past events linked to now, and future forms are for planned events.

Question 3

Which sentence correctly describes a plan for follow-up?

Accepted Answer

She will be reviewed in clinic in two weeks.

Answer

Future plans use 'will' with the passive, as in 'will be reviewed'. The passive keeps the focus on the patient and avoids naming the clinician.

Question 4

Which version is the most concise and still complete?

Accepted Answer

Mrs Tan has long-standing hypertension.

Answer

Conciseness and clarity is a scored criterion. 'Long-standing hypertension' gives the same information in far fewer words than the wordy alternatives.

Question 5

Which sentence shows the correct tense for a condition the patient has now and is still being treated for?

Accepted Answer

Ms Ito is currently taking metformin 500 mg twice daily.

Answer

An ongoing treatment is described in the present tense, using the present continuous or present simple with 'currently'. A mix of past and present, or an impossible future form, is incorrect.

(OET) Occupational English Test Practice Test

(OET) Occupational English Test Practice Test

OET Grammar, Tense and Register in Clinical Letters