OET - Occupational English Writing: Referral Letter Essentials Questions and Answers

Question 1

You are writing a referral letter to a cardiologist for a patient with suspected unstable angina. Which of the following pieces of information is MOST crucial to include in the opening paragraph?

Accepted Answer

A clear statement that you are referring the patient for urgent assessment due to suspected unstable angina.

Answer

The patient's detailed social history, including their marital status and occupation.

Answer

A list of all medications the patient is currently taking for unrelated chronic conditions.

Answer

The patient's family history of cardiovascular disease spanning three generations.

Question 2

When selecting information from patient case notes for a referral letter, what is the most important principle to follow according to OET writing criteria?

Accepted Answer

Select only information that is directly relevant to the reason for referral and the recipient's specialty.

Answer

Include every detail from the case notes to provide a complete picture.

Answer

Prioritize information from the most recent consultation over past medical history.

Answer

Paraphrase all notes to demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary.

Question 3

A nurse is discharging a 78-year-old patient who lives alone after a total knee replacement. The referral letter is addressed to a community home-care nurse. Which of the following details about the patient's social history is most relevant to include?

Accepted Answer

The fact that the patient's home has stairs and the bedroom is on the second floor.

Answer

The patient's previous occupation before retirement.

Answer

The names and ages of the patient's grandchildren.

Answer

The patient's favorite hobbies and television shows.

Question 4

What is the appropriate tone and style for an OET referral letter?

Accepted Answer

Formal, professional, and factual, using clear and objective language.

Answer

Informal and conversational, using slang to build rapport.

Answer

Overly personal, including the writer's emotional response to the case.

Answer

Technical and filled with jargon, assuming the reader has identical specialized knowledge.

Question 5

Which of the following is a common structural mistake to avoid in an OET referral letter?

Accepted Answer

Presenting information in a disorganized or illogical sequence without clear prioritization.

Answer

Using paragraphs to separate different sections like medical history and discharge plan.

Answer

Including the recipient's address and the date at the top of the letter.

Answer

Ending the letter with a clear request for action from the receiving clinician.

Question 6

Regarding the word count in the OET writing sub-test (typically 180-200 words), which part of the letter is counted?

Accepted Answer

Only the main body paragraphs of the letter.

Answer

The entire text, including the recipient's address, date, and salutation.

Answer

The body of the letter and the closing ('Yours sincerely,').

Answer

Every word written on the paper, from start to finish.