Turn note-form durations (“x 3 months”, “since yesterday”) into the time expressions OET letters rely on.
What do the abbreviations in the notes mean?
OET case notes are written in note form with clinical shorthand. Your job is to turn them into full, clear sentences.
- Pt
- patient
- c/o
- complains of
- x 3 months
- for (the past) 3 months
- SOB
- shortness of breath
- BD
- twice daily
- w/
- with
- →
- then / led to
- ↑
- increased
- yrs
- years
- 20/day
- 20 cigarettes a day
- RUQ
- right upper quadrant (of the abdomen)
- Hb
- haemoglobin
Create a free account to check your answers — the first drills in each section are free.
#1
Pt c/o lower back pain x 3 months
Write one sentence for the letter body.
Log in free to check your answers →#2
Cough worse over last 2 weeks
Write one sentence describing how the cough has changed.
Log in free to check your answers →#4
Initially managed w/ paracetamol → no improvement → naproxen started 1 week ago
Write one or two sentences showing the sequence.
Log in free to check your answers →#5
Smoker 20/day x 15 yrs, quit 2023
Write one sentence about smoking history.
Log in free to check your answers →#6
Headaches — recently ↑ frequency (now daily)
Write one sentence.
Log in free to check your answers →#7
Metformin 500mg BD commenced 6 months ago
Write one sentence about the medication.
Log in free to check your answers →#8
SOB on exertion x 2 months; today SOB at rest
Write one or two sentences contrasting the two time frames.
Log in free to check your answers →Need the phrases first? See the OET Writing phrase bank · sample letters