Importance of Linking and Time Referencing in OET Writing
The OET exam is an important test for healthcare professionals who aspire to work in an English speaking environment. The OET exam assesses your skills in four important areas- Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each module in OET has equal importance in the exam. Writing is one module that might be a little challenge to many aspiring students. In the OET writing module, most of the question involves drafting a letter, so it is important to excel in every level of writing. Linking and time referencing are two of the most important aspects of OET writing. Grasping the usage of linking and time referencing will allow easy follow and understanding of the content.
What is linking?
Linking refers to the use of conjunctions, transition words, and pronouns, to connect ideas smoothly within and in between sentences. In the OET writing, linking helps to ensure that the information provided has a logical flow and it is understandable for the reader.
What is time referencing?
Time referencing provides a detailed timeline for every event. In OET writing is crucial to place every information in a chronological order. When describing the condition of a patient, treatment plan or anything related to them it is important to note that not just medical records but when these events occurred is also important.
Why is linking and time referencing important?
Creating a logical flow.
In order to present the patient information in a logical order. Linking words and phrases helps to have a flow in the letter and ensures that the reader can follow the order of events or the relationships between different aspects of a patient’s care. Linking words like “first”, “next” and “finally” help organize the information chronologically. Other linking words like “therefore”, “however”, and “in addition” helps in clarifying relationships between statements, which is crucial in professional communication. “In addition to” typically appears in the middle of a sentence without commas and is usually followed by either a noun or a verb ending in “-ing”, which provides additional information or emphasizes a point.
Clarifying the relationships between information
Linking words are used to clarify how different pieces of information are related. This is crucial in OET writing as the professional reading the letter should understand the patient’s condition. Contrasting linking words like ‘however’ are used to connect ideas and show a difference. They can be used at the start of a sentence, followed by a comma, or within a sentence to highlight a contrast. Cause-and-effect expressions like ‘as a result of’ and ‘due to’ help show the outcome of an action. They are usually followed by a noun or the ‘-ing’ form of a verb, which highlights the connection between the action and its result. Expressions like “despite the fact that”, “despite”, “for which” can also be used.
Ensures chronological clarity with time referencing.
When detailing a patient’s medical history, treatment timeline, or follow-up phrases like “before”, “since”, “after”, “during”, and “until” helps to establish a timeline which will help the reader to understand the sequence of events. Also there are expressions like “currently”, “on admission”, “prior to the operation”, “after the operation” etc can be used. Time-related expressions can be used at the end of a sentence, but placing them at the beginning of a sentence provides a clearer indication of time and helps to signpost the sequence of events more effectively. Correct usage of linking and time referencing provide clarity by preventing misinterpretation.
Scoring well in OET
From an exam point of view, linking and time referencing are key elements of a well written OET letter. Examiners will assess how you have organized your ideas and whether you can communicate medical information effectively. To achieve higher scores in the writing section, it’s essential to master the proper use of cohesive devices and time-related expressions, which can improve the clarity and coherence of your writing.
Some tips for improving of linking and time referencing skills:
- Always remember to organize your letter in chronological order before writing the OET letter.
- Do not repeatedly use the same linking words. Mix up your linking words and remember to use the appropriate one.
- Regularly practice OET writing and concentrate on linking words and time references effectively.
- Studying well-written OET samples can help you gain a deeper understanding of how linking words and time references are used in professional writing, enabling you to apply these skills confidently in your own practice.
For successfully writing an OET letter, it is important to have a grasp on linking words and time referencing. This will increase the clarity of communication both professionally and logically. Learning the correct usage of these linking devices and time referencing will help you boost your chances of securing a high score in OET and also prepare for such medical scenarios in real life. Tiju’s Academy provides expert OET coaching in Kerala that focuses on these key elements, ensuring that with consistent practice and hard work, you can hone these skills for long-term benefits.
