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Melons OET Training – Overview

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Welcome to Melons OET Training Home Page. Complete this course in their order.

MELONS OET WRITING

OET Letter Writing is all about writing a letter to a medical professional or someone who has no medical knowledge. The writer is usually a nurse, a doctor or any medical professional and the purpose of writing is discharge, transfer, requesting home-visits or giving information.

What is an OET Letter?

09th August 2021

The Charge Nurse
Prince Henry Rehabilitation Centre
Malabar Bay

Dear Sir/Madam,

Re: Mr Amir Akbari, 41 years

I am writing to refer Mr Amir Akbari who requires rehabilitation therapy. He has been under our care for Guillain Barre Syndrome and is ready for discharge.

Mr Akbari was admitted on 6th March, 2011 with the condition mentioned above. During hospitalization, he was on ventilator support for the initial 3 days and was treated with plasmapheresis along with IV gamma globulin. Daily physiotherapy, including self exercise, was commenced and now, he is able to walk slowly with the help of a pick up frame. Please note, he is feeling depressed about his prospects and his wife is not coping with financial crisis.

To serve you with further details, Mr Akbari and wife are PHD students who have less support networks in Australia. He is prone to depression and anxiety as he has post traumatic stress disorder due to war trauma in the mid 80’s.

In view of the information presented above, it would be appreciated if you could encourage Mr Akbari to continue physiotherapy program and exercise. Kindly arrange a social worker to follow up his financial crisis. Please observe for decrease in respiratory status or increase in neurological signs.

If you have any queries, please feel free to contact me.

Yours faithfully,
Registered Nurse.

What is in a Letter?

Before you start letter writing, read a few samples of OET Letters. Understand their format. A letter usually includes the following parts:

  • Date
  • Address
  • Dear + Salutation
  • Subject / Re:
  • Opening Paragraph
  • Admission + Treatment + Progress
  • Past History
  • Social History + Habits + Diet
  • Request (Discharge Plan)
  • Closing the letter + Thanking
  • Yours sincerely / faithfully
  • Your Name /+ Designation

Hope that was easy! You can follow this organization is most letters, but beware, not all! You will see letters that do not follow the above organization completely!

Kinds of Letters

Today, let’s learn about the kinds of letters. Do not think that there are too many kinds of letters.

Read – Kinds of Letters 01 | 02

Kinds of Case Notes

A case notes is a trap! So, you should know where traps are laid! What are the traps? Read the case notes and see:

  1. Who is the recipient of the letter?
  2. Who is the patient?
  3. What is the patient’s present condition?
  4. What is the purpose of writing this letter?
  5. What should the recipient do for the patient?

Read – Case Notes 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05

Reading with PPRRRAADDDWK

You have 5 minutes to read the case notes. During this 5 minutes, candidates look for PPRRAADDWK. What do these letters stand for:

  • P1 Who is the Patient?
  • P2 What is the main Purpose?
  • R1 Who is the Recipient?
  • R2 What are the Requests?
  • R3 What is Relevant?
  • A1 What was the Admitting condition?
  • A2 What was the Admission Date?
  • D1 What is the Discharge Condition
  • D2 What is the Discharge Date?
  • D3 Is this a Diagnosed case?
  • W Who is the Writer?
  • K – Is the patient Known to the recipient?

Read – “PPRRAADDWK” 01

Writing Step “DADS”

DADS is the best way to start your letter. DADS stand for Date, Address, Dear and Subject (Re:).

Why should we remember DADS?

  • In the examination hall, many candidates feel “empty-brain!”
  • At that time, DADS will work like a piece of wood when you drawn in deep water.

D – Date

Start with the date of writing the letter. Look at some sample dates:

Sample 1 Sample 2
12th July, 2020 12 July 2020

A – Address

Write the recipient’s address. Look at the sample address: Usually the address starts with the recipient’s name. However, if the name if not provided, you can write the recipient’s address with his / her designation.

Address with name Address with designation
Ms Petra Charge Nurse Holy Angel’s Hospital Sydney – 4546 The Charge Nurse Holy Angel’s Hospital Sydney – 4546

D – Dear

You can salute the recipient by Dear + Ms / Mr / Mrs / Dr + name or by title like Sir, Madam or Sir / Madam + comma.

By Name By Sir / Madam
Dear Mr Parker, Dear Sir,
Dear Ms Nancy, Dear Madam,
Dear Dr Khan, Dear Doctor,

S – Subject (Re:)

Write the subject. There are two kinds of subjects. Look at the samples:

Transfer / Discharge Letter Information letter
Re: Mr Holmes Smith, 66 years (For discharge / transfer letters) Subject: Information about proper use of mask (For information letters)

That’s all about DADS!

Next, let’s start with PRPDD method. This is about writing the first paragraph of a letter.

Writing Step PRPDD

First, let’s have a look at a sample paragraph 1 below:

Mrs Jasmine Thomson (P) requires (R) continuing care and management (P) following her discharge today (D2). She has been recovering (D1) after a total shoulder replacement surgery.

Sample 2

Miss Annette Mac Namara requires care and assistance in activities of daily living as she is recovering from a fracture of the right wrist and laceration in the left hand. She is being discharged today.

Now, remember, in case of information letters (very rarely asked in OET), you have a different first-paragraph:

Transfer / Discharge Information Letter
Patent’s name; Purpose of this letter; Discharge status This is to inform you that / This is to provide you with necessary information about + subject
I am writing to refer Mr Baker who needs continued care and support for his speedy recovery. This is to provide you with necessary information about the spread of corona-virus in schools, especially among smaller kids.
Mrs Calton needs assessment and the monitoring of medication as she is recovering from a right ankle fracture. She is ready to be discharged home today. All the students and their parents are informed that an unidentified virus spread has been reported in the school.

Writing Steps 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06

Diving & Rising

The Second Paragraph (Admission / Social) In most letters, the second paragraph is about the admission of the patient with the initial findings such as vitals, symptoms along with test results. However, in letters to social worker, occupational therapists and psychiatrists, we mention the social aspects immediately after the admission.

Transfer / Discharge (Second last Paragraph) Non Medical Letters (Second Paragraph)
Admission – Condition then – Condition Now Social Circumstances
Initially, Ms Tailor came to hospital by herself complaining aggressiveness, agitation, signs of thought block and latency. On the following days her condition continued to improve. She was able to focus on her daily activities and organize her thinking. At present, there is neither hallucination nor thought blocking. A school teacher, Ms Tabrolin lives alone and follows a sedentary lifestyle. She has two sons and one married daughter. Although her neighborhood is very active, Ms Tabrolin has never shown any interest in activities.
On examination, there was evidence of signs of consolidation associated with monophonic wheezes in the right middle zone. The sputum cytology was normal. The chest X-ray and the CT showed atelectasis in the right middle lobe and an enlarged of the right hilum. An office clerk, Ms Clarke lives with her husband and 20-year-old son. She has a family history of laryngeal carcinoma and mining-related diseases, the former from maternal side.She has been smoking 30-35 cigarettes a day for more than 30 years. She has no known allergies.
Past tense – Past perfect – Present perfect – Simple present. Simple present only!

Treatment, improvement

If you wish to add a separate paragraph about treatment and improvement, you can do so. Look at the following samples.

Sample 1 Sample 2
On subsequent visits,  Mr Jones’ condition seemed to be responding to the above line of management. Even though he has been regular at physiotherapy sessions,  he still experiences stiffness on movements. Currently,  the range of movements has improved and he can sit for 20 to 30 minutes without pain. After an eight-month period, Mr Brihman revisited with worsened symptoms of angioedema; hence, he was advised to test for skin prick test and serum assay. His SPT test was positive to cat dander, which revealed a 3 to 5 mm wheal with flare. Also, his serum immunoassay was positive to IgE antibodies.

Social Paragraph

Look at a sample:

A sports enthusiast, Mr Clarke has had well-controlled hypertension for more than 3 decades and is on Tab Ramipril. He is a retired army officer and lives with wife and two daughters.

Request Paragraph (Repeat the purpose)

In light of the above, Ms Clarke is referred to you for further assessment and management. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me. In view of the above,  it would be beneficial for Mr Jones if you  could conduct an evaluation of his work place in order to ensure his safety.

Close the letter with similar lines:

Saluted with name (Less formal) Saluted with Sir / Madam / Others
For more information about Mr Smith, kindly contact me. Yours sincerely, Charge Nurse / Doctor For more information about Mr Smith, kindly contact me. Yours faithfully, Charge Nurse / Doctor

Letter Closing

Yours sincerely,
Charge Nurse.

OR

Yours faithfully,
Charge Nurse.

Letter Correction 01 | 02

Being Natural

  1. Natural Language | 01
  2. Writing in a Flow 01

Words in a Letter

  1. Correct Usage 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 40

You have completed the Writing Module. Now, you can attend my Daily Zoom Sessions or start a personal training program.

MELONS OET READING

M1 Method – Main Idea ★★★★

By Main Idea, you find out the main idea of the Question, Options and each of the sentences in the text. In fact, you do not need to find the M1 in the examination. It is done before the examination as part of your training.

Sample

The writer suggests that uncertainty over the use of statins is puzzling because:

  1. no other medication is used as often to treat cardiovascular disease.
  2. heart disease kills large numbers of people in the United States
  3. extensive studies have been conducted about their use
  4. they are so effective in lowering LDL cholesterol.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US and statins are a commonly prescribed medicine that helps to lower harmful levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood and mitigate the risks of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. Trials have consistently demonstrated a clear correlation between reducing LDL cholesterol with statins and a decrease in cardiovascular risk. So, it may appear puzzling that uncertainty over statins still remains. As the body of evidence evaluating statins has expanded, so too have the indications for the drug.

Applying M1

  • Find the main Idea of the Question. It is “because” and because is equal to a “reason”.
  • Proceed to the Text / Paragraph and check for the Because / Reason (M1)
  • Finally, select the best statement from the options that match the M1 in the question and the M1 in the Text / Paragraph.

Learn More about M1 Method | “Main Idea” | Go Next!

M2+ Method – Modals Plus ★★★★

M2+ are modals and other words that increase or decrease the accuracy of a statement or question. “Analgesics may be less effective” is different from “analgesics are effective” because “may” and “are” have different accuracy levels.

Sample

The guidelines require those administering flumazenil to:

  1. remember that it has a short-term life
  2. Should continually monitor patient for recuring sedation
  3. Should be prepared to give additional doses.

Flumazenil is a competitive inhibitor at the benzodiazepine site. It is available in 5 ml ampoules containing 500 micrograms (µg) of drug. A dose of 200 µg should be administered over 15 seconds in suspected benzodiazepine overdose, with supplementary boluses of 100 µg if the patient fails to respond. It should be remembered that flumazenil has a short half-life compared with most benzodiazepines; the patient should be continually monitored for recurring sedation and the practitioner prepared to give additional doses.

Applying M2+ Method

  • Look at the question and check for the M2+ level. Since there is neither might not may, can, should, must, anything, the M2+ level of the question is 100%.
  • Next, proceed to the Text / Paragraph and select that information with 90% to 100% of accuracy.

Learn M2+ Modals Plus

E1 Method – Enactment ★★

Enactment or E1 Method is for those who keep forgetting what they have read a minute ago! Are you one? With E1, you will be enacting

Sample

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test Bring (E1) all reagents and serum sample to Room Temperature and mix (E1) latex reagent gently (E1) prior to use. Do not dilute (E1) the controls and serum. Place (E1) 1 drop of Serum, Positive control and Negative control on separate reaction circle on glass slide. Then add (E1) 1 drop of CRP latex reagent to each of the circles. Mix (E1) with separate mixing sticks and spread (E1) the fluid over the entire area (E1) of the cell. Tilt (E1) the slide back and forth (E1) slowly for 2 minutes observing (E1) preferably under artificial light. Observe (E1)for visible agglutination. However, currently, CRP testing is not recommended for the general population. Patients are often misled into believing that all of a sudden there’s this unique marker that’s going to determine whether they live or die.

Applying E1 Method

  • Find out M1 of the question and get ready to read the text / paragraph.
  • Bring your hands closer when you read “Bring” in the first line. You brain starts working faster and 100% accurately!
  • Move your hands accordingly whenever you come across any verbs (mix + gently, add, observe, dilute, etc.)

E2 Method – Elimination ★★★

Elimination is a very popular method that I have added to the Melons! By “Elimination,” you ignore that incorrect answers one by one rather than selecting the correct one. Question – What is the most reliable test for prostate cancer?

  1. Core needle biopsy
  2. Transrectal ultrasound
  3. Transperineal biopsy

If the results of a PSA blood test, DRE, or other tests suggest that you might have prostate cancer, you will most likely need a prostate biopsy. A core needle biopsy is the main method used to diagnose prostate cancer. It is usually done by a urologist. During the biopsy, the doctor usually looks at the prostate with an imaging test such as transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) or MRI, or a ‘fusion’ of the two. The doctor quickly inserts a thin, hollow needle into the prostate. This is done either through the wall of the rectum (a transrectal biopsy) or through the skin between the scrotum and anus (a transperineal biopsy). When the needle is pulled out, it removes a small cylinder (core) of prostate tissue. This is repeated several times. Most often the doctor will take about 12 core samples from different parts of the prostate.

How to apply?

  • You have to start eliminating the least possible options first.
  • Firstly, eliminate transrectal ultrasound because it is part of a Core Needle Biopsy
  • Similarly, transperineal biopsy is also part of the Core Needle Biopsy.
  • After eliminating B and C, you will finally get Option A, that is, Core needle biopsy.

L1 Method – Lexicon ★★★★★

L1 is one of the most powerful of the Melons. If you know the meaning of each word, you will be able to find the correct answers in a few seconds. If not, you will spend a lot of time! The only problem is, unlike other Melons, you have to undergo a thorough L1 Training before the examination. What to do when you do not know several words in a text / paragraph?

  • Guess the meaning from the context!

Start your L1 Training…

L2 Method – Language ★★★

O1 Method – Order ★★

O2 Method – Opposite ★★

N1 Method – Number ★★★

N2 Method – Negative ★★

Sample

The manual states that the wheelchair should not be used:

  1. Inside buildings
  2. Without supervision
  3. On any uneven surfaces

Manual extract: Kuschall ultra-light wheelchair Intended use The active wheelchair is propelled manually and should only be used for independent or assisted transport of a disabled patient with mobility difficulties. In the absence of an assistant, it should only be operated by patients who are physically and mentally able to do so safely (e.g., to propel themselves, steer, brake, etc.) Even where restricted to indoor use, the wheelchair is only suitable for use on level ground and accessible terrain. This active wheelchair needs to be prescribed and fit to the individual patient’s specific health condition. Any other or incorrect use could give rise to hazardous situations.

N3 Method – NAAV ★★★★★

I personally like this method, especially for part A Reading! With this, you:

  • Spend 8 minutes to prepare the summary of the 4 texts (A, B, C, D)
  • In the remaining 7 minutes, you will be able to answer all the 20 questions, easily!
  • In most cases, you will be the first to complete the Part A Reading!

Let’s check if this really works:

S Method – Speculation ★★

That’s the end of Reading!

MELONS OET LISTENING

At English Melon, we apply a very interesting training called Transcription. All you have to do is listen to the following audios and write down their text! Sounds bore? Never say so! This is a method trusted by thousands of candidates and most of the trainers.

Welcome to English Melon OET Listening Training. To complete the course successfully, you need to complete the following steps. It is very simple!

Step 1 – Check Your Present Score

Here is a sample Listening Test on YouTube. Open this link and complete your first Listening Test. If your score is above 33, you are already an expert. In that case, you can proceed to the Step 4 and complete as many sample tests. However, if your score is less than 30, you have to proceed to Step 2 and start writing transcriptions.

Step 2 – Mini Tests

Step 3 – Transcription With Answers

Why should you care?

  • Introduced by English Melon in 2019, Transcription Training is a favorite training tool of all the leading OET / IELTS trainers today.
  • Those who have undergone this training experience a sudden jump from C to B Score.

How to Transcribe?

  • Listen to the audio – play, pause, play, pause!
  • Write down the entire script on a paper.
  • After writing the Transcription Task, proceed to the Quiz below:

Start the Step 2 now:

Transcription 1 – Mumps

Transcription 2 – Life Span or Health Span

Step 4 – Transcription without Answers

Now, you have a set of audios of varying accents. Start Writing the transcription but remember, there are no answers for these.

Start the Step 3 now:

That’s the end of your Listening Training! Now, pick the first listening sample test and start answering! Let’s check the new score!

MELONS OET SPEAKING

We have an easier speaking criteria, known as “Melons”

  • M – Meeting
  • E – Enquiry
  • L – Listening with Empathy
  • O – Offering
  • N – Neutralizing
  • S – Summarizing

What’s Next?

You can be an expert in Speaking with a valuable book, OET Express written by me. Having a copy of the book simply means that you are going to score B in Speaking. Before buying, read a sample chapter of the book (Malayalam OR English) HERE!

Why Melons everywhere?

  • They are easy to remember
  • They are not so many in number
  • They are the most important
  • They are from Englishmelon!

Author:Biju John

Love for English begins with understanding its unknown rules. Biju John lives on the internet, teaching OET, IELTS and PTE. More than a million students have thanked him from their heart.

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