Lesson 10 – OET Writing: Problem → Action Sentences

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New Skills

  • ✅ Identify problem → action pairs in short clinical extracts (e.g., adverse effect → management step).
  • ✅ Convert case notes into concise OET-style sentences using the pattern:
    “The patient developed X after Y, so Z was done.”
  • ✅ Paraphrase verbs (developed, experienced, reported, advised, discontinued, referred).

Reviewed Skills

  • ✅ Scanning medical texts for key details (dose, frequency, side effects, warnings).
  • ✅ Using precise medical vocabulary for problems and actions.
  • ✅ Linking cause and effect with after and so.
  • ✅ Writing in professional, factual past tense.

WordSimple definitionExample
developbegin to show a symptomThe patient developed dizziness after taking atenolol.
discontinuestop a medicationAmoxicillin was discontinued due to swelling.
withholdpause a medication temporarilyMetformin was withheld pending review.
adviserecommend a course of actionThe patient was advised not to drive while drowsy.
refersend to a specialist/serviceHe was referred to Cardiology after fainting.
monitorwatch closelyBP was monitored after the dizziness occurred.
adverse effectunwanted reaction to a treatmentNausea is a common adverse effect.
allergic reactionbody’s immune response causing rash/swellingA rash may indicate an allergic reaction.

Look at the following questions and answer:

  1. Why are short, factual sentences important in medical writing?
  2. In the model sentence below, which part shows the problem and which shows the action?
    • “The patient developed a rash after starting amoxicillin, so the drug was discontinued immediately.”
  3. Repeat the model sentence aloud, keeping the professional tone.

(Show four pictures: rash, stomach pain, dizziness, drowsiness.)

🎲 Let’s play a memory game

Read the following mini case

Mr. Lewis was prescribed ibuprofen 400 mg for back pain. On day 2, he developed stomach discomfort, so he was advised to take it with food.

Hide it after 20 seconds.

Students recall the problem and action, then try to reconstruct a sentence in the pattern.

Compare with model answer.

Repeat with another case, timing shorter each round.

Step 1: Introduce the Sentence Pattern

Write on the board:
The patient + developed/experienced/reported + symptom + after + treatment, so + action.

Step 2: Teacher Model (Amoxicillin)

Read aloud extract, underline problem and action.
Write model sentences with class.

Extract 1 – Amoxicillin (Model)

Mr. Brown was prescribed Amoxicillin 500 mg tds for a chest infection. After the first few doses, he reported nausea, so he was advised to take it with meals. On day 3, he developed a rash with swelling, so the amoxicillin was discontinued immediately.

Model Answers:

  1. The patient developed nausea after starting amoxicillin, so he was advised to take it with meals.
  2. The patient developed a rash with swelling after starting amoxicillin, so the drug was discontinued immediately.

Work as a class on Extract 2. Students identify two problems + two actions, then build sentences. Compare with model answers.

Extract 2 – DrowsyLyn

Ms. Patel (29) was prescribed DrowsyLyn 10 ml every 6 hours for cough. After the first doses, she experienced drowsiness, so she was advised not to drive. Later, she complained of dizziness, so she was advised to rest and avoid machinery.

Model Answers:

  1. The patient developed drowsiness after starting DrowsyLyn, so she was advised not to drive.
  2. The patient developed dizziness after taking DrowsyLyn, so she was advised to rest and avoid operating machinery.

Students complete Extracts 3–8 individually (12 sentences total). Pair-check answers, then teacher feedback.

Extract 3 – Atenolol

Mr. White (60) started Atenolol 50 mg daily for hypertension. Within a week, he developed dizziness, so the GP monitored his BP. A few days later, he had a fainting episode, so the atenolol was stopped and he was referred to Cardiology.

Answers:

  1. The patient developed dizziness after starting atenolol, so his blood pressure was monitored.
  2. The patient fainted after taking atenolol, so the medication was stopped and he was referred to Cardiology.

Extract 4 – Fluconazole

Ms. Khan (45) was prescribed Fluconazole 150 mg weekly. After the first capsule, she reported stomach pain, so she was advised to avoid alcohol. Two days later, she developed severe abdominal pain, so she was told to contact her healthcare provider immediately.

Answers:

  1. The patient developed stomach pain after starting fluconazole, so she was advised to avoid alcohol.
  2. The patient developed severe abdominal pain after taking fluconazole, so she was told to contact her healthcare provider immediately.

Extract 5 – Ibuprofen

Mr. Green (52) was prescribed Ibuprofen 400 mg every 8 hours for back pain. On day 2, he experienced stomach discomfort, so he was told to take the tablets with food. On day 3, he developed black stools, so he was sent for urgent medical review.

Answers:

  1. The patient developed stomach discomfort after taking ibuprofen, so he was advised to take it with food.
  2. The patient developed black stools after taking ibuprofen, so he was referred for urgent medical review.

Extract 6 – Cetirizine

Ms. Jones (34) started Cetirizine 10 mg daily for hay fever. On the first evening, she felt drowsy, so she was advised to avoid driving. A few days later, she reported a dry mouth, so she was encouraged to increase fluids.

Answers:

  1. The patient developed drowsiness after starting cetirizine, so she was advised not to drive.
  2. The patient developed a dry mouth after taking cetirizine, so she was encouraged to increase her fluid intake.

Extract 7 – Metformin

Mr. Ahmed (55) was commenced on Metformin 500 mg bd for type 2 diabetes. Soon after, he experienced diarrhoea, so he was told to take the tablets with meals. At follow-up, he reported abdominal cramps, so the GP considered a dose review and referral to the Diabetes Nurse.

Answers:

  1. The patient developed diarrhoea after starting metformin, so he was advised to take it with meals.
  2. The patient developed abdominal cramps while on metformin, so the GP considered a dose review and referral.

Extract 8 – Ciprofloxacin

Ms. Li (38) was discharged with Ciprofloxacin 500 mg every 12 hours × 5 days. On day 2, she developed dizziness, so she was advised to take the tablets with plenty of water. Later, she reported skin sensitivity in sunlight, so she was told to avoid direct sun exposure.

Answers:

  1. The patient developed dizziness after starting ciprofloxacin, so she was advised to take it with plenty of water.
  2. The patient developed skin sensitivity after taking ciprofloxacin, so she was advised to avoid direct sunlight.

What did you learn?

Which words showed the problem? Which words showed the action?

Why is this style of writing useful in discharge and case notes?

Student reflection: pick one sentence you wrote and improve it by making it shorter but still clear.

Write 4 new Problem → Action sentences using cases from your own clinical experience OR create new examples (different drugs/symptoms).

Record a 1-minute audio reading two of your sentences aloud.

Submit for teacher feedback on tone, accuracy, and clarity.

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