An unavailable result tells you that information is missing. It does not tell you what that result will show.
The first case in OET Medicine Writing Simplified: Fifty Practice Letters for Success includes a pending investigation. This guide practises preserving status using an administrative example.
Distinguish the stages
Requested, submitted, pending and received describe different stages. A completed request does not necessarily mean a result is available.
Original example
Notes: Application submitted; decision pending.
Accurate: “The application has been submitted, and a decision is awaited.”
Unsupported: “The application was rejected.”
Keep the gap visible when relevant
If the recipient needs to know that a result is outstanding, say so. Do not omit the status simply because it is less definite than the other information.
Choose the faithful summary
Given: Confirmation not yet received.
Faithful: “Confirmation is still awaited.”
Unfaithful: “The request has been declined.”
Check the next action separately
The notes may specify who will follow up. Preserve that action without inventing when a result will arrive or what it will be.
Review one draft for statements about results and decisions. Label each as confirmed, pending or requested, then compare the wording with the notes. This helps prevent uncertainty from disappearing during paraphrase.
Explore OET Writing for Doctors — Course 9 to see the course outline, current availability and enrolment options. Use the worked exercise above to identify a skill you would like to practise next.
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OET Writing for Doctors — Course 9
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Source: OET Meds WR - 259.epub, Jobins Training. Examples labelled original or illustrative were written for this article. Independent exam preparation; no affiliation with or endorsement by the examining body. Practice does not predict an official score.