An event log records what happened in sequence. A handover helps the next person understand the present position and the relevant next action. The two forms do not always need the same level of detail.
The third writing task in Radiography OET Writing Task Practice Book contains a sequence of events followed by instructions for a later colleague. This guide practises organisation with an administrative scenario.
Begin with the current position
Identify what is outstanding and why the recipient is receiving the letter. Then include the events that explain that position.
Original administrative example
Log: Upload started; connection failed; retry unsuccessful; learner notified; technical review requested.
Handover summary: “The upload remains incomplete after two unsuccessful attempts. The learner has been notified, and a technical review has been requested.”
Retain timestamps when they matter
Do not remove times automatically. Keep a time if it determines a deadline, sequence or action the recipient needs to understand. Remove repetitive timing that adds no useful distinction.
What should the next reader know?
They need to distinguish completed communication from the outstanding technical review. A long account of each click would not establish that distinction more clearly.
Make responsibility and status visible
If the notes identify who must act next, preserve that information. A request for review is not proof that a reviewer has accepted it.
Practise reducing a fictional five-event log to three sentences: current position, relevant explanation and outstanding action. Check that the shorter version retains every detail necessary for the handover purpose.
Explore OET Writing for Radiographers — Course 1 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 Radiographers — Course 1
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Source: OET RAD WR 001.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.