Information may come from a person's account, an earlier document or a measurement taken during the visit. A clear letter does not make every detail look as though it was observed in the same way.
The first case in The Band A OET Pharmacy Writing Guide explicitly separates self-reported information from a measurement recorded that day. This guide focuses on source attribution.
Use reporting language where it matters
“Reports,” “states” and “according to” can identify the source without adding doubt or judgement. Choose a simple form and avoid repeatedly inserting it where the source remains obvious.
Original learning example
Notes: Learner reports practising for 30 minutes daily; tutor observed one ten-minute exercise today.
Accurate: “She reports practising for 30 minutes daily. During today's session, the tutor observed a ten-minute exercise.”
Avoid upgrading a report into verification
“The tutor confirmed daily practice” would require evidence beyond the learner's statement. Do not add verification simply because the statement appears in formal notes.
Revise the source claim
Given: Learner says the previous file was submitted.
Revision: “The learner reports submitting the previous file.”
“The submission was verified” adds a check that is not recorded.
Check joined sentences
When a reported fact and a directly documented fact share one sentence, ensure the attribution does not accidentally cover both.
For practice, label three source types in your notes before drafting. The final paragraph should remain readable while making important differences in evidence clear.
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OET Writing for Pharmacists — Course 4
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Source: OET PHA WR 01.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.