“I am writing about a patient” introduces a subject, but it does not tell the recipient why the letter has arrived. A useful opening gives the reader a clear reason to continue: a request, an update or a handover supported by the task information.
The introduction-writing section of Jobin Thomas’s Practical OET Grammar for Physiotherapists emphasises naming the purpose clearly and avoiding an overloaded opening. This guide develops that advice through original administrative practice. It does not prescribe clinical referrals or treatment.
Read the task before choosing an opening phrase
Identify the recipient and what they are expected to do with the letter. Are you giving information, asking for action or confirming an arrangement? A familiar phrase is only useful when it expresses the actual purpose.
“I am writing to update you…” and “I am writing to request…” perform different jobs. Do not choose one merely because you have memorised it. Write the purpose in ordinary words first, then turn it into a professional opening.
Original administrative task
Task: Write to the appointments coordinator asking them to confirm a revised appointment time for Alex Morgan. The new time has been proposed but not confirmed.
Focused opening: “I am writing to request confirmation of Alex Morgan’s revised appointment time.”
Changed purpose: “I am writing to confirm Alex Morgan’s revised appointment time.”
The second sentence suggests that the writer is providing confirmation. It changes the role of the letter.
Include identifying information that serves the reader
The reader needs to know who or what the letter concerns. Use the information provided in the task and include relevant identifiers where needed. Do not invent a date of birth, occupation or other detail to fill a memorised opening template.
Ask whether each detail helps identify the subject or explain the purpose. Background that does neither may belong later in the letter, or may not be relevant at all.
Keep the main action easy to find
An opening can become difficult to follow when several relative clauses and historical details separate the subject from the purpose. Read the sentence aloud and identify its main action. If it is buried, shorten the supporting detail or move it into the next paragraph.
There is no need to force every opening into one elaborate sentence. The goal of this practice is a clear introduction, not a particular sentence length or a fixed number of clauses.
Which opening states the requested action?
Task: Ask the administrator to send a copy of an attendance record.
Option A: “I am writing regarding an attendance record that exists in your office.”
Option B: “I am writing to request a copy of the attendance record.”
Answer: Option B identifies the action needed. Option A names the subject but leaves the purpose unclear.
Check the opening against the closing request
After drafting the letter, compare its first paragraph with its final request. They should work together. If the opening promises an update but the main purpose is an urgent administrative request, reconsider how you introduced it.
Do not add urgency unless the task supports it. “Please confirm…” and “Please confirm immediately…” place different expectations on the recipient. Small additions should preserve the original meaning.
Practise by writing three openings for three different purposes using the same fictional subject. Explore OET Grammar — Course 19 for the course connected to this source. For individual OET support, request one-to-one sessions on your preferred dates and times around work, with tutor availability confirmed.
Your next step
OET Grammar — Course 19
Explore the complete course outline and related practice topics.
Source: OET GRA PHY 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.