Are you a dedicated doctor aiming to take your medical career to English-speaking countries? If you are planning to work in places like the UK, Australia, or New Zealand, you likely know about the Occupational English Test (OET).

This specialised test is designed for healthcare professionals to ensure they can communicate effectively in professional medical settings.

The OET has four sub-tests: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. Among these, the Writing section is often seen as the most challenging.

It requires not only good grammar but also the ability to communicate clinical information clearly and appropriately. With the right preparation, this challenge can become one of your strongest skills.

In this detailed guide, we explore free OET writing practice specifically for doctors. You’ll find tips, strategies, and sample guidance to help you perform confidently.

Whether you're just starting your preparation or polishing your skills, this article will help you navigate the OET Writing sub-test with clarity.

What is the OET?

The Occupational English Test (OET) is an internationally recognised English test created specifically for healthcare professionals.

It assesses your ability to use English in clinical and medical contexts, ensuring safe and effective communication with patients and colleagues.

Doctors who want to work or register in English-speaking countries such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and some parts of the US and Canada often require OET scores.

Authorities like the General Medical Council (GMC) in the UK and AHPRA in Australia rely on OET to ensure proper language proficiency.

The test simulates real healthcare communication tasks. In 2025, OET will introduce an overall score in addition to sub-test grades, giving regulators a clearer picture of candidates' skills.

Results also arrive faster usually within 10 business days making the process smoother for applicants.

OET is more than an exam; it’s a stepping stone to global medical practice and professional confidence.

Why OET Writing Matters for Doctors

Clear medical writing is essential for patient safety and professional communication.

For international doctors, strong written English helps ensure clarity in referrals, discharge summaries, and medical reports.

A poorly written referral letter can lead to miscommunication, delayed diagnosis, or inappropriate treatment. In contrast, accurate documentation enhances teamwork and improves patient outcomes.

With the increasing use of electronic health records and telemedicine in 2025, precise written communication has become even more important.

Doing well in OET Writing prepares you for real-life clinical tasks and boosts your employability.

Understanding the OET Writing Sub-test

The OET Writing sub-test lasts 45 minutes and mirrors real professional tasks.

Doctors usually write referral, discharge, or transfer letters based on detailed case notes provided during the test.

You must turn the notes into a clear, professional, well-structured letter addressed to a specific healthcare professional.

Your performance is assessed using criteria such as:

• Purpose

• Content

• Conciseness and Clarity

• Genre and Style

• Grammar and Cohesion

• Spelling and Punctuation

Although the scoring system will update in 2025, the writing format remains the same, ensuring job-relevant assessments.

How to Start Free OET Writing Practice

Preparation should begin with the right resources. Fortunately, many free materials are available.

Start with official OET sample test materials, which include case notes and model answers.

Websites like oetpro.com offer free practice tasks designed specifically for doctors, including real-style scenarios and sample answers.

Print or download case notes and practice writing letters under timed conditions. After writing, compare your work with high-quality samples.

Joining online OET groups or study communities builds support, motivation, and feedback opportunities.

How to Create an Excellent OET Writing Task

Strong OET Writing performance depends on structure, clarity, and relevance.

Start by analysing case notes for 5–7 minutes. Highlight key details such as patient demographics, history, symptoms, examination findings, diagnosis, and plan.

Spend 3–5 minutes outlining your letter structure. Organise logically—either chronologically or by theme.

Use clear, formal, and clinical language in your letter. Each paragraph should have a specific purpose.

End with a professional sign-off and use the final 2–3 minutes for proofreading.

With consistent practice, this structured approach becomes automatic.

Key Areas to Focus on in OET Writing Practice

While practising, concentrate on:

Language proficiency: Use medical vocabulary correctly and write with variety and precision.
Task completion: Address every relevant case-note detail without adding unnecessary information.
Clarity: Keep sentences concise, avoid repetition, and use the active voice where possible.
Professional tone: Maintain formal language and show respect and cooperation in your writing.

These elements make your writing clinically accurate and professionally appropriate.

Learning from Sample OET Writing Answers

Sample answers are extremely helpful for understanding excellence.

Strong model letters are well-structured, concise, and cover all necessary case details.

For example, a referral for a suspected diabetic patient might start with:
“I am referring Mrs Jane Doe, a 52-year-old teacher, who presented with polyuria and persistent fatigue.”

Good samples demonstrate smooth paraphrasing, logical ideas, and accurate grammar.

Compare your letters to these models to identify gaps and improve.

Importance of Feedback and Self-Evaluation

After each practice, evaluate your letter based on official criteria.

Check grammar, clarity, relevance, and professional style.

Seek feedback from mentors, study partners, or OET-focused platforms. External feedback exposes weaknesses you might overlook.

For more structured improvement, expert review services are also available.

Making OET Writing Practice More Engaging

Use role-play techniques to make practice interactive.

Pretend you’re writing letters in a busy clinic or emergency room. This helps improve speed and relevance.

Practise with different types of cases—paediatric, geriatric, chronic conditions, mental health, etc.

Use timers to simulate test conditions and track progress to stay motivated.

The Power of Consistent Practice

Consistency is the key to OET Writing success.

Practise 30–60 minutes daily or at least several times a week.

Aim to write 20–30 practice letters before your test date.

Regular writing increases confidence, speed, and accuracy, reducing exam-day stress.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Doctors commonly face challenges such as:

Time pressure: Practise timed writing sessions.
Grammar issues: Review common errors like tenses, articles, and punctuation.
Medical vocabulary: Read English medical articles to build relevant vocabulary.
Handwriting or typing: Practise writing clearly or typing faster depending on your test format.
Anxiety: Use short relaxation exercises before starting practice sessions.

Addressing these problems early ensures smoother progress.

Final Thoughts

For doctors wishing to work internationally, the OET Writing sub-test is a crucial milestone.

With structured practice, free resources, and consistent effort, you can master this skill.

The 2025 updates make OET results faster and clearer, so now is a perfect time to prepare with confidence.

Stay focused, practise regularly, and trust in your ability to succeed. Your success in OET Writing is the gateway to a rewarding global medical career.