The Occupational English Test (OET) is a specialized English language proficiency test designed for healthcare professionals seeking to work or study in English-speaking environments. 

The writing sub-test, in particular, is a critical component for candidates, as it assesses their ability to communicate effectively in a professional healthcare context. Scoring well in the OET writing section requires a combination of language proficiency, clinical knowledge, and an understanding of the test’s expectations. 

This article provides a comprehensive guide to mastering the OET writing sub-test, offering practical tips, strategies, and examples to help candidates achieve their desired scores. With a focus on clarity, structure, and professional communication, the following sections will cover everything you need to know to excel in OET writing.

Understanding the OET Writing Sub-Test

The OET writing sub-test is tailored to the candidate’s specific healthcare profession, such as nursing, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or physiotherapy, among others. The task typically involves writing a professional letter, such as a referral, discharge, or transfer letter, based on a set of case notes that have been provided. 

The letter must be written in 45 minutes, with the first 5 minutes allocated for reading the case notes and the remaining 40 minutes for writing. The expected word count is between 180 and 200 words, though slight variations are acceptable.

The writing sub-test assesses six criteria:

1. Purpose: The clarity and immediacy of the letter’s purpose.

2. Content: The inclusion of relevant and accurate information from the case notes.

3. Conciseness and Clarity: The ability to present information clearly without unnecessary details.

4. Genre and Style: The use of appropriate professional tone and style.

5. Organization and Layout: The logical structure and format of the letter.

6. Language: The accuracy and appropriateness of grammar, vocabulary, and syntax.

To succeed, candidates must strike a balance between clinical accuracy and linguistic precision while adhering to the conventions of professional letter writing. Below are detailed tips to address each aspect of the writing task.

Tip 1: Analyze the Case Notes Thoroughly

The case notes provided in the OET writing task are the foundation of your letter. They contain all the information you need to construct a coherent and relevant response. However, not all details in the case notes are equally important. Here’s how to approach them:

• Identify the Purpose: The case notes typically include a prompt that specifies the purpose of the letter (e.g., “Write a referral letter to a specialist”). Read this carefully to understand the recipient and the reason for writing.

• Prioritize Relevant Information: Focus on details that are directly relevant to the recipient’s role and the patient’s condition. For example, in a referral letter to a cardiologist, prioritize cardiac-related symptoms, test results, and medical history over unrelated details, such as the patient’s occupation, unless explicitly relevant.

• Group Information Logically: Organize the case notes into categories such as medical history, current symptoms, test results, and management plans. This helps you structure your letter effectively.

Example: If the case notes describe a patient with chest pain, a history of hypertension, and recent ECG results, prioritize the chest pain symptoms, relevant medical history (e.g., hypertension), and ECG findings in your letter to a cardiologist.

Practical Strategy: During the 5-minute reading time, underline or highlight key details in the case notes. Create a mental or quick written outline to group related information, ensuring you don’t miss critical points when writing.

Tip 2: Master the Letter Format

The OET writing task requires candidates to follow a professional letter format. While the exact format may vary slightly depending on the profession or recipient, the following structure is standard for most OET letters:

• Recipient’s Details: Include the recipient’s name, title, and address at the top left of the letter.

• Date: Use the format provided in the case notes (e.g., 5 June 2025).

• Salutation: Address the recipient formally (e.g., “Dear Dr. Smith” or “Dear Physiotherapist”). If the recipient’s name is not provided, use a generic title like “Dear Case Manager.”

• Subject Line: Include a concise subject line, such as “Referral of Mr. John Doe for Cardiology Assessment.”

• Introduction: State the purpose of the letter and provide a brief overview of the patient (e.g., name, age, and reason for writing).

• Body Paragraphs: Organize the content into 2–3 paragraphs, covering medical history, current condition, and requested actions or recommendations.

• Closing: End with a polite closing statement, such as “Please contact me if you require further information.”

• Sign-off: Use a formal sign-off like “Yours sincerely” (if the recipient’s name is known) or “Yours faithfully” (if unknown), followed by your name and professional title.

Example:

Dr. Emily Carter  

Cardiology Department  

City Hospital  

123 Main Street  

Sydney, NSW 2000  

 

5 June 2025  

Dear Dr. Carter,  

Re: Mr. John Doe, 45 years old  

I am writing to refer Mr. John Doe, a 45-year-old male, for your assessment and management of his recent chest pain and abnormal ECG findings.  

[Body paragraphs continue…]  

 

Yours sincerely,  

Jane Smith  

Registered Nurse 

Practical Strategy: Memorize a standard letter template before the exam. Practice writing letters with different recipients (e.g., specialists, general practitioners, or allied health professionals) to become comfortable with variations in tone and content.

Tip 3: Clarify the Purpose Early

The OET assesses how clearly and immediately the purpose of your letter is communicated. The Introduction should explicitly state why you are writing and what you expect from the recipient. Avoid vague or overly general openings.

Example of a Strong Introduction: “I am writing to refer Mrs. Sarah Brown, a 62-year-old female, to your endocrinology clinic for further evaluation and management of her newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.”

Example of a Weak Introduction: “I am writing about Mrs. Sarah Brown, who has some health issues.”

The substantial Introduction is specific, mentions the recipient’s role (endocrinology clinic), and outlines the purpose (evaluation and management of diabetes). The weak Introduction is vague and fails to clarify the purpose.

Practical Strategy: Practice writing introductions for different scenarios, ensuring the purpose is clear within the first sentence. Use phrases like “I am writing to refer,” “I am requesting,” or “I am providing an update” to signal the letter’s intent.

Tip 4: Be Concise and Relevant

The OET writing task penalizes candidates for including irrelevant or excessive details. With a word limit of 180–200 words, every sentence must contribute to the letter’s purpose. Here’s how to achieve conciseness:

• Select Key Details: Only include information from the case notes that the recipient needs to know. For example, in a discharge letter, please focus on the patient’s hospital stay, treatment outcomes, and follow-up care rather than their entire medical history.

• Avoid Repetition: Do not repeat information across paragraphs unless it serves a specific purpose (e.g., emphasizing a critical symptom).

• Use Precise Language: Choose words that convey information efficiently. For example, instead of “The patient is experiencing pain in the chest area,” write “The patient reports chest pain.”

Example: Wordy: “Mr. Doe has been suffering from a condition where he feels pain in his chest, which started approximately two weeks ago and has been occurring on and off.”
Concise: “Mr. Doe reports intermittent chest pain for two weeks.”

Practical Strategy: After writing a draft, review it to eliminate redundant phrases or irrelevant details. Aim to convey the maximum amount of relevant information in the fewest words possible.

Tip 5: Use Appropriate Tone and Style

The OET writing task requires a formal, professional tone that reflects the communication style of healthcare professionals. Avoid overly casual language, colloquialisms, or overly complex medical jargon that may confuse the recipient.

• Formal Language: Use polite and professional phrases, such as “I would appreciate your assistance” or “Please advise on further management.”

• Profession-Specific Tone: Tailor the tone to the recipient. For example, a letter to a specialist can include technical medical terms, while a letter to a patient’s family member should use simpler language.

• Politeness: Always maintain a courteous tone, even when requesting urgent action. For example, “I kindly request your urgent assessment” is better than “You need to assess this patient immediately.”

Example: Appropriate: “I am referring Mr. Doe to your care for further investigation of his persistent cough and abnormal chest X-ray findings.”
Inappropriate: “Mr. Doe’s got a bad cough, and his X-ray looks weird, so please check him out.”

Practical Strategy: Read sample OET letters or real-world medical correspondence to familiarize yourself with the appropriate tone—practice rewriting casual sentences into formal ones.

Tip 6: Organize Information Logically

A well-organized letter enhances readability and ensures the recipient can quickly understand the patient’s situation. Structure the body of the letter into 2–3 paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of the case.

• Paragraph 1: Background and Medical History: Summarize the patient’s relevant medical history and context for the letter.

• Paragraph 2: Current Condition and Management: Describe the patient’s current symptoms, test results, and any treatments provided.

• Paragraph 3: Request or Recommendations: Specify what you are asking the recipient to do, such as further tests, specialist management, or follow-up care.

Example Structure:

[Introduction]  

I am writing to refer Ms. Jane Roe, a 55-year-old female, to your respiratory clinic for evaluation of her chronic shortness of breath.  

[Paragraph 1: Medical History]  

Ms. Roe has a history of asthma diagnosed in 2010, managed with salbutamol as needed. She is a non-smoker with no known allergies.  

 

[Paragraph 2: Current Condition]  

For the past three months, Ms. Roe has reported increasing shortness of breath, particularly on exertion, and a persistent dry cough. A recent spirometry test showed reduced FEV1. She was prescribed a trial of inhaled corticosteroids with minimal improvement.  

 

[Paragraph 3: Request]  

I kindly request your assessment to determine the cause of her symptoms and recommend an appropriate management plan. Please advise on further diagnostic tests or treatment options.  

 

[Closing]  

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please get in touch with me if you require any further information. 

Practical Strategy: Practice outlining letters based on sample case notes, ensuring each paragraph has a clear focus. Use transitional phrases like “In addition,” “Furthermore,” or “Therefore” to connect ideas smoothly.

Tip 7: Master Language Accuracy

The OET writing sub-test evaluates grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. Standard errors, such as incorrect verb tense, article misuse, or inappropriate word choice, can lower your score. Here are key areas to focus on:

• Grammar: Use correct verb tenses (e.g., past tense for medical history, present tense for current symptoms). Ensure subject-verb agreement and proper use of articles (a, an, the).

• Vocabulary: Use precise medical terminology when appropriate, but avoid jargon that may confuse non-specialist recipients. For example, use “hypertension” instead of “high blood pressure” in a letter to a doctor, but simplify for a social worker.

• Sentence Structure: Vary sentence length to improve readability, but keep sentences clear and concise. Avoid overly complex sentences that may lead to errors.

Example: Incorrect: “Patient has complained of chest pain for two weeks.”
Correct: “The patient has been complaining of chest pain for two weeks.”

Practical Strategy: Practice writing sentences with standard medical terms and have them reviewed by a teacher or native speaker. Use grammar-checking tools like Grammarly to identify errors in practice drafts.

Tip 8: Practice Time Management

With only 40 minutes to write the letter, time management is critical. Here’s a suggested breakdown:

• 5 minutes: Read and analyze the case notes, underlining key details.

• 5 minutes: Plan the letter, outlining the Introduction, body paragraphs, and Closing.

• 25 minutes: Write the letter, focusing on clarity and structure.

• 5 minutes: Review and edit for grammar, spelling, and relevance.

Practical Strategy: Simulate exam conditions by practicing with timed writing tasks. Use official OET practice materials or sample case notes to build speed and confidence.

Tip 9: Use Sample Letters and Feedback

Reviewing high-scoring sample letters is an excellent way to understand what the OET examiners expect. Official OET resources and reputable preparation courses provide sample letters with commentary on their strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, seek feedback on your practice letters from teachers, peers, or OET preparation tutors to identify areas for improvement.

Practical Strategy: After writing a practice letter, compare it to a sample letter. Note differences in structure, tone, and content, and revise your letter accordingly. Keep a log of common errors to track your progress.

Tip 10: Prepare for Common Scenarios

The OET writing task often involves common healthcare scenarios, such as referring a patient to a specialist, updating a general practitioner on a patient’s hospital stay, or requesting community support for a patient. Familiarize yourself with these scenarios and practice writing letters for each.

Common Scenarios:

• Referral Letters: To specialists (e.g., cardiologist, endocrinologist) or allied health professionals (e.g., physiotherapist, dietitian).

• Discharge Letters: Summarizing a patient’s hospital stay and outlining follow-up care.

• Transfer Letters: Detailing a patient’s condition for transfer to another facility.

• Update Letters: Providing progress updates to a general practitioner or other healthcare provider.

Practical Strategy: Create a checklist for each scenario, noting the key information to include (e.g., medical history, test results, requested actions)—practice writing at least one letter for each type.

Tip 11: Avoid Common Pitfalls

Many candidates lose marks due to avoidable mistakes. Here are common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

• Including Irrelevant Details: Stick to information relevant to the recipient and purpose. For example, avoid mentioning a patient’s job history unless it impacts their condition.

• Overcomplicating Language: Use clear, professional language rather than overly complex terms to sound impressive.

• Ignoring the Word Limit: Writing significantly more or less than 180–200 words can affect your score. Aim for the target range.

• Poor Handwriting: If taking the paper-based OET, ensure your handwriting is legible, as examiners will not score content that is illegible.

Practical Strategy: Review your practice letters for these issues and create a checklist to ensure you address them during the exam.

Tip 12: Build Confidence with Practice

Consistent practice is the key to success in the OET writing sub-test. Set a study schedule that includes writing at least 2–3 practice letters per week, covering different professions and scenarios. Use official OET practice materials or reputable online resources to access realistic case notes.

Practical Strategy: Join an OET preparation course or study group to receive structured feedback and guidance. Regularly simulate exam conditions to build confidence and reduce anxiety.

Mastering the OET writing sub-test requires a combination of clinical knowledge, language proficiency, and strategic preparation. By carefully analyzing case notes, following a professional letter format, and practicing regularly, candidates can enhance their ability to write clear, concise, and practical letters. Focus on clarity, relevance, and organization while maintaining a formal tone and accurate language. With dedication and the right strategies, you can achieve a high score in the OET writing sub-test and move closer to your goal of working or studying in an English-speaking healthcare environment.

Summary Points:

1. OET Writing requires crafting a healthcare-specific letter using case notes.
   
   

2. The letter must follow a formal, structured format with a clear purpose.
   
   

3. Only include relevant medical information to maintain conciseness.
   
   

4. Language must be grammatically accurate and professionally toned.
   
   

5. Consistent practice under timed conditions is essential for success.
   
   

 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

1. What is the task in the OET Writing sub-test?
   You are required to write a letter (e.g., referral, discharge, or transfer) based on case notes relevant to your profession.
   
   

2. How much time is given for the writing task?
   You have 45 minutes: 5 minutes for reading and 40 minutes for writing.
   
   

3. What is the ideal word count for the letter?
   The letter should be between 180 and 200 words in length.
   
   

4. What are the main criteria for scoring in OET Writing?
   Purpose, Content, Conciseness & Clarity, Genre & Style, Organization & Layout, and Language.
   
   

5. Should I include every detail from the case notes?
   No, only include relevant and necessary information for the recipient.
   
   

6. What tone should I use in the letter?
   Always maintain a formal and professional tone appropriate for a healthcare setting.
   
   

7. Can I use medical terminology in my letter?
   Yes, but use precise and professional-appropriate terminology suitable for the recipient.
   
   

8. What common mistakes should I avoid?
   Avoid irrelevant details, overly complex language, grammar mistakes, and poor organization.
   
   

9. How can I improve my writing skills for the test?
   Practice with sample letters, get feedback, and follow a structured study plan.

10. Is handwriting important in the paper-based test?
    Yes, illegible handwriting can lower your score, so ensure that your handwriting is clear.