The Occupational English Test (OET) is designed specifically for healthcare professionals who want to work or study in English-speaking countries. Among the four sub-tests, the Writing sub-test is especially important because it assesses your ability to write effective, professional healthcare letters.

To score well, candidates must demonstrate strong language skills, medical understanding, and knowledge of OET writing expectations. This guide provides clear explanations, structured tips, and practical examples to help you perform confidently in the OET Writing Test.

Understanding the OET Writing Sub-Test

The Writing task varies depending on your profession—such as Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Dentistry, or Pharmacy. You will write a professional letter (referral, discharge, transfer, or update) using given case notes.

Writing Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Reading Case Notes: First 5 minutes

• Writing the Letter: 40 minutes

• Word Count: 180–200 words (slightly above or below is acceptable)

? What the OET Writing Test Assesses

The sub-test evaluates six major criteria:

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TIP 1: Read and Analyze Case Notes Carefully

Case notes contain the information needed to write your letter—but not all details are equally important.

How to approach case notes:

• Identify the Purpose

  • Example: “Write a referral letter to the cardiologist.”

• Select Relevant Details Only

  • Choose facts connected to the patient’s condition and the recipient’s role.

• Group Information

  • Medical history

  • Current symptoms

  • Test results

  • Treatment so far

Practical Strategy

During the first 5 minutes:

• Highlight key points

• Group related items

• Make a quick outline

TIP 2: Learn the Correct Letter Format

A clear, professional structure helps you score high in Genre, Style, and Organization.

? Standard OET Letter Format

1. Recipient details (Name, title, address)

2. Date

3. Greeting (Dear Dr. Smith)

4. Subject line (Re: Mr. John Doe, 45 years old)

5. Introduction – Purpose + patient details

6. Body paragraphs – History, condition, test results, management

7. Request/Recommendation

8. Closing line

9. Sign-off (Yours sincerely / faithfully)

10. Your name + designation

TIP 3: State the Purpose Clearly in the First Sentence

The examiner should understand the purpose instantly.

Strong Example:

“I am writing to refer Mrs. Sarah Brown, a 62-year-old woman, for assessment and management of her newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.”

Weak Example:

“I am writing regarding Mrs. Sarah Brown who has some health concerns.”

TIP 4: Keep the Letter Clear and Concise

Irrelevant information reduces marks.

How to be concise:

• Include only what the recipient needs to act on

• Avoid repeating details

• Use short, efficient sentences

• Replace long phrases with shorter alternatives

Example:

• Wordy: “He has been experiencing pain in the chest region for the past two weeks.”

• Concise: “He has had chest pain for two weeks.”

TIP 5: Use Formal, Professional Tone

Your letter should resemble real healthcare communication.

What to include:

• Polite expressions

• Professional vocabulary

• No slang or overly casual language

Examples

Appropriate:
“I would appreciate your assessment of his persistent cough.”

Inappropriate:
“Please check him. His cough looks bad.”

TIP 6: Organize Information Logically

Use clear paragraphs for smooth flow.

? Suggested Structure

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TIP 7: Use Correct Grammar and Language

Focus Areas:

• Verb tenses (past for history, present for current symptoms)

• Subject-verb agreement

• Article usage (a, an, the)

• Clear sentence structure

• Correct medical vocabulary

Example:

Incorrect: “The patient have fever.”
Correct: “The patient has fever.”

TIP 8: Manage Your Time Smartly

Recommended Time Plan

Practice with a timer to improve speed and confidence.

TIP 9: Learn From Sample Letters and Feedback

How to improve quickly:

• Compare your letters with high-scoring samples

• Note differences in structure and tone

• Ask teachers or trainers for feedback

• Keep track of recurring mistakes

TIP 10: Practice Common OET Letter Types

Most common scenarios include:

Types of Letters

• Referral Letters ? To specialists or allied professionals

• Discharge Letters ? Summary + follow-up care

• Transfer Letters ? Moving patient to another facility

• Progress/Update Letters ? To GP or community service

Write at least one letter for each scenario to build confidence.

TIP 11: Avoid Common Mistakes

Mistakes that reduce scores:

• Including unnecessary or unrelated information

• Using overly complex or confusing language

• Not following the required format

• Writing far below or above 180–200 words

• Poor organization or unclear paragraphs

• Untidy handwriting in the paper test

TIP 12: Practice Regularly

Consistent practice is the most effective preparation method.

What to do:

• Write 2–3 letters per week

• Use official OET practice materials

• Time yourself

• Review your mistakes

• Join preparation courses if possible

In Summary (Quick Bullet Points)

• OET Writing involves writing a healthcare letter from case notes.

• The letter must be clear, formal, and well-structured.

• Include only relevant medical information.

• Tone should be professional and polite.

• Word count: 180–200 words.

• Time management is crucial.

• Practice with sample letters and get feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What do you have to do in the OET Writing sub-test?

Write a healthcare letter (referral, discharge, transfer, etc.) using given case notes.

2. How much time do you get?

45 minutes (5 minutes reading + 40 minutes writing).

3. What is the required word count?

180–200 words.

4. What does OET assess in Writing?

Purpose, Content, Clarity, Genre/Style, Organization, and Language.

5. Should I include all case notes?

No. Only what is relevant to the purpose.

6. What tone should I use?

Formal, respectful, and professional.

7. Can I use medical terms?

Yes, but appropriately for the recipient.

8. What mistakes should I avoid?

Irrelevant details, unclear writing, grammar errors, and exceeding word limits.

9. How can I improve quickly?

Practice with sample letters and get feedback.

10. Does handwriting matter?

Yes, in paper tests your writing must be clear and readable.