Which is the Most Difficult Part of OET and How to Crack it?
OET Writing continues to be the most challenging module for candidates—and for good reason. It tests English ability + clinical judgement within just 40 minutes.
Why Writing Feels So Hard
Here’s what makes Writing difficult (based on coaching + OETPRO performance data):
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Tone Control Required
You need a tone that is formal but compassionate.
Example mistake:
A nurse wrote: “Patient feeling rough.” ? too casual. -
Clinical Reasoning Needed
You must choose what to include from case notes.
E.g., In asthma cases, inhaler adjustments > minor cough details. -
Accuracy Matters
Wrong doses = immediate score drop. -
Cohesion Issues
Your letter must flow like a real clinical document. -
Time Pressure
5 minutes reading + 35 minutes writing/editing.
Structure of an Ideal OET Letter (Table)
| Section | What to Include | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | Purpose + patient summary | “I am writing to refer Mr. Hale for urgent cardiology review…” |
| Medical History | Relevant only | Diabetes, HTN—not hobbies |
| Current Condition | Symptoms, vital signs, test results | “BP 160/100 mmHg, chest pain on exertion.” |
| Request / Action Needed | What you want the recipient to do | “Kindly assess need for angiography.” |
| Closing | Polite request + availability | “Please contact me for further details.” |
How to Pass All OET Modules in 2025
The 2025 OET features new accents, an overall scoring system, digital test centers, and more real-life role-play tasks.
Here’s how to prepare module-wise.
Writing: Your Make-or-Break Module
Top Strategies
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Use a template
Helps structure your letter quickly. -
Prioritize 5–7 key case points
Avoid overloading your reader. -
Be clinically precise
Avoid vague terms ? use numbers and concrete data. -
Timed practice
35-minute writing drills daily. -
Use OETPRO AI feedback
It highlights tone, cohesion, grammar errors.
Listening: Handling New Accents (2025 Update)
You will now hear Canadian, Irish, British, and Australian accents.
How to Improve
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Listen to medical podcasts
Try: The Rounds Table, JAMA Clinical Reviews -
Use medical abbreviations during note-taking
HTN, SOB, wheeze, GI upset, etc. -
Predict answers by reading questions first.
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Practice MDT-style conversations (multidisciplinary team) a 2025 addition.
Reading: Fast Scanning + Inference Mastery
Quick Tips
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Part A: scanning
Practice finding keywords like dosage, contraindications. -
Part B & C: infer meaning
Look for implied messages—not only literal ones. -
Stay updated on digital health
New reading texts in 2025 feature telehealth, AI tools, and e-prescriptions.
Speaking: Often the Easiest
Speaking mirrors real hospital conversations.
What Works Best
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Show empathy
Use phrases like “I understand your concern…” -
Structure role-plays
Opening ? explanation ? checking understanding ? reassurance. -
Practice culturally sensitive communication
A new focus for 2025.
Pro Study Plan from 18 Years of Coaching
Follow this schedule for 6–8 weeks:
Weekly Study Breakdown
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Full mock test | 1 per week |
| Writing practice | 3–4 letters/week |
| Listening tests | 4–5 sessions |
| Reading drills | 3 sessions |
| Speaking partner/practice | 2–3 sessions |
| Vocabulary + grammar | Daily (15–20 min) |
Golden Rules
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Review errors daily
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Focus more on weak modules
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Use OETPRO for templates + instant AI scoring
2025 OET Updates You Must Know
New Features
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Overall score introduced
Range: 350–500 for grade B equivalency -
Faster results
8–10 business days -
More Canadian acceptance
Especially for NNAS, medical boards & provincial regulators -
More digital test centers
Especially in India, UAE, Philippines -
More diverse Listening accents
Real Success Example
A Malaysian nurse improved from C to B in Writing in 6 weeks, using:
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Templates
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Daily OETPRO drills
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Targeted coaching
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Tone correction
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Accuracy-based rewriting
She now works in Melbourne, earning her dream salary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the hardest part of OET?
Writing, because it requires clinical accuracy + formal tone + time management.
2. Which OET module is the easiest?
Speaking, because it feels similar to real patient communication.
3. How do I pass OET on the first attempt?
Daily practice (2 hours) + OETPRO mock tests + targeted feedback.
4. How long does OET preparation take?
6–8 weeks with consistent study.
5. Is scoring B in Writing easy?
Not easy, but absolutely achievable with templates & feedback.
6. Why did OET introduce an overall score in 2025?
To streamline registration and make results more meaningful.