Understanding the OET Writing Sub-test

The OET Writing sub-test is a 45-minute task where you’ll be given a set of case notes. From these notes, you’ll need to write a letter, typically a referral letter, to another healthcare professional. Your letter must be concise, accurate, and organized, focusing only on the information relevant to the recipient.

Key Assessment Criteria:

The OET examiners evaluate your writing based on several key criteria:

• Overall Task Fulfillment: Did you address all parts of the prompt and write the correct type of letter?

• Clarity and Conciseness: Is your letter easy to read and free of unnecessary information?

• Grammar and Vocabulary: Do you use accurate grammar, spelling, and professional vocabulary?

• Organization and Layout: Is your letter well-structured with clear paragraphs and a logical flow?

• Tone and Register: Is the tone of your letter appropriate and professional?
  
  

Essential Techniques for OET Writing Success

1. The 5-Minute Rule: Plan, Don’t Panic!

Before you even begin writing, dedicate the first 5 minutes to a thorough analysis of the case notes.

• Identify the Recipient: Who are you writing to? A doctor, a nurse, a physiotherapist? This will determine the level of detail and professional jargon you use.

• Determine the Purpose: Why are you writing this letter? Is it a referral, a transfer, a discharge summary, or a request for a follow-up?

• Highlight Relevant Information: Use a highlighter or a pen to mark the key information from the case notes. Filter out irrelevant details like a patient’s personal hobbies or old, unrelated medical history. Focus on the patient’s presenting condition, relevant medical history, and current treatment plan.
  
  

2. Structure Your Letter with a Clear Framework

A well-structured letter is a clear letter. Follow this standard framework:

• Date: (Top right corner)

• Recipient’s Name and Address: (Top left corner)

• Salutation: (e.g., Dear Dr. Smith,)

• Introduction Paragraph:

  • State the patient’s full name and age.

  • Clearly state the purpose of the letter (e.g., “I am writing to refer Mr. John Doe, a 65-year-old patient, who requires your urgent assessment regarding a recent fall.”)

• Body Paragraphs (The “Triage”):

  • Organize the body of your letter logically. Start with the most important and recent information.

  • Use separate paragraphs for different aspects of the case (e.g., Presenting Condition, Medical History, Treatment in Hospital, Discharge Plan).

  • Use transition words to ensure a smooth flow (e.g., “On admission,” “Following this,” “Currently,” “Therefore”).

• Conclusion Paragraph:

  • Summarize the key action required from the recipient (e.g., “Your further investigation and management of his persistent cough would be greatly appreciated.”)

  • Offer to provide more information if needed.

• Closing:

  • Yours sincerely, (if you know the recipient’s name)

  • Yours faithfully, (if you don’t know the recipient’s name)

• Your Name and Title: (e.g., Dr. Jane Williams, General Practitioner)
  
  

3. Master the Art of Professional Language

• Avoid Slang and Jargon: Use formal, professional language. Instead of “the patient’s got a bad cough,” write “the patient is presenting with a persistent cough.”

• Use Conditionals and Modals: To sound more professional and less assertive, use words like could, would, should, and may. For example, “It is recommended that he should receive regular monitoring.”

• Active vs. Passive Voice: While a mix of both is good, using the passive voice can often sound more formal and objective, especially when describing procedures. (e.g., “The patient was admitted to the emergency department.”)

• Conciseness is Key: Avoid repetition. Combine sentences where possible to make your writing more fluid. For example, instead of “The patient has a history of diabetes. He has also been diagnosed with hypertension,” write “The patient has a history of both diabetes and hypertension.”

Sample Templates to Get You Started

Here are some phrases and structures you can adapt for different sections of your letter.

Introduction (Referral Letter)

• “I am writing to refer Ms. Jane Doe, a 45-year-old patient, who requires your urgent assessment and management for her fractured ankle.”

• “This letter is a referral for Mr. Robert Brown, a 72-year-old, who has been under my care for a recent myocardial infarction and requires your ongoing cardiology follow-up.”

Body Paragraphs (Describing Symptoms)

• “The patient presented to the clinic on [Date] complaining of [symptoms].”

• “On examination, it was noted that [findings].”

• “His medical history is significant for [conditions].”

• “Following the administration of [medication], his condition has shown some improvement.”

Conclusion (Action Required)

• “I would be grateful for your expert opinion and further management of this case.”

• “Your ongoing care and supervision of his recovery would be greatly appreciated.”

• “Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.”
  
  

Final Tips for Success

• Practice, Practice, Practice: The best way to improve is to write. Use authentic OET sample tests to practice planning and writing under timed conditions.

• Proofread Carefully: Dedicate the last few minutes to checking for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. A simple mistake can cost you valuable marks.

• Focus on Relevance: Always ask yourself: “Is this information necessary for the recipient to understand the case and take the appropriate action?” If the answer is no, leave it out.