OET Writing

Understanding the OET Writing Sub-test

The OET Writing sub-test is profession-specific. You’ll receive case notes about a patient and must write a letter to another healthcare professional or facility. This tests your ability to communicate clinical information effectively in writing.

OET on Computer vs. Paper

• Editing: The computer version allows for easier editing (cutting and pasting) during the 40-minute writing block.
• Results Timeline: Results for OET on Computer are typically released within 10 business days, compared to 17 business days for the paper-based version.

Task Format

Component

Details

Time

45 minutes

Task

Write ONE letter

Word count

180-200 words recommended

Materials

Case notes + writing task instructions

Letter Types

• Referral letter: Referring patient to specialist/service
• Discharge letter: Informing GP of hospital discharge
• Transfer letter: Transferring care to another facility
• Information letter: Providing an update or information

Profession-Specific Tasks

While the format is similar, tasks are tailored: - Nursing: Often to GPs, other nurses, care facilities - Medicine: To specialists, GPs, hospitals - Other professions: To relevant healthcare professionals

Assessment Criteria

Your letter is assessed on 6 criteria:

Purpose (0–3 points): Is the reason for the letter immediately apparent?

Content (0–7 points): Is the necessary information included and accurate?

Conciseness & Clarity (0–7 points): Have you omitted irrelevant data to make the letter clear?

Genre & Style (0–7 points): Is the tone, register, and use of abbreviations appropriate?

Organization & Layout (0–7 points): Is the structure logical and the layout professional?

Language (0–7 points): Does the grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and punctuation facilitate communication?

(Total: 38 points)

Letter Structure Template

Opening

Salutation: - “Dear Dr. [Name],” (if name given) - “Dear Doctor,” (if no name) - “Dear Sir/Madam,” (if unknown)

First paragraph - Purpose and patient introduction: “I am writing to refer/inform you about/request [purpose] for [patient name], a [age]-year-old [occupation/relevant detail] who [brief reason].”

Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 2 - Background/History: - Relevant medical history - Current condition/reason for presentation - Onset and progression

Paragraph 3 - Assessment/Findings: - Current symptoms - Examination findings - Test results (if relevant)

Paragraph 4 - Treatment/Management: - What has been done - Current medications - Patient’s response

Paragraph 5 - Request/Action needed: - What you need from the recipient - Follow-up recommendations - Any urgency

Closing

Final sentence: “I would appreciate your assessment and management” OR “Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.”

Complimentary close: “Yours sincerely,” [Your name and designation]

Note: Use "Yours sincerely" when you know the recipient's name (e.g., Dear Dr. Smith). Use "Yours faithfully" when you do not know the recipient's name and start with "Dear Doctor, or Dear Sir or Madam".

Transforming Case Notes

One key skill is transforming telegraphic case notes into flowing prose.

Case Notes Style vs Letter Style

Case Notes

Letter Version

“c/o headaches x 2/52”

“The patient has been experiencing headaches for the past two weeks.”

“O/E: BP 150/95”

“On examination, his blood pressure was elevated at 150/95 mmHg.”

“Hx: DM Type 2”

“He has a history of Type 2 diabetes.”

“Rx: Metformin 500mg BD”

“He is currently taking Metformin 500mg twice daily.”

Expansion Techniques

1. Add appropriate subjects: “Patient reports…” “She states…”
2. Include articles: “a headache” not just “headache”
3. Use complete sentences: Subject + verb + object
4. Add linking words: “Additionally,” “Furthermore,” “However,”

Information Selection

Critical skill: You can’t include everything. Select based on:

What to Include

✓ Information relevant to purpose of letter ✓ Current main concern ✓ Relevant history ✓ Recent treatment and response ✓ What you need from recipient

What to Omit

✗ Historical information not relevant to current issue ✗ Minor details that don’t affect management ✗ Repetitive information ✗ Information the recipient already has

Example Selection

Task: Refer patient with chest pain to cardiologist

Include: - Chest pain symptoms - Cardiac risk factors - Recent ECG/tests - Current cardiac medications

Omit (unless relevant): - Childhood illnesses - Unrelated conditions - Details of previous colds

Language Appropriateness

Formal Register

OET letters require formal, professional language:

Note: Only use abbreviations that are standard and universally understood by the recipient's profession.

Avoid

Use Instead

“got worse”

“deteriorated”

“check out”

“examine” / “assess”

“get better”

“improve” / “recover”

“really bad”

“severe” / “significant”

“a lot of”

“considerable” / “significant”

Hedging, Certainty and Judgement

Use appropriate hedging when uncertain: - “appears to” / “seems to” - “may be related to” - “possibly indicating” - “is suggestive of”

Note: Ensure the letter remains clinical and factual; avoid personal judgments or emotional language about the patient (e.g., instead of "the patient was difficult," use "the patient was non-compliant with medication").

Polite Requests

• “I would appreciate…”
• “I would be grateful if…”
• “Could you please…”
• “Would you kindly…”

Time Management

Recommended Allocation

Phase

Time

Activity

Reading

5 min

Read case notes and task carefully. Note: You are not allowed to write during this time.

Planning

5 min

Select information, plan paragraphs

Writing

30 min

Write the letter

Checking

5 min

Review, edit, correct errors

Planning Approach

1. Identify the recipient: Who are you writing to?
2. Determine purpose: Why are you writing?
3. Select relevant points: What do they need to know?
4. Organize information: What order makes sense?
5. Note key terms: Medical terms to include.

Common Letter Scenarios

Referral to Specialist

Purpose: Seek specialist opinion/treatment

Structure: 1. Reason for referral 2. Relevant history 3. Current findings 4. What has been tried 5. Specific request

Discharge from Hospital

Purpose: Inform GP of hospital stay and discharge

Structure: 1. Reason for admission 2. Hospital course/treatment 3. Condition at discharge 4. Discharge medications 5. Follow-up requirements

Transfer of Care

Purpose: Hand over care to another facility/professional

Structure: 1. Reason for transfer 2. Current condition 3. Treatment to date 4. Ongoing care needs 5. Any special requirements

Profession-Specific Tips

For Nurses

• Focus on nursing assessments and care needs
• Include relevant social/functional status
• Mention patient education provided
• Address ongoing nursing requirements

For Doctors

• Include diagnostic reasoning
• Reference investigations appropriately
• Request specific assessments
• Indicate urgency level

Practice Recommendations

1. Practice daily: Write at least one letter per day
2. Time yourself: Always use 45-minute limit
3. Get feedback: Have letters assessed against criteria
4. Learn vocabulary: Medical terminology and formal language
5. Study model answers: Analyze high-scoring letters

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge

Solution

Including too much

Select only relevant information

Too informal

Study formal healthcare writing

Poor organization

Use consistent paragraph structure

Time pressure

Practice timed conditions regularly

Spelling errors

Create personal medical spelling list