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How to Write OET Letters That Score

Strong OET Writing starts with purpose, not with copying notes. Open with who the patient is and what you want the reader to do, cut background that changes nothing, keep a formal tone, then check the letter against the official criteria ideas (purpose, content, conciseness, organisation, language). This guide shows before-and-after examples and links to free, trainer-reviewed practice. Confirm current rules on the official OET website — requirements can change. OET Practice is independent and not affiliated with OET.

Purpose first (before / after)

Readers act faster when the ask is in the opening, not the last line.

Weak opening

“Mrs Khan is a 58-year-old woman who presented to clinic last Tuesday with several issues including fatigue…”

Stronger opening

“I am writing to refer Mrs Khan, a 58-year-old woman, for urgent gastroenterology review of progressive iron-deficiency anaemia.”

What to leave out of case notes

For every fact, ask: does this change what the reader should do next? If not, leave it out.

  • Usually keep: red flags, current medications, allergies, key investigation results, what you have already done.
  • Usually cut: resolved childhood illnesses, long lists of stable vitals, repeated social details that do not affect the request.
  • Group by theme (problem → findings → management), not by the order the notes were written.

Formality rules

  • No contractions in formal letters (“cannot”, not “can’t”).
  • Prefer clinical precision for specialist readers; plain terms when writing to patients or carers.
  • Check names, dates, and the closing request before you submit.

Plain-English criteria checklist

Official criterion names and weightings live on the OET website — confirm them there. Use this checklist as a practice aid only:

  1. Purpose — Is the reason for writing clear in the opening?
  2. Content — Did you include the facts the reader needs and drop the rest?
  3. Conciseness and clarity — One precise sentence beats three vague ones.
  4. Genre and style — Does the letter match the task (referral, transfer, discharge)?
  5. Organisation and layout — Logical paragraphs, readable structure.
  6. Language — Accurate grammar and vocabulary for the reader.
Practice bands (A–E) on OET Practice are learning feedback, not official OET scores. For a deeper plain-English walkthrough, see OET Writing marking criteria.

A reliable structure

  1. Purpose and patient identification in the opening.
  2. Relevant history grouped by theme.
  3. Current status and management so far.
  4. Clear request or handover close.

Next step

Write a letter in OET Writing practice and submit it for trainer review. ChatGPT can help you spot gaps, but it cannot replace human review — see how to use AI feedback safely.

Related guides

Sources

  • Official OET website — Writing sub-test information and assessment criteria (confirm current details there).

Written by OET Practice editorial. Reviewed by OET Practice training team. Last reviewed: September 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about OET Test on Computer sample tests, technical requirements, and how to effectively prepare for your exam.

Aim for a complete, concise letter — often around 180–200 words for referrals. Content selection matters more than hitting an exact count. Confirm current guidance on the official OET website.
Copying case notes in order and burying the purpose. Open with why you are writing, then keep only the facts the reader needs to act.
A trainer reviews each submission with a practice grade and feedback. Writing is never auto-marked here, because content selection needs a human reader.
No. Practice bands (A–E) are learning feedback, not official OET scores. OET Practice is independent and not affiliated with OET.

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Timed Writing tasks with trainer review. Practice bands are feedback, not official OET scores.

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