OET Writing Marking Criteria in Plain English

OET Writing is marked against official criteria published by OET — confirm the current table on the official website. This page explains the ideas in plain English so you can practise with purpose: clear ask, useful content, concise style, and accurate language. OET Practice is independent and not affiliated with OET. Our A–E bands are practice feedback, not official scores.

What each idea means

1. Purpose — Why are you writing? State it early. Example: refer for urgent review, not a vague “update”.
2. Content — Include what the reader needs; drop the rest. Example: key result + current meds; not every stable vital.
3. Conciseness and clarity — One precise sentence beats three vague ones.
4. Genre and style — Match the task (referral, transfer, discharge) and reader.
5. Organisation and layout — Logical paragraphs; readable structure.
6. Language — Accurate grammar and vocabulary for that reader.

Next step

Apply the checklist on a real letter in Writing practice, then read the Writing technique guide.

Related

• OET Writing guide
• Referral letter guide
• Speaking marking criteria

Sources

• Official OET website — Writing assessment criteria.

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