How to Prepare for the OET Writing Section: A Step-by-Step Guide for Medical Professionals

Preparing for the OET Writing Section can feel overwhelming. You're not just writing an essay — you're writing a professional referral or transfer letter under time pressure. And the stakes are high.

But here's the honest truth: most test-takers don't fail because their English is weak. They fail because they don't approach the task with a clear system. They get lost in the case notes, include irrelevant details, or misjudge the tone.

This guide gives you that system. No fluff. Just practical steps to prepare smarter.

Understand What You're Really Being Tested On

The OET Writing sub-test asks you to write a letter — usually a referral, discharge, or transfer letter — based on case notes. You have 45 minutes. That includes reading, planning, writing, and reviewing.

But what are examiners actually looking for?

Three things matter most:

• Accuracy — Can you use correct medical terminology and grammar?
• Relevance — Do you select the right information from the case notes?
• Structure — Is your letter organized logically and professionally?

Tone is also critical. A referral letter should be respectful and direct. Not overly casual, not stiff.

A Step-by-Step System That Works

Most people start writing immediately after reading the notes. That's a mistake. Here's a better workflow:

1. Read the case notes strategically — not passively

Don't just read from top to bottom. Skim first for the purpose. Ask yourself: Why am I writing this letter? What does the recipient need to know?

Highlight only information that answers those two questions. Everything else — nice-to-know background, minor test results, irrelevant history — leave out.

2. Outline your letter in 3–4 minutes

Structure your letter using the standard OET format:

• Opening — who you are, patient name, purpose of letter
• Body paragraph 1 — relevant history and current situation
• Body paragraph 2 — clinical findings and treatment so far
• Closing — specific request and next steps

This isn't complicated. But having a clear outline keeps you from rambling.

3. Write concisely — no padding

In professional healthcare writing, brevity is a skill. Don't add phrases like "I am writing this letter for the purpose of referring..." — just say "I am referring...".

Bad: "The patient was admitted to the hospital on the 15th of March and she was experiencing severe chest pain at that time."

Better: "The patient was admitted on 15 March with severe chest pain."

See the difference? Remove unnecessary words. Every sentence should carry weight.

4. Nail the tone and register

This is where many candidates slip. A letter to a consultant or specialist should be polite and formal — but not archaic.

Use "please" and "thank you" naturally. Avoid contractions like "don't" or "can't". But don't say "I should be grateful if you would kindly" — that sounds like a letter from the 1800s.

Find the middle ground. For example:

"I would appreciate your assessment of her condition. Please let me know if you require any further information."

That's professional. That's clear. That scores well.

Mini Exercise: Practice Prioritizing Information

Try this quick exercise. Imagine you have these case notes for a 68-year-old patient:

• History of hypertension (diagnosed 2014)
• Smoker — 30 pack-years
• Admitted with shortness of breath and wheezing
• Chest X-ray shows hyperinflation
• Diagnosis: COPD exacerbation
• Lives alone, no family nearby
• Current medications: amlodipine 5 mg, salbutamol inhaler

You're referring her to a respiratory specialist. Which details are essential?

The answer: The presenting symptoms (shortness of breath, wheezing), the diagnosis (COPD exacerbation), chest X-ray result, smoking history, and current medications. The living situation? Important for discharge planning — but not for a referral letter to a specialist.

Lesson: Filter ruthlessly. If the recipient doesn't need the detail, cut it.

Time Management During the Test

You have 45 minutes. Here's a realistic breakdown:

• 5 minutes — Read notes and select relevant information
• 5 minutes — Plan your structure
• 28–30 minutes — Write the letter
• 5–7 minutes — Review and correct

Don't skip the review. It's when you catch missing articles, wrong prepositions, or spelling mistakes. One or two small errors won't kill your score, but a pattern of carelessness will.

Practice Smarter, Not Longer

Doing 50 practice letters won't help if you make the same mistakes each time. Get feedback. Show your letter to a colleague, a tutor, or use a structured self-check list.

Here's a quick self-check:

• Did I state the purpose clearly in the first paragraph?
• Did I include only relevant clinical information?
• Is my tone appropriate for the recipient?
• Did I use correct medical terminology?
• Did I proofread for grammar and spelling?

Be honest with yourself. It's better to write three letters with deep revision than ten letters you never review.

Final Thought

OET Writing isn't about having perfect English. It's about writing like a real healthcare professional — clear, efficient, and respectful. Learn the format. Practice filtering information. And always, always leave time to review.

You've already handled tougher situations in your clinical work. This is just another skill you can master.

Ready to test your English skills? Check your current level with our free English assessment at English Measure. It covers Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking — so you know exactly where to focus your preparation.

Take your free test here

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