At Swoosh English, we deeply care about our students and are committed to helping you achieve your goals. Writing in English under exam conditions is always challenging, and the OET Writing test is no exception. However, there's no need to worry. By breaking down the challenge into several achievable tasks, you will soon notice a significant improvement in both your confidence and the quality of your writing. This comprehensive guide to OET writing provides you with the essential tips you need to become an expert letter writer and pass the test with the score you desire.

1. What is the OET Writing test?

Similar to the Speaking test, the content of the OET Writing test depends on your specific healthcare profession. Whether you are a vet, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, pharmacist, nurse, or doctor, you will receive case notes relevant to your field. Your task is to use these notes to write a letter, commonly a referral letter, though other types like discharge or transfer letters are also possible.

During the exam, you'll have 5 minutes to review the case notes and then 40 minutes to complete the letter. You should maintain a professionally formal and informative tone, focusing on communicating the patient's issue and what action you expect the reader to take. While your professional knowledge aids in analysing the notes, refrain from adding personal experiences and stick to the relevant information provided in the notes.

2. Simulation vs. Reality

The OET Writing test mirrors real-life scenarios rather than presenting abstract or hypothetical situations. Though the patients in the case notes are fictional, the conditions and information are based on real-world experiences, ensuring practicality and relevance. You're simulating a professional letter-writing experience, maintaining a balance between professionalism and showcasing your English proficiency to the examiner.

3. Analysing the Case Notes

Case notes, especially lengthy ones, may initially seem daunting. To navigate them effectively:

• Identify the patient and their primary health issue.

• Determine the urgency of the case if applicable.

• Consider the recipient of your letter and tailor the information accordingly.

• Omit irrelevant details and highlight crucial information for the reader.

• Organise the information clearly and logically.

4. Planning Your Letter

Allocate the initial five minutes of the exam to plan your letter. Briefly outline the content of each subsection, setting a structured foundation for your writing.

5. Formatting the Letter

Ensure your letter follows a professional format:

• Address (top left corner)

• Date

• Greeting (Dear Title + Surname)

• Reference (RE: Patient’s name + D.O.B.)

• Opening subsection

• Main body subsections

• Polite ending (e.g., 'If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.')

• Closing (Yours sincerely/faithfully followed by your name)

6. The Opening Subsection

Your first subsection must include:

• Purpose (e.g., "I am writing to refer Mr. Smith...")

• Main health issue (e.g., ", who has been diagnosed with COPD...")

• Request (e.g., "for your further assessment and management.")

• Level of urgency if the case requires immediate attention.

7. The Main Body Subsections

The order of information will depend on the particular task and case notes you are given. Remember, there is no set template for OET letters, so it is important that you organise the main body subsections logically.

You may choose the structure your letter:

• Chronologically - start at the beginning and continue up to the present situation.

• Thematically - present the most important information first.

The most important thing is that you keep the reader in mind and ask yourself ‘what do they need to know first?’

8. Enhancing Readability

Ensure your letter is cohesive and easy to follow.

• Use correct dates to convey the timeline effectively.

• Incorporate linking words and phrases for coherence.

• Start each subsection with a date or appropriate linking phrase.
  

Here are some examples for how you might start each subsection:

(Opening subsection) I’m writing to refer…

(Subsection 1) Today, the patient was admitted…

(Subsection 2) The patient first presented on 14.02.17 with…

(Subsection 3) In terms of the patient’s medical history,…

(Subsection 4) In view of the above,…

9. OET Checklist – Test Day Preparation

Stay calm and confident on the exam day by following this checklist:

• Identify the patient and their main health issues.

• Determine the recipient and the information they need to know.

• Identify information to omit.

• Plan your letter structure and the content of each subsection.

• Start writing. After finishing each sentence, quickly check it for accuracy, vocabulary and grammar.

• End the letter in an appropriate way.

• Use the last 5 minutes to read through the letter and ask yourself - Would the reader know what to do next? Is the content accurate and relevant? Is the language appropriate and accurate?

By following these guidelines and practising regularly, you'll be well-prepared to excel in the OET Writing test and achieve your professional goals!