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📝 How OET Evaluates Your Letter: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals


When preparing for the Occupational English Test (OET), many candidates worry about the Writing sub-test—especially the referral, discharge, or transfer letter. Understanding how these letters are assessed can make all the difference between a passing and borderline score.

Let’s break it down clearly so you know exactly what examiners are looking for.

🎯 What Is the OET Writing Sub-Test?

The Writing sub-test requires candidates to:

  • Read and analyze a case note

  • Write a formal letter (usually to another healthcare professional)

  • Use appropriate tone, structure, and grammar in about 180–200 words

📋 The 6 Key Criteria Used to Evaluate Your Letter

OET assesses your letter using six official scoring criteria, each scored from 0 to 7, for a total of 42 points. Here's how each part works:

CriterionWhat It MeansWhat to Focus On
1. PurposeIs the reason for writing immediately clear?Write a clear opening sentence
2. ContentHave you included all relevant details and nothing irrelevant?Summarise accurately; no filler
3. Conciseness & ClarityIs your writing easy to follow and precise?Use simple, correct phrasing
4. Genre & StyleIs the tone professional and appropriate for the reader?Use formal language & correct titles
5. Organization & LayoutIs your letter well-structured with logical paragraphing?Group related info together
6. LanguageAre your grammar, vocabulary and spelling up to professional standard?Avoid errors and awkward phrasing

🔍 What Exam Assessors Look For

✅ Does your letter include only clinical information that's relevant to the reader? ✅ Is it written with the right level of formality? ✅ Is your sentence structure and grammar accurate? ✅ Do you avoid copying the case notes word-for-word and instead summarize them effectively?

✒️ Example Opening That Scores Well

"I am writing to refer Ms. Jane Doe, a 45-year-old teacher, who has been experiencing persistent symptoms of asthma despite medication."

This sentence immediately communicates the purpose and essential patient information, setting you up for a strong score.

🔗 Final Thoughts

OET writing isn't just about language—it’s about professional communication. By mastering the exam’s criteria, you show you're ready to function in a healthcare environment where clarity and precision save lives.

Ready to improve your score? 📲 Join our WhatsApp community for free letter corrections, tips, and sample responses!

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