OET Writing Sub-Test
  • The task is to write a letter, usually a referral letter. Some alternative letter types are a letter of transfer and a letter of discharge. A letter to advise or inform a patient, carer or group is sometimes used in Pharmacy, Veterinary Science and occasionally for Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy. Another task variation, with a different focus, is a written response to a complaint (for Radiography).
  • Along with the task instructions, you will receive stimulus material (case notes and/or other related documentation) which includes information to use in your response.
OET Writing Criteria

Your performance on the Writing sub-test is marked independently by a minimum of two trained Assessors. Neither Assessor knows what scores the other has given you, or what scores you have achieved in any of the other sub-tests.

Your performance is scored against six criteria and receives a band score for each criterion:

  • Purpose [3 points] - Whether the purpose of the letter is immediately apparent to the reader and sufficiently expanded in the course of the letter.
  • Content [7 points] - Whether all the necessary information is included and accurate for the reader.
  • Conciseness and Clarity [7 points] - Whether unnecessary information is omitted so that the letter is an effective summary for the reader.
  • Genre and Style [7 points] - Whether the register, tone and use of abbreviations are appropriate for the reader.
  • Organisation and Layout [7 points] - Whether the letter is organised and well laid out for the reader.
  • Language [7 points] - Whether the accuracy of the grammar, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation communicates the necessary information to the reader.

Download your OET Writing Criteria here

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How is writing ability assessed in OET?

Your performance on the Writing sub-test is marked independently by a minimum of two trained Assessors. Neither Assessor knows what scores the other has given you, or what scores you have achieved in any of the other sub-tests.

Your performance is scored against six criteria and receives a band score for each criterion:

  • Purpose (Whether the purpose of the letter is immediately apparent to the reader and sufficiently expanded in the course of the letter).
  • Content (Whether all the necessary information is included and accurate for the reader).
  • Conciseness & Clarity (Whether unnecessary information is omitted so that the letter is an effective summary for the reader).
  • Genre & Style (Whether the register, tone and use of abbreviations are appropriate for the reader).
  • Organisation & Layout (Whether the letter is organised and well laid out for the reader).
  • Language (Whether the accuracy of the grammar, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation communicates the necessary information to the reader).
Frequently Asked Questions
You will not automatically be deducted marks, however, you must ensure that you have included enough relevant information.
Check that your handwriting is clear and legible – this is not specifically assessed but the letter cannot be assessed of its illegible.
Avoid copying chunks of language from the case notes – express and explain situations in your own words.
You dont directly recieve penalties for exceeding the word count, however, exceeding it may indicate that you included unnecessary information or didn't prioritise effectively.
Timing is important. Do spend enough time planning your answer and gathering your ideas before starting to write. If your writing is well-planned, you will be able to write more quickly and stop less frequently to think about what to write next.
Stay on topic. Always ask yourself as you write, e.g., ‘Am I answering the question?’. Summarise well, do not repeat the same sentences over and over. Make sure that you structure your letter in an appropriate and orderly fashion.
Follow us on our Youtube Channel

In Writing, you will be asked to write one letter which will be graded based on six criteria. Learn what writing skills you will need and how to improve them.

Introduction to OET Writing All professions

Watch one of our OET Writing group tutorials for doctors as we discussed and analyse a referral case note for the patient William McGuire.

Writing a Referral Letter William McGuire

An overview of OET Writing, with a focus on how to write a discharge letter and step-by-step guidance. Suitable for Nurses and Doctors.

Writing a Discharge Letter Medicine and Nursing