What Examiners Are Looking For in the OET Writing Test
- Jan 20
- 4 min read
The OET Writing test can feel intimidating because it’s not “creative writing” — it’s professional communication. Examiners are looking for one thing above all: safe, clear, appropriate healthcare writing that helps the reader take the right action.
Below is a practical breakdown of what examiners assess, what strong candidates do differently, and how you can improve quickly.
1) Purpose: Did you achieve the goal of the letter?
Examiners want to see that you understood the case notes and wrote the letter for the correct reason.
They look for:
A clear reason for writing in the opening (e.g., referral, discharge, transfer, request)
The right level of urgency (routine vs urgent)
A logical outcome (what you want the reader to do next)
High-scoring tip: Write your purpose in one clean sentence near the top:
I am writing to refer…
I am writing to request…
I am writing to update you regarding…
2) Content: Did you select the right information (and leave the rest out)?
This is where many candidates lose marks. Examiners are not impressed by “more information”. They’re impressed by relevant information.
They look for:
Key clinical details that support the purpose
Appropriate background (only what the reader needs)
Clear current status (symptoms, observations, progress)
A sensible plan (treatment, follow-up, recommendations)
They penalise:
Copying the case notes into full sentences
Including irrelevant history “just in case”
Missing critical details needed for safe care
High-scoring tip: Ask yourself: If I were the reader, what would I need to know to act safely today?
3) Conciseness & clarity: Is it easy to read quickly?
Healthcare professionals read fast. Examiners reward writing that is organised, skimmable, and calm.
They look for:
Short paragraphs (2–4 lines)
Clear sequencing (background → current issue → action requested)
Simple sentence structures
Minimal repetition
They penalise:
Long, dense paragraphs
Overly complex grammar that reduces clarity
Unclear timelines (when symptoms started, what changed, what happened today)
High-scoring tip: Use “signpost” phrases:
On admission… / Since then… / Currently… / As a result… / Therefore…
4) Genre & style: Does it sound like real professional writing?
The OET Writing test is about professional tone. Examiners want language that is respectful, neutral, and appropriate for a healthcare workplace.
They look for:
Formal but natural tone (not too casual, not overly academic)
Polite requests (Could you please…, I would be grateful if…)
Professional vocabulary used accurately
They penalise:
Informal language (Hi, Thanks a lot, gonna)
Emotional or judgemental language (lazy, difficult patient)
Overly dramatic wording (terrible pain, very very worried)
High-scoring tip: Use neutral, clinical phrasing:
reports…, denies…, presents with…, has a history of…
5) Organisation & layout: Is the structure correct for an OET letter?
Examiners expect a standard healthcare letter format. It should be familiar and easy to follow.
They look for:
Correct opening details (date, recipient, patient details)
Clear subject line (Re: Patient name, DOB)
Logical paragraphing
A clear close (next steps + contact line)
They penalise:
Missing key letter features
Poor paragraphing
Jumping between topics without transitions
High-scoring tip: Plan your paragraphs before you write. A 1-minute plan saves marks.
6) Language accuracy: Grammar and vocabulary that support meaning
Yes, grammar matters — but not in the way many candidates think. Examiners are focused on accuracy that affects meaning and safety.
They look for:
Correct verb tenses (especially for timelines)
Accurate prepositions and collocations (admitted to, referred for, allergic to)
Correct medication and measurement language
Clear pronoun reference (no confusion about who “he/she/they” refers to)
They penalise:
Errors that change meaning (dose, frequency, timing)
Frequent mistakes that slow the reader down
Wrong word choice that sounds unsafe or unclear
High-scoring tip: Prioritise accuracy in:
Dates and timelines
Symptoms and changes
Medication instructions
Follow-up arrangements
7) Audience awareness: Are you writing for the right reader?
This is a hidden scoring advantage. Examiners reward candidates who tailor the content to the recipient.
They look for:
The right level of detail for the reader’s role
Appropriate requests (what the reader can realistically do)
Clear responsibilities (who will do what, and when)
High-scoring tip: A referral to a specialist needs different detail than a discharge letter to a GP. Always match your content to the reader.
A simple checklist before you submit
Before you finish, quickly check:
Is the purpose clear in the first paragraph?
Did I include only relevant case notes?
Are paragraphs short and logically ordered?
Is the tone professional and neutral?
Are timelines and key clinical details accurate?
Did I clearly state what I want the reader to do?
Final thought: Write for safety, not for “fancy English”
The strongest OET Writing candidates don’t try to impress examiners with complex grammar. They write like safe professionals: clear, relevant, and easy to act on.
If you’d like, join one of our OET Courses, created by an OET Premium Preparation Provider and OET Exam Centre who have been British Council Accredited for over 20 years. Join us in 2026 to boost your career.
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