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The OET Series: Part 2 - Writing Test

Updated: Jun 10


One of my first blog posts was discussing the differences between the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) and the Occupational English Test (OET). If you're still undecided about which test to take then I recommend checking this out first see here.


However, if you have decided to go the OET route or you're just curious to find out more then you've come to the right place!


This is the second of a four part OET Series looking closer at the 4 sub-tests:


There is a wealth of information online about this topic but going from link to link can be both overwhelming and time consuming. This provides you with all the essentials on one page.



1. OET Writing Test: Overview.


The writing sub-test involves one task and candidates answer based on their professional role (nurse, doctor, dentist, etc.). It is a realistic example of patient documentation.


The total test time is 45 minutes: Reading time 5 minutes, Writing time 40 minutes.


Here is an outline:


  • Candidates are presented with patient case notes providing all of the relevant clinical details and instructions for the task.

  • During the 5 minutes allocated for reading, candidates are not permitted to write or type depending on the test type.

  • The task is to write a formal letter (transfer, referral or discharge). Although for some professions the letter may be written directly to a patient or responding to a complaint.

  • Task instructions will specify the purpose of the letter and who it is to.

  • The main body needs to be between 180-200 words and follow the correct letter structure.

  • Based on the purpose of the letter, candidates must demonstrate they can select the relevant patient information from the case notes.

  • The completed letter is assessed against 6 writing criterion: Purpose, Content, Conciseness & Clarity, Genre & Style, Organisation & Layout and Language.



2. How is the test carried out?


There are 3 different types of tests available, depending on location, time-frame for completion and personal test preference:


  • Paper Test - has been available for over 30 years and has test centres located in 45 countries worldwide. The Writing, Reading and Listening are undertaken in one sitting and candidates handwrite their answers. The Speaking part is face to face with an interlocutor.

  • Computer Test - on a computer at a test centre, but not all centres have this facility. Similar to the paper test the Writing, Reading and Listening are undertaken together and candidates type their answers. The Speaking element is carried out at another time live with an interlocutor via Zoom from your home.

  • OET@Home - this is the newest test type, available for candidates without access to a physical test centre in their country or other access issues. The whole test is conducted from your home at one sitting. Test-takers type their answers for the Writing, Reading and Listening and the Speaking part takes place live on Zoom with an interlocutor. Mechanisms are in place to ensure close monitoring and adherence to exam regulations.


To find out what is available for you click here. I recommend choosing the option that will be least stressful on exam day. A nearby test-centre will offer that in-person interaction whereas doing it remotely removes any travel stress on the day.


There's no right or wrong!



3. What is assessed?


The task is based on a common clinical scenario and test-takers are assessed on how well they can draft a formal patient letter. This includes how efficiently professionals can extract key information from patient case notes.


The writing task will include the following information:


  • Introduction - give some brief background information about the clinical context and the writer's relationship to the patient

  • Case notes - providing all patient details such as, current situation, past medical history, social issues, treatment plan and anything else that is applicable. Some information will be in reduced note form for common terms like, B/P for Blood Pressure.

  • Task instructions - will include the recipients details, a brief reason for the letter (e.g. referring a patient to a specialty), information about the number of words required and letter structure.


*Tips


  • Be clear from the start why and whom the letter is to in order to maintain focus.

  • Be aware that the case notes will have more information than is needed; avoid irrelevant details in your letter as you can lose marks for this.

  • Familiarise yourself with the appropriate letter structure, including appropriate salutation (greeting) and ending.

  • Make sure that the reduced note form from the case notes is not repeated in your letter i.e. you must write in full sentences.


Assessment Criteria


The written letter is marked against 6 different criterion.


Here is a description for each:


  • Purpose - the reason for writing the letter must be clear to the reader and individualised to the patient. This involves two parts: making it clear at the beginning why it is being written and sufficiently expanding on the key points later in the main body.

  • Content - what information is included in the letter. This means deciding which information from the case notes the reader needs and ensuring it accurately reflects the patient's situation.

  • Conciseness & clarity - this has some similarities to what is assessed in the content criterion but this considers necessary information that was omitted and the inclusion of irrelevant points from the case notes. Ensuring the patient case is effectively summarised is also an important component here.

  • Genre & style - this relates to the level of formality of the writing and the register and tone by which it is delivered. Formal letters are professional, polite and non-judgemental, here the writer needs to choose the right grammar, expressions, etc. which is appropriate for the reader.

  • Organisation & layout - this examines how well the document is laid out and organised so it's easy for the reader to retrieve key information. For example, good use of paragraphing and following a logical order.

  • Language - using accurate grammar, spelling and punctuation throughout. Avoiding errors which can make it difficult for the reader to understand what has been written and the letter's purpose.


Scoring


How the OET Writing Test is scored
Taken directly from OET.com

Highly recommended OET resources:



4. Effective Preparation


It is generally accepted that healthcare professionals work in high pressured environments and they often bring work home with them in terms of professional development. This leaves little free time to research all of the things required for exam preparation.


I can remove some of this burden by offering bespoke lessons to meet your individual learning needs, such as:


  • Providing an overview of the exam format and facilitating practise tests.

  • Doing a writing mock test under exam conditions, really beneficial to identify areas of good performance and areas for development

  • Focussing on key areas of writing that will enhance your score, such as when to use technical and non-technical language, the passive voice, accurate spelling & punctuation, paragraphing and much more.

  • Choice of vocabulary and phrases appropriate to formal writing and the importance of letter structure.


This list gives an idea of some common themes and is not exhaustive.


Check out my OET Preparation class description here. I also offer discounts when booking 5 or 10 lesson packages, please contact me directly to discuss offers.



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