OET Tute #1

OET Writing Development

Before we dive into the tips for the Writing section of the exam, let’s
understand the basic structure of the OET writing task: source
https://www.mindmineglobal.com

 The Writing Test is of 45 minutes and is profession-specific. There is one

task or assignment set for each profession based on any kind of
workplace situation or the necessary demands of the particular
profession. For instance, a nurse has to take the nurse-specific part of the
task, a dentist takes the task for dentistry and so on.
 The writing section includes the task of writing a letter. This letter is
usually a referral letter. Other types of letters that can be asked are a
letter of transfer or a letter of discharge.
 Some other alternative letters include a letter to advise or inform a patient
that is generally asked keeping in mind the occupations like Pharmacy,
Veterinary Science or Occupational Therapy.
 Also, along with the task instructions, you will receive a stimulus material
like case notes or any other related documentation that includes relevant
information. You can utilize it in your response.
 Your performance in the OET writing sub-test is marked
independently by a minimum of two assessors. Neither of the
assessors knows what scores the other one has given you or what
scores you have attained in the other sub-tests. Also, your
performance will be scored based on the six criteria. You will achieve
a different band score for each part.

 The first point on which you will be assessed is the purpose of the
letter. The assessor will check whether the purpose of the letter is
clear immediately or not.

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 OET Tute #1

Marking
 The assessor will also mark you on the kind of content you present.
He/she will check whether all the important information is included
or not. Also, whether the content is accurate or not.
 The examiner will also check the conciseness and clarity of the
letter. Your letter should be an effective summary for the reader. All
unnecessary information should be omitted.
 You will also be assessed based on your genre and writing style.
The assessor will check whether your tone or use of abbreviations
are appropriate or not.
 The organization and layout of your letter also matter. Your writing
will be examined on the point of whether your letter is organized or
not. It should be well laid out for the reader.
 You will also be marked based on the accuracy of your grammar,
vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and many more.

Tips
 The main purpose of the OET writing exam is to test your ability to
produce a letter that is appropriate for the situation that is mentioned in
the task. Also, it is not required to repeat everything from the case notes.

 You can create a brief checklist of questions. It will help you analyze the
task before you start writing. You should know how to prioritize the
important points from the case notes and organize them effectively

 When you are done writing, you should always re-read what you have
written from the reader’s point of view. Check whether you have included
everything relevant from the case notes or not.

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OET Tute #1

Let’s move to an activity >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Important facts
When it comes to the OET writing task, you do not write according to your
thoughts. You need to choose relevant points from the case notes and
create a logical structure for your letter. There is a lot of room for
creativity. You have to make sure that the letter is written in your own
words.

Study the case notes properly. You need to identify which points are
relevant and which ones are not important. The OET assessors,
purposefully, put in the unimportant case notes to distract you. So,
you need to be very careful while selecting your case notes.

For example: if you are writing to a doctor about a patient’s vision issue,
don’t include the point that they broke their leg fifteen years ago. It’s not
relevant.

Organize your case notes.

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1. Introductory statement

2. The main issue that needs to be covered

3. Then comes the secondary issue

4. Other minor details

5. Lastly comes the request portion

Errors

Punctuation
 I am writing to refer the above-mentioned patient who has worsening
osteoarthritis for a possible knee-joint replacement.

The patient presented with a 2 weeks history of migraines.

 I am writing to refer the above-mentioned patient, who has worsening

osteoarthritis, for a possible knee-joint replacement.

Errors using small numbers:

 The patient presented with a 2 weeks history of migraines.

……………………………………………………………………………………………….

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OET Tute #1

1.Basically, any number from one to ninety-nine ought to be written as a word.

Numbers from 100 and above can be written as a number.

2. This is because “two-week” should be linked as an adjectival phrase rather

than being seen as two separate words.

 The patient presented with a two-week history of migraines.

Including medical history too early:

I am writing to refer the above named patient, with the preliminary diagnosis of
type two diabetes mellitus, into your care for further evaluation and treatment.

Mr. Collister is married and works as a factory foreman. On his visit, three months
back, he was advised about lifestyle modification due to his raised BMI of 30 and
his susceptibility to osteoarthritis.

The issue here is with cohesion. Think about it, the first paragraph focuses on the principal issue, which is
type two diabetes, and then the second paragraph goes on to focus on osteoarthritis.

--------- No logical link is being provided between the first and second paragraphs-----

Ending your letter with the second conditional:

I would be grateful if you advise her on her diet and help her with her
activities of daily living.

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………………………………………………

Specially in polite Expression

I would be grateful if you advised her on her diet and helped her with her activities
of daily living.

Sentence Structures

1. Simple
2. Compound
3. Complex

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