Many OET candidates believe that achieving a high score in OET Writing is simply a matter of improving grammar or memorising letter templates. While both are important, they are only part of what examiners are looking for.
High-scoring OET Writing letters do more than demonstrate grammatical accuracy—they communicate professionally. They present information logically, maintain a formal register, use appropriate clinical language, and provide clear, well-supported recommendations that meet the needs of the reader.
In this article, we explore the essential formal writing skills for OET Writing that can elevate your writing, strengthen your professional healthcare communication, and help you achieve a higher score in the OET Writing sub-test.
Contents
1. Write in a Professional Register
Healthcare correspondence should always sound professional and objective.
Avoid contractions such as:
- I’m → I am
- It’s → It is
- Doesn’t → Does not
- Won’t → Will not
Similarly, avoid conversational expressions.
Instead of:
The patient is doing okay.
write:
The patient is recovering satisfactorily.
Instead of:
She was pretty upset.
write:
The patient appeared distressed.
Professional vocabulary immediately creates a stronger impression and is essential for success in OET Writing.
2. Remain Objective
Unlike personal writing, OET letters should focus on clinical facts rather than personal opinions.
Avoid:
I think she needs physiotherapy.
Instead, write:
Physiotherapy assessment would be beneficial.
Or:
It is recommended that the patient undergo physiotherapy assessment.
Objective language reflects professional communication and aligns with healthcare practice, which is a key assessment criterion in OET Writing.
3. Use Clinical Time Expressions
One of the defining features of OET Writing is chronology. Readers should be able to follow the patient’s journey effortlessly.
Useful time expressions include:
- Initially
- On admission
- During hospitalisation
- Subsequently
- Following surgery
- Prior to discharge
- On discharge
- Since discharge
- Currently
- At present
- Recently
For example:
Initially, Mr Patel presented with chest pain.
Subsequently, coronary angiography was performed.
Currently, he remains clinically stable.
These expressions improve organisation and cohesion throughout the OET referral letter.
4. Introduce Clinical Information Logically
Rather than presenting information randomly, organise it by importance.
Useful expressions include:
- The primary concern is…
- Of particular importance…
- Another significant issue is…
- Additionally…
- Finally…
For example:
The primary concern is poor glycaemic control.
Another significant issue is medication adherence.
Finally, ongoing dietary counselling is recommended.
Logical sequencing helps the reader identify priorities quickly and improves your OET Writing score.
5. Link Ideas Smoothly
Formal writing relies on cohesive devices to connect related information.
Adding information
- Furthermore
- Moreover
- In addition
- Additionally
Example:
The wound is healing well. Furthermore, there are no signs of infection.
Contrasting information
- However
- Nevertheless
- Although
- Despite this
Example:
The patient responded well to antibiotics. However, persistent dyspnoea remains.
Appropriate linking devices improve the overall flow and coherence of your OET letter.
6. Support Clinical Statements
Recommendations should be supported by clear reasoning.
Useful expressions include:
- Consequently
- Therefore
- As a result
- This resulted in…
- This may lead to…
- This suggests…
- This indicates…
For example:
The patient demonstrates poor balance. Consequently, she remains at increased risk of falls.
Clinical reasoning strengthens the effectiveness of your recommendations and demonstrates professional judgement in OET Writing.
7. Avoid Absolute Statements
Healthcare professionals rarely communicate in absolutes. Instead, they use cautious, measured language.
Instead of:
The patient forgets medication.
consider:
- The patient frequently forgets medication.
- Medication adherence is inconsistent.
- The patient has a tendency to forget medication.
Similarly:
Instead of:
She cannot walk.
consider:
- She requires assistance with ambulation.
- She is able to mobilise short distances.
- She experiences difficulty walking independently.
This reflects authentic clinical communication and is appropriate for OET Writing.
8. Use Appropriate Clinical Descriptors
Precise vocabulary communicates clinical information more accurately.
Rather than simply writing:
The patient has pain.
describe it appropriately:
- mild
- moderate
- severe
- intermittent
- persistent
- worsening
- improving
- ongoing
Specific language provides greater clarity for the receiving healthcare professional and improves the quality of your OET letter.
9. Strengthen Recommendations
Recommendation language is one of the most important aspects of OET Writing.
Compare these examples:
Basic:
She needs physiotherapy.
More professional:
Physiotherapy assessment is recommended.
Even stronger:
Ongoing physiotherapy would be beneficial.
Or:
Please arrange physiotherapy assessment and ongoing management.
The goal is to sound professional without becoming unnecessarily complex.
10. Express Cause and Effect Clearly
Healthcare letters frequently explain relationships between symptoms, diagnoses, and management.
Useful phrases include:
- due to
- secondary to
- resulting in
- leading to
- because of
- consequently
- therefore
Example:
Poor vision has resulted in recurrent falls.
Clear cause-and-effect language helps justify referrals and recommendations in OET Writing.
11. Use Cautious Language
Healthcare professionals avoid making unsupported claims.
Instead of writing:
The patient has dementia.
consider:
- The patient appears to have cognitive impairment.
- The patient reports memory difficulties.
- The patient may require further cognitive assessment.
- The patient is likely to benefit from specialist review.
This demonstrates professional judgement and appropriate caution, both of which are valued in OET Writing.
Final Thoughts
Excellent OET Writing is not about memorising templates or using overly sophisticated vocabulary. It is about communicating like a healthcare professional.
A strong writing toolkit should include:
- formal register
- objective language
- clinical sequencing
- effective linking devices
- appropriate recommendation language
- cautious professional wording
- precise clinical vocabulary
When these elements are combined with accurate case-note selection and clear letter structure, candidates are far more likely to produce letters that meet the expectations of the OET Writing assessment criteria.
At Khaira Education Services, we believe that mastering the language of professional healthcare communication is just as important as understanding the structure of the letter itself. Developing these writing habits not only improves OET Writing scores but also prepares healthcare professionals for real-world clinical communication.