OET · Writing
OET Writing: The Profession-Specific Letter
OET Writing is a single 45-minute task: 5 minutes to read case notes, then 40 minutes to write a letter. The task is written for your profession and is usually addressed to another health professional, for example a referral, discharge or transfer letter. The recommended length is about 180–200 words in the body.
- Tasks
- 1 letter
- Time
- 5 minutes reading + 40 minutes writing
- Length guide
- About 180–200 words in the body
- Criteria
- 6: Purpose, Content, Conciseness & Clarity, Genre & Style, Organisation & Layout, Language
- Profession
- Profession-specific (12 professions)
How OET Writing works
Writing is the last part of the Listening, Reading and Writing sitting. You get case notes and a task instruction naming the recipient and the purpose. The skill being tested is selecting what the reader needs and turning notes into a clear, professional letter.
Purpose is scored 0–3 and the other five criteria 0–7 each. Word count is only a guide: a longer letter that includes unnecessary notes usually scores worse on Conciseness & Clarity, not better.
OET Writing tasks
Tips that work
- Use the 5-minute reading time to decide the purpose and mark the notes the reader needs.
- Open with a sentence that states why you are writing.
- Group information logically instead of retelling the notes in date order.
- Check names, dates and doses against the notes before time runs out.
Questions candidates ask
Is OET Writing different for each profession?
Yes. Writing and Speaking are profession-specific, so a nurse, doctor or pharmacist each gets a task set in their own field.
How many words should an OET letter be?
About 180–200 words in the body is recommended. It is guidance, not a strict limit.
Can I get feedback on my letters?
EnglishHub gives AI feedback on practice letters against the six criteria. It is independent practice feedback, not an OET score.
OET overviewOET Writing: all partsOET full mock testsOET articles on the blog