OET · Writing · W1
OET Writing Task: Referral Letter and Other Letter Types
OET Writing is one letter based on case notes from your own profession. You get 5 minutes to read the notes without writing, then 40 minutes to write. The letter is often a referral, but it can also be a discharge, transfer or update letter. About 180–200 words in the body is the recommended guide.
- Task
- 1 letter, usually to another health professional
- Time
- 5 minutes reading + 40 minutes writing
- Length guide
- About 180–200 words in the body (guidance, not a hard limit)
- Criteria
- Purpose (0–3); Content, Conciseness & Clarity, Genre & Style, Organisation & Layout, Language (0–7 each)
- Profession
- Task written for your profession (12 professions)
How it works
- 1You receive case notes with dates, background, assessments, treatment and a plan, plus a task instruction naming the recipient and the purpose of the letter.
- 2During the 5-minute reading time you can study the notes but not write.
- 3In the 40 minutes you select the relevant information and write a complete letter in full sentences.
- 4The notes stay available while you write.
Sample task
Original sample · not from an official test
Task (original, nursing): You are the practice nurse at a community clinic. Using the notes, write a letter to the diabetes specialist nurse, requesting review of Mrs Lina Okafor, 58, whose home blood glucose readings have stayed above target for three weeks despite increased medication and dietary advice.
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Outline: Outline: opening paragraph stating the purpose (review request) and the patient; current problem with the key readings and timeline; relevant history and treatment changes already tried; what you are asking the recipient to do; brief, polite close.
A strong letter states its purpose in the first lines, includes only the notes the specialist nurse needs, turns shorthand into full sentences, and keeps a professional but readable tone.
Tips that work
- Decide the purpose and the reader first. Every note you include should help that reader act.
- State the purpose in the opening sentence; Purpose is scored separately (0–3).
- Group information by theme (current problem, relevant history, request) rather than copying the notes in date order.
- Leave out normal findings and background the reader does not need; Conciseness & Clarity rewards selection.
- Keep 3–4 minutes at the end to check names, dates, doses and spelling against the notes.
Common mistakes
- Treating every task as a referral when the instruction asks for a discharge or update letter.
- Copying the case notes almost in full, which hurts Conciseness & Clarity.
- Adding clinical details that are not in the notes.
Questions candidates ask
Is OET Writing always a referral letter?
No. Referral letters are common, but the task can also be a discharge, transfer, update or advice letter. Read the task instruction for the exact purpose and recipient.
Is there a word limit in OET Writing?
Around 180–200 words in the body of the letter is the recommended guide. It is not a hard limit, and the letter is not scored on word count alone.
Can I write during the 5-minute reading time?
No. The first 5 minutes are for reading the notes only; writing starts in the 40-minute phase.
How is my letter feedback given on EnglishHub?
You get AI feedback on your letter against the six criteria. It is an independent practice guide, not an OET result.
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