OET writing for doctors trips up even experienced clinicians — not because the English is hard, but because each letter type demands a different strategy that most candidates never learn. Referrals, transfers, discharges, and advice letters all follow distinct rules, and confusing them is one of the fastest ways to lose marks.
You have 45 minutes to read case notes and produce a focused, professional letter. The doctors who score highest are not the ones with the best grammar; they are the ones who know exactly what each recipient needs to hear and cut everything else.
Understanding the Task
While your letter must always maintain a professional tone, your focus will shift depending on the scenario. You are not meant to invent new information — instead, you must select and transform the given bullet points into concise, relevant sentences.
Understanding the different letter types is your first step to a high score.
The Four Common Letter Types
| Letter Type | Primary Purpose | Common Recipient | What to Focus On |
|---|---|---|---|
| Referral | Ask a specialist for an assessment, diagnosis, or expert treatment plan | Consultants, Surgeons, Specialists | Current symptoms and the specific reason for referral |
| Transfer | Move a patient from one facility to another for continued care | Rehabilitation units, Nursing homes, Hospitals | Patient’s functional status, ongoing needs, and medical stability |
| Discharge | Summarize a patient’s hospital stay and provide future management instructions | GPs or Community Nurses | Summary of treatment received and required follow-up care |
| Advice / Inform | Explain a medical condition or provide care instructions directly | Patient, family member, or primary carer | Using non-technical, plain language a non-medical person can understand |
The Structure You Must Follow
Regardless of the letter type, every OET letter should follow this structure:
- Date and reference line — Include the patient’s full name, date of birth, and relevant ID.
- Introduction — State the purpose of the letter clearly and concisely.
- Body paragraphs (2–3) — Organize the selected case note information logically. Group related points together.
- Conclusion — Make a clear request for future action (e.g., appointment, follow-up, review).
- Formal closing — Use “Yours sincerely” followed by your name and title.
Key Tips for a High Score
- Select, don’t copy. Transform bullet points from case notes into proper sentences — don’t paste them verbatim.
- Stay relevant. Only include information the recipient needs to act on. Irrelevant details reduce clarity and lower your score.
- Keep it concise. Aim for 180–200 words. In the OET, quality matters far more than quantity.
- Use formal register. Avoid contractions, slang, or overly casual phrasing — even when writing to a patient.
- Manage your time. Spend the first 5–8 minutes reading and selecting from the case notes before you write.
- Build your writing habit. Consistent practice is the fastest path to improvement. See our post on 3 simple tricks to boost your writing for practical exercises you can start today.
Final Thought
By focusing solely on what the recipient needs to know next, you demonstrate that you are ready to work effectively in an English-speaking medical environment. The OET is not about perfection — it is about clear, safe, professional communication. Master that, and a high score will follow.