OET is the gateway for healthcare professionals who wish to register and practice in a native English-speaking country. It provides numerous opportunities to build a strong career overseas and secure a bright future. Though the advantages are many, attaining high scores in OET demands consistent and strategic practice.
There are four sections, i.e., listening, writing, speaking and reading. Most recognising recruitment boards worldwide require a minimum of 350 marks in each sub-test. Therefore, it’s pivotal to concentrate on each module.
In this blog, we shed light on a few common mistakes OET aspirants make in the writing section. These, along with the examples shared, will assist you in avoiding these and attaining high scores. So, let’s get started.
1. Unclear Purpose in the Introduction
Your letter should begin with a direct and specific purpose. The reader, often a healthcare professional, must understand why the letter was written and what is expected of them. A vague opening can confuse the reader and reduce clarity.
For instance, when you write, “I am writing to inform you about the patient.” the sentence becomes unnecessarily lengthier. When we refine it as “I am writing to refer Mr John Smith, a 65-year-old patient, who requires continued physiotherapy following knee replacement surgery.”, it looks more professional, giving an impression of your high english language skills.
2. Lack of Planning Before Writing
Jumping straight into writing without organising thoughts leads to disorganised content and missed points. Before writing, scan the case notes and decide what the recipient needs to know. Arrange these details into clear sections.
Here’s a simple plan:
- Start with a purpose statement
- Provide relevant background
- Describe the current issue
- End with a recommendation or request
Spending a few minutes to plan makes your writing more focused and coherent.
3. Overly Long or Complex Sentences
Whether you’re attending an OET exam or one at a much lower level, using short sentences can be more impactful than lengthy ones. The latter often confuses readers and buries key information. In professional writing, clarity is essential. Use short to medium-length sentences and focus on one idea at a time.
When understanding with the help of an example, here is a lengthy sentence-
“Mr Smith, who has a history of hypertension and diabetes and has been living alone since his wife passed away ten years ago, recently presented with signs of confusion, which may be attributed to a range of possible causes including but not limited to electrolyte imbalance, infection or medication side-effects.”
When you improve the sentence without changing its meaning, it becomes- “Mr Smith has a history of hypertension and diabetes. He lives alone and was recently presented with confusion. This may relate to an electrolyte imbalance, infection, or medication side-effects.”
As you can see, breaking the sentences promotes clarity and better understanding for the readers.
4. Including Irrelevant Information
Only include information that supports the letter’s objective. Adding unnecessary and redundant details distracts from the main message and may confuse the reader. Always ask yourself before writing if the given information assists the patient in receiving better care.
For instance, when referring a patient for wound care, childhood illnesses may be unnecessary unless directly related.
5. Incorrect Use of Tenses
Tense errors affect meaning and readability. Therefore, always ensure to use past tense for medical history, present for current condition, and future for plans or recommendations.
Plus, remember to keep tense use consistent to avoid confusion.
6. Misusing Medical Terminology
Misusing technical terms, even familiar ones, can change meaning. Some phrases, like “rule out,” are often misunderstood.
For example, when you write, “He was ruled out with pneumonia.”, it can confuse the readers. However, if you represent it as “Pneumonia was ruled out.”, the message is passed accurately.
7. Spelling and Capitalisation Errors
Simple errors in spelling or capitalisation reduce the quality of your letter. Always capitalise names and places. Proofread to catch small mistakes.
Example:
Incorrect: “mr. anderson was seen at royal melbourne hospital.”
Correct: “Mr. Anderson was seen at Royal Melbourne Hospital.”
Polished writing creates a stronger impression.
8. Overuse of Abbreviations and Jargon
Use abbreviations sparingly. Not all healthcare readers will recognise shorthand. Spell out terms when first mentioned.
Example: Write “The patient has hypertension and diabetes mellitus” instead of “Pt has HTN and DM.”
9. Informal Language and Tone
Letters must sound professional, not conversational. Keep your tone formal and objective.
For instance, writing “The patient is not doing too well.” is a casual approach. However, when you reframe it as “The patient’s condition has deteriorated over the past week.”, the sentence becomes professional.
10. Improper Paragraphing and Structure
Use clear paragraph breaks to guide the reader through your letter. Each paragraph should focus on one theme.
Suggested structure:
- First: Purpose of the letter
- Second: Medical background
- Third: Present concern
- Fourth: Recommended action
Well-structured writing improves flow and comprehension.
11. Impolite or Judgmental Language
Avoid phrasing that sounds critical or accusatory. Use empathetic, non-judgemental expressions.
For instance, writing “The patient neglected to take her medications.” can come forth as a personal attack. However, writing it as “The patient has not been adherent to her medication schedule.” makes it subtle.
Respectful wording promotes professionalism and empathy.
12. Overuse of Passive Voice
Passive voice can sound impersonal. Active voice creates direct, engaging writing.
Example:
Passive: “The medication was prescribed by the doctor.”
Active: “The doctor prescribed the medication.”
Active sentences make your writing stronger and more readable.
13. Neglecting to Proofread
Proofreading catches errors and improves sentence flow. Read your letter aloud to find awkward phrasing or overlooked mistakes.
Reserve time—just two to three minutes—for a careful review before submitting your writing.
Conclusion
Strong OET writing combines precision, clarity, and structure. By avoiding these common mistakes, you improve your score and confidence. Plan before writing, stay focused on relevant content and proofread carefully. Every detail counts.
EnglishWise is an acclaimed online training provider that supports healthcare professionals in achieving excellence in English proficiency exams. Our dedicated coaches, flexible learning tools, and high success rates help candidates prepare effectively for the OET, IELTS, and PTE exams. Choose us to guide your journey to test success.
