OET WRITING TIPS
STEP 1: Identify the Writing Task
1. Who is the letter being written to? (Job title + workplace)
? __________________________________________________________
2. What is the purpose of this letter? (Discharge, referral, request, update, etc.)
? __________________________________________________________
3. What kind of care or follow-up is the recipient expected to provide?
? __________________________________________________________
STEP 2: Understand the Case Notes
Patient Details
• Name: ____________________________
• Age: _______
• Admission Date: ____________________
• Discharge/Referral Date: ____________________
Diagnosis / Reason for Visit
__________________________________________________________
Medical History (only include relevant ones)
__________________________________________________________
Social Background (living situation, family, job, habits)
__________________________________________________________
Hospital Treatment / Progress
__________________________________________________________
Discharge Plan / Ongoing Needs
__________________________________________________________
STEP 3: Plan the Structure
Paragraph Purpose Notes / Keywords
Para 1 Introduction + Purpose of the Letter _____________________________
Para 2 Medical History + Reason for Admission _____________________________
Para 3 Hospital Management + Progress _____________________________
Para 4 Social Details + Follow-Up Needs _____________________________
Para 5 Request + Offer Further Contact _____________________________
STEP 4: Write Your Letter
Now, using your notes and structure, write your letter.
Keep the body between 180–200 words, and maintain formal tone.
Final Checklist Before Submitting
Criteria Self-Check
Clear Purpose in First Paragraph ?
Relevant medical & social info included ?
No irrelevant details (be selective) ?
Formal tone & correct letter format ?
Clear request for follow-up care ?
Paragraphs are logically ordered ?
Letter is between 180–200 words ?
Correct grammar, punctuation, spelling ?
Optional Reflection:
• What was easy about this task?
_______________________________________________________
• What did you find challenging?
_______________________________________________________
• What will you focus on improving next time?
_______________________________________________________