Understanding the OET Writing Task
Before writing, understand exactly what the task requires and how it is assessed:
OET Referral Letter Structure: The 6-Paragraph Template
A well-structured OET referral letter follows a consistent format. Use this template for every practice letter:
Date Line
Write the date at the top of the letter. Use a standard format:
Recipient Address
Write the recipient's name, title, and department/organization. Do NOT include the sender's address.
Respiratory Specialist
City General Hospital
London Road, Manchester
Subject Line (Re:)
A clear subject line helps the recipient immediately understand the letter's purpose:
Opening Paragraph (Purpose)
State clearly why you are writing. This is the most important paragraph:
I am writing to refer Mr John Davies, who presented to the emergency department today with worsening shortness of breath and a persistent cough. I would appreciate your assessment and management of his condition.
Key phrases: "I am writing to refer...", "I would be grateful if you could see/assess/manage...", "I am referring Mr/Ms [Name] for your further assessment/management."
Body Paragraphs (Details)
Transform the case notes into coherent prose. Organize logically:
Recommended Order
- - Admission/presentation details
- - Relevant medical history
- - Current symptoms and observations
- - Investigations and results
- - Treatment provided
- - Reason for referral
Key Rules
- - Do NOT copy case notes verbatim
- - Transform notes into full sentences
- - Use connectors (Furthermore, However, Subsequently)
- - Group related information together
Closing Paragraph
End with a clear statement of what you want the recipient to do:
Yours sincerely,
Nurse Sarah Thompson
Registered Nurse
Emergency Department
City General Hospital
Key phrases: "Thank you for your ongoing care/assessment of...", "Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information.", "I would appreciate your advice regarding..."
Sample OET Referral Letter (Nursing)
Here is a complete sample referral letter based on a typical OET Nursing case. Study the structure, language, and note how case notes are transformed into professional prose.
15 March 2025
Dr Emily Watson
Diabetes Specialist Nurse
Endocrinology Department
Royal Oak Hospital
Birmingham Road
London NW1 2DB
Re: Mrs Patricia Okafor (DOB: 22/06/1970)
Dear Dr Watson,
I am writing to refer Mrs Patricia Okafor, who attended our community clinic today for a routine diabetes review. I would be grateful if you could assess her glycaemic control in view of persistently elevated blood glucose levels over the past three months.
Mrs Okafor was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus five years ago and has been managed with metformin 500mg twice daily since that time. She has a past medical history of hypertension, for which she takes amlodipine 5mg daily. Furthermore, her mother and older brother both have Type 2 diabetes.
During today's consultation, Mrs Okafor reported increased thirst, frequent urination, and occasional blurred vision over the past six weeks. She also mentioned feeling fatigued despite adequate sleep. Her current HbA1c is 9.2%, which has increased from 7.8% three months ago. Her fasting blood glucose today was 11.4 mmol/L. Blood pressure was 148/92 mmHg, and her BMI is calculated at 31.2 kg/m².
Mrs Okafor states that she has found it difficult to adhere to her dietary plan due to work commitments and admits to skipping her medication approximately twice a week. She works long shifts as a care assistant and reports eating convenience meals regularly. She has not been engaging in regular physical activity.
I have reinforced the importance of medication compliance and discussed dietary modifications. I have also referred her to our practice dietitian for a comprehensive dietary review. However, given the significant rise in her HbA1c and the presence of hyperglycaemic symptoms, I believe specialist input is warranted.
Thank you for your ongoing care of Mrs Okafor. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
Nurse James Cooper
Registered Nurse
Community Health Clinic
Greenfield Medical Centre
London E2 7AA
Word count: 298 words (Note: This sample is slightly expanded for teaching purposes. In the actual test, aim for 180-200 words by being more concise with each point.)
Essential OET Referral Letter Phrases
Using the correct professional phrases is essential for achieving a high score. Here are the most important phrases organized by function:
Opening Phrases
- "I am writing to refer Mr/Ms [Name] for your (further) assessment/management."
- "I am writing to request your urgent review of Mr/Ms [Name]."
- "Thank you for seeing/assessing Mr/Ms [Name], who..."
- "I would be grateful if you could see/assess/manage..."
- "I am referring Mr/Ms [Name], who was admitted/presented today with..."
Medical History Phrases
- "Mr/Ms [Name] has a past medical history of..."
- "He/She was diagnosed with [condition] in [year]."
- "There is a family history of [condition]."
- "He/She has been managed with [medication] since [date]."
- "Of note, he/she also has [condition]."
Current Presentation Phrases
- "He/She presented today with..."
- "He/She reports experiencing [symptoms] for [duration]."
- "On examination, [finding] was noted."
- "Vital signs were: BP [value], HR [value], Temp [value]."
- "Investigations revealed..."
Closing Phrases
- "Thank you for your ongoing care of Mr/Ms [Name]."
- "Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information."
- "I would appreciate your advice regarding..."
- "If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me on [number]."
- "I am enclosing his/her current medication list for your reference."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are the most common errors that cost candidates marks in the OET Writing sub-test:
Mistake 1: Copying Case Notes Verbatim
Wrong: "Pt c/o SOB x 3 days. O/E: BP 160/95. Tx given: salbutamol neb."
Correct: "The patient has been experiencing shortness of breath for three days. On examination, his blood pressure was 160/95 mmHg. He was administered a salbutamol nebuliser."
Always transform abbreviations and note-form into complete, professional sentences.
Mistake 2: Including Irrelevant Information
Wrong: Including "patient enjoys gardening" in a referral to a cardiologist.
Correct: Only include information relevant to the referral purpose. Social details only if relevant (e.g., lives alone, no carer).
Every sentence should serve the purpose of the letter. If it does not help the recipient manage the patient, leave it out.
Mistake 3: Exceeding the Word Count
Problem: Writing 250+ words shows you cannot prioritize information.
Solution: Aim for 180-200 words. Practice being concise. Each sentence should convey one clear point.
Mistake 4: Incorrect Letter Format
Wrong: Including sender address, using informal language, incorrect salutation.
Correct: Date, recipient address, Re: line, formal salutation ("Dear Dr [Name],"), professional body, formal close ("Yours sincerely," + your name and title).
Mistake 5: Omitting the Referral Purpose
Wrong: Describing the patient in detail but never clearly stating what you want the recipient to do.
Correct: Open with "I am writing to refer..." and close with a clear statement of the requested action.
OET Writing Assessment Criteria Explained
Understanding how examiners score your letter helps you focus your preparation:
1. Purpose
Is the purpose of the letter immediately apparent? Does the reader know what action is required?
To score well: State the purpose clearly in the first paragraph. Use "I am writing to refer..." or equivalent.
2. Content
Have you included all relevant case notes? Have you omitted irrelevant information?
To score well: Select only information that supports the referral purpose. Do not include everything from the case notes.
3. Conciseness & Clarity
Is the letter concise? Is the meaning clear on first reading?
To score well: Aim for 180-200 words. Use simple, direct sentences. Avoid repetition.
4. Genre & Style
Is the tone appropriate? Is the language professional and healthcare-appropriate?
To score well: Use formal, professional language. No abbreviations (except standard ones like BP, HR). No contractions.
5. Organisation & Layout
Is the letter well-organized with logical paragraphing and appropriate connectors?
To score well: Follow the 6-paragraph structure. Use linking words (Furthermore, However, Subsequently). Start a new paragraph for each topic.
6. Language
Is grammar accurate? Is vocabulary appropriate? Is spelling correct?
To score well: Use varied sentence structures. Proofread for spelling errors. Use medical terminology correctly.
Free OET Referral Letter Template Pack
Download our complete template pack with referral letters, discharge letters, and transfer letters. Includes 5 graded sample letters with examiner comments, common phrases cheat sheet, and a self-assessment checklist.
Download Free Template PackWhat's Inside:
- ✓ Referral letter template (6-paragraph structure)
- ✓ Discharge letter template
- ✓ Transfer letter template
- ✓ 5 sample letters with Band B annotations
- ✓ 200+ essential phrases by category
- ✓ Common mistakes checklist
- ✓ Self-assessment scoring rubric