OET Writing Tips – How to get an A on the OET writing sub-test
In this OET Writing article, we will share how you can get a high score on this sub-test. The OET Writing sub-test is unlike any other writing test.
In the IELTS and the PTE, you have to write an ‘essay’. You are given a prompt and you write according to your thoughts. In the OET, you do not write according to your thoughts. There is very little room for creativity at all.
In OET Writing, you have case notes and a task. You need to select from the case notes according to the task, create a logical structure for your letter and then make sure that the letter is written in your own words.
Whether you’re a nurse, doctor, dentist, or physiotherapist, this blog post will show you how to write the OET writing sub-test to get an A (or a B)!
The Task
OET Writing Tips - Writing Sample
The task is the most important part of the case notes. It should be the first thing that you look at in the 5 minutes of reading time. The Task tells you WHO you are writing to and WHY. By understanding the Task (who and why) you will then be able to select case notes that are relevant to the reader.
Does the reader already know the patient or are you introducing the patient to the reader?
Compare these two tasks:
Task 1:
Using the information in the notes, write a letter back to the referring GP, Dr. Jones, detailing your findings and suggested a treatment plan.
Task 2:
Using the information in the notes, write a letter to Dr. Jones detailing your findings and suggested a treatment plan.
In task 1 the doctor already knows the patient. In task 2 the doctor does not know the patient.
How do you think your selection of case notes will change if the doctor knows or does not know the patient?
The answer to this is that they will change significantly. For instance, if the doctor already knows the patient, do you need to include much information from the medical history? No. But if the doctor has never met the patient before? Yes!
Whether read knows or does not know the patient will influence which case notes you choose and why.