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Writing an effective OET letter requires clarity, structure, and accuracy. Many candidates lose marks because of avoidable mistakes. Understanding these common errors can help you write a high-scoring letter and improve your overall performance.
Here are the top 10 mistakes to avoid in your OET Writing task:
Your first paragraph must clearly state the reason for the letter. If the reader has to search for purpose. Make sure it is obvious and immediately clear.
If you don’t plan, you might:
A structured plan ensures your writing well-organized and key information is easy to find.
Long sentences do not improve your score. Instead, they often become confusing and difficult to follow. Aim for clear, precise sentences that convey key information effectively.
Every piece of information you include should be relevant for the reader. If you leave out key details (such as the discharge plan or recommendations), your score for Content will suffer.
More words don’t mean a better score!
Make sure you use the correct verb tense to convey precise meaning . For example:
❌ The patient undergoes surgery on June 5.
✅ The patient underwent surgery on June 5. (Past action)
Even small errors can mislead the reader and reduce your score. Check that:
✅ Dates are correct
✅ Diagnoses are properly described (use possible if not confirmed)
✅ Singular and plural nouns are accurate
You must use the passive voice correctly. Look out for:
❌ The patient was underwent surgery. (Incorrect)
✅ The patient underwent surgery. (Correct – this verb cannot be passive)
Before submitting your letter, save 5 minutes to check:
✔️ Is all key information included and easy to find?
✔️ Have you removed unnecessary details?
✔️ Are verb tenses and passive forms correct?
✔️ Is your writing clear and concise?
Want to see real examples of these mistakes and learn how to fix them? Watch our detailed video where we break them down step by step.
Struggling to remember all these tips? Get a FREE downloadable handout summarizing these key mistakes and how to avoid them.
Specialist Language Courses (SLC) are dedicated to helping healthcare professionals excel in the OET. Our expert-led courses focus on the specific language skills and test strategies needed to succeed. With personalised coaching, practice tests, and targeted exercises, we ensure you build the confidence and competence required for each OET sub-test. Join SLC to boost your chances of achieving the scores you need and advancing your healthcare career
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