OET Training Tips: Organizing a Strong Letter Structure

1. OET Training Tips: Organizing a Strong Letter Structure OET Writing Test The writing section is one of the components of the Occupational English Test. In this OET sub-test, test takers must create a profession-specific letter using various materials such as case notes and other important documentation. Moreover, the OET writing test takes about 45 minutes, and the content of the letter must be between 180 and 200 words. The purpose of this OET sub-test is to assess the writing skills of exam takers in healthcare settings.

2. Organizing a Strong Letter Structure A strong letter structure is essential for the OET writing sub-test. In other words, it needs to be readable, grammatically correct, and the ideas should flow from beginning to end in a coherent and logical way. As an OET test taker, it is important that you seek for various writing tips that can help enhance your OET training and get your writing score goal. To help nurses and other medical practitioners boost their letter-writing skills, read and follow these four writing tips on how to organize a strong letter structure: 1. Spend a minute or two planning your letter structure before you begin writing. You may answer these questions when planning your letter:  What is the most important issue?  What are the essential key points in the given case notes?  What else does the reader/receiver need to know? 2. Create a simple draft before you start writing your letter. This draft will serve as your guide once you are creating the letter. Here are the things that you need to indicate in your draft that you can use in your OET review sessions:  Recipient Title and Full Name  Profession/Position (example: Senior Nurse)  Hospital/Clinic Name Today’s Date (dd/mm/yyyy) Re: (patient’s full name, date of birth/age)  Salutation (example: Dear <Name of the Recipient>)  Introduction (reasons for writing the letter)  Paragraph 1 (key points)  Paragraph 2 (key points)  Paragraph 3 (key points)  Closing Phrase (example: If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me)  Valediction (example: Yours sincerely,)  Your Profession (example: Charge Nurse)

3. 3. Your introductory sentence/paragraph should contain the reason why you are writing the letter (referral, discharge or transfer letter) and the main medical problem. In letter writing, important information should be prioritized and must be on top of the letter. Don’t bury the important information at the bottom of your letter. 4. The body paragraphs should contain a single idea. In each body paragraph, the information must flow from the beginning to the end. Use the given case notes by organizing and transforming them into logical body paragraphs and accurate sentences. Do you want to get more exclusive writing tips and other test-taking strategies? Enroll now in any OET training center and subscribe to our blog now!