Top NINE FAQs on OET Writing Sub-Test

1. Top NINE FAQs on OET Writing Sub-Test Listed down are frequently asked questions by the candidates on OET writing sub-test. Is it necessary that I shall read the case notes before planning my response? If you aim at getting a higher score in your OET 2.0 Writing Sub-Test, then it is important that you shall read and understand the task. The case notes given in the question will help you understand the situation and according to the notes you need to plan your response. Five minutes of reading time at the beginning of this test is an opportunity for you to read and understand well. You will have 40 minutes which shall be sufficient to create a response. You can consult the task or take much closer look at the notes given during your test. Shall my answer be always limited to only 180-200 words? What if I increase or decrease the word-length? It is recommended that the answer shall be in between 180-200 words. If you have written more or less, then it may point out to the fact that you have included either irrelevant information or have not completed the task in the proper way. Do I have to address the intended reader? Well, yes, you will have to. You can use the information given in the letter to address the intended reader. Why is the OET Writing Sub-Test has got such format? There are medical professionals who still have to focus on preparing the letters as a part of their practice. The task is designed in such a way that it reflects workplace situations. You will have to be good at selecting and organizing the relevant information and present it in much clearer and more accurate form. Preparing such a letter in limited time period is, in fact, a reality as most of the professionals need to write such letters even during their busy hours. Will I lose marks if there are any typos or grammatical errors in my letter? Yes, you will lose marks if there are spelling errors or grammatical errors in your answer.

2. Can I use abbreviations in my letter? Abbreviations which are common can be used but you are not supposed to use abbreviations which are uncommon. For example: Commonly used abbreviations are as follows: P.o. for By mouth Q.i.d. for Four times daily. N/V for Nausea or vomiting. JT for Joint IBD for Inflammatory bowel disease But this abbreviation such as DJD which stands for Degenerative joint disease (which is another term for osteoarthritis) may seems to be confusing as it is not used much. However, in your case notes, if you find abbreviations of even uncommon medical terms and you know what they stand for then you can use them. What if I use capital letters? Where can I use capital letters? You can use capital letters in headings or abbreviations. How the layout of my letter shall be? There are various formats which are accepted in the healthcare sector (as per local contexts). There is no particular format and you can use any format you want. But, it is important you shall clearly present the information. The layout shall be understandable. What about level descriptors in the writing test? You are required to score at least 5 out of 6. Detailed information on level descriptors is here OET Writing Assessment Criteria & Level Descriptors