Ensuring You Nail the Purpose of the OET Letter

In the OET Writing sub-test, one of the key criteria is "purpose." It is marked out of three. If you do not get straight to the purpose and neglect to expand upon it properly, you will get a 1/3. What does that mean? You fail. You can not get a poor purpose score and pass the OET writing.

The purpose must be immediately clear, consistently maintained throughout, and relevant to the recipient. Let’s break down how to ensure your OET letter hits the mark.

1. Understand the Task Prompt

Every OET writing task provides you with vital clues about the letter’s purpose. It outlines who you’re writing to, why you’re writing, and what they need to know. Take the time to analyze the task prompt before you start carefully.

Ask yourself:

• What type of letter are you writing? For nurses and doctors, this will be a referral, discharge or transfer letter.

• Who is the recipient? This helps you pick the relevant information.

• Who is the patient?

• What is the definitive or provisional diagnosis and problem they are experiencing?

• What action are they expected to take? The writing task at the bottom of the case notes outlines this. It usually revolves around a gerund—such as ongoing monitoring, further investigation, or definitive diagnosis, etc.

• What information is critical for them to know?

Pro Tip: Highlight key details in the task prompt to maintain a sharp focus while writing.

2. Make the Purpose Crystal Clear in the Introduction

The purpose of your letter should be evident within the first few lines. There is nothing worse than having to hunt for the reason, problem and general request of what is wanted. Trust me, as a triage nurse, it wastes precious time and irritates an already stressed person.

A strong introduction sets the tone for the rest of your letter.

Example: “I am writing to refer Mrs. Jane Doe, a 67-year-old widow who requires further assessment and management of suspected congestive heart failure.”

This opening clearly states:

• What type of letter it is - referral

• Who the letter is about - Jane Doe

• What the issue is suspected congestive heart failure

• What action is expected - further assessment and management

Pro Tip: Avoid vague phrases like “I am writing to provide information.” Be specific about the reason for your letter.

3. Maintain Consistency Throughout

Once you’ve established the purpose, stick to it. Every detail you include should support the purpose of the letter. Irrelevant information can dilute your message and confuse the recipient.

For instance, if you’re writing a referral for back pain, the patient’s childhood illnesses are probably not relevant unless they directly relate to the current condition.

Pro Tip: After writing, review each section and ask, “Does this support the purpose?” If not, remove it.

4. Tailor the Tone to the Recipient

The tone of your letter should match the professional relationship between you and the recipient. For example, when writing to a specialist, your tone should be formal and focused. However, when writing to a caregiver, you might simplify medical jargon and use a more empathetic tone.

Example for Specialist: “The patient’s symptoms include progressive dyspnea, peripheral edema, and fatigue, which are consistent with heart failure.”

Example for Caregiver: “The patient is experiencing increasing shortness of breath and swelling in their legs, which may indicate a heart condition.”

Pro Tip: Put yourself in the recipient’s shoes. What tone and level of detail would help them best?

5. Reinforce the Purpose in the Conclusion

End your letter by reiterating the purpose and specifying the next steps. This reinforces your message and ensures clarity. This is the only time where repetition is allowed.

Example: “Mrs Doe has been referred to a physiotherapist to provide a program of gentle exercise. It would be appreciated if you could conduct further investigations and initiate appropriate management."

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Pro Tip: Keep your conclusion polite and professional, focusing on collaboration.

Wrapping It All Up

Nailing the purpose of your OET letter is like setting a GPS for the reader. When the purpose is clear, consistent, and tailored to the recipient, the letter practically guides itself. By analyzing the task prompt, crafting a strong introduction, staying focused, and using the right tone, you’ll create a letter that’s both effective and exam-ready.

Remember, your OET letter isn’t just a test response; it’s a reflection of your ability to communicate in real-world healthcare settings. Practice with purpose, and you’ll be well on your way to success. Good luck!