Understanding Formal vs. Informal Language in OET Letters

Imagine...you’re at a fancy dinner party. There’s a certain way to behave. A tone to maintain and language to use that fits the occasion. Now think about being at a casual catch-up with friends at a cafe. The vibe is completely different.

Writing an OET letter is no different—understanding when to use formal or informal language can make or break your letter’s effectiveness.

In the OET Writing sub-test, healthcare professionals are assessed on their ability to write purpose-driven letters. Getting the tone and language just right is key to scoring well. So, let’s break down the essentials of formal versus informal language in OET letters.

1. Why Formal Language Matters in OET Letters

The OET Writing test is designed to mimic real-life scenarios in a healthcare setting. Since your letter will most often be addressed to another healthcare professional, it must be formal and reflect the professional context of your communication.

Formal language includes:

• Polite, respectful phrases.

• Technical or medical terminology.

• Complete sentences with proper grammar and punctuation.

For example, instead of saying, “The patient’s leg is swollen and really painful,” a more formal approach would be, “The patient presents with significant swelling and severe pain in the lower limb.”

Pro Tip: DO NOT USE contractions like “can’t” or “won’t” in formal letters. Use “cannot” or “will not” to maintain a professional tone.

2. When Is Informal Language Acceptable?

There are rare occasions when informal language may be appropriate in an OET letter, such as when including direct quotes from a patient. For example:

• Formal: “The patient expressed concerns about managing their condition.”

• Informal (direct quote): “The patient stated, ‘I’m really worried I won’t be able to handle this.’”

Including informal phrases in patient quotations adds authenticity to your letter. However, ensure that the rest of the letter remains professional.

Pro Tip: Stick to formal language unless the context explicitly requires informal phrasing, such as summarizing a patient’s words verbatim.

3. Common Pitfalls of Mixing Tones

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is blending formal and informal language inconsistently. For instance, writing, “The patient’s symptoms are bad, and they’re not sure what’s wrong” can confuse the tone of your letter. It’s both informal (“bad” and “they’re”) and formal (“symptoms” and “not sure what’s wrong”).

To avoid this, keep your focus on the recipient and the purpose of the letter. If you are communicating with a specialist, stick to a formal tone throughout. Is the goal of the letter to ensure clarity for the recipient? Avoid overly technical jargon.

Pro Tip: Before finalizing your letter, read it aloud to check for any sudden shifts in tone or style.

4. Formal Phrases to Include in Your OET Letters

Healthcare communication often relies on specific formal expressions (also referred to as common collocations) to ensure professionalism and clarity. Some examples include:

• “The patient’s medical history is significant for...”

• “I would appreciate it if you could...”

• “It is recommended that...”

• “Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require further information.”

Using these phrases appropriately will make your letter polished and professional.

5. Practice Makes Perfect

One of the best ways to master formal language is through practice. Use OET practice materials to familiarize yourself with the style and tone expected in the exam. Write out sample letters and compare them to high-scoring examples. Be aware that the sample letters given on the official OET sample case notes are marked at 350. Pay close attention to how language is tailored to the recipient and the purpose of the communication.

Pro Tip: Ask a mentor or peer to review your practice letters. Fresh eyes can spot inconsistencies in tone that you might miss.

Wrapping It All Up

Mastering formal language in OET letters isn’t just about following rules; it’s about understanding the professional context and respecting the recipient’s expectations. By using clear, polite, and professional language, you’ll not only meet the exam criteria but also prepare yourself for real-world healthcare communication.

Remember, the tone of your writing is like the outfit you choose for a big event—it needs to fit the occasion. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll nail it every time. Good luck!