How to Score a B Grade in OET Writing: Tips, Strategies, and Sample Practice

The OET is a globally recognized English test specifically designed for health practitioners. Of the four sub-tests—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, the Writing sub-test is generally considered one of the more challenging ones. Many candidates struggle to meet the OET Writing B grade requirement, which is often required for overseas registration and employment in English-speaking healthcare systems.

This blog will guide you through all that you must know in order to score a B in OET Writing, from a deep understanding of the scoring criteria, effective OET Writing tips, sample questions and how enrolling in a good OET coaching centre can benefit you.

Understanding OET Writing Criteria

Before you start using OET Writing techniques, it’s important to know how your writing is assessed. The Writing sub-test is graded by trained assesors who consider six fundamental criteria:

Purpose – Is the purpose of writing evident from the start and consistently upheld throughout the letter?

Content – Does the letter include all pertinent information taken from the case notes?

Conciseness and Clarity – Are irrelevant details eliminated? Is the message clear?

Genre and Style – Is the tone and style suitable for a healthcare professional reader?

Organisation and Layout – Is the letter well-organized and professionally laid out?

Language – Is vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and sentence structure correct and effective?

To get a B grade, your mark should range from 350 to 440 points from 500. This implies that you need to do well in all six areas. Lack of strength in any single category can reduce your overall final band.

Top Strategies to Score B in OET Writing

Learning the OET Writing section is not merely learning about English—it’s learning to use language functionally and clinically. Here are crucial OET Writing tips to get you going:

1. Read and Analyse Case Notes Effectively
All writing tasks start with case notes. Read and analyze them thoroughly. Underline important details such as the patient’s name, age, medical condition, and the letter’s purpose. Determine which details the recipient needs and which ones are not required

2. State the Purpose at the Start
The introduction paragraph must state the purpose of the letter—be it a follow-up, transfer, discharge, or referral. A weak introduction can mislead the reader and lower your score in the “Purpose” criterion.

Example:
“I am writing to refer Mrs. Lucy George, a 68-year-old stroke patient, for ongoing home-based physiotherapy.”

3. Organise Content Logically
An orderly letter also follows an orderly sequence—most often starting with patient background, followed by current status, history, and lastly with special recommendations or requests. Always place related information together.

4. Be Concise but Clear
One of the key OET Writing skills is conciseness. Do not put every item of information from the case notes. Select only important facts to back up the purpose of the letter and avoid duplicate or unnecessary information.

5. Use Formal and Professional Tone
Use a professional tone of writing suitable for communication among health professionals. Avoid using colloquial terms or overly complex sentences. Good words and spelling are important.

6. Adhere to the Word Limit
The best word limit is 180 to 200 words. Writing less may omit important details, and writing more could result in irrelevant or jumbled information.

7. Proofread Before Submission
Always leave a minute or two at the end to look over your writing. Double-check for grammar mistakes, punctuation problems, and if the purpose and structure are well communicated.

Practice Makes Perfect

Regular and targeted OET Writing practice is necessary to enhance your performance. Most candidates are unable to achieve a B grade just because they do not write sufficient letters before the actual test.

Some effective practice strategies are:

Daily Writing: Try writing at least one letter every day based on past OET questions.

Timed Practice: Practice writing within the time limit of 45 minutes to simulate real examination situations.

Use Assessment Rubrics: Self-assess based on official rubrics.

Peer Review: Exchange letters with fellow learners for peer review.

Seek Professional Feedback: Enroll for courses or coaching sessions that give individual corrections and tutor advice.

Best OET Coaching Center in Kerala

If you’re dead serious about scoring a B grade in OET Writing, taking guidance from experienced trainers can do the trick. Fortunately, Kerala boasts some of the most popular OET coaching institutions such as Neethu’s Academy, that stands out due to the following factors:

Expert Faculty: Trainers with healthcare backgrounds and OET training expertise.

Personalized Feedback: Specific improvement on weak areas.

Latest Materials: Access to new sample letters, mock tests, and case notes.

Interactive Online Sessions: Learning at home, more so for working professionals.

Grammar and Vocabulary Modules: Intensive learning to become a better writer.

Sample Letter & Breakdown

Scenario: Write a referral letter to a dietician regarding a patient with type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol.

Sample Opening:
“I am writing to refer Mr. Arun Menon, a 52-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, for dietary management and nutritional counseling.”

Body Paragraphs:

Brief medical history

Current medications

Lifestyle and dietary habits

Requested action: diet planning and follow-up

Conclusion:
“I would like to request you to check Mr. Menon’s dietary intake and give specific advice to control his blood sugar and lipids.”

Evaluation:

Purpose: Appropriately cleared
Content: Traded pertinent information
Organisation: Logical and chronological
Language: Professional and grammatically accurate
Length: 190 words

Following this template, you will see how each paragraph addresses a particular purpose, addresses assessment requirements, and assists you in attaining the OET Writing B grade.

Conclusion

Getting B in OET Writing takes time, but with persistence, practice, and proper guidance, it is fully within one’s reach. Begin with a strong understanding of the standards, regular writing, expert feedback, and proofreading.

Whether you prefer learning in a school or online classes, enrolling in a reputable OET coaching center such as ours will provide you with the little push that you need.