Common Errors in OET Writing Case Notes and How to Avoid Them

The OET Writing sub-test may be a difficult task for healthcare professionals who are not accustomed to writing formal referral or discharge letters from case notes. Most candidates lose marks due to avoidable mistakes in OET Writing case notes. If you want to achieve a top score, it is important to know the common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

In this blog, we’ll explore the most common mistakes in OET Writing case notes, provide expert OET Writing tips, explain the correct OET Writing format, and show how OET coaching centres, can significantly boost your OET Writing skills.

Understanding OET Writing Case Notes

OET Writing tasks are occupation-specific and usually consist of writing a formal letter (referral, transfer, discharge, etc.) from a given set of case notes. You need to select appropriate information and present it logically to meet the letter’s purpose.

The secret to acing the Writing sub-test is:

Selecting appropriate information
Organising it based on the purpose
Employing proper formal language and tone
Adhering to the proper structure

Common Mistakes in OET Writing Case Notes

These are the most frequent OET Writing mistakes that disqualify candidates from getting 350+:

1. Misinterpretation of the Case Notes

Many candidates misinterpret the intention of the letter or the timeframe, which results in information that is irrelevant or misplaced.

2. Over-Inclusion of Irrelevant Details

Some candidates add everything from the case notes without weeding out what is relevant, resulting in unfocused and cluttered letters.

3. Poor Organization and Paragraphing

Incorrect grouping of facts (i.e., confusion between past history and present complaints) will make the letter cumbersome.

4. Grammar and Spelling Mistakes

Errors in Verb tense, subject-verb mistakes, and spelling mistakes can be easily made and will severely lower your mark.

5. Ineffective Usage of Tenses

Improper use of present and past tenses, particularly while explaining the condition and background of the patient, is a major problem.

6. Word Count Problems

Writing over 200 words can result in penalty marks, and writing very little can result in not explaining enough detail.

7. Incorrect or Incomplete Addressing

Certain letters are either not addressed properly or do not contain the vital elements such as date, recipient’s designation, or closing.

Tips for Avoiding These Mistakes

✅ Comprehend the Task Completely
First, determine the purpose of the letter and the recipient. This determines the tone and format for your answer.

✅ Practice Choosing Appropriate Information
Be mindful of what matters most to the recipient. If you’re writing back to a physiotherapist, give mobility and function data—not extra background information.

✅ Stick to Standard OET Writing Format
Follow the standard structure: Date, Address, Salutation, Introduction, Body Paragraphs, Conclusion, and Signature.

✅ Formal and Clinical Terminology
Avoid using informal language and abbreviations. Use proper, concise, and professional vocabulary.

✅ Edit Your Work
Leave 3–5 minutes at the end to review for grammar, punctuation, and organization errors.

✅ Watch Your Word Count
Attempt to write 180–200 words, and don’t exceed the word limit.

Case Note Practice Examples

Take a simple example to practice OET case notes:

Case Note Sample:

Patient Name: Mr. James Baker
Age: 67

Reason for Admission: COPD exacerbation
Background: Diagnosed 5 years ago, 10 cigarettes per day smoker, lives alone
Current Treatment: Nebulizers, corticosteroids
Discharge Plan: Follow-up with GP, Pulmonary rehab recommended

Task:
Write a letter to the patient’s GP summarising the hospital admission and advice.

Sample Introduction:
21 April 2025
Dr. A. Thomas
Green Valley Clinic
Kochi, Kerala

Dear Dr. Thomas,
Re: Mr. James Baker, 67 years old

Dear Dr./Nurse/Ms.

I am writing to advise you that Mr. Baker has just been admitted to the hospital with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

OET Writing Format: A Quick Review

Here is the breakdown of the OET Writing format to use in your letter:

Date (top left)
Recipient’s Name and Address
Salutation (Dear Dr./Nurse/Ms.)
Reference Line (Re: Patient’s full name and age)
Introduction Paragraph (Purpose of the letter)
Body Paragraphs (Chronological and logical details)
Conclusion Paragraph (Action requested)
Closing (Yours sincerely/faithfully, with your name and designation)

Consistency of style guarantees clarity and professionalism.

Best OET coaching center in Kerala

Neethu’s Academy is known to be one of the best coaching centers in Kerala for OET, offering:

Healthcare experienced expert mentors
Daily practice in writing case notes
Personal correction and feedback
Mock exams with real exam settings
Latest material for the latest OET criteria

Conclusion

Mastering OET Writing case note consists of having the right information to choose from, using proper form and grammar correctly, and presenting your thoughts clearly. Avoiding common mistakes in OET Writing case notes is crucial to achieve your desired score.

By adhering to systematic OET Writing guidelines, practicing OET case notes on a continuous basis, and attending a well-known OET coaching center such as Neethu’s Academy, you can hone your OET Writing skills and become successful.