OET Strategies, Writing
OET Writing Letter Structure: A Practical Template Guide
Feb
In OET Writing, candidates are not expected to produce letters using a free or creative structure.
Instead, the task is designed around a fixed structural pattern, and following a clear template is both appropriate and effective.
This approach is not restrictive; it reflects how clinical correspondence is written in real practice—structured, purposeful, and reader-focused.
What matters most is aligning your letter with the assessment criteria, especially the clear communication of purpose and relevance.
Below is an outline of a practical letter structure, together with clarification of what belongs in each section.
The Overall Framework
A standard OET letter includes the following components:
① Letterhead
Sender’s name
Professional title
Hospital or clinic name
Address
Date
② Recipient Details
Recipient’s name (if provided)
Position
Hospital or clinic name
Address
Each element should appear on its own line. Starting with these details, rather than the clinical request itself, reflects formal professional correspondence.
“Re:” functions as the subject line, usually including the patient’s name and date of birth. Up to this point, the format remains consistent across cases.
Main Body of the Letter
Paragraph 1 | Introduction: Clearly State the Purpose
The first paragraph must communicate the primary purpose of the letter immediately. The reader—often a busy clinician—should understand at a glance why the patient is being referred or reviewed.
A typical sentence includes the patient’s age, diagnosis, and the reason for writing. This paragraph directly fulfils the Purpose criterion in the marking scheme. Without clarity here, even well-written clinical details may lose impact.
Paragraph 2 | Presenting Complaint and History
The next paragraph explains why the referral is happening now.
This is not a full medical history. Instead, it summarises the symptoms, signs, or developments that led to the current decision. The receiving clinician needs to understand the clinical trigger for referral.
Phrases such as “presented with complaints of…”, “was diagnosed with…”, or “has been experiencing…” signal a clear narrative of the patient’s progression. The focus remains on relevance rather than completeness.
Paragraph 3 | Clinical Course, Investigations, and Treatment
Here, you describe what has been done so far and how the patient has responded.
This may include investigations, laboratory findings, or treatments initiated. However, the key principle is selectivity. Overly detailed reporting can obscure what truly matters for the receiving clinician’s management.
The aim is to show the current clinical status and any response—or lack of response—to treatment, without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary data.
Paragraph 4 | Additional Relevant Information
This section is used when there is information that may affect management, such as social circumstances, support systems, or medication adherence.
For older patients, this might include living arrangements or family involvement. Such details often influence care planning and risk assessment. Including them demonstrates clinical awareness beyond symptoms alone.
If no additional information is relevant, this paragraph may be brief or omitted.
Paragraph 5 | Request and Future Management
This paragraph expresses the core request of the referral.
It should clearly and politely state what is being asked: further investigation, specialist review, admission, or ongoing follow-up. The tone must remain professional and respectful.
Statements such as “I would appreciate your assessment…” or “I would be grateful for your opinion…” reflect the collaborative nature of medical communication. The request must be explicit. Indirect or vague phrasing can weaken the letter’s effectiveness.
Paragraph 6 | Closing Remarks
The final paragraph provides a professional closing and may include an offer of further contact. Phrases like “Please do not hesitate to contact me if further information is required” maintain a courteous and collegial tone.
The letter concludes with a complimentary close (e.g., “Yours sincerely” or “Yours faithfully”), followed by the sender’s name, position, and institution.
Templates as Support, Not Constraint
These structures are basic templates, not rigid rules. Their purpose is to provide consistency and clarity. As you practise, you may discover expressions that feel more natural to your professional voice. Over time, variation becomes easier.
However, structure should always serve clarity. In OET Writing, a well-organised letter demonstrates not only language ability but also safe, effective clinical communication—the standard expected in international healthcare settings.
When the structure becomes familiar, you are free to focus on what truly matters: conveying relevant information with precision and purpose.
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