What is the most common mistake made under time pressure?

Capitalizing generic drug names (like lisinopril) or failing to capitalize brand names (like Ventolin).

How many words should the letter be?

The recommended length is 180 to 220 words. Writing too much usually leads to errors and poor organization.

OET Writing Checklists: A 10-Point Pre-Submission Review

Under the pressure of the OET Writing exam, it is easy to make simple mistakes that cost you a Grade B. To prevent this, you must build a systematic review process.

Use this 10-point checklist in your final minutes of the test to catch errors before submitting your letter. For a digital interactive self-check on test day, use our free OET writing checklist tool.

The 10-Point OET Writing Checklist

1. The Recipient’s Details

Check that the recipient’s name, job title, and address are copied exactly from the case notes.
Common error: Misspelling the specialist’s name or omitting their title (e.g., writing “Dr. Smith” instead of “Dr. Smith, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon”).

2. Patient Demographics

Verify the spelling of the patient’s name and check their Date of Birth (DOB) or age.
Common error: Writing the wrong year of birth.

3. Purpose Statement

Read your first sentence. Does it state the reason for referral and the required action clearly?
Common error: Using vague phrases like “referring for further care”.

4. Capitalization of Medications

Check your list of active medications:
- Capitalize brand names (e.g., Panadol, Ventolin).
- Do not capitalize generic drug names (e.g., aspirin, metformin).

5. Chronological Flow

Are your paragraphs structured logically?
Common error: Mixing medical history with today’s symptoms in the same paragraph.

6. Subject-Verb Agreement

Verify that your subjects match your verbs, especially when separated by prepositional phrases.
Common error: Writing “The results of the test was positive” instead of “were positive”.

7. Comma Usage

Ensure you use commas after introductory phrases (e.g., “Initially,” “On examination,” “Consequently,“).

8. Word Count

Ensure your letter falls within the 180-220 word range.
Note: Words in the header and sign-off do not count toward this limit.

9. Clinical Accuracy

Check that you have copied all test values and units exactly (e.g., Hb 95 g/L).

10. Formal Sign-off

Check that your closing corresponds to the opening salutation (e.g., “Yours sincerely,” for a named recipient).

By practicing this checklist, you will automatically identify and correct minor errors on test day, securing your Grade B.