OET Writing Tips for Nurses: How to Score Grade B

OET Writing for nurses is not a test of medical knowledge — it’s a test of clear, professional, purpose-driven communication in a referral or discharge letter. Most nurses lose marks on fixable issues: information selection, tone, and structure — not language ability.

The three mistakes that cap your score

1. Copying from case notes. Transform case notes into clear, connected sentences.

2. Including everything. Select only the information the receiving professional needs.

3. Wrong tone. Aim for clear, courteous, professional — not clinical shorthand or over-formal jargon.

The structure that works

• Opening: purpose of the letter and patient introduction
• Body: relevant history, organised logically
• Request: the specific action needed
• Close: professional sign-off

The fastest way to improve

I mark OET letters personally and show you exactly which information to cut and keep — book OET writing feedback or join the OET batch.