Language · English
OET (Occupational English Test) — Writing: Nursing and Medicine
OET is the English test for healthcare professionals, accepted by regulators such as the UK's NMC and GMC, AHPRA in Australia and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. Practise the Writing sub-test: turn case notes into a referral, transfer or discharge letter for nursing or medicine, marked against OET's six published criteria.
Questions last checked against the official sources on October 11, 2026.
The real exam at a glance
- Writing
- 45 minutes: 5 minutes reading + 40 minutes writing; one letter (usually referral, transfer or discharge) from profession-specific case notes
- Length
- About 180–200 words in the body of the letter; assessors don't count words
- Criteria
- Purpose 0–3; Content, Conciseness & Clarity, Genre & Style, Organisation & Layout, Language 0–7 each (38 marks)
- Grades
- Each sub-test scored 0–500 and graded A–E; grade B = 350, the level most healthcare regulators require
- Sub-tests
- Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking; Writing and Speaking are profession-specific
What you'll practise
A writing task you can have marked
Discharge after hip replacement (district nurse)
Read the case notes and complete the writing task. Assume that today's date is 14 March. You are a registered nurse on the orthopaedic ward of Riverside General Hospital. Patient: Mrs Edith Clarke, DOB 02.05.1947 (78 y.o.) Admitted: 09.03 — elective R total hip replacement (THR), surgery 09.03 Discharge: 15.03, to own home Social: widow, lives alone, 1st-floor flat, lift in building. Daughter (Sarah) visits weekends, works full-time. Enjoys bridge club. Keen gardener. PMH: osteoarthritis R hip (5 yrs), hypertension, cataract surgery L eye 2019 Allergies: penicillin (rash) Progress: - Post-op uncomplicated. Haemoglobin 108 g/L day 2 (pre-op 126); no transfusion - Mobilising with walking frame, up to 30 m; stairs practised with physio, needs supervision - Hip precautions taught: no bending >90°, no crossing legs, raised toilet seat supplied - Wound: 14 cm lateral R hip, clips in situ, clean & dry, small serous ooze day 2, now dry - Pain controlled: paracetamol 1 g QID, oxycodone 5 mg PRN (used once in last 24 h) - Bowels opened day 3 Medications on discharge: - enoxaparin 40 mg SC daily until 06.04 (28 days post-op, VTE prophylaxis) — pt anxious, unable to self-inject (poor eyesight R eye) - paracetamol 1 g QID PRN - amlodipine 5 mg mane (usual) Plan: - District nurse: daily enoxaparin injection; wound check; clip removal day 12–14 post-op (21.03–23.03) - Watch for signs of infection, DVT (calf pain/swelling), dislocation (sudden pain, leg shortening/rotation) - Outpatient physio 3x/week; orthopaedic clinic 6 weeks - Meals on wheels arranged (weekdays) WRITING TASK Using the information in the case notes, write a letter to Ms Jane Holloway, District Nurse, Northside Community Nursing Service, 18 Harbour Road, Northside, who will be taking over Mrs Clarke's care at home.
- Expand the relevant notes into complete sentences
- Do not use note form
- Use letter format
- The body of the letter should be approximately 180–200 words
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Questions about the OET Writing
Is this the official OET Writing?
No. Semplr is independent and not affiliated with the exam body. We write every question ourselves, in the official format and at the official level.
What is the real OET Writing like?
Writing: 45 minutes: 5 minutes reading + 40 minutes writing; one letter (usually referral, transfer or discharge) from profession-specific case notes. Length: About 180–200 words in the body of the letter; assessors don't count words. Criteria: Purpose 0–3; Content, Conciseness & Clarity, Genre & Style, Organisation & Layout, Language 0–7 each (38 marks). Grades: Each sub-test scored 0–500 and graded A–E; grade B = 350, the level most healthcare regulators require. Sub-tests: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking; Writing and Speaking are profession-specific.
How is my practice marked?
Your writing is marked against the exam's criteria by our AI examiner. Corrections are drawn on your own text and explained in your language, with an estimated level. It's an estimate, not an official result.
Can I take it on my phone?
Yes. The whole mock exam works on a phone, and your progress is saved in your browser.
Ready for a full run?
One sitting, real timing, then your score against the pass mark.
Start the free mock exam