I have started making some YouTube clips which look at the marking criteria for the writing subtest of the OET. Whilst the writing subtest is profession-specific, it is marked in the same way for all 12 professions.
The current video deals with the first of the 5 marking criteria. Task Fulfilment.
When you first turn over your writing test you have a few minutes reading time. Unfortunately, you can't make notes at this stage so your plan needs to be 'in your head'. The first question is:
Who am I writing to? - look at the end of the case notes in the writing task for this information.
Why am I writing to this person? - In other words, what type of letter are you writing?
If you take a look at the sample letters on the official site you can see examples of the types of letters I've outlined above. Notice how the letter is set out and the language which has been used. If the letter is to a colleague, for example, it is appropriate to use more technical language and some abbreviations (don't overdo it!). If the letter is to a parent or caregiver, you would use everyday health terms.
The first criterion (Task Fulfilment) also includes word count. You are expected to write a letter of between 180 and 200 words. Again, look at some of the sample letters. Get a picture of what 200 words looks like. It's not a long letter,right? Do a test run of your own handwriting on an A4 sheet of lined paper. Write 3 paragraphs of anything - you could copy one of the sample letters if you like. What does the page look like? This should be your guide. The letter you write in the real test should take up the same length as your sample.
Remember that you can go over the page and use a second page if needed. If you make a mistake,cross it out neatly and write next to it or above if possible.
A note on handwriting. If you have untidy handwriting or if your handwriting is very large, try to practise before the test. These days we mostly type rather than write by hand so many of us (myself included) have handwriting which is not as clear as it might be. Practise writing 200 words in 30 minutes by timing yourself. This will ensure that you have enough time to plan the letter well before writing and check it after writing it.
The current video deals with the first of the 5 marking criteria. Task Fulfilment.
When you first turn over your writing test you have a few minutes reading time. Unfortunately, you can't make notes at this stage so your plan needs to be 'in your head'. The first question is:
Who am I writing to? - look at the end of the case notes in the writing task for this information.
Why am I writing to this person? - In other words, what type of letter are you writing?
- referral to another healthcare professional for advice / further treatment?
- transfer back to a Nursing Home - advising of treatment so far and requesting continuance of treatment
- a report of advice/ assessment / treatment after being requested to provide the advice
- informational letter to parents /caregivers about a health issue e.g. at school
- letter to parent /caregiver about treatment / medication / follow-up after discharge
If you take a look at the sample letters on the official site you can see examples of the types of letters I've outlined above. Notice how the letter is set out and the language which has been used. If the letter is to a colleague, for example, it is appropriate to use more technical language and some abbreviations (don't overdo it!). If the letter is to a parent or caregiver, you would use everyday health terms.
The first criterion (Task Fulfilment) also includes word count. You are expected to write a letter of between 180 and 200 words. Again, look at some of the sample letters. Get a picture of what 200 words looks like. It's not a long letter,right? Do a test run of your own handwriting on an A4 sheet of lined paper. Write 3 paragraphs of anything - you could copy one of the sample letters if you like. What does the page look like? This should be your guide. The letter you write in the real test should take up the same length as your sample.
Remember that you can go over the page and use a second page if needed. If you make a mistake,cross it out neatly and write next to it or above if possible.
A note on handwriting. If you have untidy handwriting or if your handwriting is very large, try to practise before the test. These days we mostly type rather than write by hand so many of us (myself included) have handwriting which is not as clear as it might be. Practise writing 200 words in 30 minutes by timing yourself. This will ensure that you have enough time to plan the letter well before writing and check it after writing it.
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