Reading: Common Mistakes and Fixes in OET

Many healthcare professionals taking the OET prepare in an interesting way. They may really be surprised at how different the OET is from other English language tests. Even if healthcare professionals have strong communication skills, the OET writing sub-test requires more than competent grammatical accuracy it will require clarity, clinical relevance, and tone.

The health care professionals often lose marks not because they don't know English, but because they do not truly understand how to write like a health professional writing to another health professional.

Missed key case notes, using too casual of language, or writing about something not relevant to their case can all easily lose marks.

In 2025, with the OET becoming even more competitive and more necessary for health migration to the UK, Ireland, and Australia it has become ever more necessary to know where these mistakes are and correct them. 

Common mistakes and fixes in OET reading

Many OET writing mistakes can be avoided with the right guidance and practice. Let's review the most common mistakes and how to fix them:

Mistake 1: Not understanding the task

Many students will start their writing without reading the case notes or identifying the task requirement (e.g., referral, discharge, or transfer letter). 

Fix: Spend at least 3 to 4 minutes looking the task requirement over before writing. Identify the purpose, recipient, and tone. 

 Mistake 2: Including irrelevant details 

Candidates will often copy all details from the case notes instead of selecting what is meaningful into the writing. 

Fix: Always ask the question, "Would this information help to assist the reader in deciding their next action?" If it doesn't, leave it out. 

 Mistake 3: Poor organization and structure 

Writing paragraphs with no flow or logical order is difficult for the assessor to follow. 

Fix: Follow a clear structure - Introduction → Relevant background → Current Condition → Request / Action → Closing. 

 Mistake 4: Incorrect tone or style 

Writing in a conversational style, or using abbreviations (American-style "Dr." or "Mrs." with a period), will significantly reduce your marks. 

Fix: Write with a formal, professional tone and style to medical professionals. A medical professional will not write contractions as "don't" or "can't." 

 Mistake 5: Poor grammar and cohesion. 

Even the slightest grammatical error will reduce clarity. 

Fix: After writing, proofread and revise. Use linking phrases such as "In addition," "However," or "Therefore," before sentences to provide cohesion.

How Tijus Academy Assists You to Avoid these Mistakes

At Tijus Academy, widely regarded as the best OET coaching centre in Kerala, thousands of healthcare professionals have transformed their average OET writing into exceptional performance through personalised guidance and AI-supported feedback systems.

Each student receives:

• One-to-one writing evaluations with individual specific comments
• Live practice sessions with real exam conditions
• Grammar and structure correction modules for nurses and doctors
• Model letters, writing templates, and vocabulary lists created for you by OET experts

It doesn’t matter if it is your first time attempting the test, or if you are attempting to achieve a better score, Tijus Academy will ensure you have the confidence and clarity to succeed in OET writing.

Ready to write your success story?

[Join Tijus Academy’s OET Writing Course Today!]