Frequently asked questions
Q: I often feel stuck and overwhelmed when I write OET letters. How do I deal with this?
Feeling stuck is completely normal, especially when starting out. Writing OET letters can seem vague, but this feeling will ease with practice. Here’s how you can overcome it:
Keep writing: The more you write, the more familiar and manageable it becomes.Simulate exam conditions: Write in a quiet, focused environment to build confidence and stay productive.Track your progress: Note previous mistakes and actively work on avoiding them. Seeing your improvement can give you a rewarding boost of motivation.Reframe your expectations: Remember, OET writing isn’t like school essays where you’re aiming for 100%. Your letter will be assessed against six criteria, with multiple factors contributing to your score. Perfection isn’t required.Trust the process: Each letter is reviewed by two assessors who are trained to see the strengths and positives in your work, not just the weaknesses.With consistent effort and the right mindset, you'll see steady improvement—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way!Q: How do I get rid of my spelling mistakes?
It’s important to aim for accuracy, but remember—you’re not expected to write a letter with zero spelling mistakes.
Here’s a perk: since the OET focuses on medical contexts, your vocabulary will be more specific and limited compared to broader English tests.
To minimize mistakes:
Keep a list of your spelling errors and review them regularly (or daily if you can).Make the most of the words already present in the case notes—they’re easy wins, so use them correctly!Stay fully focused while writing to avoid avoidable errors.Practice. The more you write, the more confident and accurate you’ll become.Remember, mistakes are part of the learning process, and with these steps, you’ll see significant improvement!Q: Do I use capital or small letters for drug names in my OET letter?
The rule is straightforward:
Brand names (e.g. Panadol, Lipitor and Advil) always start with a capital letter.Generic names (e.g. paracetamol, atorvastatin and ibuprofen) always start with a small letter.If you're unsure, here’s a tip straight from the OET: copy the drug name exactly as it appears in the case notes. You won’t be penalized even if it’s inconsistent, as case notes sometimes list generic drugs with a capital letter (e.g., at the start of a line).Q: What are the rules for using articles in OET writing?
Using articles correctly can be tricky as they don't have a fixed generalized rule, this is one reason article errors are common.
The only key rule is that plurals don't need indefinite articles (a/an)
But don’t worry, you won’t have to memorize too much! Since you're writing in a medical context, the collection of article scenarios you'll have to memorize will be limited.
You can easily find guidance on which cases require articles on the official OET website, and we happily provide that to candidates working with us.
Q: How can I track my progress in writing?
Tracking your progress is essential for improvement. Here are a few ways to monitor how you're doing:
Review your mistakes: Take note of the errors you make and check if you're still repeating them. This helps you stay mindful of areas that need improvement.Analyse your letters: Over time, your letters should become more concise, organized, and often shorter. As you progress, these qualities will naturally reflect in your writing.Use your assessment results: If you’re using our service, take a look at the overall assessment table. The numbers speak will offer clear, measurable insight into how you're improving.Consistency matters: If you find you're still making the same mistakes, try writing more frequently or consider changing your writing environment to minimize distractions and encourage focus.Remember, progress might feel slow at times, but every step counts!Q: Do I need to type my letter in a Word document if I’m taking the OET on paper?
No, you don’t need to retype your letter in Word.
We understand how valuable your time is, and we want to make your preparation as efficient as possible. We’ve got it covered—our team is trained in touch typing and we can handle that step for you.
The only thing we ask is that your handwriting is clear and legible, and the photo of your letter is easy to read. This means you can spend your time focusing on what matters most for your success, not on retyping letters!
Q: Is it okay to use the sample case notes provided by OET for practice and write a letter in my own style?
Absolutely! We actually encourage you to use the sample case notes provided by OET.
They are an excellent resource because they closely resemble what you'll encounter in the exam.
By practicing with these high-quality materials, you can accurately assess your writing progress. It’s much more beneficial than using subpar case notes that could hinder your progress.
Working with official sample case notes will give you real, tangible progress and truly prepare you for exam day!
Q: Where does all this information come from?
Our approach is built on trusted, official resources such as the OET website, the OET Tutors Training Program, and official OET webinars on YouTube.
We understand that some candidates may have had negative experiences in the past with incorrect information, which is why we are committed to providing guidance grounded in authoritative sources to ensure your success. We strive to always offer the most accurate and reliable information.
Q: Are your team members all doctors?
Yes, we are all qualified doctors, and most of us have teaching experience. Many of us have personally taken the OET exam, so we understand your journey first-hand and are equipped to offer both professional guidance and personal insight.
Q: Do you offer OET speaking tutoring sessions?
At the moment, we don't offer speaking tutoring, but we're excited to announce that we will soon be offering the same high-quality services for OET speaking. We aim to maintain the same excellent standards that have helped our candidates succeed in writing, so stay tuned for updates!
Q: What are your qualifications?
We are qualified doctors who proudly hold the official OET tutor badge. We've passed the OET on our first attempt, demonstrating our deep understanding of the exam.
Additionally, we are currently in the process of obtaining our TESOL/TEFL certification to further enhance our teaching portfolio.
Q: Do you offer All-in-English tutoring and writing training for international students?
Yes, we offer our services for international students in both English and Arabic. You can choose to have 100% of our services conducted in English for full immersion.
We're experienced with a wide range of English accents and levels, ensuring that each lesson and writing session is suited to your individual needs.
