OET Writing Scoring Criteria Explained
OET writing is assessed across six criteria by trained examiners at Cambridge Assessment English. Understanding exactly what each criterion measures is essential for targeted preparation and achieving Grade B (score of 350 or above). The OET is accepted by healthcare regulators in the UK (NMC, GMC), Australia (AHPRA), New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore, Dubai, and Ukraine.
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The 6 OET Writing Assessment Criteria
All six criteria are weighted equally. Each is scored on a scale from 0 to 6 by Cambridge English assessors. Your combined scores determine your final writing grade.
1. Overall Task Fulfilment
Does the letter achieve its clinical purpose? Does it address the right reader with the right information and a clear request or recommendation?
2. Appropriateness of Language
Is the tone and register suitable for professional healthcare correspondence? Does the language match the genre and the relationship between writer and reader?
3. Comprehension of Stimulus
Has the candidate accurately understood the case notes? Is the selected information relevant to the purpose, and has irrelevant detail been omitted?
4. Linguistic Features (Grammar & Cohesion)
Is grammar accurate and varied? Are sentences connected logically using appropriate linking devices, pronouns, and referencing?
5. Linguistic Features (Vocabulary)
Is vocabulary accurate, varied, and appropriate for the clinical context? Does the candidate demonstrate range beyond basic expressions?
6. Organisation & Layout
Does the letter follow a logical structure? Are paragraphs used effectively? Does the layout conform to professional letter-writing conventions?
What Each Criterion Measures in Detail
The following breakdown is based on the official OET assessment criteria published by Cambridge Assessment English. Based on our analysis of 9,500+ corrected letters, the criteria most candidates struggle with are Overall Task Fulfilment and Appropriateness of Language — not grammar or vocabulary.
1 Overall Task Fulfilment
This criterion assesses whether the letter successfully accomplishes its clinical purpose. It evaluates the candidate's ability to write a letter that a healthcare professional would find useful and actionable in a real clinical setting.
2 Appropriateness of Language
This criterion evaluates whether the language used is suitable for the specific clinical context, the intended reader, and the conventions of healthcare letter writing. It goes beyond grammar to assess professional communication competence.
3 Comprehension of Stimulus
This criterion measures how well the candidate has understood the case notes and translated that understanding into a letter. It assesses both accuracy of interpretation and the ability to distinguish relevant from irrelevant information.
4 Linguistic Features: Grammar and Cohesion
This criterion assesses grammatical accuracy and the ability to connect ideas logically within and across sentences. Cohesion refers to the use of linking words, pronouns, and other devices that create flow and logical progression.
5 Linguistic Features: Vocabulary
This criterion evaluates vocabulary range, accuracy, and appropriateness. Candidates are expected to demonstrate command of both general and clinical vocabulary, using words precisely and naturally.
6 Organisation and Layout
This criterion assesses the overall structure and visual presentation of the letter. A well-organised letter guides the reader through the information logically, making it easy to understand and act upon.
What Grade B Requires in Each Area
Grade B (score of 350) is the minimum accepted by most healthcare regulatory bodies, including the NMC, GMC, and AHPRA. To achieve it, candidates typically need to score at least 4 out of 6 across most criteria.
Overall Task Fulfilment
The letter clearly achieves its purpose. The reader can understand what is being requested and why, with sufficient clinical detail to take action.
Appropriateness of Language
Language is consistently professional and appropriate for the context. Minor lapses in register do not impede communication.
Comprehension of Stimulus
Case notes are accurately interpreted. Relevant information is selected and paraphrased effectively. No significant factual errors.
Grammar & Cohesion
Grammar is generally accurate with good control of tenses and agreement. Ideas are connected logically with appropriate linking devices.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary is adequate for the clinical context with some range. Medical terminology is used accurately. Minor errors do not impede meaning.
Organisation & Layout
The letter follows a logical structure with clear paragraphing. Layout conventions are observed. Information flows naturally from opening to closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is OET writing scored?
OET writing is scored across six criteria by trained assessors at Cambridge English. Each criterion is scored on a scale from 0 to 6, and the scores are combined to produce an overall writing grade from A (highest) to E (lowest).
What score do I need for Grade B in OET writing?
Grade B corresponds to a score of 350 out of 500. Candidates generally need to score at least 4 out of 6 across most criteria to achieve this grade.
Which OET writing criterion is the hardest to score well on?
Many candidates find Appropriateness of Language and Overall Task Fulfilment the most challenging. These criteria assess professional communication skills that go beyond general English proficiency.
Are all six OET writing criteria weighted equally?
Yes, all six criteria carry equal weight. Each is scored on the same 0-6 scale, meaning weaknesses in any single area can significantly impact your overall grade.
Get Scored on All 6 Criteria
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