OET Writing Lessons · Lesson 2

Choosing the Right Content to Include

Your reader does not need the whole case file — they need the facts that let them continue care safely. This lesson covers Criterion 2, Content: how to select what matters and leave out what does not.

Watch the lesson Full Content criterion guide →

Lesson 2 of the OET Writing series · ~3 minutes · full transcript below

In short

  • Content means giving the reader every fact they need to continue care — and nothing they do not.
  • Select from the case notes by relevance to this reader and your purpose; do not copy everything across.
  • Content is Criterion 2 of six, scored 0–7; missing a key fact or padding with irrelevant detail both cost marks.

Step 1 — Ask what this reader needs

Before selecting a single detail, picture the person receiving your letter and what they will do next. A specialist deciding whether to accept a referral needs different facts from a community nurse continuing wound care. Content is judged on relevance to that reader and your stated purpose — not on how much of the case file you reproduce.

The case notes are raw material. Your job is to filter them: keep what changes the reader's decision, summarise what gives useful background, and leave out the rest.

Step 2 — Include, summarise, or omit

Run each piece of information through one question: does the reader need this to act safely? The table below shows how typical case-note items usually map.

Case-note item Decision Why
Reason for writing / purpose Always include States why the reader is receiving the letter.
Current diagnosis & key findings Always include Essential for the reader to act safely.
Relevant past history & comorbidities Summarise Only what affects ongoing care — with values, not vague phrases.
Current medication & management Include What the reader continues or reviews.
Unrelated social detail / full history Usually omit If it does not change the reader's decision, leave it out.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Copying the entire case history instead of selecting what is relevant.
  • Omitting a key clinical fact the reader needs to act safely.
  • Vague phrases ("well controlled", "significant pain") instead of objective values and dates.
  • Including unrelated social or historical detail that does not change the reader's decision.

Recap: picture your reader, keep what they need to act on, summarise useful background with real values, and cut the rest. Accurate selection is what separates a Grade B Content score from a C.

Not sure you have selected the right facts? Run your draft through the free OET Writing Checker, practise picking key notes with the case notes practice tool, or read the full Content criterion guide.

Full lesson transcript

Welcome back to our OET writing course. Today we're focusing on the second assessment criterion: Content. This is one of the most important areas in your letter, because it shows that you can include all the necessary and accurate information your reader needs.

When it comes to content, your goal is to include everything that matters and nothing extra. Ask yourself: does my reader need this information? If it helps the reader understand or manage the patient, include it. If not, leave it out. To score well in Content, include all the key information, report everything accurately, and always consider your reader. For example, a GP doesn't need every hospital detail — just what they need for follow-up care.

Let's practise. The case notes say: GP prescribed metformin; unmotivated; not compliant; double doses sometimes. Sample one: "Mr Brown was prescribed metformin. Seems to be motivated, takes double doses." Sample two: "Mr Brown takes metformin for diabetes. However, he has not been compliant, with a history of double doses." The second is better — accurate, concise, and focused on what the reader needs to know.

Now let's build a paragraph from case notes. Case notes: Panadeine Forte, maximum four-hourly; side effects — constipation, nausea, cramps. Example: "Panadeine Forte has been prescribed for pain relief and should be taken as required, but not more than every four hours. This medication can cause constipation, nausea and stomach aches." Notice the paragraph is clear, complete and accurate.

Here's another case. Case notes: Mrs Brown is a divorced teacher of primary-school science; she has two children aged 10 and 12; she does not smoke and enjoys drinking wine with friends. The first version lists every detail — divorce, subject taught, hobbies — but the improved version is shorter and relevant: "Mrs Brown is a 41-year-old teacher with two teenagers. She does not smoke and drinks socially." This is concise and reader-focused — exactly what examiners want.

Let's recap. Include only what's necessary, ensure information is accurate, and always ask: what does my reader need? Mastering Content means your letter is relevant, professional and easy to follow. Great work — you've learned how to choose the right content for your OET letter. In the next lesson, we'll look at Conciseness and Clarity: how to make your writing sharp and easy to read.

Next · Lesson 3

Writing clearly and concisely

Cut repetition and padding so every sentence carries new clinical meaning — Criterion 3, Conciseness & Clarity.

Watch Lesson 3

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Content criterion assess in OET writing?
Content assesses whether your letter includes all the information the reader needs to continue patient care — accurately — and leaves out information they do not need. It is about selecting from the case notes, not copying them.
Should I include every detail from the case notes?
No. Including everything is one of the most common ways candidates lose Content marks. Choose the facts that are relevant to your purpose and to this particular reader; summarise background that matters and omit detail that does not affect their decision.
What information should always be in an OET letter?
The patient's key identifying details, the reason for writing, the relevant clinical findings or history, current management, and any specific request or action you need from the reader. Anything essential for safe, continued care must be present and accurate.
Is Content the same as the second OET writing criterion?
Yes. Content is Criterion 2 of the six OET writing criteria (in place since August 2018) and is scored 0–7. Missing a key fact or padding the letter with irrelevant detail both reduce this score.

Related OET Writing guides

Continue your preparation with these related resources.

OET Scoring Criteria →

How the 6 criteria are assessed and where most candidates lose marks.

Grade B Sample Letters →

20 worked sample letters by profession × scenario with line-by-line annotations.

Mistake Clinics by Profession →

10 profession-specific mistake clinics — wrong vs right examples per criterion.

Grade A vs B vs C Compared →

Three letters from the same case notes at three bands — what moves you up one.

OET Writing Correction

Get your content selection marked by a specialist

Dr Mariam's OET writing team marks your letter against all six criteria — including Content — and returns an annotated PDF showing which details to keep, summarise or cut.

5-Letter Pack — From $35 See all packages

11,000+ letters corrected since 2014 · 4.9★ from 1,900+ reviews