Write a letter to your direct manager. In your letter: Ask for time off and explain why Provide the dates and times for which you will be unavailable to work Describe what you will do to prepare or make up for your absence Write at least 150 words. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Ms. Snyder,

✨ Do you want to improve your IELTS writing?
Dear Ms.Snyder I hope
this
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message finds you well. I am writing to make a polite request for time off
due to
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a personal emergency. My father has sadly passed away, and I need to travel to Lahore to attend to family matters. The leave will cover three days, starting today, Tuesday, 22nd December. I plan to return and resume work by Thursday evening. To ensure minimal disruption, I have asked Akram to oversee my responsibilities during my absence. In line with company policy, I kindly request you to mark me as absent without pay for these three days. To compensate for my time away, I am willing to work double shifts upon my return to make up for the missed hours. I appreciate your understanding during
this
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difficult time and look forward to resuming my duties promptly. Thank you for your consideration. Yours faithfully, Umar
This
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version improves clarity, tone, and grammar
while
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maintaining professionalism. Let me know if you’d like any
further
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adjustments!
Submitted by umarilyas121 on

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coherence cohesion
Consider using a subject line or title in a formal correspondence to clearly set the context.
task achievement
Make sure to follow up upon your return to confirm any arrangements about double shifts.
coherence cohesion
The letter has a clear and logical structure, flowing nicely from one point to the next.
task achievement
The writing tone is polite, respectful, and suits the professional context.
coherence cohesion
Each paragraph communicates a single clear idea, aiding comprehension.

Structure your letter

A letter needs to be written using a proper format, including the following:

  • A greeting (Dear sir/madam, Dear John, Dear Mr. Smith)
  • The main body (consisting of paragraphs for each part of the letter)
  • A closing (Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully, Best wishes, Kind regards, Love)

When writing a letter as part of the IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, it is important to include the bullet points presented to you in the question.

All three bullet points need to be presented. And remember that some bullet points contain more than one element. So, make sure to watch for ‘and’ and plurals.

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Topic Vocabulary:
  • request time off
  • unavailable
  • absence
  • personal obligation
  • family emergency
  • health-related
  • Thank you for understanding
  • dates and times
  • ensure deadlines are met
  • delegating tasks
  • working extra hours
  • remote availability
  • commitment to my role
  • professional responsibilities
  • minimize disruptions
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