Your manager asked you to work at the reception desk while the receptionist is getting lunch. This involves answering telephones and helping clients who come in. However, you are unable to help out because you have other work. Write an email to your manager including: Apologize. Explain why you don’t have time to help out. Suggest a way to solve the problem.

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Dear Mr. Menham, I am writing to apologize since I am not able to cover the reception during Sara's lunch break from 11:00am to 11:30am. Please excuse me for not complying with your request. I am fully mindful of the importance of having someone covering the front desk all the time.
Also
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, I really appreciate that you have thought of me to support
this
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position during the break time. I would like to explain why I cannot support you with
this
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matter. As you know, many ongoing projects are demanding my attention in the Tech Department.
As a result
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, my workload has increased significantly.
Furthermore
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, at the exact time that you require my help, I already have a meeting scheduled with our most important client.
On the other hand
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, I am wondering if you have considered asking someone from the Customer Service Department. As they have amazing communication skills
such
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as dealing with clients and answering calls, they would be very capable of performing
this
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role properly.
Also
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, I am very confident that someone from that team will be delighted to cover for Sarah during her lunch. Thanks for your understanding. Please let me know if you need support with anything else. Sincerely, Helen Lee

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coherence and cohesion
Consider adding a formal greeting and possibly a closing line to enhance the politeness and structure of the email.
task achievement
You might want to clarify the specific time of your scheduled meeting to strengthen your explanation for your unavailability.
task achievement
While your suggestion about someone from the Customer Service Department is solid, providing an example of a specific individual may enhance your recommendation further.
positive
The email demonstrates a good level of politeness and professionalism throughout, which is commendable.

Fully explain your ideas

To get an excellent score in the IELTS Task 2 writing section, one of the easiest and most effective tips is structuring your writing in the most solid format. A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which comprises of three sentences).

For we to consider an essay structure a great one, it should be looking like this:

  • Paragraph 1 - Introduction
    • Sentence 1 - Background statement
    • Sentence 2 - Detailed background statement
    • Sentence 3 - Thesis
    • Sentence 4 - Outline sentence
  • Paragraph 2 - First supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 3 - Second supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
    • Sentence 1 - Summary
    • Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis
    • Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

Our recommended essay structure above comprises of fifteen (15) sentences, which will make your essay approximately 250 to 275 words.

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Topic Vocabulary:
  • appreciate
  • unfortunately
  • due to
  • prior obligations
  • urgent tasks
  • coverage
  • alternative solution
  • could consider
  • adjustment
  • assist in another capacity
  • grateful
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