Dear Dr Patel,
I am writing to ask whether I could have an extension for my assignment on urban planning, which is due this Friday.
Unfortunately, I have been ill with a serious chest infection for the past ten days. My doctor has advised me to rest, and I have been too weak to study properly. I can send you a medical certificate if you would like to see one.
Before I became ill, I had finished my research and completed the first two sections of the essay, which is about half of the total work. What remains is the analysis and the conclusion, both of which need careful thought, and I do not want to hand in a rushed piece of work.
I would therefore be very grateful if you could allow me to submit the assignment on Friday 28 May, one week after the original deadline. I will make sure that it is completed by then.
Thank you for your understanding.
Yours sincerely,
Laura Fernandez