Use the greeting, sign-off and paragraph plan below for this semi-formal letter, write it on a 20-minute timer, then compare it with a band-8 model letter.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You would like to take two days off work next month to attend a family wedding abroad.
Write a letter to your manager, Ms Taylor. In your letter
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Ms Taylor,
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
A letter to a named person ends Yours sincerely, followed by your full name.
Spend the first few minutes planning, then write.
0 words of 150 minimum
Your answer stays on this page only. Copy it before you leave.
Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.
Dear Ms Taylor,
I am writing to ask for two days of leave on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 June, so that I can attend my cousin's wedding in Istanbul.
The wedding is on the Friday, and as it is a large family event, I am expected to be there for the preparations on Thursday. Because I would have to fly out on Wednesday evening, I would return to the office on Monday 16 June. I realise this is short notice.
I have thought carefully about how to avoid problems while I am away. I will finish the quarterly sales report before I leave, and Ben has kindly agreed to answer any urgent client emails on my behalf. I will also be available by phone in an emergency.
If possible, I would prefer to take the two days from my annual leave, but I am willing to make the time up if you prefer.
Thank you for considering my request.
Yours sincerely,
Natalia Rossi
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I was wondering if you could | polite, slightly indirect request |
| Would it be all right if I | ask for permission politely |
| I'd be very grateful if | polite way to ask a favour |
| Please let me know if that's a problem. | ask the reader to object if needed |
| Many thanks in advance. | thank someone before they act |
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