GT letter — time off a course
GT Task 1 sample letters to a course tutor (semi-formal) — model answers for practice.
Band 6.5
Prompt: You are studying a course at a college and need to take some time off. Write a letter to your course tutor. In your letter: explain why you are writing; describe how much time you need to take off; say how you plan to catch up on the work you miss.
Dear Mr. Thompson,
I am writing to inform you that I need to take some time off from my course due to a family emergency. My mother has become seriously ill and I must travel back to my hometown to take care of her and support my family during this difficult time.
I would like to request approximately two weeks off, starting from next Monday the 15th until the 29th of this month. I understand this is quite a long period and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Regarding the work I will miss, I have already spoken to two of my classmates who have kindly agreed to share their notes with me. I also plan to read all the textbook chapters that will be covered during my absence. If it is possible, I would also appreciate if you could send me any important materials or assignments by email so I can work on them while I am away.
I hope you understand my situation and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Kind regards, Maria Santos
Band 7.5
Prompt: You are studying a course at a college and need to take some time off. Write a letter to your course tutor. In your letter: explain why you are writing; describe how much time you need to take off; say how you plan to catch up on the work you miss.
Dear Ms Harrison,
I am writing to request a brief period of absence from my Business Management course, as a family matter has arisen that requires my immediate attention. My mother has been hospitalised following a sudden illness, and as her closest relative in the country, I need to travel home to support her and assist with her care arrangements.
I anticipate being away for approximately two weeks, from Monday the 14th through to Friday the 25th of this month. I sincerely apologise for the short notice and any inconvenience this may cause you and the department.
I am fully committed to keeping up with the course and have already taken several steps to ensure I do not fall behind. I have spoken with two classmates who have kindly agreed to share their lecture notes with me, and I intend to follow the weekly reading schedule independently while I am away. I would also very much appreciate the opportunity to arrange a brief meeting with you upon my return to clarify anything I may have missed and to collect any handouts distributed during my absence.
Thank you sincerely for your understanding.
Kind regards, Daniel Osei