Sample IELTS GT Task 1 letter: You missed an important meeting at work

Dear Mr Thompson,

I am writing to you about the team meeting that was held yesterday morning, which I was not able to attend. I am very sorry that I was absent without telling you before.

The reason I missed the meeting is that I had a personal emergency. Early in the morning, my mother fell down at home and hurt her leg, so I had to take her to the hospital quickly. Because of this, I could not come to the office and I also could not call you in time, because I was busy with the doctors.

I would like to apologise for any problems this caused. I know that the meeting was important and that the team needed my report. I am sorry if my absence made things difficult for you and the other colleagues.

To catch up, I would like to suggest a few things. First, I can read the meeting notes and ask a colleague to explain the main points. Second, I am happy to stay late this week to finish my part of the project. If it is possible, maybe we could also have a short meeting so you can tell me what I missed.

Thank you very much for your understanding. Please let me know if you need anything else from me.

Yours sincerely, Daniel Carter

Dear Mr Thompson,

I am writing to explain my unexpected absence from yesterday’s quarterly planning meeting and to apologise for not being able to give you advance notice.

Early that morning, I had to deal with a sudden family emergency: my mother had a serious fall and needed to be taken to hospital immediately. As I was the only person available to accompany her, I spent the next several hours with medical staff and was simply unable to reach a phone until the afternoon. I realise that a brief message would have been appreciated, and I am genuinely sorry that the situation moved too quickly for me to send one.

I am very aware that my absence may have caused some disruption, particularly as I was due to present the figures for the new client account. Please accept my sincere apologies for any inconvenience this created for you and the rest of the team.

To make up for the missed session, I would be glad to review the minutes, circulate my report by the end of the week, and brief anyone who has questions about my section. If it would be helpful, I am also happy to meet you briefly so that you can update me on any decisions that were taken.

Thank you for your understanding during what has been a difficult time.

Yours sincerely, Daniel Carter