IELTS GT Task 1: Requesting Time Off Work (Semi-Formal Letter)

The Task

You work for a company and would like to request some time off to deal with a personal matter. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: explain why you need time off, say how much time you will need, and suggest how your work could be covered while you are away. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

You should cover

•Explain why you need time off
•Say how much time you will need
•Suggest how your work could be covered

Start Writing This Letter →

Sample Band 8 Response

166 words

Written by EduForEveryone — for guidance only. Not an official examiner response.

Dear Mr Lewis,

I am writing to request a short period of leave to deal with an urgent personal matter.

A close family member has recently fallen ill and will be undergoing surgery later this month. As I am the only relative living nearby, I will need to accompany them to hospital and care for them during their recovery. I hope you understand that this is a situation I cannot avoid.

I would like to request five working days off, from 18 to 22 May. I am, of course, happy for these to be taken as part of my annual leave entitlement.

To ensure my absence causes as little disruption as possible, I have spoken to my colleague Sarah, who has kindly agreed to cover my urgent tasks, and I will prepare a detailed handover before I leave. I will also be reachable by email for anything truly urgent.

Thank you for considering my request. I would be grateful for your approval.

Yours sincerely, [Your name]