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Formal Request Letter #67
GT Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

For the past seven days, you were late for work due to some unavoidable issues at home.

Write a letter to your manager explaining why you were late for work for several days. In your letter,

  • explain why you were late for the last seven days
  • apologise for the delay
  • assure your manager that you will be on time from now on

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter.

Begin your letter as follows: Dear ……………,

One box per bullet, then compare with Band 9.
233 words · 3 body paragraphs
Opening

I hope this message finds you well.

Bullet 1

explain why you were late for the last seven days

Over the past seven days, I have been consistently late for work due to some unavoidable issues that arose at home. My elderly parent fell ill, requiring immediate attention and care, which caused me to be delayed in arriving at the office. I had to prioritize their well-being and ensure they received the necessary medical assistance during this challenging time.

Bullet 2

apologise for the delay

I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience my tardiness may have caused and the disruption it may have brought to the team's schedule. I understand the importance of punctuality in the workplace and take full responsibility for not meeting the expected standards. Please know that this situation was unforeseen and beyond my control.

Bullet 3

assure your manager that you will be on time from now on

I want to assure you that I have taken steps to address the issues at home and have put measures in place to ensure that I will be on time for work moving forward. I have made arrangements for alternative care for my parent and have set up a more efficient morning routine to avoid any further delays. I am committed to being punctual and reliable in fulfilling my responsibilities.

Closing

Thank you for your understanding and support during this challenging time. I am dedicated to making sure that my performance at work remains consistent and reliable. I appreciate your patience and look forward to demonstrating my commitment to being on time in the future.

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