General Training Writing Task 1
19. Request Leave Letter (Semi-formal)
You would like to ask for leave from your work in order to travel back to your hometown to attend an important celebration.
Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:
provide details of the celebration you would like to attend
say why it is important to you
and explain how you will make sure that your work is done while you are away
Model Answer:
Dear Mrs Thompson,
I am writing to ask for your permission to take 3 days off between 3rd and 5th of March. I would like to attend the wedding of my sister which is going to take place in Northern Italy on the 4th of March.
Obviously, this event is of great importance to myself and the whole family. I have relatives based in the United States, France, the U.K. and Spain, and all of us will be getting together for this momentous family event. Not only is it really important for me to be there when my sister gets married, but I’d also really like to see some family members who I haven’t been able to meet in person for several years.
Of course, I understand the importance of ensuring my work is done in my absence so I will speak with other members of the team to make sure that all of my tasks are covered while I’m away. I’ve already made a list of the tasks that will need to be done during this period and will leave detailed instructions for my colleagues on how to carry them out.
Thank-you for your consideration; please let me know if you have any questions.
Yours sincerely,
Christophe Henri
Useful Phrases:
Making Request:
I am writing to ask for your permission to…
Giving Reasons:
Not only is it really important for me to… , but I’d also really like to…
Explaining How Work Will be Done:
Of course, I understand the importance of [+noun/ gerund]
Ending:
Thanks for your consideration; please let me know if you have any questions.