General Training Writing – Model Answer (Task 1)

You are working for a company. You need to take time off work and want to ask your manager about this. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter

• Explain why you want to take time off work.
• Give details of the amount of time you need.
• Suggest how your work could be covered while you are away. 

Dear Mrs. Cowell,

As you are aware I am registered on a Charted Accounting course while at the same time I am working for your company to gain experience. I would like to request some time off work in order to study for the demanding ACCA exams.

I will be taking two exams, one on Monday the 17^th of June and the other on Wednesday the 19^th of June. I will require a week before the exam to prepare and I will return back to work on Thursday morning after my final exam.

Currently I have five pending company accounts to work on. My colleague Fiona Thomson is working with me on these accounts and she is aware of all issues relating to these clients. I would like to re-assure you that Fiona is capable of covering for me while I am absent.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration during this difficult exam period.

Yours faithfully,

Jo Sharp

Question taken from Cambridge Practice Tests, IELTS 9, P.117