Email to manager requesting a day off (CLB 6)
Task prompt
You need to take a day off work next week to attend a medical appointment. Write an email to your manager asking for the day off, giving a reason, and explaining how your work will be covered while you are away.
Your task
Write a semi-formal email to your manager requesting a day off. Your email must:
- Ask for the specific day off
- Give a brief reason
- Say how your work will be handled
- Be polite and straightforward
Word count target: 80–120 words
Model answer (CLB 6)
Subject: Day Off Request — Tuesday, June 10
Dear Mr. Santos,
I am writing to request a day off on Tuesday, June 10. I have a medical appointment that I cannot reschedule, and I need the full day to attend.
I have already spoken with my colleague Maria, and she has agreed to cover my shift and handle any urgent tasks while I am away. I will also make sure to complete all pending work before I leave on Monday.
Please let me know if this is possible.
Thank you, Li Wei
Why this scores CLB 6
| CLB Criterion | What this response does well |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Clear request with date |
| Detail | Reason given, coverage arranged, proactive mention of prep |
| Organization | Short, logical, complete |
| Tone | Polite and respectful — appropriate for a workplace email |
| Vocabulary | Simple and accurate — no vocabulary errors |
| Grammar | Basic sentences, mostly correct, minor complexity attempted |
Common mistakes at CLB 4–5
| Weak version | Why it loses marks |
|---|---|
| ”I want day off Tuesday.” | Missing article, sounds like a demand not a request |
| Not mentioning work coverage | Leaves the manager with an unanswered concern |
| No specific date | Vague request is harder to approve |
| ”Can I have vacation?” | Mixes up “day off” (single day) with vacation (holiday leave) |
Examiner tip
At CLB 6, completeness matters more than sophistication. You do not need complex vocabulary. You do need to answer all parts of the prompt. The three required elements here are: the ask, the reason, and the coverage plan. If all three are present and your writing is clear, you are in CLB 6 range.