Letter requesting time off work
This is a model answer written to show what a Band 7 response looks like against the marking criteria. It is a worked example, not a graded submission. To see your own band, paste your writing into the free checker.
The prompt
You need to take several days off work for personal reasons. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:
- explain why you need the time off
- say how long you will be away
- suggest how your work could be covered
Band 7 model answer (156 words)
Dear Mr Lawson,
I am writing to ask for three days of leave, from Wednesday 22 to Friday 24 July, and to explain how my work could be covered while I am away.
My brother is getting married in Edinburgh that week, and as the best man I am responsible for several of the arrangements. The ceremony itself is on the Thursday, but I will need the day before to travel up and help set everything up, and the Friday to return.
I have already thought about cover. Sarah has kindly agreed to handle my client calls, and I will finish the monthly report early so that nothing is left waiting. I will also keep my phone with me in case anything urgent comes up.
I hope this will be possible, and I am of course happy to discuss the dates if that week is difficult. Thank you for considering my request.
Kind regards,
Tom Whitfield
Why this reaches Band 7
-
Task Achievement
The request, the reason and the cover plan are all specific: exact dates, the best man role explaining why three days are needed, and named arrangements ("Sarah has kindly agreed to handle my client calls").
-
Coherence and Cohesion
The opening sentence states both halves of the letter's purpose, and each paragraph then delivers one of them, so the manager can follow it at a glance.
-
Lexical Resource
Workplace phrasing such as "handle my client calls", "nothing is left waiting" and "considering my request" sits naturally between formal and friendly.
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Varied structures including purpose clauses ("so that nothing is left waiting") and conditionals, with consistent accuracy.
The one fix to reach Band 7
The bullet Band 6 answers underdevelop here is the third one: they ask for the time but leave the cover to the manager. The change that lifts this to Band 7 is arriving with the solution already arranged, names, tasks and timing included.
Now check your own answer.
Paste your own attempt at this prompt and Examinerly names the single criterion keeping you below your target band, and shows the sentence-level fix. We never inflate your band.
Check your writing free