An email explaining a problem

Learn how to write an email to explain a problem.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation

Reading text

From: Jameela Lee
To: Professor Kim Hart
Subject: Absence from class for two weeks
Attached: doctor's_certificate.pdf

Dear Professor Hart,

I'm writing to let you know that I can't attend class for two weeks as I've had an accident and hurt my back. I'm afraid I also need to ask for an extension for next week's essay.

I have medicine for the pain but I can't get up or walk around much, and the doctor said I should stay in bed and rest as much as possible. This makes reading and studying very difficult for me at the moment. I've attached a copy of the doctor's certificate and I hope to be back in class from 12 May.

Until then, my friend is going to record the lectures so I can listen to them at home. I will try to catch up with all the reading too. However, I don't think I can submit the essay next week. Is it possible to have an extension?

Thank you for your understanding.

Regards,

Jameela

(ENG101 class)

Tips

Start with Dear and the person's title and name.
Say what the problem is first. Then, give more details. Finally, offer a solution or say what you hope will happen next.
Make it short and clear. Just include the most important information.
Say Thank you for your understanding at the end. It shows that you hope the reader will understand your problems.

Discussion

Have you ever missed several days of work, university or school? How did you keep up with your work?

Download

Worksheet90.12 KB

Try another writing

Language level

A2 Pre-intermediate

When I was in college, I had an accident where I broke my legs. The doctor told me: "You must rest at home for 6 months." I was so worried about my studies at the university. And I spoke to the dean on the phone and explained my situation. He understood me and I studied online and received all the materials by email.

Nice :D

yes. If I am absent from a class, I get voice records and handouts from my classmates. Also if I am absent from my work, I ask my colleagues to do my tasks and then when coming back to my work I try to work more to compensate for that.

I never had to miss many days in the school, university or work. But if it was necessary, I would follow the medical guidelines, to solve my problem as soon as possible, to return to routine activities.

Dear Oleg Zaymulin, I'm writing to let you know that I can't attend class for 1 month. I have problem with my knees, and I need operation. I attached conclusion from hospital. I very want to keep up, could help me with it, please? Do you have a handwrite of your lectures? or maybe video, It will be so helpful for me. Also I will missed a annual test, so could I postpone me test? Thank you for your understanding Regards, Mikhail

I have missed several days of work and school in my life. when I came back to work I read some reports what had happen during my absence and asked to my colleagues about further information.

Yes, I did at school I was 17 years old. I fissure the cartilage in my left knee. It was not nice, I didn't go to school and I lose a very important chemistry exam. That changes everything.

I have missed several weeks of school when I was at middle school. I was hospitalised for more than month. I kept up with my studies by studying alone at hospital. It wasn't easy but I could be at the same level as my classemates after coming back.

Yes, of course. I missed several days for my university bcoz I was preparing to create a online-event. But, now I'm back to study.

An email explaining a problem

Preparation

Tips

Task 1

Task 2

Task 3

Discussion

Language level

Online courses