Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.
Preparation
Dear Ms Leitman,
I am writing to request your help following a change in my circumstances.
As you know, I am enrolled on the Basic Spanish course at your college, which starts in September. However, due to unforeseen family events, I have had to leave the country for a while to assist my parents in Hong Kong.
At present it is not clear when I will be able to return and unfortunately I will not be able to start the course as planned.
I would like to request a refund for the course fees already paid. I apologise for the short notice and for any inconvenience caused. In the event that a refund is not possible, I would be grateful if you could postpone my enrolment until my return.
Thank you in advance for your help and I hope to be able to update you on the situation soon.
Yours sincerely,
Honor Singh
Tips
- Organise the letter clearly into:
- The reason for writing
- The nature of the problem
- The outcome you'd like
- An apology for the inconvenience
- Don't go into too much personal detail when explaining the problem, as this is a formal situation with a person you don't know well.
- To make polite requests use the phrase I would be grateful if you could …
- Using nouns instead of verbs can make your writing sound more formal. (For example, instead of My circumstances have changed, say There has been a change in my circumstances.)
- Sign off Yours sincerely, if you know the person's name and Yours faithfully, if you don't.
Dear Mr. X
Good Afternoon,
I hope that you have received my above email along with the documents.
Thanks and Best Regards.
Dear Mr. Sam Levy,
I am contacting you regarding the lashes session that I have registered for, which will start in September 19.
I am writing to request your help as there has been a change in my circumstances. Due to unforeseen reason, I have had to leave the country and assist my parents in Paris. At present, it is not clear when I will be able to return. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the course. I am kindly asking if it is possible to get a refund for the course fees already paid. If a refund is not possible, I would be grateful if you can postpone my enrolment until my return.
Thanks in advance for your support and understanding.
Yours Sincerely
Adele H
Dear Mrs. Jane
I am writing to ask for your assistance in changing the date of my interview.
It is stated in your email that my interview is scheduled for next Saturday morning. Unfortunately, I will have extra classes at the same time due to an unforeseen change in my school timetables. Thus, I’m afraid that I can’t be able to attend the interview as planned.
I would like to request a rearrangement of my interview. Could you switch my schedule to another day? It would be great for next Sunday because I’m certainly assured that I don’t have any trouble. I sincerely apologize for the short notice and any inconvenience caused. In the event that a rearrangement is not possible, I would be grateful if you have a better proposal.
Thank you in advance for your help and I hope to be able to update you on the situation soon.
Yours sincerely,
Hannah
Dear Sarah,
I am writing to request your help following the change in my schedule.
As you know, I am enrolled in your English learning course which starts in November. However, due to unforeseen personal events, I have had to leave for the hospital located in BC province to take care of my father. It is currently not clear when I will be able to attend the class.
I would like to request a refund for the tuition fees already paid. I apologize for the short notice and any inconvenience caused. In the event that a refund is not available, I would be grateful if you could postpone my enrolment until my return.
Thank you in advance for your help and I hope to be able to keep you posted on my situation. I look forward to hearing from you.
With warmest regards,
John
Just recently, My daughter was enrolled for a piano lesson, which started in October. Unfortunately she wasn't able to make it due to personal matter.
Dear Mr.****,
I am writing to inform you about my daughter's enrollment.
As you know, Suzie is enrolled for a piano lesson at your academy. Unfortunately, We have to cancel her enrollment due to personal matter.
I would like to request a refund for the course fee already paid. I apologise for inconvenience caused. In the event if refund is not possible. I would be greatful to accept any compensation offered.
Hoping for your kind consideration.
Yours Faithfully,
Mrs. Lee
When was the last time you had to cancel something because of an unforeseen situation?
On one occasion I had to cancel a dress that I would wear for my graduation at the last minute because it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last month I accidentally made an order in some shop twice. It was some problem with connections so it looked like my first order wasn't completed and I had to do it again. But soon I've got two messages from my bank about two payments. I verified this situation through online banking and after I assured in double payment I wrote the letter to shop's customer service.
I explained my situation and asked if I could get my money back. They verified all the financial movements that took place and gave me feedback.
It was a surprise to me, that when you pay online the seller doesn't get your money instantly, the required amount is blocked on your account and remained in this condition till you get your ordered stuff.
So I wrote an application request, scanned it, and sent it to the seller via Viber.
After several days I've got a confirmation that my request was approved and I can wait for my money back.
And guess what? I've got my money after a week.
Dear Rose,
There has been a change in my circumstances and I wont to be able to enrol in January, due to that I would like to request a refund.
My apologies for the inconvenience caused.
Your sincerely
Nelma S.