# Letter to a manager asking for time off: IELTS Writing Task 1 samples

Writing Task 1 - General Training - Work

You need to take some time off work next month for family reasons.

Write a letter to your manager. In your letter

Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Ms Patel,

You should say:
- explain why you need time off
- say how much time you need and when
- explain how your work will be covered while you are away

Source: Sample answers and examiner notes are written by Testmigo.

## Band 7 sample

Dear Ms Patel,

I am writing to ask if I could take some days off next month because of a family event.

My brother is getting married in India on 21 November, and as the oldest son, I am expected to help with the preparations. The wedding is very important for my parents and I could not miss it.

I would like to take two weeks off, from 16 to 27 November. I know this is quite a long time, but the flights are long and I need a few days before the wedding to help organising everything. I have already 12 days of annual leave remaining, so I would like to use 10 of them.

While I am away, my colleague Daniel has agreed to look after my customers, and I will make sure he has all the information he needs. I will also check my emails once a day in case there is anything urgent.

I hope this is OK, and I look forward to your reply.

Kind regards,

Arjun Sharma

**Examiner notes.** This Band 7 letter covers all three bullets and gives a clear reason, exact dates and a reasonable plan for cover. The tone is suitably polite for a manager, although "I hope this is OK" is a little casual. There are some noticeable slips, including "help organising" and "I have already 12 days". A Band 8 letter would show more awareness of the impact on the team and describe the handover with more precise, professional detail.

The Band 8 sample is free with an account on the [topic page](https://testmigo.com/ielts/writing/topics/task-1/letter-to-manager-asking-for-time-off).

## Common questions

### How many words should I write?

At least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 for Task 2. Writing a little more is fine; an answer under the minimum loses marks.

### Can I use these sample answers in my test?

No. Memorised material is marked down and you will not get this exact question. Use the samples to see what each band does with the same task.