Write an Email prompt

Apology for Late Essay Submission

Name: Reach120
Author: Reach120

Every scored sample answer Reach120 publishes for this prompt, banded so you can see the range rather than one version of "good".

3 sample answersRequest

The prompt

As it appears in practice

You are a student in Professor Lisa Chen's Modern European History class at Eastwood University. The final essay for the course was due on November 10, 2023, but due to a family emergency, you were unable to submit it on time. Today is November 13, 2023, and you are writing to apologize for the late submission and to request an extension. This essay constitutes 30% of your final grade, and you are currently holding a B+ in the class.

What the response has to do

Apologize to Professor Chen for not submitting the essay on time
Explain the reason for the late submission and provide any relevant details
Request an extension and suggest a new submission date

Written to: professor

Sample answers, by band

3 published

Reach120 practice band estimate — not an official ETS score How we estimate

Strong response

Band 5.04.0/5 rubric

To: lchen@eastwooduniversity.edu
Subject: Apology for Late Essay Submission

Dear Professor Chen, I hope this email finds you well. I am a student in your Modern European History class at Eastwood University. I sincerely apologize for not submitting my final essay by the November 10 deadline. Unfortunately, I was unable to complete and submit the essay because of a family emergency that required my immediate attention. I would greatly appreciate it if you could grant me an extension. If possible, I would like to submit the essay by November 17, 2023. Thank you very much for your understanding and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, [name withheld]

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Middle response

Band 4.03.0/5 rubric

To: lchen@eastwooduniversity.edu
Subject: Apology for Late Essay Submission

Dear professor Lisa Chen's, I hope this message finds you well, I am writing to request permission to sumbit my final essay at an alternative time and I understand that this is unusual and I apologize for any inconvenience. Unfortunately, I am facing a family emergency. Seven days ago, my father suffered a heart attack, and I have been busy dealing with the situation, so I forgot to work on my essay. Finally, I would like to request your approval for an alternative time arrangement and new submission date thanks for your time and considertions. Sincerely, [name withheld]

What worked

Clear explanation of the reason for the late submission
Appropriate tone
Polite closing

What cost points

Incorrect greeting format
Repetition in request for extension

Read the full feedback on this answer

Middle response

Band 4.03.0/5 rubric

To: lchen@eastwooduniversity.edu
Subject: Apology for Late Essay Submission

Dear Professor Chen, I hope you are doing well, and I apologize for disturbing you.I am writing because unfortunately I missed the time to submit my final essay about Modern European History class. However, I had a family emergency that I need to resolve. I know about the date, but I am really sorry about this. Could you please consider give me a new date to submission ? I really need to this note, because currently holding a B+ in the class. Thank you for your time and attention. Beste Regards, [name withheld].