Task 1 · letter · 18 samples

You are taking a course at a local college. The deadline for your project was last week but you haven’t finished it. Write a letter to your lecturer. In your letter • introduce yourself • explain why you haven’t handed in the project yet • request more time to do it.

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Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Explain a specific, credible reason for missing the deadline, such as underestimating the research and organisation required.
  • Show what work is already complete and what remains, so the lecturer can see that the requested extra time has a clear purpose.
  • Acknowledge the course policy and ask about any required process, while keeping the tone respectful and accountable.

Suggested structure

  1. Open with a greeting and identify yourself and your course.
  2. State the missed deadline and apologise briefly.
  3. Explain why the project is unfinished and describe your progress.
  4. Request a specific extension and give a clear submission plan.
  5. Ask about any procedure, thank the lecturer, and close formally.
Useful vocabulary & examples
grant an extension
allow extra time to complete or submit work

I would be grateful if you could grant me an extension of one week.

underestimate the time required
misjudge how long a task will take

I underestimated the time required to research the topic and organise the evidence.

subject to the course policy
dependent on the rules that apply to the course

I understand that late work may be subject to the course policy.

follow a procedure
complete the steps required by an organisation

Please let me know if there is a form or procedure I should follow.

Sample answers

AI-completed learning example

213 words · Illustrative target band

Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing in regard to the deadline set for our project submission. My name is Annabel Smith, and I am a 400 level Nursing student. I am the student who assisted you in taking your bag to class on Monday last week. On Monday after lectures, I was on my way to the library when I had to return home unexpectedly to help my family with an urgent matter. This situation took up much of my time, and I …

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AI-completed learning example

220 words · Illustrative target band

Dear Mr John, My name is Begoyim Botirova attending the course of Data Management at Tashkent College for six months. The reason why I’m addressing this letter to you is that I want to request more time for this term’s project submission. I sincerely apologize for missing the project deadline. However, I have been experiencing difficulties organising the information needed for the final section. I spent more time tha…

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AI-completed learning example

210 words · Illustrative target band

Dear Professor, My name is Ronit Sukheja, and I am a first-year student who started my course on September 1, 2024. I am writing regarding my mistake of not submitting the project due last week. I was not in a correct mental state for the past whole month, due to which I was not able to concentrate properly on the research and writing. I realise that I should have contacted you before the deadline rather than allowin…

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