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

215 words · Illustrative target band

Dear Ms. McKeen, My name is Leo Smith and I am a first-year student in your Marketing class at Capilano College. I am writing to you because I have a problem with the project you set about social media. The due date was last week but I’m afraid I haven’t finished it yet. As you know, the project involves researching how social media is used in marketing. I underestimated how much time I would need to organise the mat…

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AI-completed learning example

228 words · Illustrative target band

Dear Mr. Khedo, I hope you are well. I am Sarah Macbeth, a final year student from the B.Sc.(Hons) Mechanical Engineering course. I am writing to address our recent project titled ‘Electromagnetism’ which was due on October 8th last week. Unfortunately, I was unable to submit my project due to ongoing family issues. The recent family difficulties have required me to take on additional responsibilities at home, leavin…

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AI-completed learning example

197 words · Illustrative target band

Dear Ms. Jackson, My name is Tina Thompson, and I am writing to request an extension for the Therapy Effectiveness essay due last week in your Thursday 9 am Psychology Foundations class at Carlton College. I apologize that I haven’t been able to finish the essay yet. Unfortunately, I was struck by a very strong bout of flu shortly before the deadline. For several days, I had a high fever and was too unwell to concent…

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