top of page

You are working for a company. You need to take some time off work - GT Task 1 Band 9 Letter Sample

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You are working for a company. You need to take some time off work and want to ask your manager about this.

Write a letter to your manager. In your letter,

  • explain why you want to take time off work

  • give details of the amount of time you need

  • suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

Write at least 150 words.


IELTS Letter Writing Band 9 / GT Writing Task 1 Band 9 Sample

Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner


Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score



Model Answer 1


Dear Mr. Thompson,


I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to request a brief leave of absence from my duties at Anderson Technologies due to a family emergency that requires my immediate attention.


The reason for my requested leave stems from a sudden and urgent family matter that necessitates my presence out of town. My mother has undergone an unexpected surgery, and I need to be there to support her through her recovery process. Given these circumstances, I kindly ask for your understanding and support.


I believe that a period of two weeks, starting from May 15th to May 29th, would be sufficient for me to handle the situation and return to work without causing significant disruption. I understand the importance of ensuring continuity in our ongoing projects during my absence.


To ensure a seamless transition and minimal impact on our team's productivity, I propose the following plan: My current projects can be temporarily reassigned to my colleague, Emily Foster, who has previously worked on similar tasks and is familiar with the specifics. Additionally, I have prepared detailed notes and guidelines to assist her in taking over my responsibilities efficiently. I will also be available via email for any urgent queries or clarifications needed during my absence.


Thank you for considering my request. I assure you of my commitment to resume my responsibilities promptly upon my return and appreciate your understanding in this matter.


Yours sincerely,


Jordan Smith


Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score



Model Answer 2


Dear Mrs. Johnson,


I trust this letter finds you in the best of spirits. I am reaching out to discuss a matter of personal importance that necessitates a temporary leave from my role at Greenwood Enterprises.


The purpose of my requested leave is to attend a specialized training program that I believe will significantly enhance my professional skills and contribute positively to our team's performance. This training is an exceptional opportunity for me to acquire advanced skills in data analysis, which is directly aligned with our department's current objectives.


I am seeking your approval for a leave of absence spanning three weeks, specifically from July 4th to July 24th. This period includes the duration of the training program as well as an additional few days to ensure I can return to work without any undue stress or haste.


To ensure my responsibilities are managed efficiently in my absence, I propose delegating my current projects to my capable colleague, Mark Benson. Mark has a thorough understanding of our ongoing projects and I am confident in his ability to handle them effectively. Moreover, I have prepared comprehensive handover notes and will conduct a detailed briefing with Mark to guarantee a smooth transition. During my training, I will remain accessible via email for any urgent issues that may arise.


Thank you for considering my request. I am confident that this training will not only benefit my professional development but also add significant value to our team upon my return.


Yours sincerely,


Evelyn Hart


Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score



Model Answer 3


Dear Mr George,


I am writing to request for a leave of absence, as I plan on leaving 18 December and returning 18 February 2021.


The reason for me to stop working temporarily is personal. My younger sister Grace suffered from a car accident recently. She was in a coma in hospital last week, fortunately, she woke up yesterday. I need to see her badly as soon as possible.


More importantly, the doctor said the following two months is the crucial period for her to get back to a normal life. She needs a person to assist her with the rehabilitation therapy. I am extremely anxious about her condition and would like to stay with her around the clock.


Lastly, I am sorry for the inconvenience that I caused. I will endeavour to keep my work on right track and accomplish the work that was assigned to me previously, if not, I would make a notification to you as soon as possible and then let other colleagues in charge.


Thank you for your consideration. Please feel to contact me if you have any question. I am looking forward to your reply.


Yours sincerely,


Kate Moss



Model Answer 4


Dear Mr. Smith,


Hope you had a great weekend with families. I am writing to request one week off from work for attending my niece’s wedding party and visiting my parents in Taipei.


I received a huge package with fancy invitation card, digital photo album and a tasty dessert box last week. She invited me to be her bridesmaid who can arrange wedding parties, such as a guest list and wedding banquet. I am pleased to play an important role at this special moment for her.


The wedding will be held on May 18 in the Victoria church, opposite to the Queen Street, a fantastic party place. We have planned to take the first two days for the wedding preparation and will go for jewellery shopping on the third day. As I have been away from my parents for a long time, I prefer to spend the following three days with them in their house. Therefore, I would like to take a week off, from May 17 to May 21, to celebrate it with my family.


However, as the company is running several projects during this time, I do not want to cause any interruption. That is why, I have already completed urgent issues in April, and the other ones will be done by May 25th. In addition, if any technical issues arise, I will be always available over phone and the official email account.


Please let me know if that works for you. If you need further information, please feel free to contact me at (+886) 123-7539 or kate@conquer.com.tw. Thank you so much.

Yours Faithfully,


Kate Peterman


Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner


Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score

bottom of page