Cambridge English: Proficiency

Writing Task (go to Checklist)

Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Letter

Question
You have asked your line manager at work for permission for time off to attend a week-long training course. Your line manager is supportive, but has asked you to make a formal request in writing to be sent to the senior manager for official authorisation.

Write the letter to the senior manager, requesting authorisation for you to attend the course. (around 280 - 320 words)`

What you need to do to pass
Read our checklist first to understand what the examiner is looking for in a good answer.

Ideas for writing
Ask yourself the following questions to help you get started:

• Firstly, decide on the nature of the training course. (Dates? Cost? Venue? etc.) You should include comprehensive details of the course so your senior manager is fully informed.
• Now make a list of some of the benefits that you and the company could gain if you attended the course, as this will help you to persuade your senior manager.
  Example:
  You will become more confident in your job
  The company can use your new skills to be able to contribute more to future planning of the company
• Anticipate some of the objections that you might face from the management. How can you counter these to make a compelling case for yourself?
  Example: "I am aware that my absence may put pressure on our busy department; however, the course has flexible start dates and I would endeavour to attend during one of our quieter periods."
• Your tone will have to be vey polite, so now is a good time to revise those formal grammatical structures!
  Example:
  "Should you need further details about the course...."

Drafting and proofreading your work

You should look at your first draft of the task and decide:

• Have you answered the question?
• Is the layout and organisation appropriate for a letter of this kind?
• Is the language accurate with a good range of structures?
• Is the style appropriate and consistent?
• Is the senior manager likely to agree to your request?

If the answer is 'no' to any of these questions then you will need to do some more drafting!