Work & study · A SPECIFIC NEED

A2 / B1 PRACTICE

Write a polite work email

Help the reader see what you need. A short subject, a clear action and a useful deadline can make a polite email easier to answer.

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Your useful next step

Make a polite, specific request and state when you need the reply.

01 · NOTICE THE EXCHANGE

A short model you can adapt.

Alex needs Sam’s meeting notes before a Friday planning session.

Subject

Meeting notes for Friday’s planning session

Alex

Hi Sam, could you send me the meeting notes by Thursday afternoon, please?

Alex

I’d like to read them before our planning session on Friday.

Alex

Thanks for your help. Alex

These are authored language examples. Change the details to fit your own situation.

02 · KEEP THE USEFUL PART

Words with a clear purpose.

  • Could you send me …, please?

    Ask for a specific item.

  • By Thursday afternoon

    Give the latest time you need something.

  • I’d like to … before …

    Explain why the timing matters.

  • Thanks for your help.

    Close a friendly request.

A deadline needs a clear referenceFor a real email, add the date or time zone when the reader may interpret the day differently. Choose a tone that fits your relationship.

03 · CHECK THE MEANING

Choose a useful reply.

Try each question, then read the reason. The answer key is available even without JavaScript.

1. Which subject helps Sam identify the request?
See the answer and why

The answer is “Meeting notes for Friday’s planning session.” It names the document and its purpose.

2. Alex needs time to read before Friday. Which request preserves that plan?
See the answer and why

The answer is “Could you send the notes by Thursday afternoon, please?” The deadline is before the planning session.

04 · PUT IT INTO PRACTICE

Take a related adventure.

Try the workplace quest to practise checking meeting details. The email here is a separate reading and writing model.

Try the A2 related quest →

This short lesson targets A2 / B1 practice. The related village quest has its own scene and level choices. Levels are editorial targets, not proficiency certificates.