TOEFL iBT (Write an Email)2026

You will read an email and write a response. Your term paper for Professor Reyes is due Friday at 5 p.m. You have been unwell for several days and will not be able to submit a strong draft on time. Write an email to (1) explain the situation honestly, (2) request a specific extension, and (3) commit to a clear new deadline. You have 7 minutes.

- Time pressure: 7 minutes total. Aim for roughly 100–120 words. Concise and respectful beats long. - Address every requirement in the prompt — missing one is a major deduction. - Tone should be polite and direct. Ask for a specific deadline, not a vague delay. - The Power column upgrades word choice without changing meaning or grammar structure.

Email to professor requesting an assignment extension

The boring draft

Score: 3 / 5

Dear Professor Reyes,

I am writing to ask for a short extension on my term paper, which is currently due Friday at 5 p.m. I have been sick with a sinus infection since the weekend and, although I have completed most of the research, the draft I could hand in on Friday would not show my best work. I would rather turn in something polished than rushed.

Would it be possible to submit the paper by Monday evening at 8 p.m. instead? I am happy to accept any small late penalty that goes with this delay.

Thank you for considering my request — I will not need any further extension after that date, and I will email confirmation as soon as the paper is submitted on the portal.

Sincerely,

Bella

The power upgrade

Score: 5 / 5

Dear Professor Reyes,

I am writing to request a short extension on my term paper, which is currently due Friday at 5 p.m. I have been unwell with a sinus infection since the weekend and, although I have completed most of the research, the draft I could submit on Friday would not reflect my best work. I would rather turn in something polished than rushed.

Would it be acceptable to submit the paper by Monday evening at 8 p.m. instead? I am happy to accept any small late penalty that accompanies this delay.

Thank you for considering my request — I will not need any further extension after that date, and I will email confirmation as soon as the paper is submitted on the portal.

Sincerely,

Bella