Starting January 21, 2026 you will write an email in the TOEFL writing section. You will have seven minutes to read the instructions and write the email.

You’re enrolled in Professor Kim’s History 210 course, which meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You were absent last Thursday because of a scheduled medical appointment, and you missed a short in-class quiz that counts toward your participation grade. 

Write an email to your professor. In your email, do the following:

  • Explain why you were absent and that you understand you missed the quiz.

  • Ask whether you can make up the quiz or complete an alternate assignment.

  • Ask if there’s anything else you should review to stay caught up.

Sample Answer

Hello Professor Kim,

I’m writing because unfortunately I missed last Thursday’s history course due to a critical appointment at the university  health clinic that I was unable to reschedule. I know that there was an in-class quiz during the class which will impact my final grade in the class. Would it be possible to complete a make-up quiz or some other assignment so that my grade isn’t impacted by my absence. As you are aware, I plan to apply for graduate school next year, and I’ll need a high GPA to stay competitive.  Meanwhile, I have asked a classmate to share her notes from Thursday’s class so that I don’t fall behind, but if there is anything else I should review to stay caught up, please let me know.

Thanks for your time and attention,

Clayton Yessavage

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