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Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Inform your manager that you are sick in a polite and professional way.
Exercise 1
Situation
Direction: Read the situation for today's lesson
Alex wakes up feeling unwell and realizes he will not be able to come to work. He knows Mr. Miller is very busy and prefers short, clear messages. Alex needs to inform him quickly and professionally. He also wants to let Sarah and Omar know so work can continue smoothly. This is Alex’s first time calling in sick, so he wants to do it the right way.
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your tutor
Unwell
Adjective
/ʌnˈwel/
Meaning:
Not feeling healthy or good.
- Alex feels unwell and decides to stay home.
Under the weather
Idiom
/ˈʌn.dər ðə ˈweð.ər/
Meaning:
Feeling slightly sick.
- Alex tells Sarah he is under the weather today.
Call in
Phrasal Verb
/kɔːl ɪn/
Meaning:
To inform your workplace that you cannot come to work.
- Alex needs to call in before the workday starts.
I won’t be able to make it in today
Phrase
IPA
Meaning:
A polite way to say you cannot come to work.
- Alex says, 'I won’t be able to make it in today because I’m not feeling well.'
Exercise 3
Office Conversation
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher.
Situation:
Alex calls Mr. Miller to inform him that he is sick.
Good morning, Mr. Miller. I’m calling to let you know I’m feeling unwell.
Alex
Okay, what’s the bottom line?
Mr. Miller
I won’t be able to make it in today.
Alex
Understood. Is your work covered?
Mr. Miller
Yes, I’ve updated Sarah and Omar.
Alex
Good. Please rest and keep me posted.
Mr. Miller
I will. Thank you for understanding.
Alex
Feel better. We’ll talk tomorrow.
Mr. Miller
Check Understanding
Direction: Answer the questions about the conversation.
1. Why is Alex calling Mr. Miller?
2. Who will help cover Alex’s work?
3. What does Mr. Miller ask Alex to do?
Exercise 4
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud.
Calling in sick is a normal part of working life, but it should be done professionally. First, contact your manager as early as possible. Keep your message short and clear, especially if your manager is busy. Use polite phrases like “I’m feeling unwell” or “I won’t be able to make it in today.” Avoid giving too many personal details. Focus on the main point.
If possible, let your manager know that your tasks are covered or that you have informed a coworker. This shows responsibility and teamwork. You can also send a short follow-up message by email or chat if needed. Being professional when you call in sick builds trust and shows respect for your workplace. It also helps your team plan their day more easily and avoid confusion.
Exercise 5
Choose the Correct Answer
Direction: Direction: Select the correct answer from the options A, B, or C.
1. Alex calls ___ his manager to report he is sick.
A. to
B. in
C. at
2. He leaves ___ short message in the system.
A. a
B. an
C. the
3. Mr. Miller ___ very busy in the mornings.
A. is
B. are
C. be
4. Yesterday, Alex ___ in sick for the first time.
A. call
B. called
C. will call
5. Alex updates Sarah and Omar so ___ can help cover his work.
A. they
B. them
C. their
6. Alex speaks ___ and politely on the phone.
A. clear
B. clearly
C. clearness
7. Being sick is ___ normal part of working life.
A. a
B. an
C. the
8. Alex needs to ___ in before work starts.
A. call
B. take
C. bring
Exercise 6
Discussion
Direction: Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
1. How do you usually inform your manager when you are sick?
2. When is the best time to call in sick?
3. What words do you use to sound polite and professional?
4. How do you keep your message short and clear?
5. Who do you inform after you call your manager?
6. Where do you usually send a follow-up message if needed?
7. What makes a sick message professional?
8. Why is it important to inform your team when you are absent?
