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Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Request early leave politely and explain your reason clearly.
Exercise 1
Situation
Direction: Read the situation for today's lesson
Alex has a personal appointment in the afternoon and needs to leave work one hour early. He prepares his tasks in advance and makes sure nothing urgent is pending. He goes to Mr. Miller and clearly explains the reason, the time he needs to leave, and how his work will be covered. He also informs Sarah so she knows where things stand and asks Omar to handle small follow-ups if needed. Alex shows responsibility and respect for the team’s time.
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your tutor
Prior commitment
Noun phrase
/ˈpraɪər kəˈmɪtmənt/
Meaning:
Something already planned that you must attend.
- I have a prior commitment this afternoon.
Run it by someone
Idiom
/rʌn ɪt baɪ ˈsʌmwʌn/
Meaning:
To check or confirm something with someone.
- Let me run it by Mr. Miller first.
Wrap up
Phrasal Verb
/ræp ʌp/
Meaning:
To finish work or tasks.
- I will wrap up my tasks before I leave.
Would it be okay if…
Phrase
IPA
Meaning:
A polite way to ask for permission.
- Would it be okay if I left an hour early today?
Exercise 3
Office Conversation
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher.
Situation:
Anna introduces herself to a new colleague at work.
Mr. Miller, would it be okay if I left an hour early today?
Alex
What’s the reason?
Mr. Miller
I have a prior commitment this afternoon.
Alex
Is your work covered?
Mr. Miller
Yes, I’ll wrap up my tasks and Sarah will handle any follow-ups.
Alex
Good. Thanks for checking first.
Mr. Miller
I just wanted to run it by you.
Alex
That works. Go ahead.
Mr. Miller
Check Understanding
Direction: Answer the questions about the conversation.
1. Why does Alex want to leave early?
2. What will Alex do before leaving?
3. Who will handle follow-ups?
Exercise 4
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud.
When you need to leave work early, always communicate clearly and politely. First, check your schedule and make sure your tasks are under control. Then, talk to your manager as soon as possible. Use a respectful tone and a polite phrase such as, “Would it be okay if I left early today?” Give a short and simple reason, like a prior commitment or an appointment. Do not give too many personal details. It is also important to explain how your work will be handled. Say what you will finish before leaving and who can support the team if something comes up. This shows responsibility and respect for your coworkers. Finally, thank your manager for their understanding. Asking properly helps build trust and shows that you care about both your work and your team.
Exercise 5
Choose the Correct Answer
Direction: Direction: Select the correct answer from the options A, B, or C.
1. Alex asks ___ permission to leave early.
A. for
B. to
C. at
2. He has ___ prior commitment this afternoon.
A. a
B. an
C. the
3. Alex ___ his tasks before leaving.
A. finish
B. finishes
C. finishing
4. He ___ already wrapped up most of his work.
A. has
B. will
C. is
5. Sarah will handle ___ follow-ups.
A. he
B. him
C. the
6. Alex speaks ___ to his manager.
A. polite
B. politely
C. politeness
7. This is ___ important request.
A. a
B. an
C. the
8. Alex wants to ___ it by Mr. Miller first.
A. run
B. take
C. bring
Exercise 6
Discussion
Direction: Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
1. How do you ask to leave work early in a polite way?
2. When is the best time to talk to your manager about leaving early?
3. What reasons are acceptable for leaving work early?
4. How do you make sure your work is covered before you leave?
5. Who do you inform after your manager approves your request?
6. How do you feel when you need to ask for early leave?
7. What happens if you leave without informing your team?
8. How does planning ahead help you leave early responsibly?
