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Asking for Extra time

When you are not able to meet the deadline, you can make verbal requests to your
professor. There are three stages of asking an extra time. The first is to catch their
attention, tell the problem, and make request.

1. Catching attention

Professor, could I just have a word with you?
Professor, could I ask you a favor?
Sir, do you have a minute?

2. Telling problem
The thing is I don’t think I will be able to meet the deadline.
I’m having problems understanding……….
The reason I have come to see you is………….
Would you have five minutes to explain me more about………… because I……

3. Making request
Could we possibly postpone our meeting till next Wednesday?
Would it be OK if I was a couple of days late in handing in the assignment?
Would you mind going through my presentation with me?
Could you explain the final part of the analysis again?
I realize that this is all very last minute, so I will understand if you can’t, but
I…………………………………
Could you give me a few days to complete my paper?

Practice
Write the best response for the missing blanks below.

Anwar : Excuse me, Sir. Could I talk to you?

Mr. Riley : Sure.
Anwar : I’m having problems with my laptop screen making me unable to meet the deadline

this afternoon. Therefore, ________________________________________________________________
Mr.Riley : _____________________________________________________________________________________________

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