Prompt 1

Ask for a Raise Without Sounding Demanding

I have worked at the public library for three years, and my responsibilities have grown a lot since I started. I now train two new employees, handle the monthly event calendar, and cover the front desk every Tuesday and Thursday. My current salary is $46,500, and I have not received a raise since I was hired. Write a warm but confident email to my supervisor, Sandra Collins, asking for a meeting to discuss a salary increase. I feel nervous bringing this up, but I am proud of the work I do and want the email to sound professional, reasonable, and not apologetic. Sign it Carol Mendez.

Prompt 2

Follow Up on an Unanswered Email

I emailed Michael at the accounting department last Tuesday about a $287 reimbursement for office supplies I bought at Costco, but I have not heard back. I attached the receipt and need the money deposited before my next mortgage payment on November 15. Write a short, polite follow-up email that reminds him about the request without sounding irritated. Mention that I am happy to resend the receipt if needed. Sign it Carol Mendez.

Prompt 3

Apologize for Missing a Deadline

I promised my manager, David Reynolds, that I would send the quarterly sales report by Friday afternoon, but I did not finish it because I had to spend most of Thursday helping a customer whose account had a $1,900 billing error. I feel embarrassed that I missed the deadline. Write a professional apology email that takes responsibility, briefly explains what happened without making excuses, and promises to send the completed report by 10 a.m. tomorrow. Make me sound dependable and calm. Sign it Carol Mendez.

Prompt 4

Say No to Extra Work Respectfully

My coworker Tom asked me to take over his Thursday afternoon shift at Walgreens for the next three weeks. I would like to help, but I already work Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and I have physical therapy appointments twice a week after work. Write a friendly but firm email declining his request. I do not want Tom to think I am uncaring, and I want to offer to help him find someone else for one of the shifts if possible. Sign it Carol Mendez.

Prompt 5

Handle a Difficult Coworker

My coworker Patricia has interrupted me three times during team meetings this month and twice repeated my ideas as if they were hers. Yesterday, during a meeting about the Target store renovation, she said, “That is not a very practical suggestion,” before I could finish explaining it. I left the meeting frustrated and embarrassed. Write a calm email asking Patricia to meet privately so we can improve how we work together. Do not accuse her of bullying or make me sound angry. Make the email clear enough that she understands this conversation is important. Sign it Carol Mendez.

Prompt 6

Request a Flexible Schedule

I work in the administrative office at Home Depot, and I am asking my manager, Sandra Collins, if I can work from home on Fridays for the next two months. My husband has medical appointments on Friday mornings, and I need to drive him to the clinic. I can start earlier, remain available by phone and email, and finish all my regular tasks, including the weekly inventory report. Write a professional email that explains the situation without sharing unnecessary medical details. Make the request sound temporary, practical, and easy for my manager to consider. Sign it Carol Mendez.

Prompt 7

Thank Someone for Helping You

Write a sincere thank-you email to my colleague Michael Torres. Last week, he stayed late at the DMV office with me for nearly two hours to help fix a customer’s registration problem, even though the issue was not technically his responsibility. His patience helped me stay calm when I was worried the customer would leave angry. Keep the email warm and professional, and mention that I appreciated his teamwork. Sign it Carol Mendez.

Prompt 8

Explain a Mistake Before Someone Else Does

I accidentally sent an internal spreadsheet containing 42 customer orders to the wrong Sandra Lee at another company this morning. The spreadsheet did not include credit card numbers, but it did include customer names, addresses, and order totals. I immediately recalled the email, contacted the person who received it, and asked her to delete it. Write a concise email to my manager, David Reynolds, reporting the mistake honestly, explaining the steps I have already taken, and asking what else I should do. I am worried, but I do not want to hide anything or sound panicked. Sign it Carol Mendez.

Prompt 9

Ask for Clearer Instructions

My supervisor gave me instructions for preparing the monthly report, but I am still unclear about whether she wants sales totals by store or by department. The report is due next Wednesday, and I do not want to spend three days preparing it the wrong way. Write a short email to my supervisor, Patricia Green, asking one clear question and suggesting that I use sales totals by store unless she prefers otherwise. Make me sound careful and proactive, not confused or helpless. Sign it Carol Mendez.

Prompt 10

Reschedule a Work Meeting

I need to reschedule my 2 p.m. meeting with Tom Williams tomorrow because I have been asked to attend an urgent training session at the county office. I am sorry for the inconvenience because we have already postponed this meeting once. Write a polite email offering Tuesday at 10 a.m. or Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. instead. Mention that I still want to discuss the $4,700 equipment order and will send him the updated figures before we meet. Sign it Carol Mendez.