Prompt 1

Ask for a Raise Without Sounding Awkward

I have worked at Costco for four years, and I am proud of the customer service improvements I helped make this year. I trained two new employees, covered 11 shifts when our department was short-staffed, and received three positive customer comments that my manager, Michael, shared with me. My pay is currently $19.50 an hour. Write a warm, confident email to Michael asking for a meeting to discuss a raise. I feel nervous bringing it up, so make the email professional and appreciative without sounding apologetic or demanding. Sign it Carol Mendez.

Prompt 2

Follow Up When Someone Has Not Replied

I emailed Sandra in the accounting department at Walgreens last Tuesday about a $47 reimbursement for office supplies, but I have not heard back. I need the money before Friday because the charge is already on my credit card statement. Write a brief, polite follow-up email that reminds Sandra about my original message without sounding irritated. Ask her to confirm whether she needs my receipt again. I want to sound organized and friendly. Sign it Carol Mendez.

Prompt 3

Apologize for a Missed Deadline

I promised my supervisor, David, that I would send the monthly report by 3 p.m. yesterday, but I did not finish it because the data from our Target store arrived late and had several errors. I feel embarrassed and frustrated because I usually meet my deadlines. Write an honest email apologizing for the delay, briefly explaining the problem without making excuses, and promising to send the corrected report by 10 a.m. tomorrow. Keep the tone responsible, calm, and professional. Sign it Patricia Ellis.

Prompt 4

Push Back on an Unreasonable Request

My coworker Tom asked me to take over his Friday presentation for the HOA board even though I already have two client meetings and a report due that afternoon. I want to help, but I cannot prepare the entire presentation in one day without doing a poor job. Write a respectful email to Tom explaining that I cannot take over the whole presentation, but I can review his slides for 30 minutes Thursday morning and present the section about the $3,200 landscaping budget if he sends it to me by Wednesday at noon. I feel uncomfortable saying no, so make me sound cooperative and firm. Sign it Carol Mendez.

Prompt 5

Respond to a Difficult Coworker

My coworker Michael sent me an email saying I had “completely dropped the ball” on the Walgreens supply order. I checked my records and sent the order on September 28, but Walgreens did not confirm it until October 2. I am angry and worried that this could damage my reputation. Write a calm reply that corrects the timeline, attaches no blame, and suggests that we confirm order receipts in the future. Do not sound defensive or sarcastic. Keep it under 150 words and sign it Sandra Lee.

Prompt 6

Ask for Flexible Work Hours

I work at Home Depot and need to ask my manager, Patricia, for a temporary schedule change. My husband has physical therapy appointments twice a week at 4 p.m. for the next three weeks, and I am the only person who can drive him. Write a professional email asking to leave at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and make up the time by starting at 8 a.m. those mornings. I am worried that Patricia will think I am unreliable, so emphasize that this is temporary and that I will keep all my responsibilities covered. Sign it David Miller.

Prompt 7

Clarify Confusing Instructions

My supervisor, Sandra, emailed me instructions for the Costco inventory project, but I am confused about two details. She said the spreadsheet is due next Monday, October 19, but also said the team should review the final numbers on Friday, October 16. I am not sure whether she wants a complete version Friday or only a draft. Write a short email asking her to clarify the deadline and whether the $8,450 equipment order should be included in the total. Make me sound attentive and prepared, not confused or careless. Sign it Carol Mendez.

Prompt 8

Thank Someone for Helping You

Last week, my coworker Tom stayed late at the DMV office with me while we fixed a customer account problem that had been open for three weeks. His help saved me at least two hours the next morning, and I was relieved to get the issue resolved before Friday. Write a sincere but professional thank-you email to Tom that mentions his patience and willingness to stay late. Keep it warm without being overly sentimental. Sign it Patricia Ellis.

Prompt 9

Ask for Feedback After a Project

I finished leading the book club’s workplace fundraising project, which raised $1,275 for the local food bank. I am proud of the result, but I know the signup process was confusing and two volunteers missed their shifts. Write an email to my supervisor, Michael, asking for 15 minutes of feedback about what went well and what I should improve before I organize the spring drive. Make me sound confident, open-minded, and eager to learn. Sign it Carol Mendez.

Prompt 10

Announce a Schedule Change Clearly

Write an email to my team at the Walgreens office explaining that Thursday’s staff meeting is moving from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. because the conference room is being used for an unexpected training session. The meeting will still happen this Thursday, October 15, and will cover the November budget, the $600 supply order, and vacation coverage. I feel worried that people will miss the change, so make the new time impossible to overlook and ask everyone to reply by Wednesday at noon if they cannot attend. Sign it David Miller.