Prompt 1

Ask for a Raise Without Sounding Awkward

I have worked at the public library in Cedar Falls for three years, and I am proud of the extra responsibilities I have taken on. I now train two new employees, manage the monthly children’s reading program, and regularly stay late when we are short-staffed. My hourly pay is $19.50, and I would like to ask my supervisor, Michael Torres, for a raise to $22 an hour. I feel nervous because I have never asked for more money before. Write a warm, confident email to Michael requesting a meeting to discuss my pay. Do not make demands or mention that I know another employee earns more. Include a clear subject line and sign the email Carol Mendez.

Prompt 2

Remind Someone About an Overdue Task

Sandra Patel promised to send me the final numbers for our Costco community fundraiser by last Tuesday, but I still have not received them. I need the numbers by 3 p.m. tomorrow because I am preparing the report for our director. I like Sandra and do not want to embarrass her, but I am frustrated because the deadline is getting close. Write a brief, friendly but direct email reminding her about the numbers and asking her to send them by 3 p.m. tomorrow. Include a subject line and sign it Carol.

Prompt 3

Explain a Mistake Before It Becomes a Bigger Problem

I accidentally attached an outdated version of the quarterly budget to an email I sent to David Chen and three department managers this morning. The correct version shows $47,800 in expenses instead of $44,700, and I am embarrassed because the wrong attachment could cause confusion. Write a short, professional follow-up email apologizing for the mistake, clearly stating that the first attachment should be ignored, and explaining that the corrected budget is attached. Ask the recipients to use only the new version. Include a calm subject line and sign it Carol Mendez.

Prompt 4

Say No to Extra Work Politely

My coworker Tom asked me to take over his Tuesday and Thursday closing shifts at the Walgreens where we work. I already work Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and I have physical therapy appointments twice a week after work. I feel guilty saying no because Tom says he has a family emergency, but I cannot take on two more shifts. Write a kind, professional email to Tom explaining that I cannot cover both shifts. Offer to cover this coming Tuesday only, and suggest that he ask our supervisor, Patricia Green, about finding another solution. Keep the tone helpful but firm and sign it Carol.

Prompt 5

Ask for Clearer Instructions

I received an email from my manager, Laura Bennett, asking me to prepare the “final client summary” for the Home Depot account by Friday. I am not sure whether she wants the three-page report from last month updated, a new one-page overview, or both. I do not want to guess and waste time. Write a concise email to Laura asking exactly what she wants included, which deadline on Friday she means, and whether she would like the report as a Word document or PDF. Sound organized and professional, not confused. Include a useful subject line and sign it Carol Mendez.

Prompt 6

Respond to an Angry Customer

A customer named Robert Lewis emailed our office because his $312 appliance delivery from Target arrived four days late. He says he missed work waiting for it and wants his delivery fee refunded. I understand why he is angry, and I want to help, but our policy requires a manager to approve refunds. Write a calm, empathetic email apologizing for the delay, acknowledging the inconvenience, and explaining that I have sent his refund request to my manager for review. Tell him I will update him by Thursday, October 22. Do not promise that the refund will be approved. Include a professional subject line and sign it Carol Mendez.

Prompt 7

Thank Someone for Helping You

My coworker Patricia Gomez stayed at the office for an extra hour yesterday to help me finish the presentation for our Monday meeting. She corrected several confusing charts and helped me feel much less nervous. Write a sincere but professional thank-you email to Patricia that mentions her specific help and says I appreciate her generosity. Keep it warm, brief, and natural, not overly formal. Include a subject line and sign it Carol.

Prompt 8

Request Time Off Clearly

I need to request Friday, November 6, off from my job at the county DMV because my daughter Emily is having surgery that morning. I have already finished the November appointment schedule, and Michael Torres has agreed to handle urgent calls while I am away. Write a respectful email to my supervisor, Sandra Patel, formally requesting the day off and briefly explaining the coverage plan. I am worried about my daughter and want the email to sound professional without sharing too much personal information. Include a clear subject line and sign it Carol Mendez.

Prompt 9

Handle a Difficult Coworker Conversation

My coworker David has interrupted me three times during team meetings this month, most recently yesterday while I was explaining the $8,400 training budget. I felt embarrassed and frustrated, especially because I had prepared carefully. Write a respectful email asking David to speak privately for ten minutes this week so we can discuss how to make meetings work better. Do not accuse him of being rude or suggest that he intended to upset me. Use “I” statements, keep the tone calm, and say that I want us to work well together. Include a subject line and sign it Carol.

Prompt 10

Send a Professional Meeting Recap

Write a clear follow-up email summarizing today’s 10 a.m. planning meeting about the book club’s workplace literacy event at the Cedar Falls Community Center. We agreed that Tom will reserve the room by Wednesday, Patricia will order 60 copies of the $14 reading guide by Friday, David will contact the speakers, and I will send the attendee announcement on Monday. The event is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. I want everyone to understand who is responsible for each task and when it is due. Include a concise subject line, use a simple bullet list, and sign the email Carol Mendez.