To: Mr Tan

Subject: Request to Be Excused from Band Practice

Dear Mr Tan,

I am writing to seek permission to be excused from band practice on 11 November 2023 (Saturday).

On that day, I would like to attend the Jolly Animal Shelter’s Adoption Drive, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. My family is considering adopting another cat, and the shelter strongly recommends that all household members be present to ensure that the pet is matched with the right owners. In addition, I am interested in volunteering at the shelter because I love animals and have experience caring for them.

If I am excused from band practice, I will borrow my bandmate’s notes and practise the pieces on my own so that I do not fall behind.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely,
Kelly

Word Count: 133

How to Plan and Write This to Get PSLE English Grade A1

Step 1: Understand the Purpose

Ask yourself:

Who am I?

Kelly

Who am I writing to?

Mr Tan (teacher-in-charge of the school band)

Why am I writing?

To request permission to be excused from band practice.

The tone must be formal, polite and respectful.

Step 2: Highlight ALL Required Content Points

From the task, you must include:

Required Point - Information from Picture

Date to be excused - 11 November 2023

Event and time - Jolly Animal Shelter's Adoption Drive, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Reason 1 - Family wants to adopt another cat

Reason 2 - Opportunity to become a volunteer

What you will do if excused - Borrow bandmate's notes and practise on your own

Missing even one point may cost content marks.

Step 3: Use a Simple 4-Paragraph Structure

Paragraph 1 – Purpose

State your request clearly.

Example:

I am writing to seek permission to be excused from band practice on 11 November 2023.

Paragraph 2 – Event Details

State the event and time.

Paragraph 3 – Two Reasons

Explain why attending is important.

Paragraph 4 – Responsibility

Show that you are responsible.

Example:

I will borrow my bandmate's notes and practise on my own.

Step 4: Upgrade Your Language

Instead of:

❌ I want to go.

Write:

✅ I would like to attend.

❌ I like animals.

Write:

✅ I have a strong interest in caring for animals.

❌ Please let me skip band.

Write:

✅ I would be grateful if you could excuse me from band practice.

Step 5: Use Connectors

A1 students connect ideas smoothly:

• In addition,

• Furthermore,

• Moreover,

• As a result,

• Therefore,

• Besides that,

Example:

In addition, I am interested in volunteering at the shelter because I enjoy caring for animals.

A1 Situational Writing Checklist

Before submitting:

✅ Correct email format (To, Subject, Dear, Yours sincerely)

✅ Purpose stated clearly

✅ All 4 bullet points covered

✅ Formal tone maintained

✅ Complete sentences

✅ Good vocabulary

✅ Logical paragraphing

✅ No spelling or grammar errors

Examiner's Tip

For request emails, always include:

1. Your request

2. Strong reasons

3. How you will make up for what you miss

4. A polite closing

This shows maturity and responsibility, which helps create the strong impression expected of a PSLE Grade A1 response.

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