Letter to the manager asking permission to attend the conference: Semi-Formal Letter [IELTS General Writing Task 1 ]

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You recently saw an advertisement about a business conference that can be helpful for your work. Write a letter to your manager asking permission to attend the conference.

In your letter, say:

  • what the conference is about
  • how you know about the conference
  • explain to him/her why it is important that you attend this conference

You should write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ………………, 


Vocabulary:

  1. Enhance (verb) – Intensify, increase, or improve the quality, value, or extent of.
  • Example: Attending the conference would enhance my knowledge about the latest trends in our industry.
  1. Informative (adjective) – Providing useful or interesting information.
  • Example: The conference agenda suggests that the sessions will be extremely informative.
  1. Competitive edge (noun) – An advantage over competitors.
  • Example: The insights from the conference could give our team a competitive edge.

Sample Letter:

Dear [Manager’s Name, e.g., Mr. Smith],

I hope this letter finds you well. I recently came across an advertisement regarding a business conference that aligns closely with our department’s objectives and I believe it would be immensely beneficial for me to attend.

The conference is titled “[Conference Name, e.g., ‘Future of Digital Marketing’]” and it is centered around [specific topic, e.g., ‘the latest trends and strategies in digital marketing, including AI-driven campaigns and data analytics’]. I learned about it through [source, e.g., ‘an industry newsletter’] which highlighted the renowned speakers and the impactful sessions planned for the event.

Attending this conference is of paramount importance for several reasons:

  1. Knowledge Enhancement: It promises to provide insights into the latest strategies and tools, which we could integrate into our current processes.
  2. Networking: The event is expected to host professionals from leading companies, offering an excellent platform for networking and possibly forming future collaborations.
  3. Staying Updated: In our rapidly evolving industry, staying updated with the latest trends ensures we maintain a competitive edge.

Considering the potential benefits, I kindly request your permission to attend this conference. I am confident that the insights and knowledge I gain will not only contribute to my personal growth but also to our team’s endeavors.

Thank you for considering my request. I eagerly await your response.

Best regards,

[Your Name, e.g., John Doe].

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