Question

creation of a professional email from an online student to a teacher to convince her to take action on something.

Answer 1

Below is a short, professional email template you can use to persuade an instructor to take action, plus a concrete example (requesting a deadline extension). Replace the bracketed text with your own details.

Template
Subject: [Course name & brief request] — [Your name]
Greeting: Dear Professor [Last Name], / Hello Dr. [Last Name],
Opening line: I hope you are well. My name is [Your name], and I am enrolled in [Course number and section] this term.
Purpose: I am writing to ask if you would consider [specific action you want them to take].
Reason and impact: Briefly explain why (facts, circumstances, or constraints) and how the action will help you meet course expectations or improve your learning.
Proposed solution and timeline: Offer a clear, reasonable proposal (new deadline, meeting times, alternative assignment, etc.) and any supporting evidence (medical note, screenshots, previous communication).
Benefit/assurance: Promise how you will ensure fairness (e.g., accept a grade penalty, complete additional work) and reaffirm commitment to the course.
Call to action: Politely request a response and suggest how they can reply or schedule time.
Closing: Thank them for considering your request. Sign with your full name, student ID, class meeting times, and best contact method.

Example (extension request)
Subject: Request for brief extension on ENGL 210 essay — Maria Gomez
Dear Dr. Patel,

I hope you are well. My name is Maria Gomez (Student ID 123456), and I am enrolled in ENGL 210, section 02. I am writing to respectfully request a 72-hour extension on the Research Essay currently due Friday, January 22.

Over the past week I experienced a sudden family emergency (a close relative’s hospitalization) that required me to take on caregiving responsibilities and limited my time for research and revision. I have completed a substantial portion of the draft but need additional time to produce work that meets the course’s standards.

If granted an extension, I can submit the final essay by Monday, January 25 at 11:59 PM. I am willing to accept a reasonable late penalty if you feel it is appropriate and can provide documentation about the emergency if you would like. Alternatively, if you prefer, I am available for a brief meeting by Zoom to discuss my draft and timeline — I am free weekdays after 6:00 PM.

Thank you very much for considering my request. Please let me know if the extension is possible or if you would prefer another arrangement.

Sincerely,
Maria Gomez
Student ID: 123456
ENGL 210, section 02
Email: [email protected] | Phone: [phone]

Quick tips
- Keep it concise and respectful; state the request early.
- Provide concrete reasons and a clear proposed solution.
- Offer documentation if relevant and accept reasonable conditions.
- Suggest a specific timeline and how you’ll follow up.
- If you do not hear back, send a polite follow-up after 48–72 hours.

If you tell me the exact action you want and a few details (course, reason, preferred solution), I can draft a tailored email for you.