As a teenager who has a lot of busyness, there are times when you can't complete academic assignments on time. Maybe you've just gone through a breakup, maybe you're sick, or maybe you're just having a hard time dividing your time with other academic responsibilities. Basically, asking for extra time to do a task is not a taboo thing to do. As long as you can give a good reason, chances are your teacher will be willing to grant your wish (or at least negotiate with you). Want to know more detailed information? Continue reading the article below, yes!
Step
Part 1 of 2: Making Reasons
Step 1. Review your teacher's material syllabus and policies
Before requesting additional time, review the material syllabus and written policies provided by your teacher. Some teachers are willing to provide additional time for completing assignments without certain conditions, some are willing to consider the student's request if it is accompanied by clear reasons, but many are also not willing to give additional time for any reason.
Knowing academic rules and teacher policies will go a long way in helping you develop your rationale and better convey your wishes
Step 2. Provide evidence if you claim to be sick
Serious illnesses like colds and flu are good reasons to ask for extra work time. If you claim to be sick, make sure you have prepared a doctor's letter or similar evidence that will be useful if requested by your teacher.
- If you admit to being sick, your teacher will generally understand your situation and be willing to give you extra time to do your homework. No need to give very specific details about your condition, okay! Most teachers don't feel the need to listen.
- Just give a simple explanation such as, "Sorry sir, since last weekend I had a cold and had a fever so I didn't have time to do the task you gave me. May I request additional time to complete? If you need evidence in the form of a doctor's letter, I will gladly provide it.”
Step 3. Tell the truth if you have a personal problem
If a relative has died or is seriously ill, or if you suddenly experience a personal problem that is affecting your daily life, be honest with your teacher. Most teachers will be willing to give extra time to work on assignments for personal, emergency reasons. But remember, don't abuse this opportunity!
- Try saying, “Sorry sir, last night my aunt passed away. I'm currently on my way to the funeral site with my family and it looks like I'm going to have a hard time completing the assignments that have to be submitted tomorrow. May I ask for an additional two days to complete the task you have given me?"
- Your teacher may or may not ask for relevant evidence; so make sure you don't use this excuse if you can't provide solid evidence.
Step 4. Tell your teacher if you're having trouble managing time
If you take many classes at the same time but also have other responsibilities outside of school (for example, you have to work part-time), chances are that your teacher will understand the difficulty. If you need extra assignments because you're having a hard time dividing your time between school and work (or having trouble dividing your time with academic responsibilities in other classes), don't be afraid to ask your teacher for it.
Emphasize that you need additional time to be able to do the task more optimally. For example, you could say, "Sorry sir, I'm having a hard time managing my time because I have to take three exams on the same day as my assignment. May I ask for an extra day or two to complete the task as fully as possible?”
Step 5. Take advantage of the power of numbers
A group of students can ask for additional time to work on assignments if they have to take exams or complete other academic responsibilities on the same day as the assignment submission time, you know! After all, if you have a large number of students requesting extra time, chances are your teacher will find it easier to grant it.
Try saying, “Sorry sir, seven people in your class are also taking chemistry class and coincidentally our chemistry exam coincides with the day of assignment in your class. Can we ask for an additional day to do the task more optimally?”
Step 6. Give a simple explanation
Whatever your reasons, don't upset your teacher by giving complicated explanations. Make sure you get to the point of the conversation; state why you need the extra time, and thank your teacher for considering it.
If your assignment is not completed because of a problem that you created yourself, be willing to take responsibility for your actions and ask for additional time by giving honest reasons. Trust me, most teachers will appreciate the honesty of their students
Part 2 of 2: Asking Politely
Step 1. Submit your request ASAP
Chances are, your request will be more easily granted if it's submitted shortly after the assignment submission deadline. If you feel like you need extra time, don't wait until the next day or even longer.
Step 2. Meet your teacher in person
Your honesty will be more easily seen through the direct communication process. If you feel you need extra time to do your homework, try visiting his office during office hours to negotiate your wishes.
Step 3. Contact your teacher via email
If you're sick, out of town, or if school is off that day, chances are you won't be able to see your teacher in person. Therefore, try sending an email in a polite and formal manner asking your teacher for extra work time.
Step 4. Determine how much extra time you need
Make sure you ask for reasonable extra time; in other words, you know that there is enough time to complete the assignment given by your teacher. Before deciding on the most suitable extra time, consider the personality of your teacher.
- If your teacher is a rigid and assertive person, let them determine how much extra time to give. In this kind of case, you are most likely not in a position to negotiate.
- If your teacher isn't too rigid and you believe you can complete the assignment in a specific time (say two days), try asking for specific extra time.
- If your teacher is easy to negotiate with, try asking for more extra time than you should. For example, if you know the task will be completed in two days, try asking for an additional four days in advance. Most likely, your teacher will ask you to negotiate afterwards; As a result, you will also get the most suitable extra time.
