CELPIP Reading Part 1 Practice Test: Moving Vacation Days

Dear Mr. Ferris,

I'm writing to ask whether the vacation days you approved for me can be moved to a later date. My sister is getting married in Halifax, and I'm the only one in the family who lives out west. I know a request like this is not something the company usually allows, and I would not ask if I had a choice.

The week you gave me off is June 22 to 26, and I asked for it so I could be at the wedding. She has been planning it for over a year. Last week my sister called with bad news. Harbourview Hall, where the reception was going to be held, had double-booked the date. The only other time it could offer her was Saturday, July 11, so I would need July 6 to 10 off instead. The invitations have already gone out again! On top of that, I booked the flights and the hotel as soon as my leave was approved. The deposits on both come to $880, and none of that money will come back to me if I don't travel.

I understand that our policy says confirmed vacation requests cannot be changed once they have been approved. Still, I've worked here for six years and have never asked for a change before. I'm also giving you four months' notice, which is more than the office usually gets. That part of the summer is normally quiet for the department, and Colin has already said he'll cover my shifts for the week.

If it would help, I will finish the quarterly report before I leave instead of after I get back, so there is nothing waiting for your approval while I am away. I'll also keep my phone on all week in case something urgent comes up at the desk.

By the way, thank you for the flowers the team sent when my father was in the hospital. He's home now and doing much better, and the flowers are still on his kitchen table.

I'd be really grateful if you would consider an exception. My sister has had a stressful few weeks, and I'd hate to miss her big day.

Sincerely,

Yasmin Aziz

Dear Yasmin,

I was 7. Choose…amusedvery sorryrelievedpleased to hear about the trouble with the hall, and I have given your request some thought. As you know, 8. Choose…summer leave is limited to one weekstaff must give four months' noticeapproved leave can't usually be movedcolleagues can't cover each other's shifts, and I normally have to apply that rule to everyone. In your case, though, I am 9. Choose…preparedunwillingnot permittedin no position to make an exception. You have given us plenty of notice, and I can't remember you ever asking for a change before.

Please thank Colin for 10. Choose…booking your flightsfinishing the quarterly reportapproving your leavestepping in for you that week; I've already spoken to him. I will also hold you to your offer to 11. Choose…finish the report earlykeep your phone oncover Colin's shiftspay the hotel deposit, since I'd rather sign it before you go than wait until you're back. I'm glad your father is home, too. My own dad was in and out of hospital all last winter, so I know what a worry it is. Please send me the new dates in writing, and I'll update the calendar.

Regards,

Keith Ferris