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[Date of letter-month, day, and year]

[Recipient's first and last names]
[Company name]
[Street or P.O. box address]
[City, State ZIP code]

Dear [recipient's name]:

I am writing to you today to formally request an excuse from taking my final exam for History 101 on April 16, 2010. I regret that there has been a family emergency that requires me to travel out of state on this date. Needless to say, this issue arose unexpectedly and suddenly. I would be willing and able to make up this final exam at a time that is convenient for you after I return to town.

I apologize for any inconvenience that this excuse might cause. Please let me know whether you have granted an excuse, and if so, how we can arrange for me to make up the History 101 final exam. Thank you most sincerely for considering my request, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

 

[Signature]

[Sender's first and last names]