Ask for a clear deadline
Planned six-minute lesson. Goal: write one polite, specific deadline question.
1 · Notice the missing detail
Message: “Send the report soon.” Soon does not specify a date or time.
2 · Use a helpful pattern
Could you confirm the date and time you need the report?
Could you makes the request polite; confirm asks for information; date and time names the missing detail.
3 · Choose the clearer reply
A: Fine, soon. B: Why are you unclear? C: Could you confirm when you need the report?
Review the choice
C asks for the missing information politely. Adding date and time makes it more specific.
4 · Write your own
A colleague says: Please arrange the meeting shortly. Write a polite question that asks for the intended date and time.
5 · Check and retry
- Is the request polite?
- Does it identify the missing information?
- Does it ask for a specific deadline or meeting time?
One possible response
Could you confirm the date and time you would like the meeting to take place?
Other clear, polite phrasings can also meet the goal. This task does not assess overall English proficiency.