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Business English · Module 4 · Unit 14

Vacation Requests

Pre B1 Intermediate

Learning Objectives

In this lesson, you will discuss vacation requests and learn practical vocabulary for daily communication.

Situation

Alex speaks with Mr. Miller to submit a formal request for paid time off. Mr. Miller reviews the schedule to ensure team coverage before approving the upcoming leave.

Discussion

Direction: Answer these questions.
  1. How far in advance do you usually request time off from work?
  2. What steps do you take to prepare your workload before going on vacation?
  3. Why is it important to coordinate time off with your colleagues?

New Words & Expressions

Direction: Listen and repeat these words with your teacher.

  • In advance

    Phrase

    /ɪn ədˈvæns/

    Meaning:Before a particular time or event happens.

    Alex submitted his vacation request two weeks in advance.

    Real Life Tip:

    Standard workplace expectation in US corporate environments to allow managers enough time to plan coverage.

  • Recharge one's batteries

    Idiom

    /riːˈtʃɑːrdʒ wʌnz ˈbæt.ər.iz/

    Meaning:To regain energy and strength by taking a break from work or rest.

    Taking a week off helped Sarah recharge her batteries after the project.

    Real Life Tip:

    Frequently used by managers and colleagues to support taking time off for personal well-being.

  • PTO

    Noun / Abbreviation

    /ˌpiː.tiːˈoʊ/

    Meaning:Paid Time Off; earned compensation that allows employees to take time off while getting paid.

    I still have ten days of unused PTO left this year.

    Real Life Tip:

    Universal acronym across American companies referring collectively to vacation days, personal days, and sick leave.

  • Sign off on

    Phrasal Verb

    /saɪn ɑːf ɑːn/

    Meaning:To give official approval or permission for something.

    Mr. Miller needs to sign off on the vacation request before I book my flight.

    Real Life Tip:

    Standard corporate phrase used for formal approvals, whether for time-off requests, budgets, or project plans.

Conversation

Direction:

  • Listen carefully as your teacher reads the conversation aloud.
  • Role-play the conversation with your teacher
Alex meets with Mr. Miller to discuss scheduling upcoming paid time off.
  • Alex
    Good morning Mr. Miller, do you have a quick moment?
  • Mr. Miller
    Sure Alex. What can I help you with today?
  • Alex
    I would like to use some PTO next month for a family trip.

Q&A

Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
  1. Does Alex request to use PTO next month?
  2. Did Alex ask for time off in advance?
  3. Does Mr. Miller sign off on the vacation request?

Managing Work Leave and Vacation Requests

Exercise

Direction: Choose the correct answer to complete each sentence, then read it aloud. Each question gives you 5 Points.

  1. I plan to use five days of ________ for my summer trip.

  2. Please let your team know about your vacation dates ________.

  3. Mr. Miller ________ on Alex's time-off request yesterday afternoon.

  4. If Sarah submits her request early, the manager ________ approve it.

  5. advance / request / submit / your / in / please

  6. batteries / vacation / help / will / me / recharge / my

Ask Your Teacher

Direction: Ask your teacher these questions.
  1. How far in advance do you request time off at work?
  2. What activities help you recharge your batteries during vacation?
  3. Who usually has to sign off on your leave requests?

Your Time To Speak

Direction: Answer using the language you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
  1. Do you submit your PTO requests well in advance?
  2. Have you ever used PTO to recharge your batteries?
  3. How do you get your manager to sign off on leave?
  4. Why do companies require employees to request PTO in advance?
  5. What do you think helps workers recharge their batteries effectively?
  6. Would you agree that taking unused PTO prevents workplace burnout?
  7. Is it true that managers must sign off on all requests?
  8. Would you cancel your PTO if an urgent project started?
  9. What if your manager refuses to sign off on PTO?
  10. What would you do if you forgot to request in advance?
  11. What do you think will happen to unused PTO balances?
  12. Which is better, taking short PTO or long vacations?
  13. What should employees do before trying to recharge their batteries?
  14. What do you think causes delays when managers sign off?
  15. What happens if two colleagues request PTO in advance together?
Mr. Miller
Thanks for asking in advance. Which specific dates are you considering?
  • Alex
    From the 10th to the 15th. Sarah agreed to cover my tasks.
  • Mr. Miller
    Great plan. I am happy to sign off on your request.
  • Alex
    Thank you! A short break will really help me recharge my batteries.
  • Mr. Miller
    Enjoy your trip Alex, just submit the dates in the portal today.