给教授发邮件申请延期
最要紧的一条：早点问。截止前两天礼貌地问一句，和截止当晚十一点慌慌张张发一封，得到的回应完全不同。教授能应付提前打招呼，但应付不了被打个措手不及。
下面是可以直接套用的模板。把方括号里的内容替换掉就行。邮件正文保持英文，因为收信人是英文教授。
基础模板
Subject: Extension request for [Assignment name]
Dear Professor [Last name],
I'm writing to ask for an extension on [Assignment name], which is due on [date]. [One or two honest sentences about why — e.g. I've been ill this week / I have three other deadlines the same day].
I've completed [how much] of the work already and would be able to turn it in by [new date]. I understand if this isn't possible, and I appreciate you considering it.
Thank you for your time.
Best,
[Your name]
[Course name / student ID]
这封邮件在做什么：
· 第一句直接说「我要申请延期 + 哪份作业 + 原定什么时候交」，教授扫一眼就知道你要什么，不用猜。
· 理由只写一到两句。「I've been ill」就够了，不用交代病史。
· 「我已经完成了多少」是关键——它表明你不是想拖延，而是想交一份合格的作业。
· 「I understand if this isn't possible」给对方台阶，让他拒绝时不必有负担。这句话会让答应的概率变高，不是变低。
三种常见情况的变体
如果你生病了
Subject: Extension request for [Assignment name] — medical
Dear Professor [Last name],
I'm writing to ask for an extension on [Assignment name], due [date]. I've been sick since [day] and haven't been able to make the progress I'd planned.
I'm happy to provide a doctor's note if that would help, and I could have the work done by [new date]. Thank you for understanding.
Best,
[Your name]
批注：主动提「可以提供病假条」，但别说「我有病假条所以你必须给我延期」。前者是配合，后者是施压。
如果多个截止日撞在一起
Subject: Extension request for [Assignment name]
Dear Professor [Last name],
I'm writing about [Assignment name], due [date]. I have three other major deadlines in the same two days and I'm worried about the quality of what I'd be able to submit.
Would it be possible to have until [new date]? I'd rather turn in something I've had time to do properly than rush it. Thank you for considering it.
Best,
[Your name]
批注：把重点放在「作业质量」而不是「我很忙」。教授不关心你忙不忙，但在意收到的东西能不能看。「I'd rather turn in something I've had time to do properly」这句给了他一个答应的理由。
简短版（和教授比较熟时）
Hi Professor [Last name],
Could I possibly get an extension on [Assignment name] until [new date]? [One sentence reason.] I've done most of it already and just need a bit more time to finish properly.
Thanks,
[Your name]
批注：只有和教授打过几次交道、去过答疑、课堂上说过话，才用这个版本。第一次给某位教授发邮件就用这么随意的语气，不太合适。
三个有帮助的点
- 早点问。提前两天可以，提前两小时不行。
- 提出一个具体的新日期。「能宽限到周五吗」比「能多给点时间吗」好回答得多。
- 保持简短。三四句就够，教授不需要一段背景铺垫。
发出去之后，等一天再跟进。如果答案是「不行」——这也会发生——值得记住的是：提出这个请求本身通常没问题。人们后悔的不是被拒，而是压根没问。