Am I in the wrong?
Last week, I went on an overnight field trip with my orchestra from Friday to Saturday. My teacher had mentioned he would post a take-home quiz on Canvas on Thursday, due at midnight. I was prepared to take it, but it never appeared, and there was no explanation given.
Assuming he had moved the deadline to Friday, I emailed him while on the bus Friday, asking if I could take the quiz later since I thought it would close at midnight. Unfortunately, I didn’t receive a response.
Here’s where I might have made a mistake: since I had completed my other assignments for that class, I didn’t check the Canvas page again.
Now, my teacher has informed me that the quiz was actually available all weekend, and he believes I should have taken it despite not receiving any announcements or emails.
Do you think I’m in the wrong? How can I respectfully ask him for a chance to retake the quiz?
It sounds like you were in a tough situation, and it’s understandable to feel a bit confused about the quiz timing. Here’s how you can approach your teacher:
Acknowledge the misunderstanding: Start by thanking your teacher and acknowledging that you understand the quiz was supposed to be available.
Explain your situation: Clearly state that you were under the impression that the quiz was due Thursday and that you didn’t receive any notification of a change. Mention that you emailed to ask about taking it later but didn’t receive a response.
Express your willingness to follow the rules: Emphasize that you want to follow the class guidelines and do your best. Explain that since you hadn’t seen the quiz posted on Canvas, you didn’t check further.
Request for a retake: Politely ask if there’s any way you could retake the quiz, given the circumstances and lack of communication.
Here’s a possible way to phrase your email:
Subject: Clarification on Quiz Availability
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to reach out regarding the take-home quiz that was posted over the weekend. I apologize for the confusion on my end, but I was under the impression that the quiz was due on Thursday, and I didn’t receive any notifications about it being available over the weekend.
I did send an email on Friday while I was on the bus to inquire about taking the quiz at a later time, but I hadn’t received a response. I understand how important communication is, and I want to ensure I’m following all the guidelines for your class.
Would it be possible for me to retake the quiz or make up for the missed opportunity? I appreciate any consideration you may provide in this situation.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Class/Section]
By being respectful and clear in your communication, you’re less likely to come off as rude and more likely to receive a positive response. Good luck!