Asking About Homework During Office Hours: what to say in English

School学业教授

Politely Ask and Present Question

Hi, Professor. I was wondering if you could help me with question 3 on the assignment. I'm a bit stuck.

Ask for help with a specific question.

wonderinghelp me withstuck

I've been going over my notes, but I still don't get how this formula works. Could you walk me through it?

Request explanation of a confusing formula.

going overnoteswalk me through

I'm confused about the reading from last week. Could you explain the main argument again?

Seek clarification on a reading's main point.

confused aboutexplainmain argument

Inquire About Grades and Improvement

I got a C on the midterm and I'm not sure where I went wrong. Could you go over my paper with me?

Ask for feedback on a graded paper.

went wronggo overpaper

Is there any extra credit I can do to bring my grade up? I'm willing to put in the work.

Inquire about opportunities for extra credit.

extra creditbring my grade upwilling

Request Extension or Special Arrangement

I've been really swamped this week. Would it be possible to get a two-day extension on the essay?

Request a deadline extension due to workload.

swampedextensionessay

I had a family emergency and couldn't submit on time. I'm really sorry about that.

Explain late submission due to an emergency.

family emergencysubmit on time

I totally understand if you can't, but I wanted to ask just in case. Thanks for your time.

Express understanding if request is denied.

totally understandjust in case

Key words

office hours

time to meet with a professor

extension

more time to complete something

midterm

exam in the middle of a term

extra credit

work for additional points

swamped

extremely busy

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