Account for the relationship as it is now
Use a tone that fits the present relationship, not the closeness, authority, or access that existed in the past. For a message about how to follow up with a professor who has not replied, use this factual base: include the course, assignment, policy, dates, documented barrier, and result you are asking to review.
Ask without assigning an obligation
Explain what you hope for while making decline, delay, or a different format genuinely acceptable. Request the permitted remedy or meeting and be ready to complete the required work. Make the immediate next step clear enough that the recipient can answer without reconstructing the entire history.
Keep the ending honest
Do not demand a grade, conceal misconduct, or ask another student to support an inaccurate story. Use safeguarding, disability, counseling, or emergency channels for bullying, abuse, health crises, or immediate risk. Avoid future promises, guilt, flattery, or nostalgia that imply the recipient owes you access.