Final answer:
Lei should either request an extension from her professor or consult with an academic advisor. She should avoid plagiarism and seek help if needed, and possibly inquire about alternative assignments.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Lei forgot to write the optional research paper and got busy with finals, she has a few options. One of the most responsible approaches is to request an extension from her professor. By explaining her situation openly and professionally, she may be granted extra time to complete the assignment. It's crucial to avoid plagiarism and to seek guidance whenever necessary, either from the professor during office hours or a campus writing center for support. Alternatively, Lei could accept the consequences of not submitting the optional paper, but depending on the grading scheme, this could impact her final mark. She could also speak with an academic advisor for guidance on how to manage such situations in the future or find out if there is an alternative assignment she could complete instead.
Planning and time management are key to avoiding these conflicts, and always checking with the instructor on acceptable methods of submitting assignments is essential. Whichever option Lei chooses, it's important that she communicates promptly with her professor and learns from this experience to better manage her assignments in the future.