Sample IELTS GT Task 1 letter: Thanking a host family from studying abroad
Band 6.5 and Band 8 model answers for this IELTS question — see what raises the band, then get your own graded by AI.
Band 6.5
Prompt: You stayed with a host family while studying abroad and want to thank them. Write a letter to the family. In your letter: thank them for their hospitality; mention something you particularly enjoyed; invite them to visit you in the future. (Informal register.)
Dear Sarah and Tom,
How are you both? I hope you and the children are doing well. I have now been home for two weeks, and I am writing to say a big thank you for everything you did for me during my stay.
First of all, thank you so much for your kindness and hospitality. You made me feel like a real member of your family from the very first day. The room was lovely and comfortable, and the meals you cooked were delicious. I really felt at home with you, and that made my time in England so much easier and happier.
There are many things I enjoyed, but the thing I liked the most was our Sunday trips together. I will never forget the day we went to the seaside and had fish and chips on the beach. It was so much fun, and we laughed a lot. Those moments are my best memories of my time abroad.
Now I would really like to invite you to visit me here in Spain. You are always welcome in my home, and I would love to show you my city and take you to the mountains. The summer is the best time to come because the weather is beautiful.
Please give my love to the children. I hope to see you all again soon.
With love, Ana
Band 8.0
Prompt: You stayed with a host family while studying abroad and want to thank them. Write a letter to the family. In your letter: thank them for their hospitality; mention something you particularly enjoyed; invite them to visit you in the future. (Informal register.)
Dear Sarah and Tom,
How are you all getting on? I’ve been back home for a couple of weeks now, and I simply had to write to thank you both for the wonderful time I spent with you.
From the moment I arrived, you went out of your way to make me feel completely at home, and I honestly couldn’t have hoped for a warmer welcome. The cosy room, the home-cooked dinners and, above all, the patience you showed with my shaky English turned what could have been a daunting experience into one of the happiest periods of my life. I really can’t thank you enough.
Of all the lovely things we did together, our Sunday outings stand out the most. I’ll never forget that breezy afternoon by the sea, sharing fish and chips on the beach while the children chased the seagulls — we laughed so much my cheeks ached! Little moments like that are exactly what I’ll treasure.
Now it’s my turn to return the favour. I would absolutely love for you all to come and visit me here in Spain. You’d be more than welcome to stay as long as you like, and I’d be thrilled to show you around my city and take you up into the mountains. Early summer is glorious, so do think about it!
Give my love to the children. I hope to see you all again before too long.
With love, Ana