Thank-you email to a host family (CLB 6)
Task prompt
You recently stayed with a Canadian host family for two weeks while taking a language course. Write an email to thank them, mention two specific things you enjoyed about your stay, and invite them to visit you in your home country.
Your task
Write an informal thank-you email to a host family. Your email must:
- Thank them warmly and sincerely
- Mention two specific things you enjoyed
- Invite them to visit you
- Use a friendly, natural tone
Word count target: 90–120 words
Model answer (CLB 6)
Subject: Thank You for Everything!
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Patel,
I wanted to write to say thank you for the wonderful two weeks I spent at your home. I truly enjoyed my stay and I already miss your cooking! The homemade dal you made on my first night was delicious, and I will never forget it.
I also really enjoyed our evening walks along the river. Those conversations helped me improve my English a lot and made me feel very welcome in Canada.
I hope you will visit me in Brazil one day. I would love to show you my city and return your kindness.
With warm wishes, Felipe Carvalho
Why this scores CLB 6
| CLB Criterion | What this response does well |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Warm thanks, two specific memories, invitation — all included |
| Detail | Named dish, named activity, mentioned English improvement |
| Organization | Opening thanks → two memories → invitation → close |
| Tone | Friendly, genuine, appropriately informal |
| Vocabulary | Simple but natural; “truly enjoyed,” “return your kindness” |
| Grammar | Mostly accurate, natural voice, minor complexity present |
Common mistakes at CLB 4–5
| Weak version | Why it loses marks |
|---|---|
| ”Thank you. I liked your house. Come visit.” | No specific memories — feels impersonal |
| Only one specific thing mentioned | Prompt says “two things” — completeness matters at every level |
| Overly formal language | This is an informal email — “I am most grateful for your hospitality” sounds unnatural |
| No invitation | The third required element; omitting it loses task marks |
Examiner tip
Informal emails often feel easier but test-takers lose marks by being too vague. “I enjoyed everything” or “you were so kind” scores lower than naming a specific dish, walk, conversation, or activity. At any CLB level, specific details are the difference between a passing and a strong response. Write as if the person reading your email can picture exactly what you are describing.