Write your first letter to the homestay host family: Semi-Formal Letter [IELTS General Writing Task 1 ]

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You are going to visit New Zealand for an ‘English and Homestay’ program. You have just received details of your homestay host family.

Write your first letter to the family. In your letter,

  • introduce yourself
  • ask the family some questions to get information that is important to you
  • tell the family about your arrival date and time

You should write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ………………., 

Vocabulary:

  1. Anticipation (noun) – Expectation or prediction.
  • Example: I am filled with anticipation about my upcoming visit.
  1. Preferences (noun) – A greater liking for one alternative over another or others.
  • Example: I’d like to understand your household preferences to ensure a harmonious stay.
  1. Itinerary (noun) – A planned route or journey.
  • Example: I’ll keep you updated if there are any changes to my itinerary.

Sample Letter:

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Thompson,

Greetings! My name is [Your Name], and I am from [Your Country]. I am thrilled and filled with anticipation about the upcoming ‘English and Homestay’ program in New Zealand. Having received the details of my homestay, I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself and get to know a little more about your lovely family.

I am a [Your Age]-year-old [Your Occupation/Student], with a keen interest in [A hobby, e.g., “reading historical novels” or “exploring nature trails”]. While I am excited to immerse myself in the New Zealand culture and improve my English, I’m equally keen on understanding the dynamics of my homestay family. Could you tell me a bit about your daily routines or any household preferences I should be aware of? Additionally, I’d love to know if there are any specific cultural or community events or places you think I should not miss during my stay.

Regarding my arrival, I am scheduled to land at [Airport Name] on [Date] at [Time]. I hope this aligns with your schedule, and I would truly appreciate any advice or arrangements for my transit from the airport to your home.

Thank you in advance for hosting me. I am genuinely looking forward to this enriching experience and getting to know all of you better.

Warm regards,

[Your Name].


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