General Training Task 1 · 228 words
A weekend visit: thanks and a return invitation
Use specific memories to make the thanks sincere, then give the friend a practical invitation to visit.
Study the method: Informal letters: develop friendly apologies and practical requests →
Band 6 goal: Informal tone
Complete every task part clearly and organise the response so the reader can follow it. This is a study route, not an examiner score assigned to the answer. How IELTS Writing is assessed.
The question
You recently stayed with a friend for a weekend. Write a letter to your friend. Thank them for the visit, describe something you particularly enjoyed, and invite them to stay with you.
The sample answer
Dear Nina, Thank you again for such a lovely weekend. From the moment you met me at the station, you made me feel at home, and it was wonderful to have enough time to talk properly instead of rushing through a short phone call.
The highlight of the weekend was our walk around the old harbour on Saturday. I especially enjoyed the small boat museum you found, even though neither of us expected to stay there for two hours! Dinner with your family afterwards was just as memorable. Please thank your father for showing me how he makes that vegetable pie; I have already promised to try it myself, although I doubt mine will look as neat.
I would love to return the favour, so please come and stay with me next month if you are free. The autumn market opens on the second weekend, and I think you would enjoy the craft stalls and outdoor concerts. You can use the spare room, and I will meet you at the coach station. Either Friday evening or Saturday morning would work for me.
Let me know which weekend suits you, and send me the pie recipe when you have a chance. Thanks once more for your kindness and for making the visit so easy. I hope I can make your stay here just as enjoyable. All the best, Alex
Vocabulary in context
Each phrase appears in the answer above. Learn how it works, not just a replacement word.
- made me feel at home
- Helped me feel relaxed, comfortable and welcome in another place.
This warm expression suits personal hospitality rather than a formal review of accommodation.
- the highlight of the weekend
- The most enjoyable or memorable part of the visit.
Follow the phrase with one specific event and explain why it stood out.
- return the favour
- Do something helpful or kind for a person who previously helped you.
The phrase is informal and works when the new invitation responds to the friend's hospitality.
Now make it your own
Change the invitation for a friend who cannot travel overnight. Suggest a day visit with exact transport help and one activity linked to something they enjoyed during your weekend.
For a smaller practice step, use the explanation, knowledge check and self-review exercise in Write a letter with purpose and tone.
The practice link opens the original question, not a copy of this answer.
Open the writing workspaceMore examples of this question type
Cover all three task points with specific details and a natural, friendly tone.