Talk about your hometown - IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2, 3

Have you ever reflected deeply on what your hometown means to you? Is it the place where you feel most like yourself, or simply a familiar name that often comes up in daily conversations? For IELTS test takers, “Talk about your hometown” is a common and important topic you should not overlook.

Let’s explore diverse vocabulary and useful structures that can help you build impressive and creative answers.

• Describe your hometown?

• What do you like (most) about your hometown?

• What is special about your hometown?

• Is there anything you dislike about it?

• What's your hometown famous for?

• Is it easy to travel around your hometown?

• Would you like to live elsewhere?

• Does your hometown have a lot of tourists?

Question: Please tell me about your hometown

My hometown, Da Nang, is a lively and diverse city with a unique mix of culture, scenic rivers, and delicious cuisine. It is a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family, offering both modern amenities and traditional charm.

High-scoring vocabulary:

• Lively and diverse

• Mix of culture

• Scenic rivers

• Delicious cuisine

• Amenities

Question: What do you like most about your hometown?

What I love most about my city is its warm and friendly atmosphere. Neighbors care for one another, local tea stalls bring people together, and the familiar streets hold many cherished memories. I truly enjoy exploring and experiencing my city every day.

High-scoring vocabulary:

• Heart-warming

• Neighbors caring for neighbors

• Roadside tea stalls

• Gentle and welcoming

Question: Is that a big city or a small place?

My hometown, Hue, is a charming and historic city located in the central region of the country. Unlike busy metropolises, Hue has a laid-back and peaceful vibe, though it is smaller in size, it has a strong sense of community and deep-rooted traditions.

High-scoring vocabulary:

• Historic

• Central region

• Bustling metropolis

• Laid-back

In IELTS Speaking Part 2, the examiner will give you a cue card with a certain topic and you will have to talk about that topic for 2 minutes. The topic can be very diverse, from describing your hometown, an experience to expressing your opinion on any trend or activity that is happening in your hometown.

Talk about your hometown. 

You should say:

• Where it is?

• What is special about it?

• What should tourists do there?

• And explain whether it is an ideal place to live in or not?

Below is an outline and sample arguments you can refer to for the topic: Talk about your hometown - Hanoi:

Where it is:

• I would love to talk about my hometown, Hanoi. Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam and is located in the northern part of the country. 

• I have lived in Hanoi for most of my life, and it’s a place that I cherish deeply.

• Hanoi is not only a hectic and vibrant city but also has a rich cultural heritage and a lively atmosphere, making it an enjoyable place to grow up.

What is special about it:

• One thing that is special about Hanoi is its rich cultural heritage. The city is home to lots of historical sites, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature 

• The city is known for its friendly people, low cost of living, and excellent food.

• The city also has a vibrant cultural scene with numerous festivals, music concerts, and theater performances, which I have always enjoyed participating in.

What should tourists do there:

• For tourists visiting Hanoi, there is plenty to see and do. One popular attraction is Hoan Kiem Lake, which is located in the center of the city and is surrounded by beautiful parks and gardens.

• Visitors can also take a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter or try some of the delicious street food that Hanoi is famous for.

And explain whether it is an ideal place to live in or not:

• I feel a deep sense of pride and attachment to Hanoi. Its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and warm community make it a wonderful place to call home.

• While I might explore other cities in the future, Hanoi will always hold a special place in my heart.

• Overall, Hanoi’s blend of spirituality, culture, and history makes it an exceptional hometown.

Talk about your hometown - Ho Chi Minh City

I was born in Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city situated in the South of Vietnam. It is considered as the busy business center of the country. Many people from different places often come here to look for good job opportunities. Therefore, it is safe to say that Ho Chi Minh is a cosmopolitan city. 

Life in Ho Chi Minh City is always busy and fast. The roads are always full of people and mostly motorbikes, which is a famous transportation in Vietnam. Therefore, the traffic is often busy and overwhelming. In addition, many people that are new here are afraid of crossing the streets and learning to ride motorbikes.  

As tourists, there are many interesting activities to do here. Museums and historical sites are what travelers are interested in. Some of the most popular ones are the War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, the History Museum, and Cu Chi Tunnels. 

In addition, nobody can skip shopping when they are in Ho Chi Minh City. There are many large and modern shopping centers here, such as Crescent Mall, Saigon Center or AEON. Clothes, accessories, electronics, and kitchenware are just some of the goods that these malls offer. 

I feel incredibly proud to call Ho Chi Minh City my hometown. Its unique blend of historical grandeur, cultural richness, and warm hospitality makes it a truly special place. While I may travel or live in other places in the future, Ho Chi Minh City will always be close to my heart.

High-scoring vocabulary:

• Job opportunities

• Cosmopolitan city

• Overwhelming traffic

• War Remnants Museum

• Unique blend of historical grandeur

• Warm hospitality

Question: Why do people feel a strong bond with their hometown?

People develop strong emotional ties to their hometowns because they form their first memories there. It is where cultural values and traditions shape their identity, creating a deep sense of belonging and comfort.

Vocabulary:

• Emotional connection

• Sense of identity and belonging

• Cultural traditions

• Sentimental value

Question: Why do many people not live in their hometowns anymore?

Many move for better job opportunities or education in larger cities. Urban areas offer more amenities, entertainment, and professional growth, making them attractive to young professionals.

Vocabulary:

• Career prospects

• Prestigious schools

• Urban amenities

• Better opportunities

Question: What has more influence on personality – hometown or current city?

Both play important roles. The hometown builds foundational values and beliefs, while the current city provides new experiences and challenges. Together, they shape a well-rounded personality.

Vocabulary:

• Foundation for values

• Fresh perspectives

• Amalgamation of influences

• Personal growth

Location and Environment

Facilities and Environmental Features

Climate Vocabulary

Collocations for Hometown

Master the Topic “Talk About Your Hometown” with IDP

With a rich collection of vocabulary and flexible sentence structures above, you can confidently handle the topic “Talk about your hometown” in your IELTS Speaking test.

To discover more common speaking topics, explore IDP’s IELTS resources designed to suit different learning levels and needs. Whether you take IELTS Academic or General Training, IDP offers flexible test schedules and convenient test locations.

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