Describe your Hometown: IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2 & 3 with Sample Answers

Your hometown is the town or city where you were born and where you have always belonged. Therefore, while you are taking the IELTS Speaking exam, it should not be surprising if you are asked a question about your hometown. It might be in Part 1, Part 2, or Part 3.

So, even though we know the answers to ‘Describe your hometown – IELTS Speaking’ will come from your heart, this blog will guide you with the type of answers you need to give and the vocabulary you should use to achieve Band 8+.

Hometown – IELTS Speaking Part 1

Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking exam is usually a simple interview where you will be asked to introduce yourself and a few basic questions on related topics. So, let’s continue with some questions about your hometown for IELTS Speaking Part 1 like ‘where is your hometown’, ‘do you like your hometown’, ‘tell me about your hometown’, and many more.

• Where is your hometown?

I’m originally from Kochi, but I’ve been living in Bangalore for the past few years. I love Banglore, but I still miss my hometown sometimes. There’s just something about the small-town feel that I really appreciate.

• Is your hometown a big city or a small place?

Kochi is a medium-sized city with a cozy atmosphere and a population of somewhere in between 80,000 and 1 lakh people.

• Please tell me about your hometown./What’s your hometown like?

My hometown, Kochi, is a lively and diverse city with a wonderful mix of culture, picturesque backwaters and delectable cuisine. It’s a captivating place to live, work, and raise a family, offering both modern amenities and traditional charm.

• How often do you visit your hometown?

I visit my hometown occasionally, at least once or twice a year, during festivals to spend time with family and friends. I try to make it a point to return whenever possible.

• How long have you been living there?

I had lived there for around 15 years before my family left for Bangalore. It’s been more than ten years since I left my hometown.

• Do you like your hometown? If yes, what do you like (most) about your hometown?

Yes, I do like my hometown! I like the hospitality of people in my hometown. Also, everyone was willing to give others a hand when they needed help.

• Is there anything you dislike about it?

I love my hometown Kochi, but I wish the traffic was better. It can be hard to get around sometimes, and it’s not always peaceful. But the city is getting better every day, and I think it has the potential to be a major tourist destination.

• Do you think you will continue living there for a long time?

To be honest, I hope I could go there to visit my relatives and friends, but settling down is not part of my plan. I am now getting familiar with city life as there are more job opportunities here.

• Has your hometown changed much since you were a child?

Yes, my hometown has undergone significant changes since my childhood, with new buildings, improved infrastructure, and a more vibrant atmosphere. The transformation over the years has been quite remarkable.

• Are there any changes you would like to make in your hometown?

I would like to see more green spaces and parks in my hometown. This would enhance the environment and promote outdoor activities. Additionally, improved public transportation would make commuting easier for everyone.

Now that you have a good understanding of the kinds of questions for your hometown IELTS Speaking exam, let’s explore some band 9 vocabulary for speaking that was used in the Hometown IELTS Speaking Part 1.

Hometown Speaking Part 1 Band 9 Vocabulary

Using band 9 vocabulary words appropriately and naturally in your speaking responses can enhance your language score in the IELTS Speaking Module. However, do not overuse them or force them into your answers.

Here are some Band 9 vocabulary you can use for ‘Describe your Hometown – IELTS Speaking Part 1’ with examples:

• Inquire:

Meaning: Ask for information

Example: During this part, the examiner will introduce themselves and inquire about your identity.

• Cozy:

Meaning: comfortable and warm, giving a feeling of ease and contentment.

Example: I love spending my evenings in the cozy corner of the coffee shop, reading a book.

• Captivating:

Meaning: attracting and holding attention or interest in an intriguing manner.

Example: The captivating sunset over the ocean left everyone spellbound.

• Backwaters:

Meaning: a system of interconnected waterways, often found in coastal regions, lakes, or rivers, with slow-moving or stagnant water.

Example: Kerala, India, is famous for its scenic backwaters that attract tourists from around the world.

• Delectable:

Meaning: highly pleasing to the taste or senses; delicious.

Example: The chef prepared a delectable three-course meal for the guests.

• Hospitality:

Meaning: the friendly and generous reception and treatment of guests or strangers.

Example: The warm hospitality of the hotel staff made our stay memorable.

• Potential:

Meaning: The possibility or likelihood of something happening or developing in the future.

Example: The young athlete showed great potential and was scouted by several professional teams.

• Occasional:

Meaning: happening or occurring at irregular intervals; infrequent.

Example: My parents visit me in the city only on occasional weekends.

• Settlement:

Meaning: The act or process of establishing a residence or community in a new place.

Example: The early settlers faced many challenges while building their first settlement in the wilderness.

• Remarkable:

Meaning: Worthy of attention or notice; exceptional or extraordinary.

Example: His remarkable achievements in the field of science earned him international recognition.

• Commuting:

Meaning: The act of traveling regularly between one’s place of residence and place of work or study.

Example: The new subway line has eased the daily commuting for thousands of city residents.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card – Describe your Hometown

In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you will have a cue card or a task card with a topic like ‘Describe your hometown’ followed by 3-4 questions related to the topic.

To prepare for the type of answer you can give and the common vocabulary you should use to answer the prompt questions on Describe your Hometown IELTS Speaking, let’s have a look at the following sample answers.

Describe your Hometown – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 1

• Where is it located?

The ‘City of Joy’, Kolkata is my hometown. It is in the state of West Bengal in eastern India. Located majestically on the banks of the Hooghly River, it serves as the region’s cultural, historical, and commercial center.

• What do people do there?

Known for their warmth and friendliness, the people of Kolkata engage in various activities ranging from bustling commerce to vibrant cultural pursuits. One of the most prominent aspects of life in Kolkata is its thriving intellectual and cultural scene. The city is home to numerous bookstores, libraries, and literary clubs, where intellectuals and book lovers gather to discuss literature, poetry, and philosophy. Apart from that, the thriving business community contributes significantly to the city’s economy and provides employment opportunities to millions of people.

• What is the climate like?

To be honest, the only thing that I dislike about my hometown is the climate. It is characterized by hot and humid summers, mild winters, and a monsoon season. Summers can be quite scorching, with temperatures soaring, while the monsoon brings relief in the form of heavy rainfall, often leading to water-logging in some areas. However, winters are relatively pleasant, with cooler temperatures providing respite from the heat.

• And explain how you feel about it.

As someone who grew up in Kolkata, I have a deep affection for my hometown. Its lively streets, buzzing markets, and rich cultural heritage have left an everlasting impression on me. Other than literary tradition, art, music, and theater made global through personalities like Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray, Kishore Kumar, this city can charm anyone with a wide variety of traditional Bengali cuisine to street food delicacies like phuchka and kathi rolls. It is a gastronomic paradise for food enthusiasts like me. I feel proud when during Durga puja, people from worldwide become part of the immense fervor and enthusiasm with which this festival is celebrated. So, even though I might be away from my hometown, it will always be a part of my identity.

Describe your Hometown – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 2

• Where is it located?

My hometown, Pune, a city in India’s western state of Maharashtra. It has a lovely environment with lots of greenery and nice weather because it is located at the foothills of the Sahyadri mountain range.

• What do people do there?

People of Pune participate in a wide variety of activities that showcase the vibrant culture and rich history of the city. Being a major educational hub, students from across the country flock to Pune to pursue higher education, contributing to its vibrant academic atmosphere. Additionally, it has a thriving IT industry, with numerous software companies and tech parks scattered across the cityscape. Culturally, Pune is rich in history and tradition. It has a strong Marathi influence blended with cosmopolitan flavors.

• What is the climate like?

Pune has a tropical climate with warm summers, moderate winters, and a monsoon season. Even though the city is close to the Western Ghats, the evenings are usually cooler during the scorching summer months. The monsoon relieves the heat and revitalizes the surrounding landscapes with an abundance of water.

• And explain how you feel about it.

My hometown holds a special place in my heart. It is a very unique location because of its unique blend of modernism and heritage as well as its stunning natural surroundings. My favorite recollections are of climbing in the surrounding hills, discovering Pune’s historical sites, and indulging in the variety of cuisine Pune has to offer. Pune’s warm and welcoming atmosphere has shaped me into the person I am today, and I am proud to call it my hometown.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Describe your Hometown

In Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner will ask you some follow-up questions on the Part 2 topic – Describe your Hometown. So, scroll down to the questions along with the sample answers to be prepared for your exam.

• Why do people have a very strong bond with their hometown?

People often develop a strong bond with their hometown due to emotional connections and personal experiences. Having spent the early years there, hometown form first memories, and the earliest ties creating a sense of identity and belonging. In addition, hometowns frequently represent cultural traditions that influence people’s attitudes and worldviews. As a result, they identify their hometowns with feelings of security, comfort, and belonging. Hometowns also serve as memory banks for both individual and group memories. Reminiscent of special times and occasions, every neighborhood, landmark, and street corner has sentimental value for its residents.

• In what ways can you improve your hometown?

To make my hometown better, I think everyone should actively work to improve the community by supporting small companies, volunteering for community projects, pushing for social change, taking part in local activities, and encouraging a sense of civic duty and pride. I believe we can contribute to building a more lively, diverse, and sustainable hometown for ourselves and future generations by taking part in these initiatives.

• Most people do not live in their hometowns these days. Why?

People are moving away from their hometowns for a variety of reasons, including job possibilities, personal relationships, educational chances, and career aspirations. They can now relocate more easily for job or school thanks to urbanization and globalization, which has increased mobility and diversified the population.

• Why do people have a very strong bond with their hometown?

To remember or preserve their hometowns, people stay in touch with family and friends, go back to familiar locations, celebrate local holidays and customs, exchange tales and recollections, and conserve cultural heritage via literature, music, and the arts.

• Which affects a person’s personality more, the hometown or the current city? Why?

In my opinion, both hometowns and current cities can significantly impact a person’s personality. While the present city offers fresh experiences, perspectives, and growth possibilities, one’s hometown serves as the foundation for their values, beliefs, and cultural identity. In the end, an individual’s personality is shaped by the amalgamation of these factors, with every setting offering distinct aspects to their individuality.

• Do people with the same hometown have a similar thinking? Why?

I think while people from the same hometown may share certain cultural similarities, it’s important to recognize that individuals are shaped by different factors, like personal experiences, upbringing, education, and individual differences. So, even though the same hometown can provide a bond, diversity within communities ensures that individuals may have varying perspectives and beliefs.

Describe your Hometown IELTS Vocabulary for Part 2 & 3

• Majestically

Meaning: with impressive beauty or scale

Example: The new queen walked down the corridor majestically as everyone looked on.

• Bustling

Meaning: full of busy activity

Example: Baghdad is a bustling city.

• Respite

Meaning: a pause or rest from something difficult or unpleasant

Example: The traveller was looking for shade and water as a respite from the heat.

• Gastronomic

Meaning: relating to the preparation and consumption (= eating) of good food

Example: My brother is waiting for a gastronomic experience in Hyderabad.

• Delicacies

Meaning: something especially rare or expensive that is good to eat

Example: A variety of delicacies were prepared to celebrate the union between the two royals.

• Cosmopolitan

Meaning: place or society is full of people from many different countries and cultures

Example: She boasts of her cosmopolitan upbringing.

• Revitalizes

Meaning: to give new life, energy, activity, or success to something

Example: This serum is said to revitalize the skin.

• Reminiscent

Meaning: making you remember a particular person, event, or thing

Example: This fountain is reminiscent of the first meeting of my parents.

• Sustainable

Meaning: able to continue over a period of time

Example: The government is adopting more sustainable steps to ensure a better future.

• Amalgamation

Meaning: uniting or merging two or more things

Example: The amalgamation of the MNCs led to a boom in job openings.

Brush up Your IELTS Speaking Skills with IELTSMaterial

Now that you have gone through the sample answers on the topic Describe your Hometown IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2 and 3, it is time for you to practice on your own. In case you need any help, you can leave a comment below or you can connect with our IELTS experts or join the free webinars for tips to ace your IELTS Speaking exam!

Additional Reads

• IELTS Exam Preparation tips | How to prepare for IELTS?
• Leisure Time, Hobbies Speaking Part 1 Sample Answers | IELTSMaterial.com
• IELTS Cue Card Predictions 2024
• IELTS Speaking Practice Test – How to Use them Right?
• 50 IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics & Questions in 2017 & Sample Answers (with pdf)
• City Life: IELTS Speaking Part 1 Sample Answer
• Most Common IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions
• Ough words
• Common English words in IELTS Speaking