IELTS Speaking: Hometown Questions & Answers (2026)
Complete guide to IELTS Speaking hometown questions. Part 1, 2 & 3 sample answers with vocabulary lists and examiner tips. One of the most common speaking topics.
Part 1 Questions: Hometown
These questions are asked at the start of the speaking test. Keep your answers to 2-3 sentences.
- Where is your hometown?
- Do you like your hometown?
- What do you like most about your hometown?
- Is there anything you dislike about it?
- How long have you lived there?
- Would you like to live there in the future?
Part 2 Cue Card
Describe your hometown or the city you live in. You should say: where it is located, what it is famous for, what you like and dislike about it, and explain why you would or would not recommend it to visitors.
Model Answer (Band 7+)
I come from Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, which is located in the northern part of the country along the Red River. It is a city with a rich history spanning over a thousand years, and I think what makes it truly special is the fascinating blend of ancient tradition and rapid modernisation.
Hanoi is perhaps best known for its Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets where each street was historically dedicated to a particular trade. You can still find streets named after the goods that were once sold there, like Silver Street and Silk Street. The city is also famous for its cuisine, particularly pho, which is a fragrant noodle soup that people queue up for at small street stalls every morning.
What I love most about Hanoi is its energy. There is always something happening, whether it is an impromptu badminton game on the pavement or an elderly man practising tai chi by the lake at dawn. The food culture is extraordinary, and you can eat incredibly well for very little money.
However, I must admit that the traffic can be overwhelming. Millions of motorbikes create a constant stream of noise and exhaust, and crossing the road requires genuine bravery. The air quality, particularly in winter, has become a growing concern.
Despite these issues, I would absolutely recommend Hanoi to visitors. It offers an authentic experience that is increasingly hard to find in more developed Asian capitals.
Part 3 Discussion Questions
These are more abstract questions that require deeper analysis. Aim for 3-5 sentences per answer.
- How has your hometown changed over the years?
- What are the advantages of living in a big city vs a small town?
- Do you think people will move to cities more in the future?
- What can governments do to make cities more liveable?