Discussing your hometown in IELTS Speaking parts 1, 2, 3

Therefore, candidates must prepare thoroughly with vocabulary, grammar, and a natural approach to discussing 'Talk about your hometown' to enhance confidence in this part of the exam.

1. Useful vocabulary and topics for 'Talk about your hometown'

2. IELTS Speaking part 1 – Discussing Your Hometown

Feel free to listen to Mytour's Part 1 sample podcast:

2.1. Where are you originally from? (What is your hometown)

Well, I was born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City which is one of the biggest cities in Vietnam. You know, HCM is a bustling metropolis with a complex history and colonial structure remains.

Or

I’m from Nha Trang, which is a beautiful coastal city located in Vietnam. Nha Trang is renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. It’s a popular tourist destination in my country, and I feel fortunate to call it my hometown. The combination of natural beauty, delicious seafood, and a welcoming community makes Nha Trang a truly special place.

2.2. How do you feel about your hometown? What do you appreciate about your hometown?

Honestly, I do take a lot of pride in being a citizen here. What I mean here is that I have all the modern amenities such as, hospitals, parks, recreational centers and better job opportunities. Besides, I can witness the evolution and development of my city with an array of skyscrapers and new buildings have been built in recent years. I think it is true to say that this is the city that never sleeps.

2.3. Would you rather live elsewhere? (Why)

To be honest, I am not kind of a city person and I am quite fed up with the traffic jam in the city, so if I were to live somewhere else, it would have to be somewhere off the beaten track to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. That way, I can be closer to nature and soak up fresh air every morning.

2.4. Is your hometown a popular destination for tourists?

Definitely Yes. Although Ha Noi, the capital of Vietnam, is more ancient, I think Ho Chi Minh city has its own uniqueness and is famous for its booming economy and terrific nightlife. There are hordes of tourists flocking into some tourist attractions such as night markets, or Cu Chi tunnels.

2.5. What do you appreciate most about your hometown?

I’m from Bình Định, and what I love most about my hometown is its stunning beaches. The serene coastal areas, like Quy Nhơn Beach, offer a peaceful escape from city life. The unspoiled beauty and delicious seafood make it a perfect place for relaxation and enjoyment.

2.6. What aspects do you find challenging about it?

While I deeply cherish my hometown of Bình Định for its serene natural beauty, there are certain aspects that don’t particularly resonate with me. One notable challenge is the limited job opportunities, prompting many young locals, including my friends, to seek better prospects in larger cities.

Moreover, the infrastructure, especially the condition of roads in some areas, can be rather poor, affecting transportation convenience. Despite these challenges, the captivating beaches and the unique charm of Bình Định continue to hold a special place in my heart.

3. IELTS Speaking part 2 – Discussing Your Hometown

Talk about your hometown. You should say:

• Where it is?
• What is special about it
• What tourists should do there

And discuss whether it is a desirable place to live in or not?

3.1. Example 1

Feel free to listen to Mytour's Part 2 sample podcast:

Let me share a bit about the city of my birth and upbringing, Da Nang, situated on Vietnam's central coast. It is regarded as 

You will be in awe of our kind locals and stunning natural landscapes when you visit the city. It is commonly known that nature favors my city. We have fine sandy beaches in the east and green ranges of mountains surrounding the city in the west, giving visitors many options for things to explore. They should definitely not miss the chance to go on a tour of the city by public bus, or rent a motorcycle to travel to more locations, such as the Hai Van Pass, which Da Nang locals consider to be one of nature’s seven wonders of the world.

In addition, I think the mouth-watering food will never disappoint travel lovers. They can always have a try at a variety of cuisines, including Hue noodle soup, Quang style noodles and fresh spring rolls with salad.

Real estate is another plus point, making my city an excellent choice for people looking to settle down. The cost of living there is considerably lower than in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Overall, my hometown is a great place to be, and even to build a life of your own.

• Be in awe: Cảm thấy choáng ngợp 
• Stunning (adj): Tuyệt đẹp 
• Mouth-watering (adj): Ngon chảy nước dãi 
• Settle down: Ổn định cuộc sống 

3.2. Example 2

Feel free to listen to Mytour's Part 2 sample podcast:

I’d like to talk about my hometown, which is a place that holds a special place in my heart. My hometown is located in Bình Định province, a region known for its natural beauty and unique cultural heritage.

First and foremost, what makes Bình Định stand out is its breathtaking beaches. With gentle coastlines, like Quy Nhơn Beach, Bình Định offers the perfect setting for relaxation. The tranquility and natural beauty of these coastal areas are truly captivating.

One of the things I appreciate most about my hometown is the strong sense of community. In a close-knit town like Bình Định, everyone knows one another, fostering a warm and friendly atmosphere. We often come together for community events and gatherings, which strengthens our bonds.

Bình Định also boasts a rich history. There are several historical landmarks and well-preserved old buildings that narrate the town’s evolution over the years. The town square, with its vintage architecture, is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, offering insights into our heritage.

Lastly, I must highlight the local cuisine, which truly reflects our culture. Bình Định is famous for its seafood dishes, with freshness and flavors that are simply irresistible. Whenever I get the chance to return home, enjoying these culinary delights is a must.

In summary, Bình Định, my hometown, is a place I am genuinely proud of. Its natural beauty, close-knit community, rich history, and delicious local cuisine make it a unique and cherished place. I consider myself fortunate to have grown up in such a charming and welcoming town.

• Cultural heritage: Di sản văn hóa
• Breathtaking beaches: Những bãi biển ngoạn mục
• Coastal areas: Vùng ven biển
• Close-knit: Gắn bó chặt chẽ
• Gatherings: Các cuộc tụ họp
• Vintage architecture: Kiến trúc cổ điển

4. IELTS Speaking part 3 – Discussing Your Hometown

Feel free to listen to Mytour's Part 3 sample podcast:

4.1. Why do individuals feel a strong attachment to their hometown?

I guess one of the best indicators of happiness is the number of different types of social connections we have in our lives, and perhaps there are no better and more natural social connections for a human than the one he forms with his hometown. After all, it is our hometown where we are born and raised as children so it is very easy to be close to it, both physically and mentally.

• Indicator (n): chất chỉ thị  
• Be born and raised: được sinh ra và lớn lên

4.2. Which has a greater impact on a person's character, their hometown or their current city? Why?

A person’s hometown defines how they behave, and their current city defines how they want to change. I mean, people have to adapt to their new living environment in certain ways, to find it easier to blend in and strike up new relationships. But overall, I believe that a person’s hometown has a much greater influence on them as a person.

• Strike up new relationships: bắt đầu mối quan hệ mới 

4.3. What actions can individuals take to enhance their hometown even if they don't reside there?

Whether or not they live there, people may still make a lot of improvements to their hometowns. To get young people more interested in physically and mentally engaging activities. For instance, people can help start certain sports clubs, study organizations, or libraries. Additionally, they could cultivate trees in the front or backyards of their residences to enhance the beauty and greenery of the city as well as the air quality. Additionally, they can give to some organizations that support those in need.

• Cultivate (v): trồng (cây)

4.4. How straightforward is it to locate housing in your country?

Finding a place to live in Vietnam is generally quite straightforward. In major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, there’s a wide range of housing options available. However, the ease of finding affordable accommodation can depend on the specific location and market conditions. Prices in city centers tend to be higher, while you may find more affordable options in smaller towns or less urbanized areas. Overall, it’s usually manageable to find a suitable place to live in Vietnam, but costs can vary depending on your preferences and budget.

• Straightforward: thẳng thắn
• Affordable: có thể chi trả
• Towns: thị trấn