Questions and sample answers
Where is your hometown?
I come from Samarkand, a historic city in the east of Uzbekistan. It is famous for its beautiful old mosques and madrasas, so there are always plenty of tourists walking around the centre.
What do you like most about your hometown?
I really like the atmosphere. People are friendly, the food is excellent and everything feels familiar. I can walk to the market or visit my relatives within minutes, which makes daily life very comfortable.
Is your hometown a good place for young people?
In many ways, yes. There are universities, cafés and sports clubs. However, the number of well-paid jobs is limited, so some graduates move to the capital to build their careers.
Has your hometown changed much in recent years?
Quite a lot. New roads and shopping centres have appeared, and the old centre has been renovated. It looks much more modern than it did when I was a child, although I miss some of the small local shops.
Would you like to live there in the future?
I think so. Big cities are exciting, but I would like to raise a family somewhere calmer and closer to my parents, so returning to my hometown is a realistic plan.
What would you recommend a visitor to do there?
I would suggest starting with a morning walk through the old town, then trying local plov at a traditional restaurant. If time allows, a visit to the bazaar is a great way to meet people.
Useful vocabulary
- historic — important in history
- bustling — full of busy activity
- renovated — repaired and improved
- lively atmosphere — an energetic, enjoyable feeling
- tourist attraction — a place visitors want to see
- close-knit community — people who know and support each other
- raise a family — bring up children
Tips for this topic
- Answer in two or three sentences, then stop. The examiner will ask the next question.
- Use present simple for facts and present perfect for change: “It has changed a lot.”
- Avoid reciting a memorised paragraph. Natural pauses and small corrections are fine.
Study guides
How Is IELTS Scored in Speaking and Writing? Criteria, Weighting and Rounding
The short answer first, then the Speaking and Writing criteria tables, how Task 1 and Task 2 combine and how the overall band is rounded.
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained in Plain English
The IELTS Speaking test is marked on four criteria. Here is what each one means at bands 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, with short examples you can compare with your own answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: How Many Minutes to Speak (With a Practice Timer)
How long Part 2 lasts (1 minute to prepare, 1–2 minutes to speak), a practice timer, a four-step structure and a model answer.