“Hometown” is one of the most frequent topics in IELTS Speaking Part 1, yet many candidates still lose easy points on it. The problem is not vocabulary or grammar—it’s how answers are structured.
In this article, you’ll learn:
-
The exact hometown questions IELTS examiners ask
-
What Band 7–9 answers sound like
-
How to give short, clear, high-scoring responses
-
Real examiner feedback translated into practical strategy
Common IELTS Speaking Part 1 Hometown Questions
You are usually asked 3–4 of the following:
-
Where is your hometown?
-
Do you like your hometown?
-
Do you often visit your hometown?
-
What is your hometown like?
👉 Important: Each answer should be 2–4 sentences only. Longer answers do not increase your score.
Sample Band 7–9 Answers (With Strategy)
1. Where is your hometown?
My hometown is located about 70 miles outside London. It’s quite convenient because you can reach the city center by train in around 30 minutes.
✅ Clear
✅ One extra detail
✅ Natural pace
2. Do you like your hometown?
Yes, I do enjoy living there. However, it has become more crowded in recent years, so sometimes I prefer quieter places like the countryside.
✅ Balanced opinion
✅ Uses contrast
✅ Sounds natural, not memorized
3. Do you often visit your hometown?
I haven’t visited my hometown recently because I’ve been living abroad for several years. That said, I always look forward to returning and seeing my family.
✅ Correct tense use
✅ Personal but controlled
✅ No unnecessary details
4. What is your hometown like?
It’s a multicultural city and the cultural center of my country. It hosts many events and attracts tourists, although it can be quite crowded and noisy.
✅ Topic-specific vocabulary
✅ Clear structure
✅ Strong coherence
What Examiners Really Look For
IELTS Speaking is scored on four criteria:
1. Fluency & Coherence
-
Natural speed (not fast, not slow)
-
Short pauses are okay
-
Hesitation is fine if it’s about ideas
👉 Tip: If you need time to think, slow down instead of stopping.
2. Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)
High scorers:
-
Paraphrase instead of repeating the question
-
Use topic-related collocations
✔ air pollution
✔ hectic pace of life
✔ multicultural city
❌ Incorrect collocations (e.g., rising buildings → high-rise buildings)
3. Grammatical Range & Accuracy
You don’t need complex grammar. Examiners like:
-
Present simple
-
Present perfect
-
Past simple
-
used to / although / since
👉 Variety > difficulty
4. Pronunciation
-
Be clear, not perfect
-
Natural accent is acceptable
-
Watch common errors (e.g., events, not e-vents)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Speaking too long
❌ Memorized answers
❌ Starting every sentence with “Firstly…”
❌ Over-correcting yourself
❌ Trying to sound “advanced” instead of clear
Final Band 9 Tips
✔ 2–4 sentences only
✔ Paraphrase naturally
✔ Add one detail
✔ Use contrast words
✔ Control your pace
Part 1 tests communication, not intelligence.
Ready to Improve Your IELTS Speaking Score?
If you feel that self-practice alone is not enough and you want structured guidance, expert feedback, and proven strategies, enrolling in a focused IELTS Speaking preparation course can make a real difference.
Our courses are designed to help you:
-
Practice with real IELTS Speaking questions
-
Learn Band 7–9 answering techniques
-
Receive personalized feedback on fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation
-
Build confidence through guided mock speaking tests
If you are aiming for a higher band score and want a clear, efficient preparation plan, you are welcome to join our IELTS Speaking courses.
