One of the most frequently asked topics in IELTS Speaking Part 1 is your hometown. Examiners want to hear how well you can describe familiar topics using a range of vocabulary and accurate language. A well-structured response that includes adjectives and specific details about the size and location of your hometown can help you stand out and score higher in the Lexical Resource category.
In this lesson, you will learn:
How to describe the size and location of your hometown
Useful adjectives to improve your vocabulary
Model sentence examples for practice and inspiration
The topic of your hometown is a universal and familiar subject. Everyone has a place they grew up in or currently live in, which makes it ideal for testing your ability to:
Talk about familiar topics
Use adjectives to describe places
Provide details and opinions
This question usually appears early in the Speaking Part 1 session to help you warm up and start speaking comfortably.
To answer hometown-related questions effectively, you should:
Mention the name of your hometown
Talk about its location (geographical position)
Describe its size (small town, large city, etc.)
Use adjectives to provide details
Share your opinion or feeling about the place
Below are some powerful and appropriate adjectives you can use in IELTS Speaking Part 1 when talking about your hometown’s size and location:
Meaning: Having a lot of space; not crowded
Example:
“My hometown is quite spacious, with wide roads and open parks.”
Meaning: Full of people; not much space
Example:
“It’s a very crowded city, especially during rush hours.”
Meaning: Related to a city or town (as opposed to rural)
Example:
“I live in an urban area with modern buildings and public transport.”
Meaning: Small in size but well-organized
Example:
“It’s a compact town, so everything is within walking distance.”
Meaning: Covering a wide area
Example:
“The city is quite expansive, stretching across several districts.”
Meaning: Having many people living close together
Example:
“My city is densely populated, especially in the downtown area.”
Meaning: Far from cities or main areas
Example:
“My hometown is in a remote village surrounded by mountains.”
Meaning: Near the sea or ocean
Example:
“I come from a coastal city with beautiful beaches.”
Meaning: Related to the countryside
Example:
“I grew up in a rural area with farms and open fields.”
Meaning: An area near the city, often residential
Example:
“I live in a suburban neighborhood just outside the capital.”
Use the IELTS-friendly structure: Direct answer + Supporting detail + Example or personal opinion
Model Answer 1: Basic Response
Question: Where is your hometown?
Answer:
“My hometown is located in the northern part of the country, about two hours from the capital. It’s a fairly small town, but it’s quite peaceful and spacious.”
Model Answer 2: Intermediate Response
Question: Is it a big or small place?
Answer:
“It’s relatively compact in terms of size, but it has everything one might need. Although it’s not very large, the town is quite organized and has a strong sense of community.”
Model Answer 3: Advanced Response
Question: Can you describe the area where you live?
Answer:
“I currently live in a suburban district just outside the main city. It’s a spacious and quiet area with a lot of greenery, yet it’s close enough to enjoy all the urban facilities.”
Avoiding the following common mistakes will help you sound more natural and fluent:
Poor: “My town is very nice and good.”
Better: “My town is peaceful, with spacious parks and friendly neighborhoods.”
Incorrect: “I live in a spacious city with less people.”
Correct: “I live in a spacious city, but some areas are quite crowded, especially downtown.”
Wrong: “My city is rural but has many malls.”
Better: “Although I live in a rural area, we have a few modern shopping centers.”
Q1: Should I give long or short answers?
A: In IELTS Speaking Part 1, your answers should be 2–4 sentences. Be concise but include a direct answer, support, and opinion if possible.
Q2: Can I use made-up details about my hometown?
A: Yes. It’s not a test of factual accuracy. It’s fine to invent examples or details to demonstrate language skills.
Q3: How can I improve my vocabulary for hometown descriptions?
A: Focus on learning descriptive adjectives, collocations, and sentence patterns related to cities, towns, and regions. Practice speaking out loud and get feedback.
Q4: What if I’m not sure how to describe my hometown?
A: Use a simple structure:
Mention location (north, south, coastal, etc.)
Describe size (small town, large city)
Use at least one adjective (spacious, urban, etc.)
Give a personal feeling (I love it because… / It’s too crowded for me…)
Try answering the following questions using vocabulary and structures from this lesson:
Question 1: Where is your hometown located?
Question 2: Is it a big or small place?
Question 3: Do you like living there? Why or why not?
Example Response:
“My hometown is a coastal city in the south of the country. It’s quite spacious and known for its beautiful beaches. Although some parts are getting crowded, I still enjoy the peaceful vibe and the fresh sea air.”
To give a strong answer when talking about your hometown:
Use location terms like “urban,” “rural,” “coastal,” or “remote.”
Describe size using words like “spacious,” “compact,” or “densely populated.”
Combine adjectives with real or imagined details to show vocabulary range.
Practice with different question types and keep your answers organized.
Mastering how to talk about the size and location of your hometown can help you boost your confidence and increase your Lexical Resource score—one of the most important aspects of achieving Band 6 or higher in IELTS Speaking Part 1.