IELTS Speaking Practice with Sample Answers: Part 1,2,3

This practice set covers Part 1,2,3 of the IELTS Speaking test, focusing on the themes of hometown, accommodation, and country with sample answers.

Part 1 lasts 4-5 minutes, Part 2 takes 3-4 minutes, and Part 3 runs for 4-5 minutes.

Part 1: Interview-style Questions

1. Where is your hometown located?
2. What do you like most about living in your hometown?
3. How has your hometown changed in recent years?
4. Can you describe the type of accommodation you currently live in?
5. What’s your favorite room in your home, and why?
6. Would you prefer to live in a house or an apartment? Why?
7. What aspects of your country’s culture are you most proud of?
8. How do people in your country typically spend their weekends?

Note: The examiner may ask follow-up questions based on your responses.

Part 2: Individual Long Turn

You will have 1 minute to prepare your response, then speak for 1-2 minutes on the following topic:

Describe a historical place in your country that you have visited or would like to visit.

You should say:

• Where this place is located
• What historical significance it has
• What visitors can see or do there
• Why you find this place interesting or important

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

1. How does urbanization affect people’s connection to their hometowns?
2. In what ways can governments preserve historical sites while also developing modern infrastructure?
3. How might climate change impact housing designs in the future?
4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a multicultural neighborhood?
5. How has technology changed the way people interact with their local communities?
6. What role do you think traditional customs should play in a rapidly modernizing society?
7. How might the concept of “home” evolve as more people work remotely or become digital nomads?

Sample Answers

Speaking Part 1

Where is your hometown located?

My hometown, Suzhou, is situated in eastern China, about 100 kilometers west of Shanghai. It’s known for its beautiful classical gardens and canals, which have earned it the nickname “Venice of the East.”

Speaking Part 2

I’d like to talk about the Forbidden City in Beijing, which I visited last summer. Located in the heart of China’s capital, this vast palace complex was the home of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its historical significance is immense, as it represents the pinnacle of traditional Chinese architecture and was the center of government for one of the world’s great civilizations.

Visitors to the Forbidden City can explore its numerous halls, courtyards, and exhibits displaying imperial treasures. The sheer scale of the complex is awe-inspiring, with over 900 buildings spread across 180 acres. Highlights include the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where emperors held their most important ceremonies, and the Palace of Heavenly Purity, which served as the emperor’s residence.

I find this place fascinating because it offers a tangible connection to China’s imperial past. Walking through the same gates and halls as emperors and their courtiers did centuries ago gives me a profound sense of history. Moreover, the intricate details in the architecture and decorations showcase the incredible craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans. The Forbidden City stands as a testament to China’s rich cultural heritage and continues to inspire pride and wonder in visitors from around the world.

Speaking Part 3

How does urbanization affect people’s connection to their hometowns?

Urbanization can have a complex impact on people’s connections to their hometowns. On one hand, as people move to cities for better economic opportunities or education, they may feel a sense of detachment from their roots. This physical distance can lead to a weakening of traditional social ties and a loss of connection to local customs or dialects.

However, urbanization can also strengthen hometown connections in unexpected ways. With improved transportation and communication technologies, people can maintain closer contact with their hometowns than ever before. Some may develop a renewed appreciation for their cultural heritage when viewed from the perspective of city life. Additionally, successful urban migrants often invest in their hometowns, contributing to local development and maintaining strong links.

Ultimately, the effect of urbanization on hometown connections varies greatly depending on individual circumstances and the specific characteristics of both the hometown and the urban destination. While some may experience a sense of loss or nostalgia, others may find ways to bridge their urban lives with their rural roots, creating a new, hybrid identity that values both.

Evaluation Criteria

• Fluency and Coherence
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy
• Pronunciation

We encourage you to practice all three parts of this speaking test, ideally with a study partner who can play the role of the examiner.

Please feel free to comment with your responses below.

We’ll provide brief evaluations to help you improve your speaking skills.

For more IELTS speaking practice tests, you can also visit Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation Topics and Art in Education.