Prepare for IELTS by Topic
16. Hometown
Being able to talk about your hometown is vital for IELTS Speaking. It often comes up in part 1 and 2 of the Speaking test. It could also be relevant in the General Test Writing Task 1, as well as Writing Task 2 and other parts of the IELTS test. Make sure you're comfortable with this topic.
LISTENING
Listening Test Part:
1
Questions 1 - 4
Complete the table below.
Write ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.
Tansworth Town Walking Tour
Questions 5 - 10
Complete the sentences below.
Write NO MORE TWO WORDS AND/ OR A NUMBER for each answer.
The next tour is on Wednesday 4th of 5___________.
You can buy tickets over the phone or 6___________.
The tour lasts about 7___________.
There are no entrance 8___________.
There’s a great 9___________ shop along the way.
You are recommended to bring a 10___________.
READING
Nostalgia's Embrace
It’s every suburban teenager’s dream to leave home and build an exciting new life in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the big city. But, curiously, as we journey through the later stages of life, many of us who grew up in small provincial towns find ourselves feeling homesick, and filled with a desire to reconnect with our roots. What is it about our quaint hometowns that fosters such strong attachment, and why do they exert this pull on us as we approach our twilight years?
Nostalgia, that bittersweet desire for days gone by, may hold the key. Dr. Constantine Sedikides, a leading researcher in nostalgia at the University of Southampton, underscores its role as a psychological anchor. It provides continuity in an ever-changing world, reminding us of our origins. Faced with the challenges of city life, where change is constant, the comfort of familiarity becomes more precious.
Perhaps however, it's the sense of community we enjoyed in our hometowns that we begin to miss more as we age. Dr. Robert D. Putnam, the renowned political scientist behind "Bowling Alone," highlights the high levels of social capital in the close-knit communities of small towns and villages. Strong interpersonal connections, trust, and civic engagement thrive in these places.
In such tight circles, everyone knows everyone else, and this intimacy fosters a sense of belonging. Neighbours become friends, friends become family. This communal base of support, understanding, and mutual care can be very difficult to find in the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Otherwise, could it be that despite the hype around big city living, in our heart of hearts we know that provincial life is better? Comparing the quality of life in small towns to bustling cities reveals a plethora of unique advantages but also challenges. Metropolises offer an array of cultural and professional opportunities, along with world-class amenities and a fast-paced lifestyle. However, they come at a cost: congestion, pollution, and a higher cost of living. In contrast, small towns offer a quieter, more laid-back existence. The air is fresher, the pace is gentler, and nature is closer at hand. Dr. Richard Florida, an urban studies theorist, emphasises that smaller communities often foster higher levels of well-being. This he attributes to the reduced stress, stronger social ties, and increased sense of safety found in them.
As we progress through life's stages, the gravitational pull towards our hometowns strengthens. Dr. Margaret Wylde, a gerontologist and founder of ProMatura Group, champions the importance of "ageing in place" — remaining in the familiar surroundings of one's hometown in later years.
Small towns provide an invaluable support system for seniors. More personal relationships with healthcare providers, easier access to community services, and a network of caring neighbours provides a sense of security and tranquillity. This stands in stark contrast to the challenges faced by many elderly individuals in busy urban environments, where the rapid pace of life and physical demands can be overwhelming.
The choice between the big city lights and the welcoming embrace of a small town is deeply personal, shaped by our unique circumstances and aspirations. Yet, as we age, the allure of our hometowns does seem to intensify. Nostalgia, a sense of community, and the tangible benefits of ageing in place combine to create an attraction that’s hard to ignore.
Questions 1-6
Complete the summary below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the test for each answer
The attraction of small hometowns as you age
As we get older, lots of people who grew up in small towns start to feel 1_____________ and really want to 2_____________ with the place and people they knew when they began their lives. But, why do we develop such a strong 3_____________ to our hometowns? It could be the feeling of being part of a 4_____________ that we start to miss. One expert highlights the 5 _____________ nature of communities in small towns and villages. In these places, relationships and involvement in local life are highly valued. The close interpersonal relationships encourage a feeling of 6 _____________ to grow.
Questions 7-9
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D
7. What view is expressed by Dr. Constantine Sedikides?
A. People want their lives to be as they were in the past.
B. Remembering our roots helps us face challenges in our lives.
C. Nostalgia is valued more highly in today’s world than in the past.
D. People highly value memories of their childhoods.
8. What does Dr. Margaret Wylde mean by “ageing in place”?
A. Living somewhere that we know well and where we are comfortable when elderly.
B. Not changing the place of living when growing old.
C. The strong desire to return to our hometowns when we get old.
D. Living with family members in our old age.
9. What does the writer conclude?
A. We all have a strong desire to return to our hometowns when we get old.
B. Small towns are preferable to big cities in old age.
C. The choice of the best place to live in old age depends on the individual.
D. We should ignore the attraction of our hometowns and remain where we are.
SPEAKING
Speaking Part 1
1. Where is your hometown located?
2. What is your hometown like?
3. Does it have any historical buildings?
4. What do you like about your hometown?
5. Has it changed much since you were a child?
6. Do most of your family and friends still live there?
7. What kinds of jobs do people in your hometown have?
8. Do you ever miss your hometown?
Speaking Part 2
Describe your hometown.
You should say:
where it is
what you can see there
and say why you think people choose to live there
Speaking Part 3
1. In what ways could you improve your hometown?
2. Do people who grow up in the same hometown have similar personalities?
3. Many people leave their hometowns when they become adults. Why is this?
4. Why do most people have a strong connection to their hometown?
5. Is it better to grow up in a small town or a big city?
6. What factors make a town attractive to live in?
WRITING
Writing Task 1 Assignment (General Training)
A foreign friend is going to move to your hometown and has asked for your advice about living in the town. Write a letter to your friend.
In your letter:
suggest a good part of the city to live in
explain what public transport there is
and say what there is to do in the city
Writing Task 2 Assignment
What are the advantages and disadvantages of raising children in a small town?
VOCABULARY
Vocabulary Exercises:
Exercise 1: Gap-fill Exercise
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word or phrase from the list provided.
1. After living abroad for years, Sarah decided to ___________ with her old friends.
2. The ___________ in the city can be overwhelming for some people.
3. The ___________ old town was a popular destination for tourists.
4. Even after years of living in other places, she had a strong ___________ to her hometown.
5. She loved her ___________ cottage in the countryside, but maintaining it was a nightmare.
6. The ___________ in the small town was evident in the close relationships among residents.
7. He hadn’t seen his best friend in 3 months so it was time to ___________.
8. The ___________ mentality in some areas makes the locals unwelcoming to outsiders.
9. People often choose to move out of the city centre to ___________ areas when they start a family.
10. The street was alive with the ___________ of street traders and shoppers.
suburban
quaint
catch up
reconnect
attachment
small town
hustle and bustle
pace of life
sense of community
Exercise 2: Multiple-Choice Exercise
Choose the best word or phrase to complete each sentence.
1. The ___________ atmosphere of the village made it a charming place to visit.
a) suburban
b) rustic
c) hustle and bustle
2. After living in a ___________ town for years, she missed the close-knit community.
a) cosmopolitan
b) provincial
c) commuter
3. He ___________ to the capital in search of better paid work.
a) migrated
b) left home
c) belonged
4. Feeling ___________ when you leave home for the first time is a common reaction.
a) homesick
b) attached
c) cosmopolitan
5. Many professionals living in ___________ towns travel into the nearby city every morning.
a) suburban
b) commuter
c) provincial
Exercise 3: Complete the Text
Jack had always felt like he 1___________ in a big city. He was sick and tired of the small town mentality in his hometown and longed for a more 2___________ atmosphere. He dreamed about life in the city, with the 3___________ of the streets during the day, and the nightlife in the evening. At home, there was one pub and a fish and chip shop, and not much else. He was bored stiff most evenings. But, he had deep 4___________ in his hometown, and most of his friends still lived there, so it was going to be tough to leave and he would probably get quite 5___________. Nonetheless, he knew he had to do it, big city life beckoned.
belong
cosmopolitan
homesick
hustle and bustle
roots
Topic Vocabulary:
attachment (noun [u]):
Definition: A feeling of strong emotional connection to someone or something.
Example: She felt a deep attachment to her parents and got very homesick when she left home.
belong (verb):
Definition: To be a part or member of a particular group, place, or category.
Example: He never felt like he really belonged in the city.
catch up (phrasal verb):
Definition: To speak to someone to find out about the recent events in their life.
Example: She spent 2 hours on the phone catching up with her school friend.
commuter town (noun [c]):
Definition: A residential area where people live but typically travel to work in a nearby city.
Example: He lives in a commuter town, just outside the capital.
cosmopolitan (adjective):
Definition: Reflecting a mix of cultures and influences from around the world.
Example: New York City is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere.
homesick (adjective):
Definition: Feeling a strong desire or nostalgia for one's home or familiar surroundings.
Example: After a month away, I started to feel homesick.
hustle and bustle (idiom):
Definition: Busy, noisy activity and movement, especially in a crowded area.
Example: The hustle and bustle of the city can be overwhelming.
leave home (verb phrase):
Definition: To stop living at the family home.
Example: Many young people feel homesick when they leave home to go to university.
locals (noun [pl]):
Definition: People who live in a particular place or community and are familiar with its customs and culture.
Example: The locals knew the best restaurants in town.
migrate (verb):
Definition: To move from one place to another, often between countries or regions.
Example: Many people migrate to cities looking for work.
outskirts (noun [pl]):
Definition: The outer parts of a town or city, away from the centre.
Example: Their house is on a quiet street in the outskirts of the town.
pace of life (idiom):
Definition: How fast or slow daily activities happen in a place or culture.
Example: Life in the countryside has a slower pace compared to the bustling city.
provincial (adjective):
Definition: Relating to or characteristic of a province.
Example: The town's provincial charm attracted visitors seeking a peaceful getaway.
quaint (adjective):
Definition: Charmingly old-fashioned or picturesque.
Example: The quaint little cottage looked like something from a storybook.
reconnect (verb):
Definition: To reestablish a connection or bond, especially with people or places from one's past.
Example: After years apart, they decided to reconnect and became close friends again.
roots (noun [pl]):
Definition: The place or culture from which a person or group of people comes.
Example: She returned to her hometown to reconnect with her roots.
rustic (adjective):
Definition: Characteristic of a rural or countryside place, often simple and rough in appearance.
Example: The rustic cabin in the woods was a perfect escape from city life.
sense of community (noun phrase):
Definition: A feeling of connection with a group of people who share common interests, values, or location.
Example: The neighbourhood's annual picnic strengthens the sense of community.
small town mentality (noun phrase):
Definition: Considering local matters very important, and not having exposure to other ways of life.
Example: People in the village were suspicious of strangers, which was a characteristic of their small town mentality.
suburban (adjective):
Definition: Relating to a residential area located on the outskirts of a city.
Example: They moved to a suburban area for a quieter lifestyle and more space.
Listening Answer Key:
1. cross, 2. spire, 3. cheese, 4. pies, 5. August, 6. online, 7. 2 hours, 8. fees, 9. ice cream, 10. raincoat
Reading Answer Key:
1. homesick
2. reconnect
3. attachment
4. community
5. close-knit
6. belonging
7. B
8. A
9. C
Vocabulary Answer Key
Exercise 1: 1. reconnect, 2. pace, 3. quaint, 4. attachment, 5. rustic, 6. sense of community, 7. catch up, 8. small town, 9. suburban, 10. hustle and bustle
Exercise 2: 1c, 2b, 3a, 4a, 5b
Exercise 3: 1. belong, 2. cosmopolitan, 3. hustle and bustle, 4. roots, 5. homesick