This IELTS Speaking Practice Test has 3 Sections. In Part 1, you will be asked questions by your examiner for 4-5 minutes about the topic of Hidden Places And Hometowns. In Part 2, you will be given a 2-minute cue card for a monologue on the topic "Describe A Place In Your Hometown That Most Tourists Never Discover," followed by more in-depth questions for another 4-5 minutes based on the cue card in Part 3. Overall, the speaking test takes 15 minutes.
IELTS Speaking Part 1
Hidden Places And Hometowns
Q1. If your hometown were a person, how would you describe its personality?
A. I would describe my hometown as cheerful, creative, and welcoming. It's the kind of place that enjoys celebrating every occasion, whether it's a festival, a football match, or a cultural event. At the same time, it has a calm and nostalgic side, with old streets, bookshops, and cafés where people love to spend hours chatting. I think it has a unique personality because it combines tradition with modern life. No matter how many times I explore it, I always discover something new.
Q2. Is there a place in your hometown that always makes you feel at home?
A. Yes, there is. It's a small lakeside park near my house where I often go for evening walks. The fresh air, the sound of birds, and the peaceful surroundings help me relax after a busy day. I've been visiting that place since I was a child, so it brings back many happy memories. Whenever I need some quiet time or want to clear my mind, that's the first place I think of. It has become a part of my daily routine.
Q3. If a friend had only one day in your hometown, where would you take them?
A. I would take them to the city's most famous landmarks, followed by a local street food market. I think the best way to understand a place is through its history and its food. In the evening, I'd probably take them to a riverside area to watch the sunset because it's one of the most beautiful views in the city. If there were enough time, I'd also visit a local café so they could experience the city's relaxed lifestyle and friendly atmosphere.
Q4. What is one thing that only local people know about your hometown?
A. I think locals know the best hidden cafés, quiet parks, and small family-run restaurants that tourists rarely visit. These places don't usually appear in travel guides, but they often provide the most authentic experiences. I always enjoy introducing visitors to these hidden gems. They are usually less crowded, more affordable, and give people a chance to experience the real character of the city.
Q5. Do you think your hometown reflects your personality?
A. In some ways, yes. My hometown is a blend of tradition and modern life, and I think I'm quite similar. I enjoy learning new things and trying modern technology, but I also value traditions and spending time with my family. That's one reason I feel such a strong connection to where I grew up. I believe living there has shaped the way I think and influenced many of my interests.
Q6. If you could preserve one thing about your hometown forever, what would it be?
A. I would preserve its sense of community. Even though the city has grown a lot, many people still know their neighbours and are willing to help one another. I think that a friendly atmosphere is becoming rare in many large cities, and I hope it never disappears. A strong sense of community makes people feel safe and connected, which is something money cannot buy. I believe it is one of the greatest strengths of my hometown.
Vocabulary
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Nostalgic: Making you think fondly about the past
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Landmarks: Famous places or buildings
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Authentic: Genuine and true to local culture
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Hidden Gems: Excellent places that are not widely known
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Blend: A combination of different things
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Preserve: To protect something from change or damage
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Community: The people living in a particular area who share common interests
IELTS Speaking Part 2
Cue Card
Describe A Place In Your Hometown That Most Tourists Never Discover
You should say:
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Where is the place
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How did you find out about it
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What people can do there
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And explain why you think it deserves more attention
Sample Answer
One place in my hometown that I think deserves far more attention is Kumartuli in Kolkata. It is a historic neighbourhood where skilled artisans create beautiful clay idols, especially for the Durga Puja festival.
I first visited Kumartuli when I was about fourteen years old with my uncle, who is an amateur photographer. He wanted to take pictures of the artists at work, and he thought I would enjoy seeing how the idols were made. Until then, I had only seen the finished statues in temples and festival pandals, so I had never imagined how much effort went into making them.
As we walked through the narrow lanes, I saw dozens of workshops filled with half-finished idols in different stages of completion. Some artists were carefully shaping the clay by hand, while others were painting delicate facial features or decorating the statues with colourful clothes and ornaments. The entire neighbourhood was alive with creativity, and every workshop had its own unique style.
One artist named Subhash Pal kindly explained the entire process to us. He said that making a large idol could take several weeks because each layer of clay had to dry naturally before the next one was added. I was amazed by the patience and craftsmanship involved. Before leaving, he even allowed me to try adding a small amount of clay to one of the unfinished statues. Although my work wasn't very good, it made me appreciate the artists' incredible skills even more.
I think Kumartuli deserves more attention because it isn't just a tourist attraction; it's a living tradition that has been passed down through generations. Visitors don't simply see beautiful artwork; they witness the entire creative process and learn about an important part of Bengali culture.
Whenever someone asks me to recommend a place in Kolkata, I don't immediately mention the famous monuments. Instead, I tell them to spend an afternoon in Kumartuli because I believe it offers one of the most authentic and memorable experiences the city has to offer.
Vocabulary
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Artisans: Skilled people who make things by hand
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Workshops: Places where things are made or repaired
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Delicate: Carefully made and easily damaged
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Craftsmanship: Great skill in making things by hand
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Ornaments: Decorative objects or accessories
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Authentic: Genuine and true to its original culture
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Generations: Groups of people born around the same time within a family
IELTS Speaking Part 3
Q1. Why do many tourists prefer famous attractions instead of hidden places?
A. I think famous attractions are easier to find because they are heavily promoted in travel guides, social media, and advertisements. Visitors often have limited time, so they want to make sure they don't miss the places a destination is known for. However, hidden places can sometimes offer a more authentic experience because they are less crowded and allow tourists to interact with local people. In my opinion, a good trip should include both popular landmarks and lesser-known spots.
Q2. Should governments spend more money promoting lesser-known places?
A. Yes, I believe they should. Promoting lesser-known destinations can reduce overcrowding at popular tourist sites and spread tourism income more evenly across different regions. It can also create jobs for local communities and encourage small businesses such as cafés, hotels, and handicraft shops. At the same time, governments should ensure that tourism develops in a sustainable way so that these places do not lose their original charm.
Q3. How can tourism affect local culture?
A. Tourism can have both positive and negative effects. On the positive side, it helps preserve traditional art, music, festivals, and local crafts because visitors are interested in experiencing them. It also creates economic opportunities for local people. However, if tourism becomes excessive, some traditions may become too commercialised, and local communities may lose part of their cultural identity. Finding the right balance is therefore very important.
Q4. Why do people often feel proud of their hometown?
A. People usually feel proud of their hometown because it is closely connected to their identity and personal memories. It is where they grew up, made friends, and experienced many important moments in life. Even if they move elsewhere, they often remain emotionally attached to their hometown. I think this emotional connection encourages people to speak positively about where they come from and share it with others.
Q5. Do you think cities should preserve old buildings?
A. Absolutely. Historic buildings tell the story of a city's past and give it a unique character. If every old building were replaced by modern skyscrapers, many cities would start to look very similar. Preserving historic architecture also attracts tourists and helps younger generations understand their cultural heritage. Of course, these buildings should be properly maintained so that they remain safe and useful.
Q6. How do you think people's expectations of travel will change in the future?
A. I think travellers will increasingly look for meaningful experiences rather than simply visiting famous landmarks. Many people now want to learn local traditions, try regional food, and meet residents instead of following crowded tourist routes. Technology will make it easier to discover hidden places, but I also believe there will be greater awareness of responsible tourism. In the future, people may choose destinations not only for their beauty but also for their cultural value and environmental sustainability.
Vocabulary
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Overcrowding: Having too many people in one place
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Authentic: Genuine and true to local culture
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Commercialised: Made mainly to earn money
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Identity: The qualities that make a person or place unique
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Architecture: The design and style of buildings
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Heritage: The history, traditions, and culture passed down through generations
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Sustainability: Using resources in a way that protects them for the future
