Of course! "Places of origin" is a very common and important topic in IELTS Speaking, especially in Part 1 (Introduction and Interview). It's a way for the examiner to learn about you and assess your ability to talk about personal experiences, describe places, and use a range of vocabulary and grammar.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you master this topic.

Common Questions in Part 1

The examiner will usually start with simple, direct questions. Be prepared for these:

• Where are you from?
• Can you tell me a little about your hometown/city?
• Is it a big place or a small one?
• What do you like most about your hometown?
• Is there anything you dislike about it?
• Do you think you will live there in the future?
• Has your hometown changed much since you were a child?

Strategies for a High Score

To get a Band 7 or higher, you need to do more than just answer the question directly. Use these strategies:

• Expand Your Answers: Don't just say "It's a big city." Add details.
  • Instead of: "I'm from Beijing."
  • Say: "I'm originally from Beijing, which is the capital of China. It's a massive, bustling metropolis with a population of over 21 million people."
• Use a Range of Vocabulary: Avoid repeating the same words.
  • Instead of "city": metropolis, urban area, capital, hometown, place I grew up.
  • Instead of "big": sprawling, vast, bustling, crowded, densely populated.
  • Use descriptive words: vibrant, historic, modern, chaotic, serene, charming.
• Use Different Grammar Structures:
  • Participle clauses: "Living in Shanghai, I've grown to appreciate the fast-paced lifestyle."
  • Conditionals: "If I were to move back, I would probably choose a quieter suburb."
  • Comparatives/Superlatives: "Compared to my hometown, London is much more diverse. It's one of the most exciting cities in the world."
• Tell a Small Story or Give an Example: This makes your answer more engaging and natural.
  • When asked what you like: "What I love most is the food scene. For example, just last week, I discovered a tiny little restaurant serving the most authentic Sichuan hotpot, and it was incredible."
• Show Opinions and Feelings: Use phrases like "I believe...", "In my opinion...", "What I really like is...", "One thing that bothers me is...".

Vocabulary & Phrases Bank

This is your toolbox. Learn these and use them naturally.

Describing the Place

• Nouns:

  Hometown, city, town, village, metropolis, capital, urban area, suburb, province, coastal city, inland city.

• Adjectives:
  • Size & Scale: big, large, huge, massive, sprawling, vast, small, tiny, compact.
  • Atmosphere & Vibe: bustling, lively, vibrant, energetic, chaotic, hectic, quiet, peaceful, serene, relaxed, charming, historic, modern, cosmopolitan, traditional.
  • Infrastructure: well-developed, modern, advanced, underdeveloped, crowded, congested.

Talking About Location

• "It's located in the southern part of China."
• "It's situated on the coast, about 200 kilometers from Shanghai."
• "It's nestled in a valley, surrounded by mountains."

Talking About Changes

• "It has undergone significant changes over the past decade."
• "It has completely transformed from a small town into a major industrial hub."
• "The infrastructure has improved dramatically."
• "Unfortunately, it has lost some of its old charm."

Expressing Opinions

• "I'm quite fond of my hometown."
• "There's a lot to love about it, but it's not perfect."
• "One of the best things is definitely..."
• "The downside is that..."

Sample Answers (Band 8-9 Level)

Let's see how to apply these strategies to common questions.

Question: Can you tell me a little about your hometown?

• Basic Answer (Band 5-6): "My hometown is Guangzhou. It's a big city in the south of China. It's famous for food. It's a good place to live."
• Excellent Answer (Band 8-9): "Certainly. I'm from Guangzhou, which is the capital city of Guangdong province in southern China. It's a truly fascinating place because it has a unique blend of the ultra-modern and the deeply traditional. On one hand, you have the stunning skyscrapers in Tianhe District, and on the other, you have the historic, narrow alleys of Shamian Island. It's often called the 'Food Capital of China,' and I couldn't agree more. The local cuisine, especially dim sum, is absolutely world-renowned. Overall, I'd describe it as a vibrant, energetic, and very welcoming city."

Question: What do you like most about your hometown?

• Basic Answer (Band 5-6): "I like the food. The food is very delicious. Also, the people are friendly."
• Excellent Answer (Band 8-9): "That's a great question. While there are many things I appreciate, what I love most is the incredible atmosphere, especially during the evening. The city comes alive with people dining at street-side restaurants, enjoying live music in the parks, and just socializing. It has a real sense of community and warmth. For instance, my family and I used to go to a night market every weekend. The energy, the smells, and the sounds created a really lively and memorable experience that I really miss."

Question: Has your hometown changed much since you were a child?

• Basic Answer (Band 5-6): "Yes, it has changed. It is more modern now. There are more tall buildings."
• Excellent Answer (Band 8-9): "Oh, absolutely, it has changed beyond recognition. When I was a kid, my neighborhood was much quieter, with more open spaces and local family-owned shops. These days, it's become much more commercialized. A lot of the traditional shops have been replaced by big shopping malls and international chains. The public transportation system has also improved massively with new subway lines, which is great for convenience. However, I do sometimes feel that it has lost a bit of its old, laid-back charm in the process."

Part 2 & 3 Extension

While "places of origin" is mainly a Part 1 topic, it can be extended.

• Part 2 Cue Card Example: "Describe a city or town you would like to live in in the future."

  
  （图片来源网络，侵删）
  • How to connect: You can start by saying your hometown is great, but you'd prefer to live in a different kind of place. For example, "I love the energy of my hometown, Guangzhou, but for the future, I'd prefer to live in a smaller coastal town like Xiamen, which is known for its relaxed pace of beautiful scenery."

• Part 3 Discussion Example: "Do you think people prefer to live in big cities or small towns?"

  • How to connect: You can use your hometown as a point of comparison. "Well, in my experience, people from my hometown often move to bigger cities like Beijing or Shanghai for career opportunities, which shows the appeal of big cities. However, there's also a growing trend of people, especially after working in a metropolis for years, moving back to smaller towns or their hometowns for a better quality of life and to be closer to family."

By preparing with these structures, vocabulary, and sample answers, you will be able to speak confidently and fluently about your place of origin, making a great impression on the examiner. Good luck