Speaking Test Part 3:

1. In what ways could you improve your hometown?

My hometown is a great place to live if you like peace and quiet and a slow pace of life, but it could do with a few more shops and services. It would be great to have a bigger supermarket in the town, and it could be useful to have a few more restaurants. It would also be nice if it was slightly more cosmopolitan. Some of the locals have a small town mentality, which gets on my nerves.

2. Do people who grow up in the same hometown have similar personalities?

I really don’t think so. Obviously, your roots are really important and affect who you are, but there are many other factors which are much more important, such as your parents, family, friends, and school. In my opinion, the only time that your hometown can influence what kind of person you are a great deal, is if it is in a very remote place, so that you spend all of your time in a particular environment with a very specific culture.

3. Many people leave their hometowns when they become adults. Why is this?

It’s probably because most young people want a faster pace of life - they want the hustle and bustle of a big city. They also usually want better job opportunities. Most of the time, the best opportunities are in big cities, so young people tend to migrate to cities when they leave school or finish university. I think young people are also attracted by the culture, nightlife and entertainment options in cities - they want to be in a more cosmopolitan and lively environment.

4. Why do most people have a strong connection to their hometown?

The majority of people have strong roots to their hometown, with a lot of personal connections such as friends and family there. So, they have a reason to visit the town regularly to catch up with relatives, and this also gives them a chance to reconnect with childhood friends. As well as that, I think most people have a lot of fond memories from childhood, and feel a deep attachment to the place where they grew up.

5. Is it better to grow up in a small town or a big city?

I think there are pros and cons to both. Big cities are more cosmopolitan and offer a lot more opportunities for education, for entertainment and to meet lots of other people. However, small towns are often nice places for families, because there are fewer problems with crime, they are quieter and safer, and usually there are more places where children can play outside, and enjoy the fresh air.

6. What factors make a town attractive to live in?

I think this is a question of personal taste. Some people love to live in a lively city, while others prefer quieter towns and villages with a slower pace of life. But, in general, we can say that a town which is safe, where the locals are friendly, and where local services work effectively, is attractive to everyone. It also helps if the transport system is efficient as most people like to be able to travel easily into and out of the town by car and by public transport.