IELTS Speaking – Quê hương & Nơi ở

I grew up in a small town in the Red River Delta, surrounded by rice fields. It was the kind of place where everyone knew everyone else, and kids could play outside safely until dinner time. There wasn't much to do in terms of entertainment, but looking back, I had a really carefree childhood there.

At the moment, I'm renting a small apartment with a friend, about fifteen minutes from my university. It's on the eighth floor, so we get a decent view of the city and plenty of natural light. It's a bit cramped, to be honest, but it's affordable and close to everything I need.

Definitely my bedroom, because it doubles as my study. I've got a desk by the window where I do all my coursework, and it's also where I relax in the evenings. I've tried to make it cosy with some plants and fairy lights, so it feels like my own little retreat from the busy city outside.

Yes, I think so, although not permanently. I'd love to spend a few years living abroad, perhaps in Australia or Canada, to gain some international work experience and improve my English. But in the long term, I can see myself settling down back in Vietnam, somewhere not too far from my parents.

The home I'd love to live in one day is a small wooden house in the hills just outside Da Lat, in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Ideally, it would be on a gentle slope with a view over a valley of pine trees, but still within twenty minutes' drive of the town, so I wouldn't feel completely cut off. Da Lat has a cool climate all year round, which is a big part of the appeal for someone like me, who really struggles with the heat in Hanoi. In terms of what it would look like, I picture something simple but full of character. It would have large windows to let in plenty of natural light, a wooden veranda where I could drink my morning coffee, and a fireplace for the chilly evenings. Inside, I'd want an open-plan kitchen and living room, plus a small study lined with bookshelves. Outside, I'd love to have a vegetable garden, because I've always dreamt of growing my own food. As for who I'd live there with, I imagine sharing it with my future partner and maybe a dog or two. I'd also like to have a spare room, so my parents could come and stay for long periods, especially when they retire. The reason this kind of home appeals to me is that it represents a slower, more balanced way of life. At the moment, my life is quite hectic, and I spend most of my time in a cramped apartment surrounded by traffic. A house like this would give me space to breathe, both literally and mentally. I know it's a bit of a dream, and I'd need to find a job that lets me work remotely, but it's something I'm genuinely working towards.

The main reason is that property prices have risen much faster than salaries, particularly in big cities. In Hanoi, for example, a young office worker would probably need to save their entire income for decades to afford a modest apartment. On top of that, getting a mortgage often requires a large deposit, which many graduates simply don't have. Some would also argue that property is increasingly bought as an investment rather than a place to live, which pushes prices up even further. As a result, many young people end up renting for much longer than their parents did, or relying on family help.

Quite significantly, I'd say. A few decades ago, most families in Vietnam lived in low-rise houses, often with a courtyard, and several generations shared the same space. Nowadays, especially in cities, you see a lot of narrow 'tube houses' that are tall and thin, as well as high-rise apartment blocks. Modern homes also tend to be designed for smaller families, with separate bedrooms for privacy. One downside, in my opinion, is that newer buildings sometimes ignore the climate, relying on air conditioning instead of natural ventilation, which traditional houses handled very cleverly.

I don't think there's a single right answer, because it depends on someone's stage of life. Owning a home offers security, and in the long run, it can be a good investment, which is why it's such a strong goal in Vietnamese culture. However, renting gives people flexibility. A young graduate who might change jobs or cities, for instance, would probably be better off renting rather than tying themselves to a huge loan. Personally, I'd rent for the first few years of my career and think about buying once I've settled down and have a stable income.

I think one of the most effective things is to create more green spaces, such as small parks and tree-lined streets, because they improve air quality and give people somewhere to relax. Local authorities could also make neighbourhoods more walkable by building proper pavements and keeping them clear of parked motorbikes, which is a real problem in Vietnam. Community facilities matter too, like libraries, playgrounds and sports courts, since they encourage neighbours to interact. Finally, better rubbish collection and street lighting might sound basic, but they can make a huge difference to people's quality of life and sense of safety.