The ability to describe someone who brings laughter into your life is a valuable skill in the IELTS Speaking test. This topic has been a recurring theme in past exams and is likely to appear in future tests due to its relevance to personal experiences and relationships. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this topic and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about humor and laughter. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: “Do you like making other people laugh?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find great joy in bringing smiles to people’s faces. While I wouldn’t say I’m a professional comedian by any means, I do enjoy sharing amusing anecdotes or cracking the occasional joke with friends and family. I believe laughter is a wonderful way to connect with others and lighten the mood, especially during stressful times.”
describe a friend who is very different from you
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a person who always makes you laugh.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does to make you laugh
- And explain why you find this person funny
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about my cousin, Tom, who never fails to make me laugh. I’ve known him since childhood, as we grew up in the same neighborhood and spent a lot of time together during family gatherings.
Tom has a unique talent for turning everyday situations into hilarious moments. He often uses witty wordplay and clever puns that catch you off guard. For example, when we’re having a meal, he might say something like, “I’m on a seafood diet. I see food, and I eat it!” It’s cheesy, but his delivery always gets me chuckling.
What makes Tom particularly funny is his ability to mimic accents and impersonate people we know. He has an uncanny knack for picking up on people’s mannerisms and exaggerating them in a playful way. His impressions of our grandparents are spot-on and always leave the family in stitches during reunions.
I find Tom funny because his humor is spontaneous and good-natured. He never resorts to mean-spirited jokes or puts others down. Instead, his comedy comes from a place of joy and a desire to make others happy. His infectious laughter and positive energy are truly contagious, making any gathering more enjoyable when he’s around.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d be delighted to share with you about my colleague, Sarah, who consistently brings laughter into my life. I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside her for the past three years in our marketing department, where her wit and humor have become legendary among our team members.
Sarah possesses an extraordinary gift for infusing humor into even the most mundane aspects of our work life. Her comedic timing is impeccable, and she has a remarkable ability to deliver deadpan one-liners that catch you completely off guard. For instance, during a particularly stressful project meeting, she once quipped, “I’m not saying I’m Wonder Woman, I’m just saying no one has ever seen me and Wonder Woman in the same room together.” Her comment not only lightened the mood but also helped us regain perspective on our challenges.
What sets Sarah apart is her masterful use of self-deprecating humor combined with astute observations about office dynamics. She has a knack for highlighting the absurdities of corporate culture in a way that’s both relatable and hilarious. Her running commentary on our office’s obsession with buzzwords and acronyms never fails to elicit chuckles from the team.
I find Sarah’s humor particularly effective because it’s intelligent and nuanced. She doesn’t rely on cheap laughs or obvious jokes; instead, her comedy stems from a deep understanding of human nature and social interactions. Her wit often carries a touch of satire, gently poking fun at societal norms and expectations in a way that’s thought-provoking as well as amusing.
Moreover, Sarah’s humor serves as a powerful tool for team bonding and stress relief. In high-pressure situations, her ability to find humor helps us maintain a positive outlook and fosters a sense of camaraderie among colleagues. Her laughter is genuinely contagious, and I’ve noticed how it can transform the entire atmosphere of a room, making our workplace a more enjoyable and productive environment.”
Colleagues laughing together in office
Follow-up Questions:
Examiner: “Do you think it’s important to have a good sense of humor in the workplace?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely. A good sense of humor can be invaluable in the workplace. It helps to alleviate stress, foster positive relationships among colleagues, and create a more enjoyable work environment. When used appropriately, humor can also enhance creativity and problem-solving skills by encouraging people to think more flexibly and openly. However, it’s crucial to maintain professionalism and be mindful of cultural differences to ensure that humor doesn’t inadvertently offend or exclude anyone.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that a well-developed sense of humor is an indispensable asset in the professional sphere. It serves multiple functions that contribute significantly to workplace dynamics and productivity. Firstly, humor acts as a powerful stress-relief mechanism, helping employees navigate high-pressure situations with greater ease and resilience. It also plays a crucial role in team cohesion, breaking down hierarchical barriers and fostering a sense of camaraderie among colleagues.
Moreover, humor can be a catalyst for creativity and innovation. By encouraging a more relaxed and open mindset, it allows for the free flow of ideas and can lead to novel solutions to complex problems. In leadership, a well-timed joke or light-hearted comment can diffuse tension in meetings and make difficult conversations more approachable.
However, it’s imperative to exercise discretion and cultural sensitivity when employing humor in the workplace. The key is to use humor that unites rather than divides, ensuring it doesn’t come at the expense of any individual or group. When wielded skillfully, humor can transform the work environment, boosting morale, enhancing communication, and ultimately contributing to a more positive and productive organizational culture.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “How has humor in the media changed over the years?”
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I think humor in the media has become more diverse over the years. In the past, a lot of comedy was based on stereotypes or slapstick humor, but now we see a wider range of styles. Social media has played a big role in this change, allowing people to share different types of humor from around the world. Also, I believe comedy has become more politically correct in many ways, with comedians being more careful about not offending certain groups.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The evolution of humor in media has been quite profound and multifaceted. We’ve witnessed a significant shift from traditional forms of comedy, which often relied on broad appeal and sometimes problematic stereotypes, to a more nuanced and diverse landscape of humor.
One of the most notable changes has been the democratization of comedy through social media platforms. These have given voice to a wider array of comedic perspectives, including those from traditionally marginalized groups. This has led to a richer tapestry of humor that reflects a more inclusive societal outlook.
Moreover, there’s been a marked increase in the sophistication of humor. We’re seeing more satirical and politically charged comedy that serves not just to entertain but also to provoke thought and challenge societal norms. Shows like “Black Mirror” or “The Good Place” blend humor with complex philosophical and ethical questions, reflecting a growing appetite for intellectually stimulating entertainment.
However, this evolution hasn’t been without its challenges. The rise of ‘cancel culture’ has led to heated debates about the boundaries of acceptable humor. Comedians are now navigating a more politically aware audience, which has resulted in both more thoughtful comedy and, in some cases, self-censorship.
In essence, humor in media has become more diverse, more inclusive, and often more thought-provoking, mirroring the complexities of our modern society. While it continues to entertain, it increasingly serves as a vehicle for social commentary and cultural introspection.”
describe a short journey you disliked
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Witty wordplay /ˈwɪti ˈwɜːdpleɪ/ (noun phrase): Clever and amusing use of words with double meanings.
Example: “Her witty wordplay kept the audience entertained throughout the speech.”Impeccable timing /ɪmˈpekəbl ˈtaɪmɪŋ/ (adjective + noun): Perfect or flawless sense of when to say or do something for maximum effect.
Example: “The comedian’s impeccable timing made even the simplest jokes hilarious.”Deadpan /ˈdedpæn/ (adjective): Deliberately impassive or expressionless, especially when delivering humorous lines.
Example: “His deadpan delivery of the punchline caught everyone by surprise.”Self-deprecating humor /ˌself ˈdeprəkeɪtɪŋ ˈhjuːmə/ (noun phrase): A form of comedic self-criticism or mocking oneself for humorous effect.
Example: “Her self-deprecating humor made her more relatable to the audience.”Astute observations /əˈstjuːt ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃnz/ (adjective + noun): Clever and perceptive remarks about people or situations.
Example: “The writer’s astute observations about modern life resonated with readers.”
Comedian performing on stage
describe a person who has a unique sense of humor
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who always makes you laugh:
Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate a range of descriptive words and phrases to vividly portray the person’s humor.
Provide specific examples: Illustrate your points with concrete instances of the person’s funny behavior or jokes.
Show, don’t tell: Instead of simply stating that the person is funny, describe their actions and the reactions they elicit.
Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly and confidently, avoiding long pauses or hesitations.
Develop your ideas: Elaborate on your initial statements to demonstrate depth of thought and language proficiency.
Use appropriate body language: Maintain eye contact and use natural gestures to enhance your verbal communication.
Incorporate idiomatic expressions: Carefully use relevant idioms to showcase your command of English.
Remember, authenticity is key. While it’s important to use sophisticated language, ensure that your responses remain genuine and reflective of your personal experiences.
describe a memorable night out with friends
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing someone who brings laughter into your life.