Describing a friend with a great sense of humor is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This subject allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to express personal experiences. Given its relevance to everyday life, this topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain popular in future tests.
Describe a person who makes you happy is a related topic that often incorporates elements of humor and friendship. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about a friend with a great sense of humor across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about humor and friendship. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
Q: Do you think you have a good sense of humor?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think I have a decent sense of humor. I enjoy making jokes and can usually make my friends laugh. However, I’m not always the funniest person in the room.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d say I have a fairly good sense of humor. I have a knack for finding the lighter side of situations and often use self-deprecating jokes to break the ice in social settings. That being said, humor is subjective, so while some people find me hilarious, others might not always get my jokes.
Q: What kind of humor do you appreciate in your friends?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I like friends who can make clever jokes and don’t take themselves too seriously. I enjoy witty humor and people who can laugh at themselves.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I gravitate towards friends who possess a quick wit and can effortlessly weave humor into everyday conversations. I particularly appreciate those who can deliver deadpan jokes or use clever wordplay. Moreover, I admire individuals who can find humor in life’s absurdities without resorting to offensive or mean-spirited jokes.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a friend who has a great sense of humor.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What kind of humor they have
- And explain why you think their sense of humor is great
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about my friend Tom, who I’ve known since high school. We met in our English class and quickly became friends because of his funny jokes. Tom has a great sense of humor that always makes people around him laugh.
His humor is mostly based on wordplay and puns. He’s really good at coming up with clever jokes on the spot. For example, once when we were studying Shakespeare, he said, “To be, or not to be, that is the question. But the real question is, why didn’t Shakespeare use a pencil? Because he preferred to use his own Shakespearean!”
I think Tom’s sense of humor is great because it’s intelligent and never mean. He can make jokes about any situation without hurting anyone’s feelings. His humor also helps to lighten the mood when things are stressful, which is really valuable in a friend.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to shed light on my friend Sarah, whom I initially encountered during my university orientation. From the moment we met, I was captivated by her razor-sharp wit and infectious laughter.
Sarah’s humor is a delightful blend of observational comedy and clever wordplay. She has an uncanny ability to pick up on the subtle nuances of everyday situations and transform them into hilarious anecdotes. For instance, during a particularly dull lecture on economic theory, she leaned over and whispered, “I guess you could say this class is really testing our patience… and our eyelids.” Her timing was impeccable, and it took all my self-control not to burst out laughing.
What makes Sarah’s sense of humor truly remarkable is its versatility and inclusivity. She can effortlessly adapt her jokes to suit any audience, whether it’s a group of academics or a room full of children. Moreover, her humor is never at someone else’s expense; instead, she often uses self-deprecating jokes to put others at ease.
I find her sense of humor invaluable because it serves as a perfect antidote to life’s stresses. Even in the most challenging situations, Sarah can find a silver lining and make everyone around her smile. Her ability to infuse levity into our conversations has not only strengthened our friendship but has also taught me to approach life with a lighter perspective.
Follow-up Questions:
Q: How has your friend’s sense of humor influenced your relationship?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Tom’s sense of humor has made our friendship stronger. We always have a good time together, and his jokes help us deal with difficult situations. It’s nice to have a friend who can make you laugh when you’re feeling down.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Sarah’s remarkable wit has been a cornerstone of our friendship. Her humor has fostered a deep sense of camaraderie between us, creating a shared language of inside jokes and mutual understanding. In times of stress or adversity, her ability to inject levity into situations has been invaluable, helping us navigate challenges with a more positive outlook. Moreover, her humor has encouraged me to cultivate my own wit, leading to more engaging and dynamic conversations between us.
Describe a recent conversation that made you laugh is another topic where you can showcase your ability to discuss humor in everyday situations.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: Do you think a good sense of humor is important in the workplace?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think humor is important at work. It can help make the environment more relaxed and friendly. When colleagues can joke together, it can improve teamwork and make difficult tasks easier to handle. However, it’s important to be careful not to offend anyone with inappropriate jokes.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I firmly believe that a good sense of humor is invaluable in the professional sphere. A well-timed joke or light-hearted comment can significantly enhance workplace dynamics. Humor can serve as a powerful tool for breaking down barriers, alleviating stress, and fostering a more collaborative environment.
Moreover, individuals with a good sense of humor often demonstrate high emotional intelligence, which is crucial for effective leadership and teamwork. They can diffuse tense situations, boost morale, and create a more positive atmosphere that enhances productivity.
However, it’s imperative to strike a balance and ensure that humor is used judiciously. It should never come at the expense of professionalism or cross boundaries that could make colleagues uncomfortable. The key is to cultivate a workplace culture where humor complements, rather than undermines, the seriousness of the work at hand.
Q: How has the concept of humor changed with the rise of social media?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Social media has changed humor a lot. Now, funny videos and memes can spread quickly to millions of people. This has created new types of jokes that are popular online. However, sometimes humor on social media can be offensive or misunderstood because it’s hard to know the context.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The advent of social media has undeniably revolutionized the landscape of humor. It has democratized comedy, allowing anyone with a clever idea to potentially reach a global audience. This has led to the proliferation of new forms of humor, such as memes, GIFs, and short-form video content, which often rely on visual punchlines or cultural references.
One of the most significant shifts has been the acceleration of humor cycles. Jokes can now go viral and become outdated within a matter of hours, leading to a more fast-paced and ephemeral nature of humor. This has fostered a culture of rapid-fire wit and instant gratification in comedy.
However, this democratization has also led to some challenges. The lack of context in social media posts can sometimes lead to misinterpretations or unintended offense. Moreover, the pressure to be constantly funny or to gain likes and shares can sometimes result in humor that pushes boundaries or sacrifices substance for shock value.
Despite these challenges, social media has also opened up new avenues for niche humor and community-building around shared comedic interests. It has given voice to underrepresented perspectives in comedy and has facilitated the spread of culturally diverse humor across traditional boundaries.
Describe a friend who is good at making people laugh is a topic that aligns closely with the theme of humor and can provide additional practice for discussing this subject.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Razor-sharp wit /ˈreɪzə ʃɑːp wɪt/ (noun phrase): Extremely quick and clever humor.
Example: Her razor-sharp wit always keeps the conversation lively and entertaining.To have a knack for /tə hæv ə næk fɔː/ (idiom): To have a natural talent or skill for something.
Example: He has a knack for finding humor in even the most mundane situations.Self-deprecating /ˌself ˈdeprɪkeɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Tending to belittle or undervalue oneself, often used in humor.
Example: His self-deprecating jokes about his cooking skills always get a laugh.To shed light on /tə ʃed laɪt ɒn/ (phrasal verb): To clarify or explain something.
Example: Let me shed light on why I find my friend’s humor so appealing.Infectious laughter /ɪnˈfekʃəs ˈlɑːftə/ (noun phrase): Laughter that causes others to laugh as well.
Example: Her infectious laughter can brighten up even the gloomiest day.
Group of friends sharing a laugh
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in describing a friend with a great sense of humor in the IELTS Speaking test:
Prepare diverse examples: Have a range of anecdotes ready that showcase different aspects of your friend’s humor.
Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate a mix of idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary related to humor and personality traits.
Practice fluency: Work on delivering your description smoothly, with natural pauses and intonation.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts about your friend; explain why their humor is effective and how it impacts others.
Be authentic: While using advanced language is important, ensure your responses sound natural and genuine.
Connect to broader themes: In Part 3, be prepared to discuss humor in various contexts, such as culture, workplace, or social media.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.
Describe a friend you made in school can be another excellent opportunity to discuss friendships and potentially incorporate elements of humor into your response.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any question about humor or friendship in your IELTS Speaking test.