The ability to describe someone who brings joy and laughter to others is a valuable skill in the IELTS Speaking test. This topic not only allows you to showcase your vocabulary and descriptive abilities but also demonstrates your understanding of human relationships and social interactions. Let’s explore how to excel in this speaking task and boost your IELTS score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may ask you some general questions about humor and laughter. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer:

Examiner: Do you like to make people laugh?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I thoroughly enjoy bringing a smile to people’s faces. While I wouldn’t consider myself a professional comedian, I do have a knack for telling amusing anecdotes and making witty observations about everyday situations. I find that humor is an excellent way to break the ice in social situations and create a positive atmosphere.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Now, let’s move on to the main topic. Here’s a possible cue card you might encounter:

Describe A Friend Who Is Good At Making People Laugh

You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they do to make people laugh
- And explain why you think they are good at making people laugh

A friend telling jokes to a laughing group

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about my friend Tom, who has an incredible talent for making people laugh. I’ve known Tom since our university days when we were roommates in the dormitory. He’s always been the life of the party and knows how to lighten up any situation.

Tom has a few tricks up his sleeve when it comes to making people laugh. Firstly, he’s a master of impersonations. He can mimic celebrities and politicians so well that it’s hard not to burst into laughter. Secondly, he has a great sense of timing and knows exactly when to deliver a punchline. Lastly, Tom is excellent at observational humor, pointing out the funny little things in life that we often overlook.

I think Tom is so good at making people laugh because he genuinely enjoys bringing happiness to others. He’s naturally charismatic and has a way of putting people at ease. Moreover, Tom is quick-witted and able to come up with jokes on the spot, which always keeps conversations lively and entertaining.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d be delighted to share with you about my friend Sarah, who possesses an extraordinary gift for eliciting laughter from those around her. Sarah and I go way back to our high school days, where we first bonded over our shared love of comedy.

Sarah’s ability to make people laugh stems from her multifaceted approach to humor. Primarily, she’s a master of self-deprecating humor, which not only showcases her wit but also makes her incredibly relatable. She has this uncanny ability to turn her own embarrassing moments into hilarious anecdotes that have everyone in stitches. Additionally, Sarah is exceptionally skilled at wordplay and puns, often catching people off guard with her clever linguistic twists.

What truly sets Sarah apart is her impeccable timing and her ability to read the room. She instinctively knows when to inject humor to diffuse tension or lighten the mood. Moreover, her humor is always inclusive and never at the expense of others, which I believe is the hallmark of a truly gifted comedian.

I attribute Sarah’s exceptional talent for humor to her keen observation skills and emotional intelligence. She has this remarkable knack for picking up on subtle nuances in social situations and transforming them into comedic gold. Furthermore, her genuine desire to spread joy and her ability to find humor in the mundane aspects of life make her an absolute joy to be around.”

Follow-up Questions:

1. How does your friend’s sense of humor differ in various social settings?
2. Can you recall a specific instance where your friend’s humor significantly improved a situation?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Sarah’s humor is incredibly versatile and adaptable. In professional settings, she tends to lean towards more subtle and sophisticated wit, often using clever wordplay that doesn’t disrupt the flow of work but still manages to keep spirits high. In contrast, when she’s with close friends, her humor becomes more uninhibited and zany, often involving hilarious physical comedy or outrageous storytelling.

I vividly remember a time when we were stuck in a grueling 6-hour flight delay. The atmosphere was tense, with passengers growing increasingly frustrated. Sarah took it upon herself to lighten the mood by initiating an impromptu stand-up routine, poking fun at the absurdities of air travel. Her humor was so spot-on and relatable that soon the entire waiting area was filled with laughter, effectively transforming what could have been a miserable experience into a memorable one. It was a perfect example of how her quick wit and ability to find humor in adversity can truly make a difference.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to humor and laughter. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Examiner: Do you think the ability to make people laugh is an important skill in the workplace?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely, I believe that the ability to make people laugh can be a valuable asset in the workplace. A good sense of humor can help foster positive relationships among colleagues, reduce stress, and create a more enjoyable work environment. Moreover, it can be an effective tool for breaking the ice in meetings or diffusing tension during challenging situations.

However, it’s crucial to strike a balance and understand the appropriate time and place for humor in a professional setting. Excessive joking or inappropriate humor could potentially undermine one’s credibility or professionalism. Therefore, while the ability to make people laugh is beneficial, it should be used judiciously and in conjunction with other professional skills.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that the ability to make people laugh is an invaluable skill in the workplace, serving multiple purposes that contribute to a more productive and harmonious work environment. Firstly, humor can be an excellent tool for building rapport and fostering team cohesion. When colleagues can share a laugh, it creates a sense of camaraderie and breaks down interpersonal barriers, facilitating more open communication and collaboration.

Moreover, well-timed humor can be instrumental in alleviating stress and boosting morale, particularly during high-pressure situations or challenging projects. It acts as a psychological release valve, helping to maintain a positive outlook and prevent burnout among team members.

From a leadership perspective, the judicious use of humor can make managers more approachable and relatable, enhancing their ability to motivate and inspire their teams. It can also be an effective tool for delivering constructive criticism or addressing sensitive issues in a less confrontational manner.

However, it’s crucial to emphasize that the effectiveness of humor in the workplace is highly dependent on its appropriate application. It requires a keen sense of emotional intelligence and an understanding of professional boundaries. The most successful professionals are those who can strike a delicate balance between levity and seriousness, using humor to enhance rather than detract from their work performance and relationships.”

Colleagues laughing during a meeting

Examiner: How has humor in entertainment changed over the years?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Humor in entertainment has undergone significant changes over the years, reflecting shifts in societal norms and values. In the past, comedy often relied on slapstick and physical humor, as seen in early silent films. As time progressed, we saw the rise of sitcoms and stand-up comedy, which introduced more sophisticated forms of verbal humor and social commentary.

In recent years, there’s been a noticeable trend towards more edgy and boundary-pushing comedy. Dark humor and satire have become increasingly popular, often tackling controversial topics. Additionally, the advent of social media and meme culture has given rise to new forms of humor that are more bite-sized and shareable.

However, there’s also been a growing awareness of the need for more inclusive and culturally sensitive humor. Many comedians and content creators are now more conscious of avoiding offensive stereotypes and aiming for humor that brings people together rather than divides them.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The evolution of humor in entertainment is a fascinating reflection of our changing cultural landscape and technological advancements. Over the decades, we’ve witnessed a significant shift in both the content and delivery of comedy.

In the early days of entertainment, humor was often characterized by broad, physical comedy and easily understood jokes that could transcend language barriers. This was particularly evident in the era of silent films, where comedians like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton relied heavily on visual gags and exaggerated expressions.

As we moved into the age of television, sitcoms became the dominant form of comedy entertainment. These shows often centered around family dynamics or workplace situations, using relatable scenarios and character-driven humor to connect with audiences. This era also saw the rise of stand-up comedy as a mainstream art form, allowing for more personal and observational humor.

The late 20th and early 21st centuries brought about a significant shift towards more edgy and satirical content. Shows like ‘The Simpsons’ and ‘South Park’ pushed boundaries with their irreverent take on society and politics. This period also saw the emergence of cringe comedy, exemplified by shows like ‘The Office’, which capitalized on awkward situations and social faux pas for laughs.

In recent years, the digital revolution has dramatically altered the comedy landscape. The rise of social media platforms and streaming services has democratized content creation, leading to a proliferation of diverse comedic voices. We’ve seen the emergence of micro-comedy formats like memes, GIFs, and short-form videos, which cater to shorter attention spans and are easily shareable.

Moreover, there’s been a growing emphasis on representation and inclusivity in comedy. Comedians from diverse backgrounds are gaining platforms to share their unique perspectives, leading to a richer and more varied comedic landscape. This shift has also prompted a reevaluation of what constitutes acceptable humor, with a move away from jokes that punch down at marginalized groups.

Another notable trend is the blending of comedy with other genres. We’re seeing more dramadies that skillfully balance humor with serious themes, reflecting a growing appetite for content that can make us laugh while also prompting deeper reflection.

In conclusion, while the fundamental goal of humor – to evoke laughter and joy – remains unchanged, the methods, themes, and platforms for delivering comedy have evolved dramatically. As we move forward, it’s likely that humor will continue to adapt, reflecting our ever-changing society and the new ways we consume entertainment.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Witty /ˈwɪti/ (adj): Clever and humorous.
   Example: “Her witty remarks always lighten the mood in tense meetings.”

2. To have a knack for (phrase): To have a natural talent for something.
   Example: “He has a knack for turning awkward situations into humorous anecdotes.”

3. Observational humor (noun): Comedy based on making insightful observations about everyday life.
   Example: “Jerry Seinfeld is famous for his observational humor about mundane topics.”

4. To diffuse tension (phrase): To reduce stress or anxiety in a situation.
   Example: “A well-timed joke can often diffuse tension in a heated argument.”

5. Impeccable timing (noun): Perfect sense of when to say or do something for maximum effect.
   Example: “Her impeccable timing when delivering punchlines makes her jokes even funnier.”

6. To read the room (idiom): To understand the emotions and atmosphere of a group.
   Example: “A good comedian knows how to read the room and adjust their material accordingly.”

7. Self-deprecating humor (noun): The act of poking fun at oneself.
   Example: “His self-deprecating humor makes him relatable and endearing to his audience.”

8. To be the life of the party (idiom): To be the most entertaining or amusing person at a social gathering.
   Example: “With his endless jokes and stories, Tom is always the life of the party.”

describe a person who always makes you laugh

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a friend who is good at making people laugh:

1. Use a variety of descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of your friend and their humorous qualities.
2. Provide specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your friend’s ability to make people laugh.
3. Discuss the impact of your friend’s humor on others and explain why you think they are particularly skilled at it.
4. Practice using idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary related to humor and personality traits.
5. Ensure your responses are well-structured and coherent, using appropriate linking words to connect your ideas.
6. Show your ability to discuss the topic from different angles by considering the broader implications of humor in society and relationships.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, accuracy, and a natural conversational tone throughout your responses.

describe a memorable day you had with friends

By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle this topic in your IELTS Speaking test with confidence and sophistication.