Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Friend Who Made You Laugh Recently

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and relationships. One topic that frequently appears is describing a friend or a humorous situation. In this article, we’ll explore how to effectively answer the question “Describe a friend who made you laugh recently” and provide sample answers for different band scores.

Describe an old friend you reconnected with can be another interesting topic in IELTS Speaking. However, let’s focus on the current question about a friend who made you laugh.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about friends and humor. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

1. Do you have many friends?
2. What qualities do you look for in a friend?
3. How often do you meet your friends?
4. Do you like making people laugh?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the last question:

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I definitely enjoy making people laugh. I believe that humor is a great way to connect with others and lighten the mood in various situations. While I wouldn’t say I’m a professional comedian, I do try to inject a bit of wit into conversations when appropriate. It’s incredibly rewarding to see someone’s face light up with a smile or hear their genuine laughter in response to something I’ve said.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a friend who made you laugh recently

You should say:
- Who this friend is
- When and where this happened
- What your friend did or said that was funny
- And explain why you found it so amusing

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who really cracked me up last weekend. We were at a local café, catching up over coffee, when she started telling me about her recent misadventure at a yoga class.

Sarah had decided to try hot yoga for the first time, not realizing how challenging it would be. She described how she struggled to keep up with the poses, slipping and sliding on her mat due to the heat. The funniest part was when she attempted a headstand and ended up tumbling into the person next to her, causing a domino effect of falling yogis.

The way Sarah recounted the story, complete with exaggerated facial expressions and gestures, had me in stitches. Her self-deprecating humor and ability to laugh at herself made the story even more entertaining.

I found it so amusing because I could easily picture the scene in my mind, and Sarah’s storytelling skills really brought it to life. It was also relatable, as we’ve all had embarrassing moments in fitness classes. Her positive attitude and ability to find humor in a potentially mortifying situation was truly infectious.”

Friends laughing in cafe while storytelling

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to recount an uproarious incident involving my friend Alex, which occurred just last week. We were attending a virtual quiz night with a group of mutual friends when Alex’s quick wit and impeccable timing led to a moment of collective hilarity.

The quiz master had posed a particularly challenging question about obscure historical facts. As we all sat in bemused silence, frantically wracking our brains, Alex chimed in with an answer so absurdly incorrect yet delivered with such unwavering confidence that it caught everyone off guard. His response, which involved a fictional king and an implausible series of events, was so elaborately constructed that it took a moment for everyone to realize he was joking.

What made this moment so sidesplittingly funny was not just the content of Alex’s answer, but his impeccable deadpan delivery. He maintained a completely straight face throughout, even as the rest of us dissolved into laughter. His ability to improvise such a creative and ridiculous response on the spot was truly impressive.

The incident was particularly amusing because it broke the tension of what had been a rather competitive and serious game up to that point. Alex’s joke served as a reminder not to take ourselves too seriously and injected a much-needed dose of levity into the evening. It was a perfect example of his razor-sharp wit and impeccable sense of timing, qualities that make him such a valued friend and reliable source of laughter in our group.”

Follow-up questions:

1. Do you think your friend is generally a funny person?
2. How important is a sense of humor in friendships?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, Alex has an innate ability to find humor in almost any situation. His wit is razor-sharp, and he has this remarkable talent for delivering unexpected punchlines that catch you off guard in the best possible way. What I find particularly impressive is how he can tailor his humor to his audience, knowing exactly what will resonate with different groups of people.

I believe a sense of humor is absolutely crucial in friendships. It serves as a social lubricant, making interactions smoother and more enjoyable. Shared laughter creates bonds and fosters a sense of camaraderie that’s hard to replicate through other means. Moreover, friends with a good sense of humor can help you navigate life’s challenges with a lighter perspective, turning potential frustrations into amusing anecdotes. In my experience, the ability to laugh together, especially during tough times, is a hallmark of truly lasting friendships.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions:

1. Do you think people’s sense of humor changes as they get older?
2. How does humor differ across cultures?
3. What role does humor play in society?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the last question:

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Humor plays a multifaceted role in society. Firstly, it serves as a social bonding mechanism, bringing people together through shared laughter and creating a sense of community. It can also be a powerful tool for stress relief and emotional regulation, helping people cope with difficult situations.

In addition, humor is often used as a means of social commentary and criticism. Comedians and satirists use jokes to highlight societal issues and challenge the status quo, sometimes addressing topics that might be too sensitive to discuss directly.

Furthermore, humor can be a valuable educational tool, making complex or dry subjects more engaging and memorable. Many educators and public speakers use humor to capture attention and improve information retention.

However, it’s important to note that humor can also be divisive if used inappropriately or insensitively. What one person finds funny, another might find offensive. Therefore, understanding the context and audience is crucial when using humor in society.”

Diverse group of people laughing together

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, it’s essential to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Here are some key terms and phrases related to humor and friendships:

1. Crack up (phrasal verb) – To laugh very hard
   Example: “His funny stories always crack me up.”

2. In stitches (idiom) – Laughing very hard
   Example: “The comedian had the audience in stitches.”

3. Witty (adjective) – Clever and humorous
   Example: “She’s known for her witty remarks in social situations.”

4. Banter (noun/verb) – Playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks
   Example: “We enjoy the friendly banter between us.”

5. Deadpan (adjective) – Deliberately impassive or expressionless
   Example: “His deadpan delivery made the joke even funnier.”

6. Lighten the mood (phrase) – To make a situation less serious or tense
   Example: “He always knows how to lighten the mood with a well-timed joke.”

7. Sense of humor (noun phrase) – The ability to perceive humor or appreciate a joke
   Example: “A good sense of humor is an attractive quality in a friend.”

8. Quick-witted (adjective) – Able to think and respond quickly and cleverly
   Example: “Her quick-witted responses kept the conversation lively and entertaining.”

Describe a memorable day you spent with your family can be another interesting topic to practice using these vocabulary items in a different context.

Examiner’s Advice

To score high in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a friend who made you laugh:

1. Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate a range of words and phrases related to humor and friendship. Avoid repetition and showcase your lexical resource.

2. Provide specific details: Instead of general statements, give concrete examples that paint a vivid picture for the listener.

3. Use appropriate tenses: When recounting a past event, ensure you use past tenses correctly and consistently.

4. Demonstrate fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to improve your ability to talk at length without hesitation.

5. Show personality: Don’t be afraid to let your own sense of humor shine through in your responses.

6. Extend your answers: In Part 3, try to give more abstract or analytical responses, showing your ability to discuss topics in depth.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is practice. Regularly engaging in conversations about various topics, including humor and friendships, will help you feel more confident and perform better on test day.

Describe a time when you took part in a community event can provide another opportunity to practice these skills in a different context.