The Speaking part of the IELTS test can seem daunting, but with proper preparation, it is possible to achieve a high score. The examiner assesses your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One common theme in the Speaking test is describing people, particularly those with unique qualities such as humor. In this guide, we will explore how to effectively describe a person who is good at making people laugh. This topic is especially relevant and has appeared frequently in IELTS speaking exams.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner will ask you questions about yourself, your home, work, studies, and other familiar topics. Here are some typical questions and an example response:
Question:
- “Who is the funniest person you know?”
Suggested Answer:
- “The funniest person I know is my best friend, Tom. He has a unique talent for making people laugh with his witty jokes and hilarious impressions. Whether we are in a boring lecture or a stressful situation, Tom always finds a way to lighten the mood with his humor.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who is good at making people laugh. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kinds of things this person does to make others laugh
- and explain why this person is good at making people laugh.
Sample Answer
Who this person is and how you know this person:
“I would like to describe my uncle, Joe, who is exceptionally good at making people laugh. I have known him all my life as he is my mother’s younger brother.”
What kinds of things this person does to make others laugh:
Uncle Joe has an incredible sense of humor and a sharp wit. He tells the funniest stories, often drawn from his own life experiences, with impeccable timing and expression. He can effortlessly imitate accents and celebrities, which is always a hit at family gatherings.
Explain why this person is good at making people laugh:
What makes him particularly good at making people laugh is his ability to connect with everyone, finding humor in everyday situations that we can all relate to. His laughter is contagious, and he has a way of making even the most mundane event seem hilarious. His cheerful demeanor and quick-witted remarks never fail to uplift everyone’s spirits around him.”
Bullet Points:
- Who this person is: “my uncle Joe”
- How you know this person: “my mother’s younger brother”
- What kinds of things this person does: “tells funny stories, imitates accents and celebrities”
- Why this person is good: “connects with everyone, finds humor in daily situations, has an infectious laugh”
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the discussion usually revolves around more abstract ideas and concepts related to the cue card topic. The examiner might ask questions requiring you to analyze or evaluate these concepts.
Examiner’s Questions:
- “Why do you think people enjoy humor so much?”
- “Do you think having a sense of humor is important in life?”
- “How do cultural differences influence what people find funny?”
Suggested Answers:
Why do you think people enjoy humor so much?
“I believe people enjoy humor because it serves as a great stress reliever. Laughter releases endorphins, which are chemicals in our brain that make us feel good. Additionally, humor brings people together and can easily break the ice in social settings.”
Do you think having a sense of humor is important in life?
“Absolutely. A sense of humor is crucial as it helps people cope with challenges and setbacks. It enables us to see situations from different perspectives and not take things too seriously, which can be essential for mental well-being.”
How do cultural differences influence what people find funny?
“Cultural differences play a significant role in humor because what is considered funny in one culture may not necessarily be funny in another. For instance, some jokes might be based on specific cultural references or social norms that only make sense within that culture. Understanding these differences can enhance cross-cultural communication and appreciation.”
IV. Some Important Vocabulary and Structures
Key Vocabulary
Witty (adjective) /ˈwɪti/: showing or characterized by quick and inventive verbal humor.
- Example: “Tom is incredibly witty; his clever remarks always leave us laughing.”
Humorous (adjective) /ˈhjuːmərəs/: causing lighthearted laughter and amusement.
- Example: “Her humorous anecdotes about her travels entertained everyone.”
Impeccable timing (phrase): perfect timing, especially for delivering a joke.
- Example: “His impeccable timing makes his jokes even funnier.”
Contagious laughter (phrase): laughter that spreads from one person to another.
- Example: “Her contagious laughter made the whole room burst into fits of giggles.”
Sample Phrases
- “He has a knack for…”
- “Effortlessly imitates…”
- “Lighten the mood with his humor…”
- “An infectious enthusiasm for life…”
V. Tips and Advice
Practice Regularly
Regular Practice:
Practice speaking English every day to improve your fluency and confidence. Use different topics from past IELTS exams to get accustomed to the format.Record Yourself:
Record your responses and play them back to identify areas for improvement. Pay attention to pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.Get Feedback:
Seek feedback from teachers, friends, or online communities who are also preparing for the IELTS. Constructive criticism can be very helpful for improvement.Stay Natural:
Try to speak naturally and not memorize responses. The examiners are trained to identify rote-learned speeches, and you may lose marks for not sounding authentic.
A professional comedian delivering a hilarious speech
By following these tips and utilizing the sample answers and cue cards provided, you can improve your chances of scoring high on the IELTS Speaking test. Remember to stay calm, be yourself, and let your personality shine through your answers. Good luck!