Describing a humorous person is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to express personal experiences. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask questions related to humor and laughter. Here are some potential questions:
- Do you like to make people laugh?
- What kind of things make you laugh?
- Do you think you have a good sense of humor?
Let’s focus on answering the first question:
Examiner: Do you like to make people laugh?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy making people laugh. I think it’s a great way to connect with others and create a positive atmosphere. Sometimes I tell jokes or funny stories to my friends and family, and it feels good when they laugh.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I find immense satisfaction in eliciting laughter from others. There’s something magical about the way humor can bridge gaps between people and lighten the mood in any situation. I often employ a mix of witty observations and self-deprecating humor to keep conversations lively and engaging. It’s not just about telling jokes; it’s about creating moments of shared joy and fostering connections through laughter.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a humorous person:
Describe a person who is very humorous
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What makes this person humorous
- And explain why you think this person is humorous
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about my friend Tom, who I’ve known since high school. He’s always been the life of the party and can make anyone laugh. What makes Tom so funny is his quick wit and ability to find humor in everyday situations. He often uses wordplay and puns in his jokes, which I find clever. I think Tom is humorous because he has a unique way of looking at the world and can turn even boring moments into something entertaining. His humor is never mean-spirited, which makes him likable to everyone.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d be delighted to describe my colleague Sarah, whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with for the past three years. Sarah possesses an exceptional talent for humor that never fails to brighten our office atmosphere. What sets her apart is her impeccable timing and her ability to craft witty remarks that are both intelligent and relatable. She has a knack for observational humor, often pointing out the absurdities in our daily routines or corporate culture in a way that’s both insightful and hilarious.
One of Sarah’s most endearing qualities is her self-deprecating humor. She’s not afraid to poke fun at herself, which makes her incredibly approachable and disarms any tension in high-stress situations. Her humor is never at the expense of others, showcasing a rare combination of wit and kindness.
I find Sarah’s humor particularly effective because it serves multiple purposes. Not only does it alleviate stress and foster team bonding, but it also often highlights important issues in a non-confrontational way. Her ability to use humor as a tool for communication and problem-solving is truly remarkable.
In essence, Sarah’s humor is a perfect blend of intelligence, timing, and empathy. It’s not just about making people laugh; it’s about creating an environment where people feel comfortable, connected, and inspired to see the lighter side of life, even in challenging times.
A humorous colleague brightening the office atmosphere with witty remarks
Follow-up questions:
- How does this person’s humor affect others around them?
- Do you think being humorous is an important quality in a workplace?
Band 6-7 Answer for Question 1:
Sarah’s humor definitely has a positive effect on everyone around her. It makes the workplace more enjoyable and helps people relax. When she cracks a joke, you can see people’s faces light up and the stress melt away. It’s like her humor creates a friendlier atmosphere where people feel more comfortable with each other.
Band 8-9 Answer for Question 1:
Sarah’s humor has a profound and multifaceted impact on those around her. Primarily, it serves as a powerful stress-relief mechanism, effectively diffusing tension in high-pressure situations. Her witty remarks often act as a catalyst for creativity, encouraging team members to think outside the box and approach problems from novel angles. Moreover, Sarah’s humor fosters a sense of camaraderie among colleagues, breaking down hierarchical barriers and creating a more cohesive work environment. It’s remarkable how her well-timed quips can transform the energy of a room, turning mundane meetings into engaging discussions and helping to alleviate workplace monotony. Ultimately, Sarah’s humor contributes significantly to a positive workplace culture, boosting morale and productivity in equal measure.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think humor is an important quality for leaders to have?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I believe humor is quite important for leaders. It can help them connect better with their team and make the work environment more pleasant. When leaders use humor, it can reduce stress and make difficult situations easier to handle. It also shows that they’re approachable and human, which can build trust with their employees.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I consider humor to be an invaluable asset in a leader’s repertoire. A well-developed sense of humor can serve multiple crucial functions in leadership. Firstly, it acts as a powerful tool for communication, allowing leaders to convey complex or sensitive messages in a more palatable and memorable manner. Humor can defuse tension in high-stakes situations, fostering a more collaborative and open environment for problem-solving.
Moreover, a leader with a good sense of humor demonstrates emotional intelligence and relatability, which are essential for building strong, trust-based relationships with team members. It shows an ability to navigate social dynamics skillfully and can help in breaking down hierarchical barriers that might impede honest communication.
However, it’s crucial to note that the effectiveness of humor in leadership is highly dependent on its appropriate application. Leaders must be adept at reading the room and understanding the fine line between humor that uplifts and unites, and that which might alienate or offend. When used judiciously, humor can be a catalyst for creativity, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking and fostering a culture where innovation thrives.
In essence, humor in leadership is not just about being funny; it’s about creating an atmosphere of openness, resilience, and shared humanity that can propel a team or organization towards greater success.
A leader using humor during a team meeting to foster collaboration
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Life of the party (idiom) – /laɪf əv ðə ˈpɑːrti/ – The most entertaining or amusing person at a social gathering.
Example: “Tom’s jokes and stories make him the life of the party at every gathering.” -
Quick wit (noun phrase) – /kwɪk wɪt/ – The ability to think and respond humorously with speed.
Example: “Sarah’s quick wit allows her to come up with hilarious responses in any situation.” -
To brighten (someone’s) day (phrasal verb) – /ˈbraɪtn deɪ/ – To make someone feel happier or more cheerful.
Example: “His humorous anecdotes always brighten our day at the office.” -
Impeccable timing (noun phrase) – /ɪmˈpekəbl ˈtaɪmɪŋ/ – Perfect or excellent sense of when to do or say something for maximum effect.
Example: “The comedian’s impeccable timing made even simple jokes hilarious.” -
To crack a joke (idiom) – /kræk ə dʒəʊk/ – To tell a joke or say something funny.
Example: “Even in tense meetings, she knows how to crack a joke to lighten the mood.” -
Self-deprecating humor (noun phrase) – /self ˈdeprɪkeɪtɪŋ ˈhjuːmə/ – A form of humor involving poking fun at oneself.
Example: “His self-deprecating humor makes him very relatable and likable.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a humorous person:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to humor and personality traits.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate the person’s humorous nature.
- Discuss the impact of their humor on others and the environment.
- Use idiomatic expressions and collocations naturally in your responses.
- Maintain fluency by expanding on your ideas and linking them coherently.
- Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts related to humor in Part 3.
Practice regularly by describing different humorous people you know, focusing on varied aspects of their humor and its effects. This will help you build a rich vocabulary and develop the ability to discuss this topic comprehensively in the IELTS Speaking test.
Practicing describing humorous people for IELTS Speaking
For further practice, you might find it helpful to describe an experience that made you laugh or describe a recent conversation that made you laugh. These topics can help you expand your vocabulary and ideas related to humor in different contexts.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about describing a humorous person, but also about demonstrating your overall English language proficiency. By incorporating a range of grammatical structures, using appropriate vocabulary, and maintaining fluency and coherence, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high band score.
