Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Person Who Makes You Happy

When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, one common topic that often appears is describing people who have a positive impact on our lives. The ability to articulate your thoughts about someone who brings joy to your life can significantly boost your performance in the exam. This article will guide you through answering questions related to “describing a person who makes you happy” across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about happiness and people in your life. Here are some potential questions you might encounter:

1. Are you a happy person in general?
2. What usually makes you feel happy?
3. Who do you spend time with when you want to be happy?
4. Do you think it’s important to make others happy?

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

Examiner: Who do you spend time with when you want to be happy?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I tend to gravitate towards my best friend, Sarah, whenever I’m in need of a happiness boost. She has this infectious energy that never fails to lift my spirits. We’ve known each other since childhood, so there’s a deep-rooted comfort in our relationship. Whether we’re just chatting over coffee or going on spontaneous adventures, her presence always brings a smile to my face and helps me forget any worries I might have.”

Notice the use of idiomatic expressions and varied vocabulary, which contribute to a higher band score.

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Part 2: Long Turn

In Part 2, you might receive a cue card related to describing a person who makes you happy. Here’s a potential cue card:

Describe a person who makes you happy

You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does that makes you happy
- And explain why you feel happy when you are with this person

Let’s look at sample answers for different band scores:

Band 6-7 Answer:

“I’d like to talk about my grandfather, who always manages to make me happy. I’ve known him my whole life, of course, as he’s family. He’s retired now, but he used to be a teacher.

What makes me happy when I’m with him is his great sense of humor. He always has funny stories to tell about his past experiences. He also gives me advice when I need it, which I find very helpful.

I feel happy around him because he creates a positive atmosphere. He’s always smiling and laughing, which is contagious. Also, he shows genuine interest in my life, asking me questions about my studies and future plans. This makes me feel valued and important.

In conclusion, my grandfather’s cheerful nature and supportive attitude are the main reasons why he makes me so happy.”

Band 8-9 Answer:

“I’d like to tell you about my colleague, Emma, who consistently brightens my day and brings a sense of joy to our workplace. We’ve been working together in the same marketing team for about three years now, and over time, we’ve developed a strong friendship.

What sets Emma apart is her unwavering optimism and her ability to find silver linings in even the most challenging situations. She has an infectious laugh that can lighten the mood in any room, and her quick wit often leads to impromptu comedy sessions during our coffee breaks.

One of Emma’s most endearing qualities is her genuine interest in others’ well-being. She has an uncanny ability to sense when someone’s feeling down and always goes out of her way to offer support, whether it’s through a heartfelt conversation or a simple gesture like bringing them their favorite snack.

I feel incredibly happy in Emma’s presence because she radiates positive energy that’s truly contagious. Her zest for life and ability to find humor in everyday situations serve as a constant reminder to appreciate the little things. Moreover, her unwavering support and belief in my abilities have boosted my confidence significantly.

In essence, Emma’s combination of humor, empathy, and positivity create an environment where happiness flourishes naturally, making her an invaluable presence in my life.”

Colleagues laughing together in office

Follow-up Questions:

1. Has this person’s influence on your happiness changed over time?
2. Are there any specific moments with this person that stand out as particularly joyful?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“Absolutely, Emma’s influence on my happiness has evolved significantly over time. Initially, our interactions were mostly work-related, but as we got to know each other better, her positive impact on my mood became more pronounced. Now, I find myself looking forward to our conversations, both professional and personal, as they invariably leave me feeling uplifted and motivated.

One moment that stands out vividly was during a particularly stressful project deadline. Emma organized a surprise mini-celebration in the office, complete with cupcakes and silly party hats. Her thoughtfulness and ability to inject fun into a high-pressure situation not only made me happy but also reinvigorated the entire team. It’s moments like these that highlight her unique gift for spreading joy and remind me how fortunate I am to have her as a colleague and friend.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to happiness and relationships. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: Do you think it’s important for people to have someone in their lives who makes them happy?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe it’s crucial for people to have at least one person in their lives who brings them joy. Having such a person can provide emotional support and help maintain good mental health. In today’s fast-paced and often stressful world, having someone who can lift your spirits and provide a positive perspective can be incredibly valuable. This person can act as a buffer against negative experiences and help us maintain a more balanced outlook on life. However, it’s also important to note that we shouldn’t rely solely on others for our happiness. It’s a delicate balance between finding joy in our relationships and being able to cultivate happiness independently.”

Examiner: How do you think technology has affected our ability to form relationships that make us happy?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has had a profound and multifaceted impact on our ability to form happiness-inducing relationships. On one hand, it has broadened our horizons immensely, allowing us to connect with like-minded individuals across the globe. Social media platforms and messaging apps have made it possible to maintain long-distance relationships and rekindle old friendships, which can be significant sources of joy.

However, there’s also a flip side to this technological revolution. The ease of digital communication has, in some cases, led to a decline in face-to-face interactions, which are crucial for building deep, meaningful connections. There’s also the issue of social media comparison, where constantly seeing curated highlights of others’ lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy and unhappiness.

Moreover, the constant connectivity enabled by technology can sometimes be overwhelming, leading to a need for ‘digital detoxes’ to maintain our mental well-being. It’s a double-edged sword that requires us to be mindful of how we use technology in our relationships.

In essence, while technology has expanded our potential for connection, it has also complicated the landscape of human relationships. The key lies in leveraging the benefits of technology while not losing sight of the importance of genuine, in-person interactions that often form the bedrock of our happiest relationships.”

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Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To enhance your speaking performance, consider incorporating these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Infectious (adjective) – /ɪnˈfekʃəs/ – Likely to spread or affect others
   Example: “Her laughter is infectious, making everyone around her smile.”

2. To brighten someone’s day (phrase) – To make someone feel happier
   Example: “His kind words always brighten my day.”

3. Zest for life (phrase) – Great enthusiasm and energy
   Example: “Her zest for life is truly inspiring.”

4. To lift one’s spirits (phrase) – To make someone feel more cheerful
   Example: “Talking to my best friend always lifts my spirits.”

5. Unwavering (adjective) – /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ – Steady or resolute
   Example: “His unwavering support helped me through tough times.”

6. To radiate (verb) – /ˈreɪdieɪt/ – To emit or send out
   Example: “She radiates positivity wherever she goes.”

7. Contagious (adjective) – /kənˈteɪdʒəs/ – Spreading from one person to another
   Example: “His enthusiasm is contagious, motivating the entire team.”

Friends laughing together outdoors

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in describing a person who makes you happy in your IELTS Speaking test:

1. Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases to demonstrate your language proficiency.

2. Provide specific examples: Illustrate your points with concrete situations or anecdotes.

3. Show enthusiasm: Your tone and facial expressions should reflect the positive nature of the topic.

4. Structure your answer: Organize your thoughts logically, especially in Part 2’s long turn.

5. Extend your responses: In Part 3, develop your ideas fully, considering different perspectives.

6. Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with various aspects of this topic to speak confidently and fluently.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversational style while showcasing your vocabulary and grammatical range.

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By following these guidelines and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss a person who makes you happy in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!