Mastering the Art of Humor: How to Describe a Person Who Makes You Laugh in IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people who have influenced our lives, including those who bring joy and laughter. Being able to effectively describe a person who makes you laugh is a valuable skill that can help you showcase your English proficiency and personality. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic with confidence and flair.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter questions related to humor and laughter. Here are some common questions and a sample answer:

Examiner: Do you like making people laugh?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I thoroughly enjoy bringing smiles to people’s faces. There’s something incredibly rewarding about lightening someone’s mood or brightening their day with a well-timed joke or a funny story. I find that humor is a great way to break the ice in social situations and foster connections with others. That said, I’m always mindful of the context and try to ensure my humor is appropriate and inclusive.”

Describe a time when you attended a live performance that made you laugh uncontrollably. What was it about the performance that tickled your funny bone?

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a person who makes you laugh:

Describe a person who makes you laugh

You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they do or say that makes you laugh
- And explain why you find them funny

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my cousin, Sarah, who has an uncanny ability to make me laugh in any situation. I’ve known Sarah since childhood, as we grew up in the same neighborhood and attended the same schools.

What makes Sarah particularly funny is her quick wit and impeccable timing. She has this remarkable talent for observing everyday situations and finding the humor in them. Her deadpan delivery of witty one-liners often catches people off guard, which makes her jokes even more hilarious.

One of the things I find most amusing about Sarah is her skill at mimicry. She can imitate various accents and personalities with astonishing accuracy, often poking fun at celebrities or politicians in a way that’s both clever and good-natured. Her impressions are so spot-on that they’ve become a staple at family gatherings.

I think what makes Sarah truly funny is her ability to find humor in adversity. Even in challenging situations, she manages to lighten the mood with a well-timed quip or a self-deprecating joke. This quality not only makes her entertaining but also incredibly resilient and inspiring.

Sarah’s humor is never mean-spirited or at the expense of others. Instead, it comes from a place of warmth and intelligence, which I believe is the hallmark of great comedy. Her ability to make people laugh has endeared her to friends and family alike, and I always look forward to spending time with her because I know I’m in for a good laugh.”

Funny person performing stand-up comedy

Follow-up questions:

Examiner: Do you think being funny is an innate talent or a skill that can be learned?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe it’s a combination of both. Some people seem to have a natural flair for humor, but I think anyone can improve their comedic skills with practice. It’s about developing timing, understanding your audience, and honing your observational skills. Even naturally funny people often refine their craft over time.”

Examiner: How important do you think a sense of humor is in maintaining relationships?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“A sense of humor is absolutely crucial in maintaining healthy relationships. It acts as a social lubricant, helping to diffuse tension and create shared experiences. Laughter can strengthen bonds between people and make difficult times more bearable. Moreover, being able to laugh together often indicates compatibility and mutual understanding, which are fundamental to long-lasting relationships.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

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

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

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Humor has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting changes in societal norms and values. In the past, comedy often relied on stereotypes and could be quite insensitive by today’s standards. Now, there’s a greater emphasis on inclusivity and punching up rather than down.

The internet has also revolutionized humor, giving rise to meme culture and allowing for the rapid spread of jokes and comedic content. This has led to more niche and referential humor, as well as the development of absurdist and surreal comedic styles that resonate with younger generations.

Additionally, there’s been a shift towards more introspective and self-deprecating humor, particularly in stand-up comedy. Comedians are now more likely to tackle serious issues through a humorous lens, using laughter as a tool for social commentary and coping with adversity.

However, this evolution has also brought challenges. The instant nature of social media means jokes can spread rapidly before context is fully understood, sometimes leading to misinterpretations or backlash. This has made comedians and content creators more conscious of their material and its potential impact.”

Describe a person who is known for their humor in your community. How does their humor contribute to social cohesion?

Examiner: Do you think the ability to make others laugh is an important leadership skill?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely, I believe the ability to make others laugh can be a valuable asset for leaders. A well-placed joke can ease tensions in high-stress situations, boost morale, and create a more positive work environment. Leaders who use humor effectively can appear more approachable and relatable to their team members.

However, it’s crucial for leaders to use humor judiciously. The type of humor and its timing must be appropriate for the professional setting. Self-deprecating humor can be particularly effective, as it shows humility and can help bridge hierarchical gaps.

That said, while humor can be a useful tool, it shouldn’t be seen as a substitute for other essential leadership qualities such as competence, integrity, and decision-making skills. A leader needs to strike a balance, using humor to complement their other strengths rather than relying on it exclusively.”

Leader using humor in a team meeting

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

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

1. Uncanny ability /ʌnˈkæni əˈbɪləti/ (adj + noun): An extraordinary or supernatural talent
   Example: “She has an uncanny ability to make even the most serious person crack a smile.”

2. Quick wit /kwɪk wɪt/ (adj + noun): The ability to think and respond humorously with speed
   Example: “His quick wit often saves awkward social situations.”

3. Impeccable timing /ɪmˈpekəbl ˈtaɪmɪŋ/ (adj + noun): Perfect sense of when to say or do something for maximum effect
   Example: “The comedian’s impeccable timing made every punchline land perfectly.”

4. Deadpan delivery /ˈdedpæn dɪˈlɪvəri/ (adj + noun): A manner of speaking without showing emotion or amusement
   Example: “Her deadpan delivery of absurd statements always catches people off guard.”

5. Self-deprecating /ˌself ˈdeprəkeɪtɪŋ/ (adj): Tending to belittle or undervalue oneself, often for humorous effect
   Example: “His self-deprecating jokes about his cooking skills had everyone in stitches.”

Describe a time when you gave someone a surprise that made them laugh uncontrollably. How did their reaction make you feel?

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who makes you laugh:

1. Be specific: Provide detailed examples of what the person does or says that you find funny. This demonstrates your ability to describe and explain clearly.

2. Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate a range of words related to humor and laughter to showcase your lexical resource.

3. Show, don’t tell: Instead of just saying someone is funny, illustrate it with anecdotes or by mimicking their style of humor.

4. Discuss the impact: Explain how this person’s humor affects you and others, demonstrating your ability to analyze and reflect.

5. Practice fluency: Work on delivering your description smoothly, without too many hesitations or repetitions.

6. Engage with the topic: Show genuine interest and enthusiasm when talking about the person who makes you laugh. This can positively influence the examiner’s perception of your communication skills.

Describe a time when you attended a friend’s wedding and someone’s humorous speech or actions made the event memorable. How did it contribute to the overall atmosphere?

By following these tips and incorporating advanced vocabulary, you’ll be well-equipped to deliver a compelling description of a person who makes you laugh, showcasing your English proficiency and potentially boosting your IELTS Speaking score.

Describe a place where you go to spend time with family that often results in laughter and joyful moments. What is it about this place that fosters such positive experiences?