The topic “describe a recent conversation that made you laugh” is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. This topic allows candidates to showcase their ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and use descriptive language effectively.
Let’s explore how to approach this topic in each part of the IELTS Speaking test, along with sample answers and valuable tips to help you achieve a high score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about laughter and humor. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Do you like making people laugh?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find great joy in bringing smiles to people’s faces. It’s incredibly rewarding to lighten someone’s mood or brighten their day with a well-timed joke or a funny story. I believe laughter is a universal language that can bring people together and create positive connections.”
- What kind of things make you laugh?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I have quite a diverse sense of humor. Clever wordplay and witty puns often tickle my funny bone, as do absurd or unexpected situations in daily life. I’m also fond of satirical comedy that offers insightful commentary on social issues. Additionally, I find myself chuckling at self-deprecating humor when it’s done tastefully, as it shows a person’s ability to laugh at themselves.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a recent conversation that made you laugh.
You should say:
- Who you had the conversation with
- Where and when the conversation took place
- What the conversation was about
- And explain why it made you laugh
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share a hilarious conversation I had with my best friend, Sarah, just last weekend. We were catching up over coffee at our favorite local café, a cozy spot we frequently visit for our heart-to-heart chats.
The conversation initially revolved around our recent experiences, but it took an unexpected turn when Sarah started recounting her misadventures while trying to assemble a new piece of furniture she’d bought. She described, with impeccable comedic timing, how she’d spent hours struggling with the instructions, only to realize she’d been reading them upside down the entire time!
What made this conversation particularly amusing was Sarah’s animated storytelling. She vividly mimicked her own frustration, complete with exaggerated facial expressions and gestures. The way she self-deprecatingly portrayed her confusion and the absurdity of the situation had me in stitches.
Moreover, as she continued her tale, she revealed that she’d mistakenly attached the legs to the wrong side of the table, resulting in a bizarre, upside-down creation. The mental image of Sarah proudly displaying her ‘masterpiece’ to her bewildered roommate was simply priceless.
This conversation had me laughing so hard that tears were rolling down my cheeks. It wasn’t just the story itself, but also the way Sarah told it, interjecting witty comments and drawing parallels to other comical mishaps from our shared history. Her ability to find humor in a frustrating situation and share it in such an engaging manner truly brightened my day.
Ultimately, this conversation was a perfect reminder of the therapeutic power of laughter and the joy of sharing amusing experiences with close friends. It’s these moments of genuine, uncontrollable laughter that strengthen our bond and create lasting memories.”
Possible follow-up questions:
- Do you think it’s important to be able to laugh at yourself?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely. Being able to laugh at oneself is a sign of emotional maturity and self-awareness. It helps us maintain perspective, alleviates stress, and can even diffuse tense situations. Moreover, it makes us more relatable and approachable to others, fostering better relationships.”
- How does humor differ across generations?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Humor often reflects the values, experiences, and cultural references of each generation. Older generations might appreciate more traditional forms of comedy, such as slapstick or wordplay, while younger generations tend to gravitate towards meme culture and internet-based humor. The pace and delivery of jokes have also evolved, with younger people often preferring faster, more rapid-fire humor. However, universal themes like human folly and everyday mishaps continue to amuse people across all age groups.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- How important is a sense of humor in maintaining relationships?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“A sense of humor plays a pivotal role in nurturing and sustaining relationships. It serves as a social lubricant, helping to ease tensions and create a positive atmosphere. In romantic relationships, shared laughter can strengthen emotional bonds and foster intimacy. In friendships, it helps create shared experiences and inside jokes that reinforce connections.
Moreover, humor can be a valuable coping mechanism when facing challenges together. It allows couples or friends to approach difficulties with a lighter perspective, potentially diffusing conflicts before they escalate. A well-timed joke can often break the ice in awkward situations or help navigate sensitive topics more comfortably.
However, it’s crucial to note that humor should be used judiciously. What one person finds funny might be offensive to another, so being attuned to others’ sensibilities is essential. The most effective use of humor in relationships involves mutual understanding and respect for boundaries.
In essence, a shared sense of humor can act as a powerful bonding agent, creating a positive feedback loop of enjoyment and closeness in relationships. It’s not just about making each other laugh, but about cultivating a joyful, light-hearted approach to life’s ups and downs together.”
- Do you think the ability to make people laugh is an innate skill or can it be learned?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe it’s a combination of both innate talent and learned skills. Some people seem to have a natural flair for humor, with an intuitive sense of timing and delivery. However, I think anyone can improve their ability to make others laugh through practice and observation.
Studying comedic techniques, such as timing, wordplay, and storytelling, can significantly enhance one’s humor skills. Additionally, being attentive to audience reactions and adapting one’s style accordingly is crucial. It’s also about developing social intelligence and understanding what types of humor resonate with different people.
Ultimately, while some may have a head start, the art of making people laugh is a skill that can be honed and refined over time with dedication and practice.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Hilarious /hɪˈleəriəs/ (adj): Extremely funny
Example: The comedian’s performance was absolutely hilarious. -
In stitches (idiom): Laughing uncontrollably
Example: His impression of the teacher had us all in stitches. -
Witty /ˈwɪti/ (adj): Clever and humorous
Example: She’s known for her witty remarks in social situations. -
Self-deprecating /ˌsɛlf ˈdɛprɪkeɪtɪŋ/ (adj): Tending to undervalue oneself for humorous effect
Example: His self-deprecating jokes about his cooking skills were quite endearing. -
Comedic timing (noun phrase): The skill of delivering a joke or funny line at the perfect moment
Example: Her impeccable comedic timing made even the simplest jokes hilarious. -
To tickle one’s funny bone (idiom): To amuse someone greatly
Example: That silly cat video really tickled my funny bone. -
Lighthearted /ˌlaɪtˈhɑːrtɪd/ (adj): Cheerful and carefree
Example: We enjoyed a lighthearted conversation over lunch. -
To crack up (phrasal verb): To laugh very hard
Example: The entire audience cracked up at his unexpected punchline. -
Anecdote /ˈænɪkdəʊt/ (noun): A short, amusing story about a real incident or person
Example: He always has an amusing anecdote to share from his travels. -
To see the funny side (idiom): To be able to laugh at a difficult or embarrassing situation
Example: Although he was initially upset about falling, he soon saw the funny side of it.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing a conversation that made you laugh:
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Practice storytelling: Work on your ability to narrate events coherently and engagingly. Focus on including relevant details and expressing emotions effectively.
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Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of words and phrases related to humor and laughter. This will help you express your thoughts more precisely and impressively.
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Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate relevant idioms naturally into your speech. This demonstrates a higher level of language proficiency.
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Work on your delivery: Pay attention to your intonation, pace, and emphasis. A well-delivered story can be more impactful and showcase your language skills better.
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Reflect on the ‘why’: Be prepared to explain why something was funny. This demonstrates your ability to analyze and articulate abstract concepts.
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Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, make sure your responses sound natural and genuine. Examiners appreciate authentic communication.
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Practice with varied topics: Don’t limit yourself to one story. Have several anecdotes ready to adapt to different question types.
By following these tips and regularly practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this topic and similar ones in your IELTS Speaking test, potentially boosting your score significantly.
describe a meal you had with your friends in a restaurant can also be an excellent topic to practice your descriptive skills and vocabulary related to social interactions and experiences.