Describing a time when you made someone happy is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and use appropriate vocabulary. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and maximize your score in the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about happiness and making others happy. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:
Examiner: “Do you often try to make others happy?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. I firmly believe in the power of spreading joy and make a conscious effort to brighten someone’s day whenever possible. Whether it’s through small gestures like offering a compliment or more significant actions like volunteering, I find immense satisfaction in contributing to others’ happiness.”
Describe a time when you managed a big responsibility can also be an opportunity to discuss how you made others happy through your actions.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you made someone happy
You should say:
- Who the person was
- What you did to make them happy
- Why you wanted to make them happy
- And explain how you felt about it
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about a time when I made my grandmother happy. It was her 75th birthday, and I decided to organize a surprise party for her. I invited all her close friends and relatives and decorated the house with her favorite flowers. I also baked her favorite cake and prepared some of her preferred dishes.
I wanted to make her happy because she has always been there for me, and I wanted to show her how much I appreciate her. When she saw the surprise, her face lit up with joy, and she had tears in her eyes. It made me feel really good to see her so happy.
The party was a success, and everyone had a great time. My grandmother kept thanking me throughout the evening, which made me feel proud of my efforts. It was a memorable experience that I’ll cherish for a long time.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d be delighted to share an experience when I brought joy to someone’s life. The person in question was my grandmother, who has always been a pillar of support in my life. On the occasion of her 75th birthday, I took it upon myself to organize a surprise celebration that would truly resonate with her.
Meticulous planning went into the event. I reached out to her lifelong friends and extended family members, ensuring their presence would add a nostalgic touch to the gathering. The house was adorned with her favorite flowers, creating an ambiance of warmth and celebration. I also channeled my culinary skills into baking her favorite cake and preparing a spread of dishes that held sentimental value for her.
My motivation stemmed from a deep-seated desire to reciprocate the love and care she has always showered upon me. I wanted to create a moment that would serve as a tangible expression of my gratitude and affection. When she walked in and saw the surprise, her reaction was utterly priceless. The sheer joy radiating from her face and the tears glistening in her eyes spoke volumes.
The success of the party filled me with an overwhelming sense of fulfillment. Witnessing my grandmother’s happiness and hearing her heartfelt thanks throughout the evening reinforced the value of thoughtful gestures. This experience not only brought immense joy to my grandmother but also left an indelible mark on my heart, serving as a poignant reminder of the profound impact we can have on others through acts of kindness and consideration.”
Grandmother's surprise birthday party
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: “Do you think it’s important to make others happy?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. I believe that making others happy is not just important, but essential for fostering positive relationships and creating a harmonious society. When we contribute to someone else’s happiness, we not only uplift their spirits but also experience a sense of fulfillment ourselves. This reciprocal nature of happiness can lead to stronger bonds, improved mental well-being, and a more compassionate community overall.”
Examiner: “What are some ways people can make others happy in their daily lives?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“There are numerous ways to brighten someone’s day in our daily routines. Simple gestures like offering a genuine compliment, actively listening to someone’s concerns, or expressing gratitude can have a significant impact. Going out of one’s way to help a colleague with a task, surprising a friend with a thoughtful gift, or volunteering in the community are also excellent ways to spread joy. Additionally, practicing empathy and being mindful of others’ feelings can create a positive atmosphere that naturally makes people happier.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Do you think happiness is more important than success?”
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I think happiness and success are both important, but happiness might be more crucial. When people are happy, they often feel more motivated to achieve their goals. Success without happiness doesn’t seem very fulfilling. However, the definition of success can vary from person to person, so it’s a complex topic.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“This is a thought-provoking question that often sparks debate. In my opinion, happiness holds paramount importance over conventional notions of success. While success can certainly contribute to one’s well-being, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee happiness. True fulfillment, I believe, comes from a sense of inner contentment and positive relationships, rather than external achievements alone.
That being said, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the concept of success is highly subjective and can vary significantly from person to person. For some, success might be intrinsically linked to their happiness, while others might find that pursuing success at the expense of their well-being leads to dissatisfaction.
Ultimately, I think the ideal scenario is to strike a balance between pursuing personal goals and maintaining a sense of joy and satisfaction in life. When we prioritize our happiness, we often find ourselves more resilient, creative, and motivated, which can, in turn, lead to greater success in various aspects of our lives.”
Happiness vs Success concept illustration
Describe an occasion when you were very excited can also relate to making others happy, as our excitement often stems from positive experiences we share with others.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
To bring joy to someone’s life (phrase) – /tə brɪŋ dʒɔɪ tə ˈsʌmwʌnz laɪf/ – To make someone happy
Example: “Volunteering at the local shelter brings joy to many people’s lives.”Pillar of support (idiom) – /ˈpɪlər əv səˈpɔːrt/ – A reliable and supportive person
Example: “My mother has always been a pillar of support throughout my academic journey.”To take it upon oneself (phrase) – /tə teɪk ɪt əˈpɒn wʌnˈself/ – To decide to do something without being asked
Example: “She took it upon herself to organize the office charity event.”Meticulous (adjective) – /məˈtɪkjələs/ – Showing great attention to detail
Example: “His meticulous planning ensured the project’s success.”To reciprocate (verb) – /rɪˈsɪprəkeɪt/ – To respond to an action by making a corresponding one
Example: “I wanted to reciprocate her kindness by helping her with her move.”
Describe a skill you are learning could involve discussing how acquiring new skills allows you to bring happiness to others.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a time you made someone happy:
- Use a variety of descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of the event.
- Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally throughout your response.
- Provide specific details and examples to support your main points.
- Express your emotions and thoughts clearly, showing depth in your response.
- Maintain good fluency and coherence by organizing your ideas logically.
- Practice speaking on this topic regularly, focusing on improving your pronunciation and intonation.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and authenticity in your responses will help you make a strong impression on the examiner.
Describe a time when you had to compromise might also involve making others happy through finding mutually beneficial solutions.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-equipped to excel in describing a time when you made someone happy during your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!