The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and emotions. One common topic that examiners frequently ask about is describing a time when you made someone smile. This topic allows candidates to showcase their ability to narrate a personal story while demonstrating their language skills. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may ask general questions related to smiling, happiness, or making others feel good. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you often make people smile?
- What kinds of things make you smile?
- Do you think it’s important to make others smile?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you often make people smile?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I’d say I make an effort to bring a smile to people’s faces quite frequently. I believe that a simple joke or a kind gesture can brighten someone’s day, so I often try to inject a bit of humor into conversations or go out of my way to help others. It’s immensely satisfying to see someone’s face light up because of something I’ve said or done.”
Describe a person who makes you laugh is another related topic that can help you prepare for this type of question.
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you might receive a cue card with the following task:
Describe a time when you made someone smile
You should say:
- Who the person was
- What you did to make them smile
- Where and when it happened
- And explain how you felt about making them smile
Here are sample answers for different band scores:
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about a time when I made my younger sister smile. It was last year during her final exams period. She was really stressed out and feeling down because of the pressure. I decided to surprise her with her favorite snacks and a funny card I made myself.
I went to the store and bought some chocolates and chips that she loves. Then, I spent about an hour drawing a cartoon of her as a superhero on a card. I wrote a message inside saying how proud I was of her hard work.
It happened in our living room one evening when she was taking a break from studying. When I gave her the snacks and card, her face lit up immediately. She laughed at the cartoon and seemed really touched by the message.
Making her smile made me feel great. It was nice to see her stress melt away, even if just for a moment. I felt like a good big brother and was happy I could lift her spirits.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to recount an incident where I brought a smile to my elderly neighbor’s face. Mrs. Johnson, a widow in her late 70s, lives alone next door and often struggles with daily tasks.
One particularly frigid winter morning, I noticed her attempting to shovel snow from her driveway. Without hesitation, I bundled up and ventured out to offer my assistance. I approached her with a warm smile and insisted on taking over the task, urging her to go inside where it was warm.
As I cleared her driveway, I could see her watching from her window, her expression a mixture of gratitude and relief. Once I finished, I knocked on her door to let her know it was done. Mrs. Johnson opened the door, and her face broke into a radiant smile that seemed to light up the entire doorway.
The experience left me with a profound sense of fulfillment. It was incredibly heartwarming to see how such a simple act could bring such joy to someone. It reinforced my belief in the power of small kindnesses and strengthened my resolve to be more attentive to the needs of those around me. The genuine appreciation in Mrs. Johnson’s smile was more rewarding than any verbal ‘thank you’ could have been.”
Elderly neighbor smiling with gratitude
Follow-up questions:
Examiner: Do you think it’s easier to make children or adults smile?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“That’s an interesting question. In my experience, it’s generally easier to elicit a smile from children. They tend to be more open and spontaneous with their emotions, often finding joy in simple things like a funny face or a silly joke. Adults, on the other hand, might require more nuanced approaches. Their smiles often come from more complex interactions or shared experiences. However, I believe that the satisfaction of making an adult smile can be greater because it often feels more hard-earned and genuine.”
Describe a time when you gave someone a surprise is another topic that can help you prepare for questions about positive interactions with others.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Examiner: Why do you think some people find it difficult to smile?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“There could be several reasons why some individuals struggle to smile. Personal circumstances like stress, depression, or anxiety can significantly impact one’s mood and ability to express joy. Additionally, cultural factors may play a role, as some societies value stoicism or consider frequent smiling inappropriate. Physical factors such as dental issues or facial paralysis could also make smiling challenging for some people. It’s important to remember that a lack of smiling doesn’t necessarily indicate unhappiness; it’s just that some people may have different ways of expressing their emotions.”
Examiner: Do you think technology has affected the way people interact and make each other happy?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has undoubtedly revolutionized the way we interact and share happiness. On one hand, it has bridged geographical gaps, allowing us to instantly connect with loved ones across the globe through video calls or social media. This has created new opportunities for sharing joyful moments and making each other smile, even from a distance.
However, there’s also a flip side to this technological influence. The prevalence of screens in our daily lives can sometimes lead to less face-to-face interaction, potentially reducing spontaneous moments of shared joy. Moreover, the curated nature of social media can create unrealistic expectations and lead to comparisons that might actually diminish happiness.
That being said, I believe the impact of technology on our ability to make each other happy largely depends on how we choose to use it. When used mindfully, technology can be a powerful tool for spreading joy and fostering connections. The key lies in striking a balance between digital and real-world interactions, ensuring that we don’t lose the art of making someone smile in person while embracing the new avenues technology offers for sharing happiness.”
Technology connecting people and creating smiles
Describe a gift that you received which was meaningful to you is another topic that can help you practice discussing positive emotions and experiences.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score, incorporate sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Here are some examples:
To brighten someone’s day (phrasal verb) – to make someone happier
Example: “A small compliment can often brighten someone’s day.”To go out of one’s way (idiom) – to make a special effort
Example: “She always goes out of her way to make new colleagues feel welcome.”Immensely (adverb) – extremely, very much
Example: “It was immensely satisfying to see her smile after days of stress.”To lift someone’s spirits (idiom) – to make someone feel happier
Example: “His unexpected visit really lifted my spirits when I was feeling down.”To break into a smile (phrase) – to suddenly start smiling
Example: “As soon as she saw her long-lost friend, she broke into a wide smile.”Radiant (adjective) – bright and full of happiness
Example: “Her radiant smile lit up the entire room.”Heartwarming (adjective) – causing feelings of happiness or pleasure
Example: “It was a heartwarming moment when the community came together to help.”To elicit (verb) – to draw out or bring about (a response)
Example: “His funny anecdotes never fail to elicit laughter from the audience.”
Describe a person who inspires you to be a better person can provide more context for using positive and inspiring language in your responses.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a time you made someone smile:
- Practice narrating personal stories with a clear structure (introduction, main events, conclusion).
- Use a range of descriptive adjectives and adverbs to make your story vivid.
- Incorporate idiomatic expressions naturally to demonstrate language proficiency.
- Show reflection on the experience by explaining how it made you feel and what you learned.
- In Part 3, practice giving extended answers that show critical thinking and the ability to discuss abstract ideas.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversational style while showcasing your vocabulary and grammatical range.
Describe a person who has a positive impact on others is another excellent topic to practice for developing your ability to discuss positive influences and experiences.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this topic and similar ones in your IELTS Speaking test, putting you on the path to achieving your desired band score.