Have you ever been asked to describe an event that made you laugh a lot? This topic is a popular choice in IELTS Speaking examinations, particularly in Part 2. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your ability to narrate a personal experience while demonstrating your language skills. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively and boost your IELTS Speaking score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may warm up with questions related to humor and laughter. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you like making other 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 with a well-timed joke or a funny story. I believe laughter is a universal language that can break down barriers and create connections between people.”

2. What kind of things make you laugh?

   Sample answer (Band 8-9): “I find humor in a wide range of situations. Witty wordplay and clever puns always tickle my funny bone. I’m also a fan of situational comedy, especially when it involves ironic twists or unexpected outcomes. Additionally, I have a soft spot for self-deprecating humor when it’s done tastefully – I think it shows a great sense of self-awareness and humility.”

IELTS Speaking Examiner asking questions

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe an event that made you laugh a lot

You should say:
- What the event was
- When it happened
- Who you were with
- And explain why it made you laugh so much

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a funny event that happened during my cousin’s wedding last year. It was a big, traditional ceremony with about 200 guests. I was sitting with my family near the front of the venue.

During the vows, everything was very serious and emotional. But suddenly, just as the bride was about to say ‘I do’, her little nephew, who was the ring bearer, shouted ‘No, don’t do it!’ at the top of his lungs. Everyone was shocked for a second, then burst out laughing.

It was so funny because the timing was perfect, and the little boy looked so serious. He later explained that he thought his aunt was going away forever if she got married. The bride and groom found it hilarious too, and it became the highlight of the wedding.

This event made me laugh so much because it was completely unexpected and innocent. The contrast between the formal atmosphere and the child’s outburst was just too funny. It also helped to break the tension and made the whole ceremony more relaxed and enjoyable.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to recount a hilarious incident that occurred during my best friend’s impromptu karaoke party last summer. It was a balmy Saturday evening, and a group of us had gathered at her apartment for what we thought would be a quiet dinner.

As the night progressed, my friend, ever the spontaneous host, decided to break out her new karaoke machine. Now, it’s worth noting that among our group, we have a mix of tone-deaf enthusiasts and closet songbirds. The real comedy began when my normally reserved colleague, John, volunteered to kick things off.

John selected what he claimed was his signature song – a power ballad from the 80s. As he grabbed the microphone with uncharacteristic gusto, we all leaned in, curious to see this hidden talent. What followed was a spectacularly off-key performance, complete with dramatic gestures and air guitar solos that were wildly out of sync with the music.

The sheer incongruity of John’s serious expression and his comically bad performance had us all in stitches. Tears were streaming down our faces, and I distinctly remember having to hold onto the sofa to keep from falling over with laughter.

What made this event particularly amusing was the unexpected revelation of John’s hidden ‘talent’ and his unwavering commitment to the performance, despite the obvious cacophony. It was a perfect storm of bad singing, over-the-top theatrics, and complete obliviousness to how he sounded.

This experience was side-splittingly funny because it shattered our preconceptions about John, creating a moment of shared, unbridled joy. It served as a poignant reminder that sometimes the most memorable moments come from stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing our imperfections with good humor.”

IELTS Speaking candidate describing a funny event

Follow-up Questions:

1. Do you think people laugh more now than in the past?

   Sample answer (Band 8-9): “That’s an intriguing question. I believe that while the fundamental human capacity for laughter hasn’t changed, the contexts and stimuli for laughter have evolved significantly. In today’s digital age, we’re inundated with memes, funny videos, and witty social media content that provide constant opportunities for amusement. However, this might come at the expense of more genuine, spontaneous laughter that arises from real-life interactions. It’s a double-edged sword – we have more access to humor, but it might be of a more superficial nature. Ultimately, I think the quality of laughter matters more than the quantity, and we should strive to create moments of authentic joy in our daily lives.”

2. How important do you think it is to have a good sense of humor?

   Sample answer (Band 8-9): “I believe having a good sense of humor is absolutely crucial in navigating the complexities of modern life. It serves as a psychological buffer against stress and adversity, allowing us to maintain perspective in challenging situations. Moreover, humor is a powerful social lubricant, facilitating connections and easing tensions in various settings, from personal relationships to professional environments. A well-developed sense of humor also demonstrates emotional intelligence and cognitive flexibility, as it requires the ability to perceive and appreciate the nuances and incongruities of life. In essence, humor is not just about being funny; it’s a vital life skill that enhances our resilience, relationships, and overall well-being.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Let’s talk more about humor and laughter in society. Do you think different cultures have different senses of humor?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely, I believe humor can vary significantly across cultures. What’s considered funny in one society might be confusing or even offensive in another. This is because humor often relies on shared cultural references, language nuances, and social norms. For example, British humor tends to be more dry and sarcastic, while American humor might be more direct and slapstick. In some Asian cultures, wordplay and puns are highly appreciated, which might not translate well to other languages. It’s fascinating how these differences reflect the values and history of each culture.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Without a doubt, humor is deeply intertwined with cultural context. The spectrum of what’s considered amusing varies tremendously across different societies, reflecting their unique historical, social, and linguistic landscapes. This diversity in humor is a testament to the richness of human expression.

For instance, British humor often revels in self-deprecation and subtle irony, which might be lost on audiences from cultures that value more overt expressions of confidence. Conversely, the direct, often hyperbolic nature of American humor could be perceived as brash or unsophisticated in societies that prize understatement and indirectness.

Moreover, humor frequently hinges on shared cultural knowledge and experiences. Comedic references to local politics, historical events, or pop culture phenomena may fall flat when presented to an audience lacking the necessary contextual framework. This is particularly evident in the challenges faced when translating comedy across languages, where wordplay, idiomatic expressions, and cultural allusions often lose their punch.

It’s also worth noting that what’s considered acceptable material for humor varies widely. Topics that are fair game for jokes in one culture might be taboo or deeply offensive in another, reflecting different societal values and sensitivities.

Understanding these cultural nuances in humor is not just about appreciating comedy; it’s a valuable tool for cross-cultural communication and empathy. It allows us to gain insights into the psyche and values of different societies, fostering greater intercultural understanding and respect.”

Examiner: How has technology changed the way we share and consume humor?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Technology has revolutionized how we share and consume humor in several ways. Social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram have made it easier to share jokes and funny content instantly with a global audience. Memes have become a universal language of humor, often spreading viral jokes across cultures. Streaming services have made stand-up comedy more accessible, allowing people to watch performances from comedians around the world. Additionally, apps and websites dedicated to humor have created new formats for jokes, like short-form videos on TikTok or humorous articles on satire websites. Overall, technology has made humor more diverse, accessible, and fast-paced.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has fundamentally transformed the landscape of humor creation, distribution, and consumption, ushering in a new era of democratized comedy.

First and foremost, social media platforms have dramatically lowered the barriers to entry for aspiring comedians and content creators. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have become virtual stages where anyone with a clever joke or a funny video can potentially reach millions. This has led to the rise of internet celebrities and influencers who have built entire careers around their ability to consistently produce humorous content.

The viral nature of online sharing has also changed the life cycle of jokes. Memes, in particular, have become a global currency of humor, often transcending language barriers and cultural differences. These easily shareable, highly adaptable pieces of content can spread like wildfire, sometimes evolving and taking on new meanings as they’re shared across different communities.

Streaming services and on-demand content have revolutionized how we consume professional comedy. Stand-up specials, which were once limited to television broadcasts or live shows, are now available at our fingertips. This has not only made comedy more accessible but has also allowed for more niche and diverse voices to find their audiences.

AI and machine learning are also starting to play a role in humor. We’re seeing the emergence of AI-generated jokes and memes, which, while often hit-or-miss, point to a future where technology might be able to understand and replicate human humor to some degree.

However, this technological revolution in humor is not without its downsides. The rapid pace of online humor can lead to oversaturation and shortened attention spans. There’s also the risk of humor becoming more homogenized as creators chase algorithms and viral trends.

In essence, technology has made humor more immediate, global, and participatory, but it has also changed our relationship with comedy, turning it into a constant stream of content rather than discrete experiences. This shift presents both exciting opportunities and new challenges for comedians and audiences alike.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Hilarious (adjective) /hɪˈleəriəs/ – extremely funny
   Example: “The comedian’s impersonations were absolutely hilarious.”

2. To burst out laughing (phrase) – to suddenly start laughing loudly
   Example: “When he saw his friend’s ridiculous costume, he burst out laughing.”

3. Side-splitting (adjective) /ˈsaɪd splɪtɪŋ/ – extremely funny
   Example: “The movie was so side-splitting that my stomach hurt from laughing.”

4. To be in stitches (idiom) – to be laughing very hard
   Example: “Her funny story had us all in stitches.”

5. Witty (adjective) /ˈwɪti/ – clever and humorous
   Example: “His witty remarks always lighten the mood in meetings.”

6. To crack up (phrasal verb) – to laugh uncontrollably
   Example: “The audience cracked up at the comedian’s unexpected punchline.”

7. Amusing (adjective) /əˈmjuːzɪŋ/ – causing laughter and providing entertainment
   Example: “She found his clumsy attempts at dancing quite amusing.”

8. Uproarious (adjective) /ʌpˈrɔːriəs/ – characterized by or provoking loud noise or uproar
   Example: “The play’s final scene provoked uproarious laughter from the audience.”

Examiner’s Advice

To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a funny event:

1. Use a variety of descriptive vocabulary to make your story vivid and engaging.
2. Incorporate idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs naturally in your narrative.
3. Vary your sentence structures to demonstrate linguistic flexibility.
4. Show enthusiasm in your tone and body language when recounting the funny event.
5. Practice telling your story within the given time limit (1-2 minutes for Part 2).
6. Be prepared to expand on your story with additional details if asked follow-up questions.
7. Reflect on why the event was funny, demonstrating critical thinking skills.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a top band score in IELTS Speaking.

Describe a game you played as a child can also be an excellent way to practice your storytelling skills for the IELTS Speaking test. Similarly, being able to describe a memorable day you spent with your family can help you develop the ability to recount personal experiences effectively.

IELTS Speaking candidate using gestures

By mastering these techniques and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any topic in your IELTS Speaking test, including describing an event that made you laugh a lot. Remember, the goal is not just to tell a funny story, but to demonstrate your English language proficiency while doing so.