As an IELTS instructor with over two decades of experience, I’ve encountered numerous topics in the IELTS Speaking test. One common theme that often arises is childhood, and more specifically, what brings laughter to a child’s world. This subject can seem simple at first glance, but it offers a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your vocabulary and fluency in a relatable way. This article will guide you on how to confidently tackle questions about “what makes children laugh” in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Why Does This Topic Matter in IELTS Speaking?
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. Examiners are looking for:
- Fluency and Coherence: Can you speak smoothly and connect your ideas logically?
- Lexical Resource: Do you possess a wide range of vocabulary, including less common words and idioms?
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Can you use various grammatical structures accurately?
- Pronunciation: Is your speech clear and easy to understand?
Discussing a universally relatable topic like children’s laughter allows you to showcase these skills in a natural and engaging manner.
Navigating the “What Makes Children Laugh” Topic
Here’s a breakdown of how to approach this topic effectively:
1. Brainstorm Ideas
Before diving into specific vocabulary, take a moment to think about the many things that make children laugh. Consider:
- Physical Comedy: Funny faces, silly walks, slapstick humor (e.g., slipping on a banana peel).
- Wordplay: Jokes, riddles, rhymes, and nonsense words.
- Unexpected Events: Surprises, like a sudden burst of confetti or a playful scare.
- Animals and Cartoons: The antics of animals, exaggerated cartoon characters, and silly animal sounds.
- Games and Play: Tickling, chasing, peek-a-boo, and imaginative role-playing.
Children Laughing Together
2. Expand Your Vocabulary
Now, let’s enrich your vocabulary with some words and phrases related to children’s laughter:
- Giggle: A light, high-pitched laugh, often expressing amusement or nervousness.
- Chuckle: A quiet, suppressed laugh of amusement.
- Roar with laughter: To laugh very loudly and heartily.
- Crack up: To suddenly start laughing uncontrollably.
- Tickle someone’s funny bone: To amuse or entertain someone.
- Infectious laughter: Laughter that spreads quickly to others.
- Sense of humor: The ability to appreciate and create humor.
3. Illustrate with Examples
Always back up your points with specific examples. For instance:
- “Young children often find physical comedy hilarious. My niece can’t stop giggling when I pull funny faces or pretend to trip.”
- “Wordplay is another surefire way to make kids laugh. They love it when I tell them silly jokes or make up rhymes.”
- “My son has an infectious laugh. Whenever he watches cartoons with slapstick humor, he cracks up, and it’s impossible not to laugh along with him.”
4. Consider Cultural Differences
While humor is universal, certain types of humor might be more prevalent or appreciated in specific cultures. If relevant to the question, you can briefly touch upon this:
- “In my culture, playful teasing among siblings is a common way to elicit laughter.”
Example IELTS Speaking Questions and Answers
Let’s put it all together with some sample questions and answers:
Question: What do you think is the importance of laughter for children?
Answer: “Laughter is absolutely crucial for a child’s development. Not only does it bring them joy, but it also helps them learn social skills, cope with stress, and even boost their immune systems. When children laugh together, it strengthens their bonds and creates a positive atmosphere.”
Question: Do you remember anything that made you laugh a lot when you were a child?
Answer: “Oh, definitely! When I was little, my grandfather used to tell us these hilarious stories about talking animals. He had a way of acting out the different characters with such animation that we would roar with laughter every time.”
Tips for Success
- Be genuine and enthusiastic: Speak from the heart and let your personality shine through. Your passion for the topic will make your response more engaging.
- Practice speaking naturally: Don’t memorize answers beforehand. Instead, practice speaking about the topic spontaneously.
- Listen carefully to the questions: Make sure you fully understand what the examiner is asking before you start speaking.
Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is a conversation, not an interrogation. Relax, enjoy the interaction, and let your personality shine through. By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to confidently discuss “what makes children laugh” and achieve a great score on your IELTS Speaking exam!
