As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless students who dread the Speaking test. Many worry about their vocabulary, grammar, or fluency. However, one aspect that often gets overlooked is the power of humor.
The ability to laugh, share a humorous anecdote, or simply understand humor can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. Why? Because humor demonstrates your command of language, cultural understanding, and most importantly, your ability to connect with the examiner on a human level.
The Role of Humor in the IELTS Speaking Test
The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English. While it’s not a stand-up comedy audition, incorporating humor appropriately can:
- Demonstrate fluency and natural language use: Using humor naturally in your responses shows that you are not overly reliant on memorized answers.
- Highlight your vocabulary range: Humor often relies on wordplay, idioms, and a nuanced understanding of vocabulary.
- Showcase your cultural understanding: Different cultures have different styles of humor. Being able to understand and respond to humor appropriately demonstrates cultural sensitivity.
- Create a positive impression: A touch of humor can make you more memorable to the examiner and help create a more relaxed atmosphere.
How to Talk About What Makes You Laugh
Let’s address the specific question: “What kind of things make you laugh?”
1. Be Authentic:
The best answers come from the heart. Don’t try to be funny if it doesn’t feel natural. Think about what genuinely makes you laugh. Is it:
- Situational comedy? (e.g., “I love watching sitcoms with witty dialogue and relatable characters. Shows like ‘Friends’ or ‘Modern Family’ always crack me up.”)
- Stand-up comedy? (e.g., “I find observational humor hilarious. Comedians who can point out the absurdity of everyday life are my favorite.”)
- Physical comedy? (e.g., “Slapstick humor, although a bit silly, never fails to make me laugh, especially in classic movies like Charlie Chaplin’s.”)
- Dry humor? (e.g., “I appreciate subtle, dry humor. The unexpectedness of it is what I find so funny.”)
2. Give Specific Examples:
Instead of just saying you find something funny, elaborate with an example.
For instance:
- “I love watching stand-up comedy. One comedian I really enjoy is [Comedian’s name]. Their routine about [topic] had me in stitches.”
3. Use a Range of Vocabulary:
Instead of repeatedly using “funny,” expand your vocabulary with:
- Hilarious
- Amusing
- Witty
- Humorous
- Side-splitting
- Crack up (verb)
- Tickle your funny bone
- Have a good chuckle
Example Response
“Oh, that’s a fun question! I’d say I’m a pretty easy-going person, so a lot of things make me laugh. But what really gets me going is observational comedy. You know, those comedians who can take everyday situations and point out the irony or absurdity in them? I find that hilarious. One example that comes to mind is a comedian I saw recently who was talking about the challenges of being a parent. He described trying to reason with his toddler, and the whole thing was just so relatable and funny. I was practically crying with laughter!”
Tips for Success
- Don’t force humor: It’s better to be genuine than to force a joke that falls flat.
- Be mindful of appropriateness: Avoid humor that could be considered offensive or insensitive.
- Keep it concise: Don’t ramble on with a long, drawn-out story.
- Practice makes perfect: Rehearse answering questions about humor to build confidence.
Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is a conversation, not an interrogation. Relax, be yourself, and don’t be afraid to let your sense of humor shine through!