Describe a funny film or comedy that made you laugh a lot
Try the card on the exam timer first, then read the band-8 sample answer and the Part 3 questions that follow it.
Practice it like the exam
Describe a funny film or comedy that made you laugh a lot.
You should say:
- what the film or show was
- where and with whom you watched it
- what made it funny
and explain how you felt about it afterwards.
Ready
1 minute to prepare, then 2 minutes to speak. It switches on its own.
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Band 8 sample answer
263 words · about 2 minutes at a natural pace · Phrases from the vocabulary list are highlighted.
A film that made me laugh a lot is Home Alone. I know it's quite old, but I first watched it as a child, and I've seen it every December since then. The last time was just a few months ago with my cousins at my grandparents' house.
The story is about an eight-year-old boy called Kevin, who is accidentally left behind when his family flies off on holiday. At first he's delighted to have the house to himself, eating junk food and watching whatever he likes. But then two clumsy burglars try to break in, and Kevin defends his home by setting up a series of ridiculous traps, including paint cans, hot door handles and a floor covered with toy cars.
It had me in stitches because of the slapstick comedy. The burglars fall down stairs, get hit in the face and slip on ice, and somehow keep coming back for more, which is hilarious. There's also some very witty dialogue, for example, when Kevin is talking to a department store Santa or practising his own scary voice in the mirror. Another thing I like is the running joke about the family frantically trying to get home.
Afterwards, I always feel lighter and more cheerful. It lifts my spirits whenever I'm stressed, partly because it reminds me of my childhood and the holidays. I also like that the whole family can enjoy it together, from my little cousins to my grandparents, and even after so many viewings we still laugh at the same scenes, which tells me it's a truly timeless comedy.
What to notice
- It takes the points on the card in order, so the examiner can follow it.
- Each point gets a specific detail or a short story, which is what keeps a talk going for two minutes.
- The "explain" line at the end gets the most time, because that is where you give an opinion and show your range of language.
We wrote this answer for practice; it does not come from IELTS. Take its structure and phrases and tell your own story, because examiners notice memorised answers.
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Useful vocabulary
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| laugh out loud | laugh in a way others can hear |
| have me in stitches | make me laugh uncontrollably |
| witty dialogue | clever, amusing conversation |
| a running joke | a joke repeated throughout |
| slapstick | physical, silly comedy |
| lift my spirits | make me feel happier |
Plan it in one minute
Choose what to talk about in the first ten seconds, then write two or three key words for each point. Full sentences take too long to write and to read back.
Who or what you could talk about
- An animated family comedy
- A classic comedy you watched with relatives
- A sitcom you rewatch whenever you feel low
How to spend the two minutes
- 25 swhat the film or show was
- 25 swhere and with whom you watched it
- 25 swhat made it funny
- 45 sand explain how you felt about it afterwards.
Part 3 questions
In the exam these come straight after your talk, on the wider subject: Humour and comedy. Answer each in 3–4 sentences, with your view, a reason and an example.
- Why do people enjoy comedy?
- Is a sense of humour the same in every culture?
- Do you think humour is important in the workplace?
- Who do you think is more important in a comedy, the writer or the performer?
- Can comedy be used to talk about serious topics?
Keep practicing
More cue cards: Books, films and media
- Describe a computer or video game that you enjoyed playing
- Describe a book that you loved reading when you were a child
- Describe a film that you enjoyed watching
- Describe an audiobook, e-book or other form of digital reading that you have tried
- Describe a post you saw on social media that you remember
- Describe a type of music that you enjoy listening to
Part 1 topics on the same subject
Frequently asked questions
How should I describe a book, film or programme in an IELTS cue card?
Do not retell the whole plot. Give the title and what it is about in two sentences, then spend your time on one part you remember and why it affected you. Your opinion is what fills the two minutes.
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