Describe a Film or TV show that Made you Laugh- IELTS Cue Card

Sample Answer

Movies and TV shows can be based on an array of themes and plots. Today, every genre of film and television has an abundance of content for viewers to choose from. I have always liked comedic films and television shows more than any other type of entertainment. One particular comedy show that has made me laugh more than anything else is the show called ‘Friends’. ‘Friends’ is one of the most popular shows of all time and is still in vogue even after 18 years of its conclusion. Ever since I was a teenager, I would hear my friends and other classmates obsess and gush about the various characters on the show and how the story progressed.

The first time I started watching ‘Friends’ was in my first semester of college by which time I could no longer defer from watching the show after having my friends routinely suggest it. I remember with palpable clarity the first impression I had after watching the first episode. I burst out laughing at one of the jokes, and my mother came to my room to see if I was okay. I immediately fell in love with the show and binge-watched it over the next weekend. Even today, after I have completed watching the show many times over, it is still my go-to television show whenever I want to relax and have a good time.

‘Friends’ is about a group of friends who experience life and friendship in their 20s living in the city of New York. The show portrays the story of six individuals, Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler and Ross, concurrently but in a humorous tone. The reason behind the show being so popular is because of the whimsical events that all the characters go through on a daily basis.

Vocabulary

• Array

Meaning: an impressive display or range of a particular type of thing.
Eg: The salesman offered her an array of cosmetics to choose from.

• Gush

Meaning: speak or write effusively or with exaggerated enthusiasm.
Eg: Everyone in the class wanted to gush over their summer vacation.

• Defer

Meaning: put off (an action or event) to a later time; postpone.
Eg: Thomas continued to defer his doctor’s appointment.

• Palpable

Meaning: (of a feeling or atmosphere) so intense as to seem almost tangible.
Eg: There was palpable excitement in the pub over the local football team’s victory.

• Whimsical

Meaning: playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way.
Eg: The whimsical characters in Disney movies are quite amusing.

Speaking Part 3 – Follow up Questions

• Do people like comedy?

Yes, I think comedy is one of the most well-liked genres of entertainment. Comedy is known to uplift the viewer’s spirits. Comedies are also known for being simple and easily absorbable. Thus, people don’t have to concentrate on the plot too much to understand the jokes. This is what makes comedy so popular as it helps people relax and have fun.

• Why do people of all ages like cartoons?

Cartoons are known for being cherished by all age groups. Since most of us grow up watching cartoons on television, they hold a special place in our hearts. Many people watch cartoons out of pure nostalgia. Some people prefer animated forms of entertainment over others. Cartoons are known for being uncomplicated and comical at the same time, making them an entertaining way to pass time.

• Why do some people like to make others laugh?

Laughter is known to lighten the mood in any situation. People are more amicable and easy-going when they are in a good mood. Some people like to make others laugh as it brings them a certain sense of jubilation. A person who is funny and humorous is liked by all their peers. Thus, making people laugh is a valuable social skill to possess.

• Should teachers tell jokes in class?

Yes, I believe that teachers should occasionally engage in jocular conversations with the classroom. Teaching in a very serious and rigid manner is not successful in most cases. If a teacher follows a similar approach, they fail to grab or hold the attention of the students for long. However, if a teacher tends to joke around now and then with their students, it lightens the atmosphere of the classroom. Thus, it is a good idea for a teacher to tell jokes in class.

Vocabulary

• Absorbable

Meaning: able to be absorbed, especially into the body.
Eg: The information was simplified to make it more absorbable to the students.

• Cherished

Meaning: hold (something) dear.
Eg: He cherished this violin ever since it was gifted to him by his teacher.

• Amicable

Meaning: characterized by friendliness and absence of discord.
Eg: An amicable person has an easier time socializing in a foreign country.

• Jubilation

Meaning: a feeling of great happiness and triumph.
Eg: The entire family was filled with jubilation at Shreya’s excellent performance.

• Jocular

Meaning: fond of or characterized by joking; humorous or playful.
Eg: The presentation was marked by jocular remarks every once in a while.