IELTS Speaking Part 3 Masterclass

Happiness in life is something most people hope for. Nobody wants to feel down and blue, so they do what they can to become happy.

However, people's sources of happiness may differ. Many people claim that their loved ones are what make them happy. So if there is a harmonious relationship at home, enough food on the table, and no one is sick, they feel happy despite difficulties faced at school or work. Another source is one's career. If people love what they are doing, even if they sometimes have to work overtime, they are content and happy. Hobbies can also bring happiness. Though some people may not like their studies or work, all of the stress and pressure disappear the moment they get to read, exercise outdoors, paint, sing, or play video games.

But of course, try as we might, people cannot be happy all the time. As humans, we experience a range of emotions. When things do not go our way, we may feel disappointed and frustrated. When we are taken advantage of or betrayed, we may feel angry and bitter. And when we lose someone or something special, we can feel down. Even if these negative situations happened months or years ago, remembering them can cause a person's moment of happiness to disappear. But again, these are normal. In fact, one should suspect something is wrong if someone always claims to be happy.

To counter these negative emotions and restore happiness, some people seek something humorous since a joke, funny video, or comedy movie can put a smile on their face. Some people prefer slapstick humour, which is physical comedy such as gags or pranks to scare or shock others. Other people enjoy witty humour where funny stories, jokes, quips, or sarcastic remarks are used to make others laugh. However, to understand such humour, people must understand the context of what was said and the language.

Moreover, humour can make a situation lighter or motivate people. In challenging or depressing situations, some people crack jokes or tell funny stories to lighten the mood. Bosses know that if employees are too serious, they might become overstressed and ineffective. When dealing with confrontations, humour can help defuse the situation, reminding people that they are on the same side. And in school, professors might begin with a funny story to catch the students' attention or incorporate humour in their lecture to reenergize the class. Therefore, as an important tool in daily life, we should not be surprised to see more and more people using humour at school or work.