How to Describe a Picture in English - Spoken English Lesson

Introduction

Describing a picture in English is an essential skill for exams like FCE, TOEIC, or PTE, and it can enhance your general English speaking abilities. This tutorial will guide you through a step-by-step process to effectively describe images, providing practical tips and techniques to improve your vocabulary and fluency.

Step 1: Summarise What You See

Start by giving a brief overview of the picture. This sets the stage for your description.

• Identify the main subject of the image.
• Mention any prominent objects or features.
• Use simple sentences to convey the basic context.

Example: “This picture shows a beach with people sunbathing and playing volleyball.”

Step 2: Describe Where Things Are

Next, explain the arrangement of elements in the picture. Use prepositions to clarify locations.

• Use phrases like “in the foreground,” “in the background,” “to the left,” and “to the right.”
• Provide a clear spatial layout.

Example: “In the foreground, there are two people lying on towels. To the right, a group is playing volleyball.”

Step 3: Add Detail to Your Description

Enhance your description by incorporating more details about the subjects and the environment.

• Describe colors, sizes, and textures.
• Include emotions or actions if applicable.

Example: “The towels are bright blue and yellow, and the people appear happy and relaxed.”

Step 4: Speculate About the Picture

Make assumptions or guesses regarding the subjects or the scenario depicted.

• Consider what they might be thinking or feeling.
• Think about the activities taking place.

Example: “They might be enjoying their vacation or celebrating a special occasion.”

Step 5: Speculate About the Context of the Picture

Explore the broader context of the image. This can include the time of day, season, or cultural elements.

• Reflect on how these aspects influence the scene.
• Consider different settings that could match the picture.

Example: “It looks like a sunny summer day, which is typical for beach outings in July.”

Step 6: Make a Longer Answer

Combine all previous steps to create a comprehensive description.

• Start with the summary.
• Follow with details about placement, features, and speculations.
• Aim for a coherent flow that connects all elements.

Example: “This picture shows a beach with people sunbathing and playing volleyball. In the foreground, there are two people lying on bright blue towels, while a group is playing volleyball to the right. They all seem happy, suggesting they are enjoying their vacation on a sunny July day.”

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can construct a detailed and engaging description of any picture in English. Practice with different images to improve your fluency and confidence. Remember to summarize, describe locations, add details, and speculate to create a richer narrative. Happy practicing!