HOW TO DESCRIBE PICTURES LIKE A PRO ;) | tips for speaking exams | how to English

Introduction

Do you struggle with describing pictures during speaking exams? Don't worry; you're not alone! This article will guide you through a few effective strategies to help you nail your picture descriptions with confidence and clarity.

Steps to Effectively Describe a Picture

1. Stay Calm and Ask for Clarification

It's completely fine to feel nervous. If you find yourself confused or unsure about something during the exam, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. Use phrases like:

• "Could you repeat what you mean?"
• "I'm sorry, I didn't understand that."
• "Should I start?"

Showing that you're willing to engage can ease your nerves.

2. Use Basic Descriptions

You don’t need to know every single word related to the objects in the picture. If you can’t recall the exact name of something, simply describe it to the best of your ability. Start with basic observations:

• "In the picture, I can see five people: two men and three women."
• Remember to say "in the picture" instead of "on the picture."

3. Use Present Continuous for Actions

When describing actions, employ the present continuous tense. For example:

• "The people in the picture are not sitting at their desks; they are standing and raising their hands."
• Observe details such as clothing and expressions: "They are all smiling."

4. Focus on Details

Take some time to describe elements in the picture:

• Mention notable objects: "In front of the people, there is a desk, and on the desk are two notebooks and a plant."
• Describe the background: "I can see a notice board behind the woman on the right."

5. Convey Emotions and Context

Speculate about the mood and context based on what you observe. For instance:

• "Based on everyone's smiles, I think they enjoy their jobs. Perhaps one of them just told a joke!"
• Make personal connections: "This reminds me of my parents' office, where the atmosphere is friendly."

6. Practice with Different Scenarios

Practice describing various pictures to broaden your skills. Here are a couple of examples:

• First Example: Describe two boys reading books with a globe in the height of school life. Highlight their happiness and friendship.

• Second Example: Describe a couple in a park, focusing on their contrasting emotions, particularly the woman's displeasure and the man’s pleading gesture.

Practice Makes Perfect

Implement these strategies in your next speaking exam, and you’ll be well on your way to describing pictures like a pro!

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Keyword

• Speaking exams
• Describing pictures
• Clarification
• Present continuous
• Details
• Emotions
• Practice

FAQ

Q1: What should I do if I don’t understand something during the exam?
A1: You should ask for clarification using phrases like, "Could you repeat what you mean?" or "I didn't understand that."

Q2: Do I need to know every word for what I see in the picture?
A2: No, it's not necessary. You can describe what you see using simple phrases and observations.

Q3: How should I describe actions in the picture?
A3: Use the present continuous tense to describe actions, such as "They are standing" or "She is smiling."

Q4: Is it helpful to share personal reflections while describing a picture?
A4: Yes, sharing personal connections or reflections can add depth to your description and engage the listener.

Q5: What are some key elements to focus on when describing a picture?
A5: Focus on the number of people, their emotions, clothing, objects present, and the overall context to create a complete picture description.