PICTURE

DESCRIPTION

Useful phrases and tips for describing pictures in English.

Author: Analia Gargiulo

INTRODUCTION

• The photo/picture shows…

• In the picture I can see…

• There is / There are…

• There isn’t / There aren´t any…

WHAT IS HAPPENING?

Describe what is happening / what the people in the picture are doing usingthe PRESENT CONTINUOUS

• The man/woman is …..

• The people are…

At this stage, you can also describe the people that appear in the picture.

DESCRIBING THE SCENE

• In the foreground/background you can see…

• In the foreground / background there is…

• In the middle/centre there are…

• At the top/bottom there is…

• On the left/right there are…

• Behind/In front of you can see..

• Between… there is…

IF SOMETHING ISN’T CLEAR

• It looks like a…

• It might be a…

• He could be (+ verb ing)

• Maybe, it’s a…

HELPFUL TIPS: DO’s

• Look carefully at the picture/photo. Think how to describe what you can see. Take your time to do it.

• Be as precise as you can when you describe the picture/photo itself.

• Use present continuous verbs to describe what is happening.

• If there is a person or people in the picture don’t forget to refer to their appearance.

• Answer questions as fully as possible: keep talking, give details, explain your ideas, ask questions, paraphrase, don’t get stuck on words.

• Try to direct the conversation towards something you are interested in and can talk about easily.

• Speak naturally and be animated. Keep eye contact with the person you are talking to, be friendlyand show a positive attitude.

• Don’t worry if you don’t understand immediately what is going on in the picture.

• Don’t worry if you don’t know the precise words for what you can see; use alternatives.

• Don’t use the present simple to describe what is happening.

• Don’t use general language to describe the picture. Avoid using words such as people, thing, good, bad…

• Avoid answers which are single words or lists. Silence is your enemy! Don’t give complicatedexplanations if you are not sure. Make it simple but appropriate for the level.

• Don’t be shy. This is your chance to show how well you can speak in English.

HELPFUL TIPS:

SPEAKING TASK

Choose one of the pictures which follow and describe it taking into account the

tips mentioned in this presentation.

Remember to use appropriate vocabulary and phrases!

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/words/describing_pictures.htm

• https://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/writing/picture-description/vocabulary?02

• https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/exams/speaking-exams/describe-photo-or-picture

• http://www.englishcenter.cz/downloadfiles/145.pdf

• www.google.com/images