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