01
Start with the big picture, then zoom in
"This image shows [general scene]. In the foreground, I can see... In the background, there is..." This creates a natural structure.
CELPIP
Strategies
Task 3: Describing a Scene
A picture of an everyday scene. 30 seconds to study it, 60 to describe it.
30s prep, 60s speaking
What this part tests
- An image is displayed on screen for you to describe.
- Describe people, actions, settings, and atmosphere in detail.
Key strategies
02
Describe people, actions, and setting
Cover all three: Who is in the image? What are they doing? Where is this taking place? What's the mood/atmosphere?
03
Use spatial and positional language
This kind of language demonstrates precise vocabulary.
Say“On the left side”“in the center of the image”“behind the main figure”“in the upper right corner”
04
Speculate about what's happening
"It appears that they are celebrating a birthday" or "The woman seems to be enjoying herself." Speculation adds depth and demonstrates advanced language.
What it looks like
Describe some things that are happening in the picture below as well as you can. The person with whom you are speaking cannot see the picture.
Strong sample response
This image depicts a bustling city park on what appears to be a beautiful sunny afternoon, with numerous people engaging in various activities.
On the left side, a young man in athletic clothing is stretching near a large tree, presumably warming up for a jog. Just below him, a small dog is standing on the grass, and nearby, an elderly woman is comfortably seated on a wooden park bench, deeply absorbed in reading a book.
In the center of the image, two young boys are excitedly chasing a group of pigeons across the grassy area, while another boy is skateboarding just behind them. A girl with pink hair appears to be jogging past, looking quite energetic.
Moving to the right side, a young boy wearing a helmet is riding a bicycle along the path. Further back, a woman is sitting on the grass and playing a guitar, which suggests she is enjoying some music in the open air.
The overall atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, with people of all ages enjoying the sunny weather in their own ways.
How to apply the strategies
- Strategy #1 (Big picture, then zoom in): Opens with the overall scene before zooming into specific individuals and activities across the image.
- Strategy #2 (People, actions, setting): Covers a wide range of people and activities: stretching, reading, chasing pigeons, skateboarding, jogging, cycling, and playing guitar, all within the park setting.
- Strategy #3 (Spatial language): Uses "on the left side," "in the center of the image," "just behind them," "moving to the right side," and "further back" to orient the listener.
- Strategy #4 (Speculate): Uses speculative language like "presumably warming up for a jog" and "which suggests she is enjoying some music" to add depth.