About this lesson
To describe a picture out loud, give the whole scene first, then the details, then what you think it means. The teachers in this mix suggest a quiet moment to look first and find the main thing. After that, open with a sentence or two that sums up what is there, before you start on the small parts.
Next, say where things are, using one steady order and words such as foreground and background so the listener can picture it. Add detail to the parts that matter, not to everything, and if you do not know a word, describe what the thing is or does instead of stopping. Finally, guess from evidence. Say what you think is happening, give the clue that backs it, and use words such as must, could or might to show how sure you are.
A few cautions. Plain words are fine, and a clear simple word beats a rare one. Short starters help, but a memorised script sounds rehearsed. Teachers disagree on whether to talk about everything you can see or to focus on the key parts, and with limited time focusing works better. Expect to improve over weeks by describing new pictures and comparing your answer afterwards.
Examples from the clips
- Teacher Luke shows a silent moment at the start to find the main thing in the image, and how to pick one order for your description and stay with it.
- Oxford Online English shows how to open with a short summary, then say where things are and add detail only to the important parts.
- English with Em explains how to show how sure you are about a guess, from the strongest word to the weakest.
- how to English shows what to do when you do not know a word: describe what you see, and guess from the evidence.
Questions this lesson answers
How do I start describing a picture?
Take a quiet moment to find the main thing, then give one or two sentences that sum up the whole scene. After that, move on to the details.
What if I do not know the word for something?
Do not stop. Say what the thing is or does, or name the bigger idea. Teachers say you do not need to know every word to describe a picture well.
How much detail should I give?
Say more about the important parts and less about the rest. One teacher says to talk about everything, but most advise focusing, and with limited time a list of objects sounds flat.
How do I guess what is happening in a picture?
Say what you think, then give the clue you can see that supports it. Words such as must, could and might show how sure you are.
Should I memorise phrases to describe a picture?
A few short starters are fine, but a memorised answer can sound rehearsed. Practise with new pictures and use your own words.