Introduction
In the CELPIP Speaking Test, one of the tasks requires you to describe a scene based on an image provided. Your goal is to create a detailed, well-structured, and engaging description so that someone who cannot see the image can visualize it clearly.
To ace this task, follow this step-by-step approach and incorporate rich vocabulary to enhance your response.
📌 Task: Describe a given image in detail
📌 Preparation Time: 30 seconds
📌 Speaking Time: 60 seconds
Key Goals:
- Provide a clear overview of the scene
- Describe objects, people, and actions logically
- Use rich, descriptive language
- Structure your response in an organized way
🔹 Step-by-Step Guide to Describing a Scene
1️⃣ Start with a General Overview (10-15 seconds)
- ✔ Give the main idea of the picture before describing specific details.
- ✔ Mention the location and overall activity happening in the image.
💬 Sentence Starters:
- ✔ "This image captures a lively street market with people shopping and socializing."
- ✔ "The picture shows a peaceful park with families enjoying their day."
- ✔ "It appears to be a busy train station where commuters are rushing to catch their trains."
- ✔ "In this image, I can see a café with customers enjoying their meals and chatting."
📌 Example:
"This picture showcases a lively city park on a bright and sunny day. There are people of all ages engaging in different activities, making the scene feel cheerful and vibrant."
2️⃣ Describe the Foreground (15-20 seconds)
- ✔ Focus on the objects and people closest to the viewer.
- ✔ Mention specific details about their actions, appearance, and surroundings.
💬 Sentence Starters:
- "In the foreground, I notice…"
- "There is a group of people gathered around…"
- "On the left side, a man is sitting on a bench reading a book."
- "To the right, a couple is walking hand in hand, enjoying the weather."
📌 Example:
"In the foreground, a man wearing a blue jacket is sitting on a wooden bench, reading a newspaper. To his right, a little girl in a pink dress is playing with her dog, which seems very excited."
3️⃣ Move to the Background (15-20 seconds)
- Describe elements that are further away, like buildings, trees, or distant people.
- Mention any significant actions or movements happening in the background.
💬 Sentence Starters:
- "In the background, there are several people gathered near a fountain."
- "Towards the back, I can see a playground filled with children laughing and running around."
- "In the distance, tall skyscrapers line the horizon, suggesting an urban setting."
- "A few joggers are seen running along a trail, enjoying the fresh air."
📌 Example:
"In the background, I can see a large pond with ducks swimming peacefully. A woman in a yellow jacket is feeding the ducks while a group of children watches excitedly. Beyond that, tall trees and lush greenery surround the park, adding to its beauty."
4️⃣ Mention Unique or Standout Details (10 seconds)
- Identify anything unusual, eye-catching, or particularly interesting in the image.
- This could be someone's facial expression, a striking color, or a specific object.
💬 Sentence Starters:
- "One thing that stands out is…"
- "What's interesting about this scene is…"
- "A unique element in this image is…"
- "A surprising detail here is that…"
📌 Example:
"One thing that stands out in the picture is a street musician playing the violin near a bench. He is wearing a hat and seems fully immersed in his music while people pass by, some dropping coins into his case."
5️⃣ Conclude with the Overall Atmosphere & Weather (10 seconds)
- ✔ Wrap up by describing the mood, environment, and weather conditions.
- ✔ Use expressive adjectives to make the description feel vivid and immersive.
💬 Sentence Starters:
- ✔ "The atmosphere here feels lively and energetic."
- ✔ "It seems like a relaxing and peaceful setting."
- ✔ "The clear blue sky and bright sunlight suggest a warm and cheerful day."
- ✔ "Overall, the scene gives off a cozy and welcoming vibe."
📌 Example:
"Overall, the scene feels warm and inviting, with families, friends, and individuals all enjoying the sunny afternoon in a beautiful park."
🔹 Advanced Vocabulary for Scene Description
Using the right vocabulary makes a huge difference in your CELPIP response. Here's a list of useful words and phrases you can use when describing different aspects of a scene:
📌 Nature & Surroundings
- ✔ Lush greenery – abundant and vibrant plants
- ✔ Tranquil pond – peaceful body of water
- ✔ Bustling street – full of movement and activity
- ✔ Towering skyscrapers – very tall buildings
- ✔ Shady pathways – paths covered by trees or structures
📌 People & Actions
- ✔ Casually strolling – walking in a relaxed manner
- ✔ Haggling with vendors – negotiating prices at a market
- ✔ Engrossed in conversation – deeply focused on a discussion
- ✔ Energetically playing – engaging in activities with enthusiasm
- ✔ Waiting impatiently – appearing frustrated or anxious
📌 Weather & Atmosphere
- ✔ Overcast sky – cloudy and gray
- ✔ Golden sunlight – warm and bright sun rays
- ✔ Chilly breeze – cool and refreshing wind
- ✔ Gloomy atmosphere – dark and dull surroundings
- ✔ Serene and peaceful – calm and relaxing environment
📌 Objects & Scene Details
- ✔ Rustic wooden bench – a bench with a natural, old-fashioned look
- ✔ Vibrant market stalls – colorful stands selling goods
- ✔ Glistening water fountain – a fountain reflecting light beautifully
- ✔ Picturesque garden – a garden that looks beautiful like a painting
- ✔ Neatly arranged picnic table – an organized space for outdoor meals
🔹 Sample Scene Description Using Advanced Vocabulary
"This image captures a bustling park filled with people enjoying a sunny afternoon. In the foreground, a man is sitting on a rustic wooden bench, engrossed in a book, while a woman in athletic wear is jogging along a shady pathway. To the right, a family is having a picnic on a neatly arranged picnic table, with a child excitedly pointing at something in the distance."
"In the background, a group of children is playing near a glistening water fountain, their laughter adding to the cheerful atmosphere. A few people are casually strolling along the path, enjoying the golden sunlight filtering through the trees. Towards the pond, ducks are gliding across the water, while an elderly couple watches them from a bench."
"Overall, the lively yet peaceful ambiance of the park makes it a perfect place for relaxation and social gatherings."
🔹 Final Tips for a High Score
- ✅ Use all 60 seconds – Avoid finishing too quickly. Add more details if needed.
- ✅ Focus on clarity – Speak at a natural pace and enunciate your words.
- ✅ Avoid listing objects – Instead of saying "I see a tree, a dog, and a bench," describe what's happening.
- ✅ Incorporate emotions & atmosphere – Make your description engaging by expressing how the scene feels.
By following this step-by-step guide, using descriptive vocabulary, and structuring your response logically, you'll master scene descriptions and boost your CELPIP speaking score.
🎤 Now it's your turn! Try describing a scene using today's tips and vocabulary. 🚀