CELPIP Speaking Task 3: Mastering the Art of Describing a Scene

Introduction

In CELPIP Speaking Task 3, you'll be given an image and need to describe it so clearly and vividly that someone who can't see it can imagine it perfectly.

🔹 You have:

• ✔ 30 seconds to prepare
• ✔ 60 seconds to speak

To help you structure your response effectively, here's a six-step method with enhanced vocabulary and diverse sample sentences that will ensure your response is detailed, engaging, and well-organized.

1. Brief Introduction: Set the Scene

Start with a one-line summary to establish the setting.

What to Do:

• ✔ Briefly describe where the scene takes place.
• ✔ Mention the general atmosphere or mood.

Example Introductions:

• "This is an image of a lively city street filled with people walking and shopping."
• "The picture shows a peaceful park where families are enjoying a sunny afternoon."
• "Here we have a busy airport terminal with travelers rushing to their gates."
• "The image depicts a cozy café, where friends are chatting over coffee."
• "It looks like a large conference hall, with professionals engaged in discussions."

2. Overall Environment: Describe the Setting in More Detail

Give the listener a better sense of the location and its surroundings.

What to Do:

• ✔ Mention notable objects, landmarks, or structures.
• ✔ Describe the general layout or atmosphere.

Example Descriptions:

• "The street is lined with tall buildings, and storefronts display colorful signs."
• "The park is spacious, with a lake in the middle and picnic tables scattered around."
• "In the airport, there are rows of seats, electronic flight boards, and long check-in lines."
• "The café has wooden furniture, large windows letting in natural light, and a barista preparing drinks."
• "Inside the conference hall, a stage with a large screen is visible, and attendees are seated in rows."

3. Identify Key People and Their Actions

Describe who is in the scene and what they are doing.

What to Do:

• ✔ Mention the number of people and their general appearances.
• ✔ Describe their activities, facial expressions, and body language.

Example Descriptions:

• "A woman in a red coat is walking her dog, while a man nearby is reading a newspaper on a bench."
• "Two kids are chasing each other near the fountain, laughing and playing."
• "A flight attendant is helping a passenger, while another traveler checks their boarding pass."
• "One man at the café is typing on his laptop, while another is engaged in an animated conversation."
• "The presenter on stage is gesturing towards the screen, while the audience listens attentively."

4. Highlight Additional Details: Enrich the Description

Make your description more vivid by adding small but meaningful details.

What to Do:

• ✔ Mention colors, sounds, weather, or objects in the scene.
• ✔ Include minor background activities to make it more realistic.

Example Enhancements:

• "The street has a mix of modern and historic buildings, with pigeons pecking at crumbs on the sidewalk."
• "A gentle breeze is rustling the trees, and some people are taking photos of the lake."
• "Announcements are echoing through the airport, and luggage trolleys are rolling past."
• "A barista is steaming milk, and the rich aroma of coffee fills the café."
• "The conference hall has large chandeliers, and the attendees are dressed in formal business attire."

5. Describe the Overall Mood or Atmosphere

Now, tie everything together by conveying the general feeling of the scene.

What to Do:

• ✔ Use expressive adjectives to describe the mood.
• ✔ Give an overall impression of the environment.

Example Summaries:

• "Overall, the street is vibrant and full of energy, with people actively engaging in different activities."
• "The park feels relaxing and cheerful, as families enjoy their time outdoors."
• "There's a sense of urgency at the airport, with people moving quickly and announcements playing frequently."
• "The café exudes a cozy and warm atmosphere, with soft music playing in the background."
• "The conference hall is buzzing with excitement, as professionals network and exchange ideas."

6. Conclude Politely: Wrap Up Smoothly

Finish your response with a short, natural closing statement.

What to Do:

• ✔ Summarize the scene in a sentence or two.
• ✔ Use a closing phrase to indicate you are finished.

Example Closings:

• "In short, it's a dynamic setting with a lot of movement and excitement."
• "That's a quick snapshot of everything happening in this lively scene."
• "All in all, it's a busy but pleasant environment with people going about their day."
• "Overall, this scene captures a wonderful mix of everyday activities and social interactions."
• "That's a full description of what's going on in this image—thank you for listening."

Powerful Vocabulary for a Richer Description

Adjectives for Atmosphere & Setting

• ✔ lively – full of energy and activity
• ✔ serene – peaceful and quiet
• ✔ bustling – busy with a lot of movement
• ✔ picturesque – visually attractive, charming
• ✔ hectic – chaotic, full of rush
• ✔ tranquil – calm and soothing
• ✔ spacious – large, with plenty of room

Verbs for Actions

• ✔ strolling – walking in a relaxed manner
• ✔ gesturing – moving hands while speaking
• ✔ gazing – looking intently
• ✔ hurrying – moving quickly with urgency
• ✔ chatting – engaging in casual conversation
• ✔ observing – carefully looking at something
• ✔ browsing – looking through items casually

Descriptive Words for People & Objects

• ✔ well-dressed – wearing stylish or formal clothing
• ✔ elderly – older individuals
• ✔ casual attire – relaxed, everyday clothing
• ✔ ornate – highly decorated and detailed
• ✔ minimalist – simple, without excess decoration

Prepositions & Directions

• ✔ in the foreground – in the front part of the image
• ✔ in the background – further away in the image
• ✔ to the left/right – on a specific side of the image
• ✔ nearby – close in distance
• ✔ beyond – further away than something else

Final Thoughts: Speak with Confidence and Clarity

By following this six-step method, you'll be able to confidently and effectively describe any image in CELPIP Speaking Task 3.

Key Takeaways:

• ✅ Start with a brief introduction to set the scene.
• ✅ Describe the overall setting and what makes it unique.
• ✅ Point out key people and their actions for a clear mental image.
• ✅ Add small but meaningful details to make your description richer.
• ✅ Convey the overall mood or atmosphere.
• ✅ Wrap up smoothly with a natural conclusion.
• ✅ Use varied and expressive vocabulary for a vivid description.

💡 With regular practice, you'll be able to describe any image with fluency and precision—just like a native speaker!

✨ Good luck, and keep practicing! ✨