HOW TO DESCRIBE A PICTURE SUCCESSFULLY

There is no need to describe everything in the photo. There may be items in the photo for which you do not know
the word. When this happens, you can try to describe the object in your own words. Be aware of the fact that you will
be given credit for using the language you know to make yourself understood and you won’t be penalised for not
knowing or not remembering a word.
EXAMPLES:
• I don’t know / don’t remember the word for this, but…
it is something you use to cook chips or fry eggs / we can use it to cook chips or fry eggs.
it is something you wear when you cook, so your clothes don’t get dirty / you can wear it when you wash up, so you don’t
get wet.

SUGGESTED ORDER
✓ Start with a general statement:
This photograph shows a family having lunch in the kitchen.
✓ Describe the setting / room:
Focus on the most important part of the picture first and move around the picture.
Useful vocabulary:
“The central focus of this picture is….” “In the middle of the picture, there is / are a / some...”
“In the foreground / background…”
“On the left / right of the picture…”
“In the top left corner / bottom right corner of the picture, there is / are…”
The kitchen is rather small. In the middle of the picture, there is a table with plates and glasses on it. On the left there is
a big fridge. On the right there’s a large window and you can see the garden through it.
✓ The people: activities
There are two children, I think they are brother and sister, and a man and a woman who are the parents. The children
are sitting at the table and eating a meal. Their parents are standing. I think they are preparing some food. The mother is
preparing something to eat. She is smiling and she looks happy. I am not sure what the father is doing. He’s got a piece
of bread in his hand. Perhaps he is making a sandwich for the children. Maybe the parents are going to eat later.
✓ The people: detailed description
The woman is slim and has long brown hair. She is wearing white trousers and a green top. She is wearing an apron
because she is working in the kitchen.  The man is fair and has a beard.  He is wearing a blue jumper.  The boy is older
than his sister. He may be about 12 years old and the girl is about six.
✓ Finish with a general statement:
I like this photograph because it shows a family at home.