In CELPIP Speaking Task 3, you’ll receive an image and need to describe it so well that someone who can’t see it can form a clear mental picture. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. Below is a six-part breakdown, complete with multiple sample lines and an expanded vocabulary list to help you deliver a vivid, well-structured response.
1. Brief Introduction
Purpose: Quickly set the context of the image before diving into details.
Sample Lines:
- “This is a picture of a bustling market on a sunny day.”
- “I see a busy train station platform, filled with people rushing around.”
- “It’s a quiet park scene with families relaxing on the grass.”
- “The image shows a crowded office where employees are working at their desks.”
- “Here we have a lively beach setting, with children building sandcastles and adults sunbathing.”
2. Overall Environment or Location
Purpose: Offer a general sense of the place, mood, and main activity.
Sample Lines:
- “It looks like this market is located in a downtown area, given the tall buildings in the background.”
- “The station seems quite modern, with large digital signs hanging overhead.”
- “This park appears expansive; there’s a fountain on one side and tall trees lining the paths.”
- “The office has an open-concept layout, with bright fluorescent lighting and cubicles along the walls.”
- “Judging by the sunny sky and the umbrellas, it must be a warm, summery beach.”
3. Identify Main People and Actions
Purpose: Point out key figures or groups in the scene, describing what they’re doing or how they look.
Sample Lines:
- “There’s a woman in a bright red dress haggling with a vendor at a fruit stall.”
- “A man wearing a backpack is checking the train schedule on a large display board.”
- “Two children are feeding ducks near the pond, while their parents watch from a bench.”
- “One employee is on the phone, looking stressed, while another is typing furiously on a computer.”
- “A group of teenagers is playing volleyball near the water, passing the ball back and forth.”
4. Highlight Additional Details or Smaller Elements
Purpose: Enrich your description with subtle or secondary features—colors, objects, weather, expressions, etc.
Sample Lines:
- “Rows of colorful umbrellas line the walkway, creating a festive atmosphere.”
- “There’s a large clock near the entrance, showing it’s almost noon.”
- “A small dog is tugging on its leash, appearing eager to run off.”
- “Papers are scattered around one of the desks, suggesting a rushed deadline.”
- “A couple of seagulls are circling overhead, probably hoping for leftover snacks.”
5. Summarize the Overall Mood or Atmosphere
Purpose: Pull it all together, giving a final impression of how the scene feels.
Sample Lines:
- “Overall, it seems like a lively, energetic market with people enjoying their day out.”
- “The station has a slightly tense vibe, as many commuters appear to be in a hurry.”
- “It’s a calm, family-friendly park, with everyone seeming relaxed and at ease.”
- “The office setting feels busy and a bit stressed, but also productive.”
- “The beach looks joyful and carefree, with laughter in the air and bright sunshine overhead.”
6. Conclude Politely
Purpose: Wrap up your description briefly, signaling you’re finished.
Sample Lines:
- “That’s a quick overview of everything happening in this bustling scene.”
- “So, in a nutshell, it’s a colorful, active environment with lots to observe.”
- “Those are the main details I can see—hopefully that paints a clear picture.”
- “All in all, that’s how this scene appears at a glance.”
- “I think that summarizes everything going on here—thanks for listening.”
Most Important & Frequent Words/Vocabulary
Below are descriptive terms and phrases to make your scene description more vivid and precise. Each includes a short definition:
Adjectives for Atmosphere
- lively: full of energy and excitement
- tranquil: calm, peaceful
- hectic: busy and fast-paced
- vibrant: bright and full of life
- tense: filled with stress or nervousness
- cozy: warm, comfortable, and inviting
- serene: extremely calm and untroubled
- stuffy: lacking fresh air, possibly cramped
Verbs for Actions
- haggling: negotiating prices, typically in a market
- strolling: walking in a relaxed manner
- gazing: looking steadily and intently
- chatting: talking casually
- observing: watching carefully
- gesturing: making motions with hands or body to communicate
- scribbling: writing quickly or carelessly
- scanning: looking over an area or document quickly
Descriptive Adjectives for People/Objects
- elderly: of advanced age
- casual: dressed informally
- fashionable: wearing stylish or trendy clothing
- well-lit: bright and full of light
- towering: extremely tall
- bustling: full of activity and movement
- ornate: highly decorated with complex details
- spacious: large, with plenty of room
Useful Prepositions & Directions
- in the foreground: at the front part of the picture
- in the background: behind the main focus
- on the left/right side: to one side of the image
- at the center: the middle portion
- beyond: further away than something else
- underneath: directly below something
- surrounded by: encircled or enclosed by
- adjacent to: next to or beside
Linking Words for Description
- meanwhile: at the same time
- furthermore: adding more details
- in addition: also
- besides that: apart from that
- on the other side: describing an opposite or different location within the scene
- nearby: close in distance
Scene-Specific Terms
- vendors: sellers, typically in a market
- commuters: people traveling to or from work, often by public transit
- picnickers: individuals or groups eating outdoors
- cubicles: small office workspaces partitioned off
- lifeguard stand: a raised structure for a lifeguard at the beach
- food stalls: stands selling snacks or meals in an open area
By combining the six-part template—Brief Introduction, Overall Environment, Main People & Actions, Additional Details, Overall Mood, and Conclusion—with these expanded vocabulary options, you’ll be able to vividly and effectively describe any scene in CELPIP Speaking Task 3.