This document provides useful phrases and tips for describing pictures in English. It begins by offering introductory phrases to set up a picture description, such as "The photo/picture shows..." and "In the picture I can see...". Next, it suggests ways to describe what is happening in the picture using present continuous verbs. Additional tips include describing the foreground, background, and locations within the picture. The document offers suggestions for when details are unclear and concludes with dos and don'ts for speaking about a picture, such as being precise yet simple in descriptions.

1. PICTURE
DESCRIPTION
Useful phrases and tips for describing pictures in
English.
Author: Analia Gargiulo

2. INTRODUCTION
• The photo/picture shows…
• In the picture I can see…
• There is / There are…
• There isn’t / There aren´t any…

3. WHAT IS HAPPENING?
Describe what is happening / what the people in the picture are doing using
the PRESENT CONTINUOUS
• The man/woman is …..
• The people are…
At this stage, you can also describe the people that appear in the picture.

4. DESCRIBING THE SCENE
• In the foreground/background you can see…
• In the foreground / background there is…
• In the middle/centre there are…
• At the top/bottom there is…
• On the left/right there are…
• Behind/In front of you can see..
• Between… there is…

5. IF SOMETHING ISN’T CLEAR
• It looks like a…
• It might be a…
• He could be (+ verb ing)
• Maybe, it’s a…

6. HELPFUL TIPS: DO’s
• Look carefully at the picture/photo. Think how to describe what you can see. Take your time to
do it.
• Be as precise as you can when you describe the picture/photo itself.
• Use present continuous verbs to describe what is happening.
• If there is a person or people in the picture don’t forget to refer to their appearance.
• Answer questions as fully as possible: keep talking, give details, explain your ideas, ask questions,
paraphrase, don’t get stuck on words.
• Try to direct the conversation towards something you are interested in and can talk about easily.
• Speak naturally and be animated. Keep eye contact with the person you are talking to, be friendly
and show a positive attitude.

7. • Don’t worry if you don’t understand immediately what is going on in the picture.
• Don’t worry if you don’t know the precise words for what you can see; use alternatives.
• Don’t use the present simple to describe what is happening.
• Don’t use general language to describe the picture. Avoid using words such as people, thing,
good, bad…
• Avoid answers which are single words or lists. Silence is your enemy! Don’t give complicated
explanations if you are not sure. Make it simple but appropriate for the level.
• Don’t be shy. This is your chance to show how well you can speak in English.
HELPFUL TIPS:

8. SPEAKING TASK
Choose one of the pictures which follow and describe it taking into account the
tips mentioned in this presentation.
Remember to use appropriate vocabulary and phrases!

12. BIBLIOGRAPHY
• http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/words/describing_pictures.htm
• https://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/writing/picture-
description/vocabulary?02
• https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/exams/speaking-
exams/describe-photo-or-picture
• http://www.englishcenter.cz/downloadfiles/145.pdf
• www.google.com/images