If you're preparing for the CELPIP test, Task 3 of the Speaking section — Describing a Scene — is one you can't afford to overlook. This task evaluates your ability to observe, interpret, and verbally present a visual scene in a clear and engaging manner. You are given an image and 60 seconds to describe everything you see. While this might sound straightforward, it actually requires a good grasp of vocabulary, structure, and fluency. In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to succeed in this task, from planning your description to using advanced vocabulary and grammar.
What to Expect in Task 3
In Task 3, you will see a picture (such as a park, a busy street, or a supermarket) and will have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. You are expected to describe what is happening in the scene, what people are doing, and possibly suggest what might happen next. There are no right or wrong answers — your goal is to speak clearly, coherently, and with appropriate detail.
The key is to organize your description and paint a picture with words. Imagine your listener can’t see the image — you need to help them visualize it purely through your description.
Strategy: How to Structure Your Description
Let's use the picture below for this example. To make your response effective, try using the “zoom” technique:
Start by addressing the listener:
Create a name of your choice. Explain what you are going to do.
EXAMPLE: Hi (Sam)! I have a picture here I'd like to describe to you.
Start with the big picture:
What kind of place is it? What is the general atmosphere?
EXAMPLE: This is a picture of a street market somewhere in Asia on a sunny day. The product stands are on both the left and right side of the picture, displaying different kinds of goods. The street is right in the middle.
Group things that are similar or doing the same thing:
What kinds of elements are repeated in the picture? Where in the picture are they?
EXAMPLE: There are a lot of people on this street. In the foreground I can see boys and girls running and playing right in the middle of the road. There are many adults towards the end of the street, in the background. They're walking, browsing and shopping for items.
Move to more specific details (go from things that occupy a bigger space to those that are smaller):
Describe what specific people/animals are doing, what they look like, and any noticeable actions, objects or interactions.
EXAMPLE: On the left, there is a fruit and vegetable stand selling bananas, tomatoes, cucumbers and other kinds of produce displayed in baskets. Behind it, there is a clothes store, with t-shirts hanging from the top of the door frames. On the right, although the items are a bit more unclear to identify, it seems they're selling local homemade sweets, and some other more commercial products that come in packages and packets. Right in front of the candy stand, there is a older woman who seems to be asking the vendor about his products.
It's a very heart-warming image. I think you'd love it, (Sam).
This structure not only gives you a clear path to follow, but it also shows your ability to think critically and organize your thoughts.
Examples of Scenes
Here's another version with more interesting adjectives and verbs:
"Hi (Sam). I have an image I'd like to describe to you. This is a picture of a bustling market with rows of stalls selling various different goods on either side. I would say it's on the weekend because of how busy it is. In the front, a young girl in a pink dress is running with her two friends following behind her. It seems like they are playing a game of tag. At the end of the street adults are walking, browsing and shopping for items. To the right, an older woman who is wearing her hat backwards is glancing at some fruits that she might be interested in buying. It appears to me she's asking the vendor a question.
On the left, a colorful fruit and vegetable stand proudly displays an array of produce — ripe bananas, plump tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a variety of other fresh-picked goods nestled in carboard, plastic and woven baskets. Just behind it, a casual clothing store catches the eye, with brightly-colored t-shirts dangling from the tops of the door frames like festive banners. On the right, although the items are a bit harder to make out, it appears they’re selling traditional homemade sweets — perhaps caramelized nuts, syrupy pastries, or sugar-dusted confections — alongside a selection of mass-produced snacks neatly stacked in shiny packets and boxes. This heart-warming image is very you!"
We have given you some great examples. Now use the images below and practice. We will help you with the openers...
"Hi Ben! There's a picture I'd love to describe to you. This is an image of a large, green park on a sunny afternoon. In the middle, we can see a family having a picnic of fruit and sandwiches on a checkered blanket. In the foreground, a little girl looks exciting playing with a yellow kite. On the right, a man is sitting on a park bench reading his book. He looks very engrossed in his novel, not paying any attention to the people around him..."
"Ashley, let me describe to you this drawing I have here. This is a picture of a bus stop on a miserably rainy day. In the middle, a group of young people are huddled together with their umbrellas waiting for the bus to arrive. One woman in the front of the group is clutching a newspaper in her hand. To the right, a women is standing on the edge of the curb waiting for a traffic light to turn green so she can cross..."
Key Phrases for Describing a Scene
1. Location and Positioning Vocabulary
In the background / foreground
To the left / right of the image
In the center / middle
Next to / beside / behind / in front of / against / adjacent to / by
2. Descriptive Verbs and Phrases
Is walking / running / sitting / talking
Seems to be enjoying / looks like / appears to be / it seems
Is probably / might be / could be
Is wearing / holding / carrying
3. Opinion and Interpretation Phrases
It looks like they are…
The atmosphere seems…
This could be a scene from…
I imagine that they are…
4. Useful Grammar Structures
Present continuous tense: “A woman is talking on the phone.”
Passive voice: “Several items are being sold at the market.”
Modal verbs for speculation: “He might be studying for a test.”
Final Tips for Task 3 Success
Practice describing everyday scenes from magazines, YouTube videos (pause and describe), or random photos online.
Time yourself regularly so you become comfortable with the 60-second time frame.
Don’t panic if you miss a detail — focus on what you can describe clearly and confidently.
Use transitions like “On the left,” “Meanwhile,” and “In the background” to make your description more coherent.
Remember, this task is not about creating a perfect story, but about using natural language effectively. Practice consistently, and soon you’ll be describing scenes with fluency and confidence.
Ready to practice? Try choosing a random photo and using the tips in this blog to describe it in 60 seconds. You’ll be surprised how quickly your speaking skills improve!
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