Speaking practice: pictures and opinions

In a speaking test you often describe a picture and give your opinions. Examiners listen for a range of language, full answers and reasons, not perfect ideas. A few useful phrases help you speak fluently and keep going.

Key facts

  • Describe what you see with ⟦There is⟧ / ⟦There are⟧ and the present continuous: ⟦Two children are playing football.⟧
  • Say where things are: ⟦in the foreground⟧, ⟦in the background⟧, ⟦on the left⟧, ⟦on the right⟧, ⟦in the middle⟧.
  • Guess what is happening with ⟦might⟧, ⟦must⟧ and ⟦can't⟧, or ⟦It looks like⟧ and ⟦They seem to be⟧.
  • Give opinions and reasons: ⟦In my opinion⟧, ⟦I think⟧, ⟦because⟧, ⟦For example⟧. Disagree politely: ⟦I see your point, but⟧.
  • If you need time, say ⟦That's an interesting question. Let me think.⟧ If you didn't understand, ask: ⟦Could you repeat the question, please?⟧

Worked examples

Example 1

Complete: ⟦She ___ be a doctor, because she is wearing a white coat.⟧ (You aren't sure.)

  1. You are guessing from a clue, not certain.
  2. ⟦might⟧ shows a guess: ⟦She might be a doctor.⟧

Answer: ⟦might⟧

Example 2

Which is the best answer to ⟦Do you prefer the city or the countryside? Why?⟧

  1. ⟦Yes, I do.⟧ doesn't answer the question.
  2. The best answer gives an opinion and a reason with ⟦because⟧.

Answer: ⟦I prefer the countryside because it is quieter and the air is cleaner.⟧

Example 3

Put in order: ⟦question, / the / Could / please? / repeat / you⟧

  1. ⟦Could⟧ has a capital letter, so it comes first; ⟦please?⟧ has the question mark, so it comes last.
  2. ⟦Could you repeat the question, please?⟧

Answer: ⟦Could you repeat the question, please?⟧