In this post we will be learning how to perform well in Speaking part 2 of your preliminary exam. Don´t forget that the time you are given is very limited. The whole part lasts for about 2-3 minutes.
Your task might look like that:
You don´t have to talk to another candidate or to the picture that the examiner will give you😊. Of course, you can look at the picture but don´t talk to it. Talk to the examiner.
You have approximately one minute to describe the photo.
What should you talk about?
Talk about the people, the place, the weather.
When you describe the people, you should mention what they are doing, their clothes and their emotions.
For example, the young girl on the right is wearing a wool sweater. She is sitting at the table and reading a book about horses. She seems to be very interested. Perhaps, she wants to be a professional horsewoman in the future.
A good way to start:
The picture shows… I can see… There is a …
You should describe where things are in the picture:
At the front in the background on the left on the right in the middle behind in front of next to
When you talk about people actions, use Present Continuous tense:
She is looking at… He is wearing glasses…
When you describe people’s appearances, use different adjectives:
Tall young old blonde short or long hair
Don’t forget to describe the place:
Attractive comfortable safe spacious cosy indoors outdoors
Talk about the weather:
Sunny rainy cloudy stormy wet
Use expressions of speculation to make guesses:
He looks like… She seems to be… They appear to be…
They look as if they enjoy working together…
They might be good friends… Perhaps, she is a student…
When you don’t know how to say something, use following expressions
It’s a kind of… It looks like…
Remember! You don’t have to describe all the people in the photo. You simply don’t have time to do it.
Try to use a lot of adjectives, phrasal verbs and speculative expressions.
For example, she appears to be a courageous girl who has just taken up scuba diving.
Plan what you want to say. It’s much better to follow the same structure again and again.
For example,
- People
- Place
- Weather
Good luck with your exams!!
