DESCRIBING A PHOTOGRAPHEnglish Speaking Tools

USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

The photo shows… In the picture we can see… In this picture there is/are… In the foreground we can see… In the background there is/are…

WHERE ARE THINGS IN THE PHOTO?

AT THE TOP

AT THE BOTTOM

IN THE CENTER

ON THELEFT

ON THE RIGHT

Other prepositons of

place:In, on, under, below, above,

near, next to, etc

WHAT ARE THE PEOPLE DOING?

We use present continuous: A boy is listening to music… The girls are talking to each other.

We talk about clothes, appearance, feelings,…: He’s wearing blue jeans, a hat and an orange t-

shirt. They are very young. They look happy and carefree.

SPECULATING ABOUT THE PICTURE

Use Speculating Expressions:

Perhaps they are celebrating something Maybe the reason they look so serious is

because… She might be a busy working mother

THE STORY BEHIND THE PICTURE

Use Past Simple and Past ContinuousThe woman was walking home when she saw

the accident

Use Time Connectors:

After, as, at first, as soon as, finally, later, then, while

PERSONAL FEELINGS ABOUT THE PHOTO Useful Expressions:

I wouldn’t like to be in their shoes. The first photo reminds me of my own

childhood Personally, I’d love to visit a place like that

REPHRASING

Useful Expressions:

What I really mean is that… I take that back What I am trying to say is that…

CONVERSATION FILLERS:

While you think: “Umm” “Uhh”… I mean… / I think… Let’s see / Let me see So… Well / Ok