While the writing task gives you one minute to think and type, the "Speak About the Photo" task puts you on the spot. You see an image, and you must speak about it for a minimum of 30 seconds (and up to 90 seconds).
The biggest mistake students make is stopping after 15 seconds because they "ran out of things to say."
This guide will give you a mental map to keep talking fluently until the time is up, ensuring you get high marks for Fluency and Acoustic Features (pronunciation and pace).
The Grading Criteria
The AI is listening for:
- Fluency: Can you speak without long pauses or saying "um" too often?
- Relevance: Are you actually describing the image?
- Length: Did you speak for at least 30 seconds? (Aim for 60+ seconds to show off your skills).
The 4-Part Structure to Fill the Time
To avoid awkward silences, visualise the image in layers. Move through these four stages:
1. The General Introduction (0–10 Seconds)
Start with a broad summary. Don't dive into small details yet.
- Phrase: "This is a photograph of a [Place/Scene], featuring [Main Subject]."
- Example: "This is a bright, colourful photograph of a busy marketplace, likely in a European city."
2. The Spatial Description (10–30 Seconds)
Break the image down by location. This helps you organise your thoughts.
- Key Vocabulary: In the foreground, in the background, to the left, on the right, in the centre.
- Example: "In the foreground, there are several stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables. To the left, a man in a blue jacket is inspecting an apple. In the background, I can see tall brick buildings and a cloudy sky."
3. The Action & Atmosphere (30–50 Seconds)
Describe what is happening and the "vibe" of the photo. Use the present continuous tense (is walking, are laughing).
- Phrase: "The atmosphere appears to be..."
- Example: "The market seems very lively and chaotic. People are rushing between stalls, and vendors are interacting with customers. The general mood seems energetic."
4. Speculation & Opinion (50–90 Seconds)
If you still have time, this is your safety net. Guess about the context or how the photo makes you feel.
- Phrase: "It looks like..." or "I get the impression that..."
- Example: "It looks like it might be a weekend morning because the street is so crowded. Personally, this image reminds me of a market I visited last summer; it feels very authentic and welcoming."
Essential "Filler" Phrases
If your mind goes blank, do not stay silent. Use professional filler phrases to buy yourself thinking time while maintaining fluency:
- "Let me take a closer look at the background..."
- "Another interesting detail I notice is..."
- "Moving on to the left side of the image..."
- "What stands out to me the most is..."
A Full Example Script
Prompt: An image of a woman jogging in a park.
"This is a vibrant photograph of a large public park on a sunny day. In the center of the frame, there is a woman jogging along a paved path. She is wearing athletic gear and headphones, which suggests she is focused on her workout.
In the background, I can see large oak trees and families sitting on the grass having picnics. The weather looks perfect for outdoor activities, as the sky is clear and blue.
It seems as though this photo was taken during the autumn season, because there are fallen leaves on the ground. Overall, the image conveys a sense of health, fitness, and relaxation."
Final Tips for Success
- Don't describe the colours too much: Saying "The shirt is red, the grass is green, the sky is blue" sounds robotic and low-level. Focus on actions instead.
- Keep talking: Even if you think you are repeating yourself slightly, it is better to rephrase a point than to sit in silence.
- Check your microphone: Before the test starts, ensure your recording environment is quiet so the AI can hear your pronunciation clearly.
