APTIS SPEAKING PART 3

Comparing pictures

In this part of the exam, you will be shown two pictures and asked to compare them. Again, there are 3 questions
which each have a 45 second limit for answering.

1. Compare the two pictures. (45sec)

2. Why might people choose each type of holiday? (45sec)

3. Which of these types of holidays are better for you? (45sec)

As we saw in our previous post when describing photos we usually use modals of deduction to say what we
suppose is happening in the pictures.

SAMPLE ANSWER

1. In the first picture on the left, a couple can be seen relaxing in deck chairs at the beach. I imagine
they are a couple as they are holding hands and the woman seems to be gazing at her partner. There is a
bag hanging off one deckchair and a hat hanging off the other. It looks idyllic if I’m honest. In the second
picture, we can see a group, with backpacks on hiking through the mountains. They appear to be following
a trail and are properly prepared for the terrain. It reminds me of going trekking with my friends in the
mountains outside my city.

2.I reckon people choose beach holidays to get away from the hustle bustle of the city and to completely
switch off. Not only do they get to relax on what seems like a paradise island but they also don’t have to
worry about the stresses of their daily life. On the other hand, this type of trip can seem utterly boring to
some people which is why they might prefer to do something more active. They also want to escape the
fast-paced way of things in the city by getting fresh air in a pristine landscape but obviously lying on the
beach for days would just bore them to tears.

3. Both types of holiday have their benefits. Relaxing on a beautiful beach for a week might do somebody
who has a high-stress job or day to day life the world of good as they can just switch off and forget about
everything for the time being. However, the hiking holiday is obviously more active and in that way, it’s
physically better for you. I suppose it all depends on whether you want to do something active or would
benefit just as much from simply taking a break from your daily routine.

.
 Useful phrases
Question 1:

describing two pictures

 The picture on the left shows...

The picture on the right shows...

 In one photo there are...

In the other photo there are...

 In the first picture it looks as if...

In the second one it looks like...

Things in common:

 Both pictures show...

In both pictures there are...
They're both quite similar because they both show...

Contrasting the pictures:

 This picture shows.... However,...

 In one respect the pictures are quite similar because...

 In the picture on the right …. Whereas, the picture on the left

 One difference between the pictures is that...

Highlighting differences:

 The biggest difference between them is that this one... but/ however the other one...
 The main focus of the ( first/ top/ right / left) picture is ….. whereas….

 This one looks more ... than that.

Adding ideas

 In addition..
 What’s more…
 One more thing…
 Question 2:
structures and vocabulary for speculating and choosing

 I imagine it would be + adjective

 I would find it + adjective
 It might be nice to…
 I could see myself…
 Perhaps it would be…
 I suppose…
 I guess it would be nice to…

Question 3:
choosing one image / situation:

 I would definitely choose picture one as I like…

 I guess my first choice would be picture two.

 For me, the most important thing is…

 I don’t think it really matters where you go as long as…

 Personally, I would prefer…

 If I had to choose one of these places, I would definitely go for the one in the picture on the left.

 I wouldn’t mind being on a beautiful island like that, but on the other hand, I think I would be bored to death
after a couple of days there.
SAMPLE TEST 1 PART 3
In this part I am going to ask you to compare two pictures and I will then ask you
two questions about them. You will have 45 seconds for each response. Begin
speaking when you hear this sound (BEEP)

1. Describe what you see in the two pictures (BEEP)

2. What sort of people go to each shop and why? (BEEP)

3. Which kind of shop do you usually go to and why? (BEEP)

SAMPLE TEST 2 PART 3

In this part I am going to ask you to compare two pictures and I will then ask you
two questions about them. You will have 45 seconds for each response. Begin
speaking when you hear this sound (BEEP)

1. Describe what you see in the two pictures (BEEP)

2. Which situation do you prefer? Why?

3. Do you believe young people nowadays are different to some years
ago?
SAMPLE TEST 3 PART 3
In this part I am going to ask you to describe a picture. Then I will ask you two more
questions about it. You’ll have 45 seconds for each response. Begin speaking when
your hear this sound (BEEP)

1. Describe what you see in the two pictures (BEEP) (45 seconds)

2. What do these families have in common?

3. How does family harmony influence a child’s behaviour?

SAMPLE TEST 4 PART 3

In this part I am going to ask you to describe a picture. Then I will ask you two more
questions about it. You’ll have 45 seconds for each response. Begin speaking when
your hear this sound (BEEP)

1. Describe what you see in the two pictures (BEEP) (45

seconds)

2. What would be like to work in these two pictures?

3. Which one do you think is more difficult to do?