SOME USEFUL GUIDELINES AND

TECHNIQUES FOR DESCRIBING

PICTURES

Describe Compare Give Opinion

How to do Picture description
– Scan the picture and identify the topic
– Talk briefly about the things shown in picture
– Develop your ideas to talk about the topic
– Use linking words to describe, compare and contrast
the pictures
– Describe the atmosphere of the picture
– Give your opinion on the topic or picture
Talk briefly about the picture

– Scan the picture carefully and begin introduction by highlighting

the important things shown in the picture
– Talk about the place
– Describe position
– Describe people’s appearance
– Describe people’s actions
– Describe people’s roles
– Describe people’s feelings
– Give your opinion
Useful expressions to describe
positions in the picture

– At the top/bottom of the picture ...

In the middle of the picture ...
On the left/right of the picture ...
next to
in front of
behind
near
on top of
under
 Useful expressions to describe ,
compare and contrast pictures

To Describe To Compare To Contrast

– The picture shows____ – similar to this – Whereas
– In this picture. I/we can – the same as – Instead of
see___
– like – Unlike
– There is/are ____
– in the same way
– If something isn’t clear – On the contrary
– It seems____ – While
– It looks like___ – On the other hand
– It might be __
 Useful expressions for adding,
illustrating and emphasizing

To illustrate For adding To emphasize

– For example – And – Above all
– For instance – Also – Especially
– To illustrate this, we can – As well as – In particular
say – Moreover
– Such as – Too
– In case of – Furthermore
Useful words to describe the
atmosphere of the picture

– Positive – Happy
– Funny – Sad
– Pleasant – Active
– Miserable – Boring
– Mad unusual – Quiet
– Strange – Loud
– Relaxed – Sincere
– Negative – Crazy
– Nervous – Excited
Useful expressions for giving
opinions

– In my opinion
– From my point of view
– According to my point of view
– As it see it
– Taking this into account
– If you ask me
Your turn