B1 Preliminary (PET) Speaking – Practice Test 1 — Part 2 – Describe a photo
2–3 minutes. Each candidate describes a photograph on their own for about one minute. Read the task and the model description, practise out loud, then try the questions below.
The examiner's script
Interlocutor: Now I'd like each of you to talk on your own about something. I'm going to give each of you a photograph and I'd like you to talk about it.
To A: Here is your photograph. It shows a family cooking together in a kitchen. B, you just listen. A, please tell us what you can see in the photograph.
Candidate A speaks for about one minute.
To B: Here is your photograph. It shows people waiting at a busy train station. A, you just listen. B, please tell us what you can see.
Candidate B speaks for about one minute.
Model description (photo A — a family cooking)
In this photograph, I can see a family of four cooking together in a large, modern kitchen. In the middle, a man — maybe the father — is cutting vegetables on a wooden board. Next to him, a young girl is mixing something in a big bowl, and she looks very happy. On the right, a woman is checking something in the oven, while a little boy watches her. Behind them, there is a window with plants on it and lots of light coming in. It seems like a warm, relaxed moment, and I think they are preparing a meal for a special day.
Useful language for describing a photo
- Where things are: in the middle…, on the left/right…, in the background…, next to…
- What is happening (present continuous): a man is cutting…, they are talking…
- Guessing (when you aren't sure): maybe…, it looks like…, I think…, perhaps they are…
- Feelings: they look happy/relaxed/busy…, it seems like a nice moment.
11. In Part 2, how long should you speak?
22. Which tense is best for saying what people are doing in the photo?
33. You are not sure why the people are there. What is the best thing to say?
44. Which phrase best helps you organise your description?
55. While your partner describes their photo, what should you do?