CELPIP speaking
Describing a Scene
How to Master CELPIP Speaking Task 3: Describing a Scene
This task gives you a detailed illustration (like a "Where's Waldo?" picture) and asks you to describe what you see. This tests your vocabulary (nouns, adjectives, prepositions) and your ability to speak in an organized way.
What You Will Do
- You will have **30 seconds** to prepare.
- You will only have **60 seconds** to record your description.
The #1 Trap to Avoid
The biggest mistake is **jumping around randomly**. Test-takers panic and say, "There's a man... oh, and a dog... and in the back, there's a...". This sounds disorganized and is hard for the grader to follow. You must have a logical path.
The CLB 9+ "Zoning Method" (Use in your 30s prep!)
Use your 30-second prep time to "zone" the picture. This simple 3-part structure sounds professional and is easy to follow.
- Part 1: The Big Picture (approx. 10 seconds): Start with one sentence that describes the entire scene. (e.g., "This picture shows a very busy park on a sunny afternoon," or "It looks like a chaotic scene at an outdoor market.").
- Part 2: Zone 1 - The Foreground (approx. 20-25 seconds): Describe what's closest to you. (e.g., "In the **foreground**, on the **left side**, there is a man walking his dog. The dog *is barking* at a woman who *is sitting* on a bench.").
- Part 3: Zone 2 - The Background (approx. 20-25 seconds): Now describe what's further away. (e.g., "In the **background**, there is a large fountain, and several children *are playing* in the water. Behind them, I can see a food truck selling ice cream.").
Final Tips
- Use Prepositions:** These are your magic words. "**On the left**," "**in the middle**," "**behind them**," "**next to**."
- Use Present Continuous:** You are describing what *is happening* now. Use "-ing" verbs: "He *is running*," "They *are talking*," "A woman *is reading*."
Ready to Get Your Speaking Graded?
Can you describe a busy scene in 60 seconds without panicking? This task is all about structure, prepositions, and vocabulary.
Our webapp uses advanced AI to grade your speaking. Find out your estimated score, check your pace, and see your filler words in 5 seconds.