Describe a Picture
Describe a Picture
ELPAC Skill Focus: Task Type 1 – Describe a Picture
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What You Need to Do
What You Need to Do
When you're asked to describe a picture, your job is to look carefully and explain what you see using clear and complete sentences. You should describe:
Who is in the picture
What is happening
Where the action is taking place
What people or things are doing
How people might feel
Steps for Success
Steps for Success
Look Closely – Start by observing the picture for 30–60 seconds. Take note of people, actions, objects, and setting.
Use Your Eyes Like a Camera – Start from the top left and move across and down. Don’t miss small details.
Use Complete Sentences – Don’t list! Say full sentences with subject, verb, and details.
Add Details – Use color, emotion, time of day, or background information.
Think About the Story – Imagine what happened before and what might happen next.
Sentence Frames to Help You Speak/Write
Sentence Frames to Help You Speak/Write
Beginning Your Description:
This picture shows...
In this image, I see...
The photo takes place in...
Talking About People and Action:
There is a ____ who is ____.
Two people are ____ in the middle of the picture.
It looks like they are ____ because ____.
Describing the Setting:
The scene appears to be in a ____.
In the background, I can see...
It might be ____ (morning/afternoon/summer/etc.).
Adding Emotion or Inference:
The person seems (happy/sad/tired) because...
This reminds me of...
I think they are going to...
What Makes a Strong Description?
What Makes a Strong Description?
Subject
Subject
Example: “A girl is holding a balloon.”
Tip: Start with who is in the picture.
Action
Action
Example: “She is running toward a group of children.”
Tip: Use present tense action verbs.
Inference
Inference
Example: “She looks excited.”
Tip: Say what you think or feel based on clues in the picture.
Setting
Setting
Example: “They are in a park with trees and sunshine.”
Tip: Think about time and place — where is this happening?
Detail
Detail
Example: “The balloon is bright red.”
Tip: Use colors, sizes, and feelings to add description.
Extension: Before / After
Extension: Before / After
Before: What might have happened before the picture was taken?
After: What do you think will happen next?
Resources and Activities
Resources and Activities
Mr. Tretyak's Slide Deck of Photos
AI Image Exercise (Coming Soon)
Perfect Score Checklist
Perfect Score Checklist
✅ At least 4–5 complete sentences
✅ A clear description of people or objects in the picture
✅ Action words (present tense verbs like is running, are playing)
✅ A clear setting (where and when)
✅ At least one detail (color, size, feeling, or object)
✅ At least one inference (guess about what someone feels or what might happen next)
✅ Correct grammar and punctuation (as much as possible)
✅ No random guessing — all ideas are connected to the picture
Sample Description (Student Model – High Score):
Sample Description (Student Model – High Score):
This picture shows a group of students in a classroom. One student is standing at the whiteboard, writing something while the others watch. Everyone seems focused and quiet. There are posters on the walls and books on the desks, so it looks like a middle school or high school. The student at the board looks confident, maybe giving a presentation.
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