Picture description is an important task in English Proficiency tests such as Duolingo English Test as well as in general writing and speaking tasks in English Language. Describing images can be an interesting activity if you focus on the simple rules of describing a photo. Here are some general rules you must consider while completing a picture description task.
General Rules of Describing an Image
While writing the description of a photo, first you need to introduce the main point of focus. Let’s see how:
Introduction:
In Picture description tasks, your first sentence should be the general impression on the photo. Talk about the main point of focus of the photo. For example, think about “What is the main focus of this photo?” Here is a picture description example:
First, let’s write an introduction of the photo:
” The picture shows a woman sitting on the first step of a stone staircase which is filled with autumn leaves.”
Add significant details and location of objects in Picture Description
In your following sentences, write other specific details and what object is found where in the picture. For example:” She has a camera in her lap and is holding an autumn leaf in her hand. She is wearing a white pants and a checked shirt with a sweater on her shoulders.”
Add a speculation to conclude picture Description
In your last sentences, add a speculation; for Example: “I guess the woman is a tourist who is visiting a particular destination” or ” I think the autumn season at this place is at peak.” or ” I believe this photo has been taken by a stock photographer.“
Don’t forget to include adjectives
The use of adjectives or descriptive phrases make a writing more descriptive, vivid and interesting.
The use of adjectives in the above description has been highlighted in bold.
Picture Description Examples
Image Description Example 1
The picture shows a wooden hut or cabin under the shade of trees. There is a woman dressed in white tee and jeans standing outside the door. The wooden doors of the hut are wide open and there is dark inside. Some foliage is covering the slanting roof and surrounding area of the hut.It looks like the hut is the part of a public park.
Picture Description Example 2
This is photo of a metal stand with some horseshoes sitting on the top of it. There are two pales of water under and beside the stand. There is some other wooden stuff around it and there is some kind of machine partly visible in the picture. It looks like it is an old workshop from a village or the olden times where horses were kept.
Picture Description Example 3
The picture shows some stone structures raised on pedestals in a gallery.Most structures in the background appear to be stone sculptures of human figures. The foreground illustrates the floor with blocked grey pattern. The roof of the gallery covers a large part of the picture and has a square pattern. I believe this photo has been taken in an art gallery and all the sculptures are carved by famous sculptors from the history.
Picture Description Example 4
The picture Shows a fancy white cake with floral decorations. The cake is on the table surrounded by some illuminated candles and other eatables in the background. The cake has some burning candles on top with sparkles coming out. It is the main focus of the photo although some people can be seen in the blurred background. It seems like it is a wedding cake.
Picture Description Example 5
The picture depicts a beautiful scene of a man rowing a boat through the water with oar. The man is facing opposite to the camera.The golden water is creating ripples under the boat and there are golden brown trees on both side of the lake against the blue summer sky. The red colour of the boat and man’s hat create a beautiful contrast with the golden brown colour of the trees and water.
These were simple image description examples for English language learners and English Proficiency test takers. Find more here: Picture Description