Describe a photograph that you like
Describe a photograph that you like.
You should say:
- what the photograph shows
- when and where it was taken
- who took it
And explain why you like this photograph.
Practise this cue card with a timer Use it in a full mock
One-minute preparation plan
Describe the image clearly, as if the examiner could not see it, using position words.
| Cue card point | What to note (keywords only) |
|---|---|
| What the photograph shows | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| When and where it was taken | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| Who took it | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| And explain why you like this photograph. | Your main reason plus how it affected you—save 30 seconds for this |
Sample answer
The photograph I like most is a picture of my whole extended family at my cousin's wedding, which was taken about five years ago in a garden by the sea.
It shows about thirty of us standing in three rows. My grandparents are sitting in the middle of the front row, surrounded by grandchildren, and the bride and groom are standing just behind them. In the background you can see the sea and a pink evening sky. What I love is that almost nobody is posing properly; someone is laughing, a child is running out of the frame, and my uncle is clearly in the middle of telling a joke.
It was taken by the professional wedding photographer, who'd asked us to stand still for a serious photo, but everyone started laughing just before he pressed the button.
I like it because it captures what my family is actually like: noisy, warm and not very organised. It's also special because my grandfather passed away the following year, and it's the last photo with all of us together. I have it framed in my living room.
About 185 words, roughly two minutes at a natural pace. This is an original example written for SpeakingIELTS to show structure and vocabulary—use it for ideas, not as a script to memorise. Real test cards are worded differently, and examiners notice rehearsed answers.
Useful words and phrases
- in the middle of the front row
- in the background
- out of the frame
- just before he pressed the button
- captures what my family is actually like
- passed away
Try using three of these in your own answer. For more topic vocabulary, see the vocabulary helper.
Part 3 follow-up questions
After this cue card, the examiner moves to a Part 3 discussion on the same theme. Give an opinion, a reason and an example for each.
- Why do people take so many photographs today?
- Are printed photographs still important?
- Can photographs be misleading?
- Should people ask permission before taking photos of others?
- How has social media changed photography?
Practise these Part 3 questions
Check your own answer
Record yourself, then listen once and ask: did I cover every point, keep talking for close to two minutes, link ideas clearly, and explain my reasons at the end? The self-evaluation checklist covers all four speaking criteria.