CELPIP Speaking Task 3 Template: Describing a Scene

Goal

Describe what is happening in a picture by identifying people, actions, objects, and locations in 60 seconds. You get 30 seconds to study the image. This task tests your ability to use Present Continuous and spatial language fluently.

What the Examiner Looks For

Sample Prompt

Every step below reuses the same prompt so you can watch one scenario travel through the full template.

Prompt: Describe what you see in this picture of a farmers’ market.

Step 1: Opening, Identify the Overall Scene

Goal: Give a one-sentence overview of the entire image. This sets the context and should take about 5–10 seconds.

Grammar Booster: Present Continuous for Actions in Progress

Formula: Subject + is/are + Verb-ing

This is the core tense for Task 3. Every action you describe should use Present Continuous because you are describing what is happening right now in the picture.

Examples:

• A young woman is selecting tomatoes at a market stall.
• An elderly vendor is displaying fresh bread behind his counter.
• Two children are running between the stalls and laughing.

The Template

• General overview: This picture shows [a scene/setting with people doing something].
• Atmosphere (optional): It looks like [a busy/relaxed/festive] [time/place/event].

Example: This picture shows a busy outdoor farmers’ market on a sunny day. It looks like a vibrant weekend morning with lots of people shopping and socializing.

Step 2: Main Description, Scan and Describe

Goal: Systematically describe the key elements of the image, moving through it in an organized way. This is the core of your response, about 40-45 seconds.

Grammar Booster: Spatial Prepositions for Locations

Use spatial prepositions to tell the listener where things are in the image. This shows vocabulary range and helps organize your description.

Grammar Booster: There is / There are for Existence

Use There is/are to introduce new elements in the scene:

The Template

• Area 1: In the foreground, [person/object] is [action]. [He/She] is wearing [clothes] and looks [emotion/state].
• Area 2: On the [left/right] side, [person/object] is [action]. [Specific detail].
• Area 3: In the background, [what you see]. [Additional detail].
• Additional detail: There is also [object] near [location], which [adds context].

Example: In the foreground, a young woman is carefully selecting tomatoes from a wooden crate. She is wearing a straw hat and carrying a large canvas bag. On the left side, an elderly man in an apron is displaying fresh bread and baguettes at his stall. A woman next to him appears to be browsing his selection. To the right, there are two children who are running between the stalls and laughing. In the background, I can see a row of colorful tents and a decorative banner with a floral pattern hanging overhead. There is also a musician in the background who is playing a guitar.

Step 3: Closing, Add Mood or Overall Impression

Goal: Wrap up with a brief final observation about the mood, atmosphere, or one interesting detail. About 5–10 seconds.

Grammar Booster: Adjective Stacking for Vivid Descriptions

Use two or three adjectives before a noun to create rich descriptions. Follow the standard English adjective order: Opinion → Size → Age → Shape → Color → Origin → Material → Purpose.

Examples:

• It’s a bright, sunny weekend morning at the market.
• The stalls create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
• Everyone seems to be enjoying a lively, festive day outdoors.

The Template

• Atmosphere: Overall, the scene looks [adjective] and [adjective].
• Final observation: Everyone seems to be [enjoying themselves / having a great time / in a good mood].

Example: Overall, the scene looks lively and cheerful. Everyone seems to be enjoying the beautiful weather and the fresh produce. It really captures the feeling of a perfect weekend morning.

Model Answer (Score 9+)

Putting it all together, here is the full annotated response to the sample prompt at the top of this template:

Overview This picture shows a busy outdoor farmers’ market on a sunny day. Atmosphere It looks like a vibrant weekend morning with lots of people shopping and socializing.

Spatial: Foreground In the foreground, a young woman is carefully selecting tomatoes from a wooden crate. Present Continuous She is wearing a straw hat and carrying a large canvas bag. Spatial: Left On the left side, an elderly man in an apron is displaying fresh bread and baguettes at his stall. Detail A woman next to him appears to be browsing his selection.

Spatial: Right To the right, there are two children who are running between the stalls and laughing. Spatial: Background In the background, I can see a row of colorful tents and a decorative banner with a floral pattern hanging overhead. Spatial: Background There is also a musician in the background who is playing a guitar.

Closing Overall, the scene looks lively and cheerful. General Impression Everyone seems to be enjoying the beautiful weather and the fresh produce.

Transition Signals Quick Reference

Universal Phrase Banks

Opening, Setting the Scene

Describing People & Actions

Describing Objects & Environment

Closing, Mood & Impression