CELPIP Speaking Task 3: Describing a Scene
Task 3 is unique to CELPIP. No other major English test has this format. You look at a picture, prepare for 30 seconds, and describe what you see for 60 seconds.
Practice Task 3 FreeTask 3 Overview
Preparation Time
30 seconds
Speaking Time
60 seconds
In Task 3, you describe what is happening in a picture. Cover the people, their actions, specific details in the scene, and the overall atmosphere. Use spatial vocabulary to organize your description from one part of the image to another.
Task 3 Response Template
- 1Opening: Give a general overview of what you see.
- 2People: Describe who is in the scene and what they are doing.
- 3Details: Mention specific objects, locations, or background elements.
- 4Atmosphere: Describe the mood, weather, or overall feeling.
Sample Prompts and Answers
Prompt:
Describe what is happening in this picture. (Imagine: a busy outdoor farmers market on a sunny day)
Sample Answer:
This picture shows a busy outdoor farmers market on what appears to be a beautiful sunny day. There are quite a few things happening in this scene. In the centre, I can see several vendors standing behind long tables covered with fresh fruits and vegetables. There are bright red tomatoes, green lettuce, and what looks like baskets of strawberries. The vendors seem to be engaged in friendly conversations with their customers. On the left side, a young family is walking through the market. The mother is carrying a large canvas bag that already looks full, while the father is holding a small child on his shoulders. The child seems to be pointing at something excitedly. In the background, I can see colourful tents and banners set up along the pathway. There is also a musician playing guitar near one of the stalls, which probably adds a pleasant atmosphere to the market. Overall, the scene feels lively, cheerful, and very community-oriented. It looks like a perfect weekend outing.
Prompt:
Describe what is happening in this picture. (Imagine: a school classroom with students and a teacher)
Sample Answer:
This picture shows a classroom with students and a teacher. The room looks like a regular school with desks and a whiteboard. The teacher is standing at the front of the class. She is pointing at something on the whiteboard and seems to be explaining a lesson. She looks friendly and engaged. Most of the students are sitting at their desks and paying attention. A few students in the front are writing notes. One student near the back appears to be raising their hand to ask a question. The classroom has bright lights and some posters on the walls. There are books on the desks. The atmosphere looks calm and organized, like a normal school day.
Task 3 Tips
- 1
Use spatial vocabulary to organize your description
Words like "in the foreground", "in the background", "on the left side", and "in the centre" help structure your response and show vocabulary range.
- 2
Move systematically through the image
Start with a general overview, then describe specific areas. Moving left to right or foreground to background prevents you from jumping around randomly.
- 3
Describe actions, not just objects
Instead of "there is a man", say "a man is carrying bags" or "a woman appears to be reading a book". Action descriptions use more varied grammar.
- 4
End with the atmosphere or mood
Closing with "the scene feels lively and cheerful" or "the atmosphere looks peaceful" gives your response a natural ending and shows descriptive vocabulary.
Related CELPIP Resources
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