#8. Task 3: Describing a Scene & Templates

What this task is: You see a picture and describe what is happening. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. Aim for clear, concrete language that someone can “see” while listening.

The SIGHT plan (works every time)

S — Scan: choose an order (left→right or front→back).
I — Identify: name the place and purpose in one line.
G — Group: split the scene into 3 small areas or 3 actions.
H — Highlight: give one concrete detail for each area/action.
T — Think ahead: add one reasonable inference based on what you see.

Skeleton you can fill:

“This looks like [place]. I’ll describe it [left to right / front to back].
First, [detail 1 + action].
Second, [detail 2 + action].
Third, [detail 3 + action].
Overall, it seems [inference based on a visible clue].”

How to scan (choose one and stick to it)

• Left → Right: useful when the picture is wide (street, store, park).
• Front → Back: useful when depth matters (reception, platform, lineups).
• Center → Corners: quick fix when one big event is in the middle.

Tip: Say your scan choice out loud in the opening. It keeps you organized.

What to say (specific nouns + present actions)

Use specific nouns + present continuous for actions:

• people → cashier, customer, clerk, driver, guard, student, stroller, cyclist
• things → ticket machine, stroller ramp, signboard, recycling bin, handrail
• actions → is paying, are lining up, is posting a notice, are checking IDs

Preposition helpers: at the counter · in front of the desk · behind the bus · next to the sign · across from the entrance · on the platform

Avoid guessing (but a small inference is fine)

• Say only what you can see.
• Inference rule: link it to a visible clue (e.g., coats → cold day; balloons → event).
• Use soft language: It looks like… It seems… They are probably…

The 60-second shape (watch the bar)

• 0–8s — Overview: place + scan plan
• 8–40s — Three details: each = item + action + mini fact
• 40–55s — One inference: short, based on a clue
• 55–60s — Wrap: one line (what’s happening overall)

Phrase banks (plug-and-play)

Openers

• “This looks like a [place]. I’ll go [left to right / front to back].”
• “We’re at a [setting]; I’ll describe three things I notice.”

Detail frames

• “At the front, a [role] is [verb+ing].”
• “On the left, people are [verb+ing] near the [object].”
• “In the back, there’s a [object] and a few people are [verb+ing].”

Inference frames

• “Because of the [clue], it seems like [reasonable idea].”
• “Since the sign says [X], they are probably [Y].”

Wrap lines

• “Overall, it’s organized and moving steadily.”
• “In short, the place is busy but under control.”

Complete templates (fill the brackets)

Template A — Left→Right (wide scenes)

“This looks like a [place]. I’ll go left to right.
On the left, [people] are [action] near [object].
In the middle, [person] is [action], and a [role] is [action].
On the right, [group] are [action] beside [object].
Overall, because of [visible clue], it seems [inference].”

Template B — Front→Back (depth scenes)

“We’re at a [setting]. I’ll go front to back.
In front, [detail + action].
Behind them, [detail + action].
At the back, [detail + action].
Overall, it looks [calm/busy/organized].”

Template C — Center→Corners (one main event)

“At the center, [main action].
Top left, [detail]; top right, [detail].
Bottom area, [detail].
So, it seems [inference].”

Sample answers (realistic and easy to adapt)

1) Grocery store checkout (left→right) — ~60s

“This looks like a grocery store. I’ll go left to right.
On the left, a cashier is scanning items while a customer is paying with a card.
In the middle, two shoppers are packing groceries into reusable bags; a child is holding a loaf of bread.
On the right, a staff member is stocking fruit beside a sign that shows Saturday hours.
Overall, because people are wearing coats, it seems like a cold day, and the store is busy but organized.”

2) Bus stop with ticket machine (front→back) — ~60s

“We’re at a bus stop. I’ll go front to back.
In front, a passenger is tapping a card on the ticket machine.
Behind them, a small line is forming next to the route map.
At the back, a bus is arriving, and the driver is opening the doors.
Overall, since the screen shows 5:40, it seems like rush hour, and people are moving quickly.”

3) Community centre reception (front→back) — ~60s

“This looks like a community centre. I’ll go front to back.
At the front, a receptionist is checking a form while a visitor is showing ID.
Behind them, two parents are filling out registration papers.
At the back, a notice board is displaying program dates.
Overall, because there’s a registration sign, it seems like sign-up day for new programs.”

4) Park event (center→corners) — ~60s

“At the center, a small stage is set up, and a singer is performing.
Top left, families are sitting on blankets. Top right, a food truck is serving drinks.
Bottom area, a volunteer is placing extra waste bins near the path.
So, it seems like a weekend concert, and things are well organized.”

5) Office waiting area (left→right) — ~60s

“This looks like an office waiting area. I’ll go left to right.
On the left, a security guard is checking visitor badges.
In the middle, a receptionist is answering a phone while a courier is holding a parcel.
On the right, two visitors are reading a safety notice near the elevator.
Overall, because the clock shows 9 a.m., it seems like opening time, and staff are starting the day.”

Common mistakes (and quick fixes)

• Guessing stories (“They are late for a flight.”) → Fix: tie any idea to a visible clue.
• Generic words (things, stuff, people) → Fix: use roles and objects (cashier, stroller, ticket machine).
• Flat grammar (only “is/are”) → Fix: add -ing actions and a few prepositions (at, next to, behind).
• Random order → Fix: say your scan plan in the first line and follow it.
• No wrap → Fix: one-sentence inference linked to a clue.

Rapid prep (30 seconds you can manage)

Write four cues: Place + scan / Detail 1 / Detail 2 / Detail 3 + Inference clue.
Circle one object you can name and one action you can say for each detail.

Two short drills

Drill 1 (1 minute): Look at any picture. Say: place + scan choice + 3 details + inference.
Drill 2 (2 minutes): List 10 role nouns (cashier, driver, guard, clerk…) and 10 actions (is scanning, are lining up, is posting…). Practice pairing them.

Quick checklist before you speak

• Named the place and scan plan
• Gave 3 specific details (noun + action + small fact)
• Used present continuous and prepositions
• No guessing; one inference tied to a visible clue
• Finished with a clear wrap line