Speaking Task 3: Describing a Scene

At the back of something, so it may be partly hidden from view.

“Behind the counter, a barista is steaming milk for a latte.”

“Some kids are hiding behind a snowbank, ready to throw snowballs.”

Often used: just behind · behind the counter · standing behind

CELPIP tip: A simple word that shows depth in a flat picture. Pair it with in front of to describe layers clearly.

Facing something from the other side of a space such as a street, room or table.

“Opposite the pharmacy, there's a small bakery with a line outside.”

“An older couple is sitting opposite each other at a table by the window.”

Often used: directly opposite · opposite each other · on the opposite side

CELPIP tip: Do not add to after it in this meaning: opposite the bank, not opposite to the bank. Across from is a common Canadian alternative.

To walk slowly and in a relaxed way, usually for pleasure.

“An elderly couple is strolling along the boardwalk, holding hands.”

“A few tourists are strolling past the shop windows on the main street.”

Often used: stroll along · stroll through the park · take a stroll

CELPIP tip: It shows mood as well as movement. Contrast it with rush or hurry to describe different people in the same scene.

Full of people who are busy and moving around, with a lively atmosphere.

“It's a bustling farmers' market, with shoppers crowding around every stall.”

“The food court looks bustling at lunchtime, with hardly any free tables.”

Often used: a bustling street · bustling with activity

CELPIP tip: A good word for your opening overview sentence. It sets the general mood before you describe details.

Untidy because too many objects are spread around a small space.

“The desk in the corner is cluttered with papers, coffee cups and a laptop.”

“The garage looks cluttered, with boxes stacked right up to the ceiling.”

Often used: cluttered with · a cluttered room

CELPIP tip: Pair it with with plus a few objects to paint a clear image quickly.

To rest your body or an object on something so that it is supported.

“A teenager is leaning against the railing, scrolling through his phone.”

“Several snowboards are leaning against the wall of the chalet.”

Often used: leaning against the wall · leaning against a tree

CELPIP tip: Use the present continuous, is leaning, because you are describing what is happening in the picture right now.

To stand one behind another while waiting for a turn.

“About ten people are lined up outside the ice cream shop.”

“Children are lining up at the door of the classroom after recess.”

Often used: lined up outside · line up for tickets

CELPIP tip: Canadians mostly say line up rather than queue. Both are correct, so use either to vary your wording.

Having people or things all around on every side.

“A teacher is sitting on the grass, surrounded by a group of curious students.”

“The lake is surrounded by thick forest and a few small cottages.”

Often used: completely surrounded by · surrounded by friends

CELPIP tip: A quick way to describe a person and a group together. It keeps your sentence compact and clear.

The look on a person's face that shows how they feel.

“Her facial expression suggests she's worried about the long line at the counter.”

“From his facial expression, the boy clearly loves the puppy in his arms.”

Often used: a puzzled facial expression · her facial expression suggests

CELPIP tip: Describing faces adds feeling to your answer. Follow it with an adjective such as puzzled, cheerful or tense.

Having a row of things along the edge or sides of something.

“The street is lined with maple trees and small shops with colourful awnings.”

“The hallway of the school is lined with lockers and student artwork.”

Often used: a road lined with · shelves lined with

CELPIP tip: Helps you describe many objects at once instead of listing each one. Useful for streets, shelves and hallways.

In the central area of the picture, usually where the main action is.

“In the middle of the scene, a cashier is scanning a customer's groceries.”

“A fountain sits in the middle of the scene, with children splashing around it.”

Often used: right in the middle · in the middle of the picture

CELPIP tip: Often the best place to describe the main activity. Give it more detail than the edges of the scene.

Directly beside something, with no space or other object in between.

“Right next to the barbecue, a man is setting paper plates on a picnic table.”

“A golden retriever is lying right next to the front door.”

Often used: right next to the · sitting right next to

CELPIP tip: Adding right makes the position exact. Use it to link a new object to something you have already described.

In the upper area of the picture on the right side.

“In the top right corner, there's a clock showing almost three o'clock.”

“A sign for the washrooms hangs in the top right corner of the mall.”

Often used: in the bottom left corner · in the top right corner of the picture

CELPIP tip: Say in the corner, not on the corner, when you mean inside the picture's frame. On the corner refers to a street corner.

In the left part of the picture as you look at it.

“On the left-hand side, two women are choosing apples at a fruit stand.”

“A tall pine tree stands on the left-hand side, next to the cabin.”

Often used: on the right-hand side · over on the left-hand side

CELPIP tip: Learn it with its partner, on the right-hand side, so you can sweep across the picture in a clear order.

In the part of a picture that looks farthest away from the viewer.

“In the background, I can see snowy mountains and a small ski lodge.”

“A city bus is pulling away from the stop in the background.”

Often used: far in the background · in the background, there's...

CELPIP tip: Use it after you finish the front of the scene, so your listener can follow your path from near to far.

In the part of a picture that looks closest to the person viewing it.

“In the foreground, a little boy in a red toque is building a snowman.”

“There's a bike rack in the foreground with three bicycles locked to it.”

Often used: right in the foreground · in the foreground on the left

CELPIP tip: A natural starting point for your description. Combine it with left or right to make the position more exact.

A frame for making a reasonable guess about something based on what you can see.

“It looks as if the woman at the bus stop is running late for work.”

“It looks as if a birthday party is about to start in the backyard.”

Often used: it looks as if + clause · it looks as though

CELPIP tip: Use it to move from what you see to what might be going on. This adds depth without claiming things you cannot know.

A phrase that shows what evidence in the picture your guess is based on.

“Judging by their heavy coats, it must be quite cold outside.”

“Judging by the balloons and the cake, someone is celebrating a birthday.”

Often used: judging by the look of · judging by their faces

CELPIP tip: Name the visual clue right after it, then give your conclusion. This shows careful reasoning about the scene.