CELPIP Speaking Part 3: Describing a Scene

In Task 3, you describe an image or scene shown on the screen. You need to describe the people, actions, setting, and details you see. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak.

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What Task 3: Describing a Scene looks like on test day

You will see an image showing a scene — it could be a park, office, classroom, street, restaurant, or community event. The image shows people doing various activities.

You need to describe what you see: who is in the image, what they are doing, where the scene takes place, and notable details like objects, weather, or expressions.

Raters assess your ability to use present continuous tense accurately ("A woman is walking"), spatial language ("in the foreground", "on the left"), and descriptive vocabulary.

How to score CLB 9+ on Task 3: Describing a Scene

Start with the big picture: "This image shows a busy park on a sunny day." Then zoom into specific details.
Use spatial language: "In the foreground", "In the background", "On the left side", "In the center", "Near the..."
Use present continuous: "A man is sitting on a bench", "Two children are playing with a ball", "A woman is walking her dog."
Describe at least 4-5 different elements in the scene. Don't spend all your time on one person.
If you can't identify something exactly, use hedging: "It looks like", "It appears to be", "There seems to be."

Common mistakes on Task 3: Describing a Scene

Listing objects without spatial language ("on the left", "in the background"). Describing a scene requires position words throughout.
Using only present continuous. Mix it with present simple and prepositional phrases for variety the rater will reward.
Forgetting to mention the people, their actions, and the mood. All three are scored — covering only one drops your task fulfillment.
Spending too long on one corner of the image and missing major elements. Sweep the scene systematically: foreground → background.

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Task 3: Describing a Scene FAQ

What kind of images appear in Task 3?+

Everyday scenes: parks, offices, restaurants, streets, markets, classrooms, community events. The images show multiple people doing different things, giving you plenty to describe.

Do I need to tell a story about the image?+

No. Task 3 is pure description, not storytelling. Describe what you see, not what you imagine happened before or after.

What grammar should I use?+

Present continuous is key: "is walking", "are talking", "is holding." Use simple present for permanent features: "There is a fountain in the center." Accurate tense use is heavily weighted.

How many details should I describe?+

Aim for 4-6 distinct observations in 60 seconds. Start general (setting, weather), then describe specific people and actions, then mention smaller details (objects, signs, colors).