Describing a memorable photo is a common task in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. To help you excel in this task, let’s explore effective strategies and sample answers that can boost your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about photos and photography. Here are some common questions and a sample answer:
- Do you like taking photos?
- How often do you take photos?
- In what situations do you usually take photos?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I’m quite passionate about photography. I try to capture special moments whenever I can, which usually translates to taking photos several times a week. I particularly enjoy snapping pictures during family gatherings, travels, or when I encounter something visually striking in my daily life. It’s a way for me to preserve memories and share experiences with others.”
Describe a time when you went on a hike can also be an excellent opportunity to discuss memorable photos you might have taken during your outdoor adventures.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for describing a memorable photo:
Describe A Memorable Photo You Have
You should say:
- What the photo shows
- When and where the photo was taken
- Why you like this photo
- And explain why this photo is memorable to you
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a photo that holds a special place in my heart. It’s a picture of my family taken during our vacation to the beach last summer. The photo shows my parents, my younger sister, and me standing on the shore with the sun setting behind us.
We took this photo on the last day of our trip to a beautiful coastal town. I remember it was just before dinner time, and we decided to take one last walk on the beach. The sky was painted with vibrant orange and pink hues, creating a stunning backdrop for our family portrait.
I particularly like this photo because it captures a moment of pure happiness and togetherness. Everyone in the picture has genuine smiles on their faces, and you can really feel the joy and relaxation we were experiencing at that moment.
This photo is memorable to me for several reasons. Firstly, it reminds me of the wonderful time we had during that vacation, which was our first family trip in years due to our busy schedules. Secondly, it serves as a beautiful representation of our family bond. Lastly, the breathtaking sunset in the background makes it visually striking, and I often find myself staring at it, reliving those precious moments.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to describe a truly captivating photograph that holds immense sentimental value for me. It’s a candid shot of my grandmother, taken on her 80th birthday celebration last year. The photo beautifully captures her in a moment of pure, unbridled joy, her face lit up with a radiant smile that reaches her eyes, creating delicate crinkles that speak volumes about a life well-lived.
This poignant image was captured at our family home during a surprise party we had organized for her. It was a crisp autumn afternoon, and the warm, golden light filtering through the windows lent an almost ethereal quality to the scene.
What I particularly adore about this photograph is its ability to freeze a fleeting moment of genuine emotion. It’s not a posed shot; rather, it’s a spontaneous capture of authentic happiness. The way her eyes sparkle with delight, the slight tilt of her head as she laughs – every detail contributes to the photograph’s charm and emotional resonance.
This photo is exceptionally memorable for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of family and celebrating life’s milestones. Secondly, it encapsulates my grandmother’s indomitable spirit and zest for life, qualities that have always inspired me. Lastly, from a purely aesthetic standpoint, the interplay of light and shadow, combined with the genuine emotion on display, makes it a visually stunning piece that never fails to evoke a strong emotional response from anyone who sees it.
In essence, this photograph is more than just an image; it’s a tangible piece of a cherished memory, a window into a moment of pure joy, and a testament to the enduring power of love and family. It’s a visual representation of why we take photos in the first place – to capture and preserve the fleeting moments that make life beautiful.”
A family photo taken at sunset on a beach
Follow-up questions:
- How has technology changed the way we take and store photos?
- Do you think people take too many photos nowadays?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized photography in numerous ways. Smartphones have made it incredibly easy for anyone to capture high-quality images at any time, leading to a democratization of photography. Digital storage solutions like cloud services have also transformed how we preserve and share our visual memories, allowing us to store thousands of photos without physical albums.
While the ease of taking photos has certainly led to an increase in the number of pictures people take, I don’t necessarily think it’s too many. This abundance allows us to document our lives more comprehensively and choose the best moments to preserve. However, it’s crucial to find a balance and ensure we’re not so focused on capturing moments that we forget to fully experience them.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think photography has changed the way we remember events?
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I believe photography has greatly influenced how we remember events. Photos help us recall details that we might otherwise forget over time. They also allow us to share experiences with others who weren’t present. However, sometimes people focus too much on taking photos during an event instead of fully enjoying the moment.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Photography has profoundly altered our relationship with memory and how we commemorate events. On one hand, it has enhanced our ability to recall specific details and preserve moments with incredible accuracy. Photos serve as powerful memory triggers, allowing us to revisit experiences and emotions long after they’ve occurred.
However, this reliance on visual documentation has also transformed the way we experience events in real-time. There’s a tendency to view life through a lens, potentially diminishing our ability to fully immerse ourselves in the present moment. This phenomenon raises interesting questions about the balance between capturing memories and truly living them.
Moreover, the prevalence of photography in our lives has shifted the nature of shared experiences. Social media platforms have made it easier than ever to share our visual memories, creating a collective visual narrative of events. This can foster connection and shared understanding, but it may also lead to a curated version of reality that doesn’t always reflect the full complexity of an experience.
In essence, while photography has undoubtedly enriched our ability to remember and share events, it has also introduced new dynamics in how we engage with and process our experiences, both individually and collectively.”
Describe a person who has influenced your lifestyle could be an interesting way to connect this discussion to personal growth and changes in perspective, which might be reflected in the photos we choose to take and keep.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Capture a moment (phrasal verb) – /ˈkæptʃər ə ˈməʊmənt/ – to record or preserve a particular point in time
Example: “The photograph beautifully captured the moment of joy on her face.” -
Poignant (adjective) – /ˈpɔɪnjənt/ – evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret
Example: “The old family photo was a poignant reminder of happier times.” -
Ethereal (adjective) – /ɪˈθɪəriəl/ – extremely delicate and light in a way that seems not to be of this world
Example: “The soft lighting gave the portrait an ethereal quality.” -
Candid (adjective) – /ˈkændɪd/ – (of a photograph) taken informally, especially without the subject’s knowledge
Example: “I prefer candid shots to posed photographs as they often capture more genuine emotions.” -
Visual narrative (noun phrase) – /ˈvɪʒuəl ˈnærətɪv/ – a story told primarily through the use of visual media
Example: “The series of photographs created a compelling visual narrative of the artist’s life.”
Candid photo of grandmother's 80th birthday celebration
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a memorable photo:
- Practice describing various types of photos to build your vocabulary and fluency.
- Focus on expressing emotions and personal connections to the photo, not just describing what’s visually apparent.
- Use a range of descriptive adjectives and idiomatic expressions to enhance your language.
- Structure your response logically, addressing all parts of the question.
- Speak at a natural pace with good pronunciation and intonation.
- Provide specific details and examples to support your points.
- Reflect on the broader significance of the photo and its context.
Remember, the key is to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in English while providing thoughtful and well-structured responses. Regular practice and expanding your vocabulary will help you feel more confident and perform better during the actual test.
Describe a time when you were lost in an unfamiliar place could be an excellent topic to practice describing vivid scenes and emotions, skills that are also crucial when discussing memorable photos.
