The topic of describing a favorite photo or picture is a common one in IELTS Speaking exams. It has appeared frequently in past tests and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. This topic allows candidates to showcase their descriptive language skills, personal experiences, and emotional connections to visual imagery.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about photographs and pictures. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:
Examiner: Do you like taking photos?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about photography. I find it to be a wonderful way to capture memories and express my creativity. Whether I’m traveling to new places or just spending time with friends and family, I always try to have my camera handy to document those special moments.”
IELTS candidate enthusiastically discussing photography
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a favorite photo or picture you have.
You should say:
- What the photo or picture shows
- When and where it was taken
- Why you like this photo or picture so much
- And explain how this photo or picture makes you feel
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to describe a cherished photograph that holds a special place in my heart. The picture captures a moment from my grandfather’s 80th birthday celebration, which took place at our family home last summer.
The photo showcases my entire extended family gathered in our backyard. In the center, my grandfather is seated in his favorite armchair, beaming with joy as he’s surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and even a few great-grandchildren. The vibrant colors of the garden flowers in the background perfectly complement the warm smiles on everyone’s faces.
This picture was taken by my cousin, who has a keen eye for photography. She managed to capture the essence of our family’s love and unity in a single frame. What makes this photo so special to me is that it represents a milestone in our family history. It’s not often that we have the opportunity to bring together four generations, and this image serves as a testament to the strong bonds we share.
Every time I look at this photograph, I’m overwhelmed with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. It reminds me of the importance of family and the precious nature of time. The picture evokes a feeling of warmth and belonging, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face. It’s a visual reminder of the love and support that surrounds me, and it motivates me to cherish every moment I have with my loved ones.
In essence, this photograph is more than just an image; it’s a treasure trove of memories and a symbol of our family’s legacy. It encapsulates the joy, love, and connection that define our relationships, making it truly invaluable to me.”
IELTS candidate describing favorite family photo
Follow-up questions:
Examiner: How has digital photography changed the way we take and store photos?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Digital photography has revolutionized the way we approach taking and storing photos. Firstly, it has made photography much more accessible to the average person, as smartphones now come equipped with high-quality cameras. This means we can capture moments spontaneously without needing to carry a separate device.
Moreover, digital storage has made it possible to keep thousands of photos without physical space constraints. Cloud storage solutions have further enhanced this by allowing us to access our photos from anywhere and easily share them with others.
However, this ease of taking and storing photos has also led to some challenges. We now tend to take many more photos than we did with film cameras, which can make it difficult to organize and manage our digital collections effectively. Additionally, there’s a risk of losing valuable memories if digital files become corrupted or storage devices fail.
Overall, while digital photography has brought many advantages in terms of convenience and accessibility, it also requires us to be more mindful about how we manage and preserve our photographic memories for the long term.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think photography as an art form has evolved over the years?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The evolution of photography as an art form has been truly remarkable over the years. Initially, photography was primarily seen as a means of documentation, but it has since blossomed into a diverse and expressive medium.
One significant development has been the transition from film to digital. This shift has democratized the art form, allowing more people to experiment with photography without the constraints of film costs and development time. It has also opened up new possibilities for post-processing and manipulation, blurring the lines between photography and digital art.
Another notable change is the rise of conceptual and abstract photography. Artists are now using photography to explore complex ideas and emotions, moving beyond simple representation to create thought-provoking and visually striking images. This has elevated photography’s status in the art world, with photographic works now commanding high prices at auctions and being featured prominently in major galleries and museums.
Social media platforms have also played a crucial role in the evolution of photography. They have created new avenues for photographers to showcase their work and gain recognition, while also influencing aesthetic trends and the way we consume images.
However, this evolution has also sparked debates about authenticity and the nature of photographic truth. With the ease of digital manipulation, there’s often skepticism about the reality represented in photographs, especially in fields like photojournalism.
In conclusion, I believe that photography as an art form has become more versatile, accessible, and influential over the years. It continues to adapt to technological advancements and societal changes, cementing its position as a powerful medium for artistic expression and cultural commentary.”
The evolution of photography as an artistic medium
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Cherished /ˈtʃerɪʃt/ (adjective): loved and protected with care.
Example: “This cherished photograph brings back fond memories of my childhood.”Capture the essence (phrase): to represent or express the most important qualities of something.
Example: “The photographer managed to capture the essence of the city’s vibrant culture in a single image.”Evoke /ɪˈvəʊk/ (verb): to bring a feeling, memory, or image into the mind.
Example: “The old family album evokes strong emotions and nostalgia.”Testament /ˈtestəmənt/ (noun): something that serves as evidence or proof of a specified quality.
Example: “Her extensive portfolio is a testament to her skill and dedication as a photographer.”Encapsulate /ɪnˈkæpsjuleɪt/ (verb): to express the essential features of something succinctly.
Example: “This photograph encapsulates the joy and excitement of our graduation day.”Revolutionize /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪz/ (verb): to change something radically or fundamentally.
Example: “Digital technology has revolutionized the field of photography.”Mindful /ˈmaɪndfʊl/ (adjective): conscious or aware of something.
Example: “We need to be mindful of how we store and protect our digital photographs.”Blossom /ˈblɒsəm/ (verb): to develop or come to a promising stage.
Example: “Her interest in photography has blossomed into a successful career.”Democratize /dɪˈmɒkrətaɪz/ (verb): to make something accessible to everyone.
Example: “Smartphone cameras have democratized photography, allowing anyone to capture high-quality images.”Cement one’s position (phrase): to strengthen or secure one’s position or status.
Example: “This award-winning photograph cemented her position as a leading wildlife photographer.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a favorite photo or picture:
Use descriptive language: Employ a wide range of adjectives and adverbs to vividly describe the image and your feelings about it.
Structure your response: Organize your thoughts logically, addressing all parts of the question in a coherent manner.
Show personal connection: Explain why the photo is meaningful to you and how it makes you feel, demonstrating emotional depth.
Use advanced vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases naturally throughout your response.
Vary your sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to showcase your language proficiency.
Speak fluently: Practice to minimize hesitations and maintain a natural rhythm in your speech.
Expand on your ideas: Provide examples and explanations to support your points and demonstrate critical thinking.
Stay on topic: Ensure all your comments are relevant to the question and the photo you’re describing.
Remember, regular practice with a variety of topics will help you improve your speaking skills and confidence for the IELTS exam. Consider recording yourself and listening back to identify areas for improvement.
Describe a place in your country that you would like to photograph to further enhance your descriptive skills for the IELTS Speaking test. Additionally, you might find it helpful to describe a place where you like to go for long walks as this can provide excellent practice in using vivid language to depict scenery and personal experiences.