What You'll Learn
- Master the 4-part template for describing any scene in 60 seconds
- Build spatial and descriptive vocabulary for high-scoring responses
- Learn systematic scanning strategies to cover all image details
- Avoid common pitfalls that lower coherence and completeness scores
What is Task 3?
Task 3 asks you to describe an image in detail. You see an illustration on screen, prepare for 30 seconds, then speak for 60 seconds describing what you see.
This task tests your descriptive vocabulary, spatial awareness, and ability to organize observations logically. Examiners score you on coherence, vocabulary range, and how completely you describe the scene.
At a Glance
- Task Type: Describe an image
- Preparation: 30 seconds
- Speaking Time: 60 seconds
- Key Skills: Spatial vocab, organization
The 4-Part Response Template
Structure your 60-second response into four clear sections. This template ensures completeness and coherence every time.
1. General Overview (10-15 seconds)
Start with a big-picture statement about the setting and overall scene.
- Where is this? (park, office, kitchen, street)
- When might it be? (daytime, evening, summer, winter)
- What type of scene? (family gathering, workplace meeting, outdoor activity)
Example opener: “This illustration shows a busy outdoor market on what appears to be a sunny afternoon in summer.”
2. Main Action or People (20-25 seconds)
Focus on the central subjects: the people or primary activity that dominates the image.
- Who are the main people? What are they wearing?
- What are they doing? Use present continuous tense
- What emotions or interactions do you notice?
Example: “In the centre of the image, I can see two women examining fresh vegetables at a produce stand. The woman on the left is wearing a blue jacket and holding a shopping bag, while the other woman appears to be speaking with the vendor.”
3. Background and Details (15-20 seconds)
Describe surrounding elements and secondary details that complete the scene.
- What’s in the background, foreground, left, right?
- Objects, colours, textures, lighting
- Weather, atmosphere, mood
Example: “Behind them, there are several other market stalls with colourful awnings. On the right side, I notice stacks of fruit crates, and in the background, more shoppers are walking between the stalls.”
Scan Systematically
During your 30-second prep, scan the image in a pattern: centre → left → right → foreground → background. Make quick mental notes of 2-3 details from each area. This ensures you cover the entire scene and don’t miss important elements.
4. Speculation or Overall Impression (5-10 seconds)
End with an inference about the atmosphere, purpose, or feelings conveyed.
- What mood does the scene suggest?
- Why might people be there?
- What might happen next?
Example: “The atmosphere seems lively and friendly. This looks like a typical weekend farmers’ market where local residents come to buy fresh produce and socialize.”
Avoid Single-Detail Fixation
Many test-takers spend 40 seconds describing one person’s clothing in extreme detail, then run out of time. Examiners want breadth AND depth: cover the whole image with balanced attention to all quadrants and elements.
Essential Descriptive Vocabulary
Build these vocabulary categories for high CLB scores (9+).
Spatial and Location Words
Use these to guide your listener through the image:
- Position: in the foreground, in the background, in the centre, on the left/right side, at the top/bottom
- Proximity: next to, beside, behind, in front of, near, close to, adjacent to
- Distribution: throughout, scattered, clustered, surrounding, across
Action Verbs (Present Continuous)
Describe what people are doing:
- Interaction: talking, discussing, laughing, gesturing, pointing, showing
- Activity: working, walking, sitting, standing, examining, holding, carrying
- Expression: smiling, concentrating, looking, observing, focusing
Descriptive Adjectives
Add richness with specific descriptors:
- Atmosphere: busy, quiet, lively, crowded, peaceful, hectic, vibrant
- Appearance: casual, formal, colourful, bright, dim, modern, traditional
- Condition: well-maintained, tidy, cluttered, spacious, cramped
CLB 9+ Tip: Use compound adjectives and adverbs to show range: “neatly arranged,” “brightly lit,” “casually dressed.” This demonstrates sophisticated vocabulary control.
Sample Task 3 Practice
Practice: Describing a Scene
Describe this illustration in detail.
Show Model Response →
Model Response (60 seconds):
“This illustration depicts a modern office environment during what appears to be a mid-morning work session. Natural light is streaming in through large windows that overlook a city skyline.
In the centre of the image, three professionals are gathered around a standing desk, collaborating on something displayed on a laptop. The person in the middle, wearing a white shirt, is pointing at the screen and appears to be explaining something to the colleagues on either side. The woman on the left is holding a notebook, while the man on the right is leaning in to get a closer look at the screen.
In the background and surrounding areas, I can see additional office furniture including desks with computer monitors. There are several potted plants placed on the desks and windowsills, adding greenery to the workspace. The office has a clean, minimalist design with light-coloured furniture and walls.
The overall atmosphere seems productive and collaborative. This looks like a typical team meeting in a contemporary workplace where colleagues are working together to solve a problem or review a project.”
Practice: Describing a Farmers Market Scene
Describe this illustration in detail.
Show Model Response →
Model Response (60 seconds):
“This illustration depicts a lively outdoor farmers market on what looks like a warm, sunny morning. The scene is full of colour and activity, with vendors and shoppers spread across a wide open area.
In the foreground, a young woman wearing a straw hat is sampling a piece of fruit that a vendor is offering from a display tray. She appears to be enjoying the taste, and the vendor is smiling as he watches her reaction. Just to the right, a father is kneeling beside his young daughter, and they are selecting apples together from a rustic wooden crate. The little girl is reaching toward a bright red apple near the top of the pile.
In the background, I can see a musician sitting on a stool next to a flower stall, playing an acoustic guitar. Several people have gathered nearby to listen. On the left side, there are more vendor tables covered with neatly arranged baskets of tomatoes, peppers, and leafy greens under striped awnings. A couple of dogs on leashes are lying peacefully on the ground beside their owners.
Overall, the atmosphere feels relaxed and community-oriented. This looks like a popular weekly market where local residents come to enjoy fresh food, live music, and time outdoors with family.”
Why This Works:
- Opens with a clear general statement about the setting and time of day
- Covers foreground, right side, background, and left side systematically
- Uses present continuous throughout (“is sampling,” “are selecting,” “is playing”)
- Includes specific details: straw hat, wooden crate, bright red apple, acoustic guitar
- Ends with a natural speculation about the atmosphere and purpose of the scene
Practice: Describing a Library Scene
Describe this illustration in detail.
Show Model Response →
Model Response (60 seconds):
“This illustration shows a modern public library study area bathed in soft afternoon light. The space looks well-organized and inviting, with tall bookshelves, large windows, and a clear ‘Quiet Zone’ sign on the wall.
In the centre of the image, two university-aged students are working together at a large wooden table. One of them is writing notes in a notebook, while the other is pointing at something on her laptop screen, as if she is explaining a concept or sharing research. Between them, several textbooks are stacked neatly, and their notebooks are spread across the table. Both students appear focused and engaged in their work.
On the left side, an elderly man wearing a cosy cardigan is standing in front of the bookshelves, carefully browsing the titles. He seems to be taking his time choosing a book. In the background, a librarian is assisting a teenager at the information desk, and I can see the librarian gesturing toward a computer screen, possibly helping with a catalogue search.
The overall mood of the scene is calm and studious. The natural light coming through the floor-to-ceiling windows creates a warm, comfortable atmosphere that seems ideal for reading and focused study.”
Why This Works:
- General overview establishes the setting, lighting, and atmosphere immediately
- Describes centre, left, and background areas in a logical, systematic order
- Uses varied spatial language: “in the centre,” “on the left side,” “in the background”
- Includes compound adjectives and adverbs: “neatly stacked,” “carefully browsing,” “well-organized”
- Closes with a natural impression about the mood and purpose of the space
Self-Check
- I provided a clear opening statement about the setting
- I described the main people and their actions using present continuous
- I covered multiple areas of the image (centre, background, sides)
- I used at least 5 spatial/location words
- I ended with speculation or overall impression
- I spoke for close to 60 seconds without long pauses
5-6 checks = CLB 9+ readiness. 3-4 = solid CLB 7-8 range.
Quick Strategy Checklist
Task 3 Do's
- Follow the 4-part template every time for consistency
- Use present continuous for actions ("is walking," "are talking")
- Name specific colours, clothing items, and objects you see
- Move systematically through all areas of the image
- Speak continuously: brief pauses are fine, but avoid dead air
- End with an impression or speculation to show critical thinking
Task 3 Don'ts
- Do not spend 40+ seconds on one person or object
- Do not say 'I do not know what this is', describe it anyway
- Do not use past tense ('a woman walked'), use present continuous
- Do not leave any quadrant of the image unmentioned
- Do not go silent for 5+ seconds while thinking
- Do not forget to give an overall impression at the end
Canadian Context Bonus
If the image shows a recognizable Canadian setting (Tim Hortons, winter scene, CN Tower), briefly mention it naturally: “This appears to be a Canadian coffee shop, possibly a Tim Hortons, based on the familiar branding.” This shows cultural awareness and can boost your coherence score.
Final Preparation Tips
Practice with diverse images: indoor/outdoor, people/landscapes, formal/casual. Use the 30-second prep to mentally divide the image into zones and assign 15 seconds of speaking per zone.
Record yourself and check: Did you cover all four template parts? Did you use spatial vocabulary? Did you speak for the full 60 seconds?
Task 3 rewards systematic coverage and varied vocabulary more than creative interpretation. Stay organized, stay descriptive, and you’ll score well.