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Episode: Duolingo English Test Prep Course: Speak About the Photo

Author: DETPractice.com
Duration: 00:13:15

Episode Shownotes

This episode provides a detailed explanation of the problem-solving techniques for the "Describe the Image" task in the Duolingo English Test. It covers three main categories: people, landscapes, and objects, including animals. For each category, the guide offers step-by-step answering strategies, templates, and examples to help candidates improve their test-taking

skills and enhance their spoken English proficiency. The text-based version and more exercises can be found at: https://prep.detpractice.com/det-course-speak-about-the-photo/ Brought to you by DETPractice, your one-stop Duolingo English Test prep platform.

Full Transcript

00:00:00 Speaker_01
All right, let's dive in. Today we're tackling the speak about the photo section on the Duolingo English test.

00:00:06 Speaker_00
Sounds fun.

00:00:07 Speaker_01
It is actually, and super useful for anyone who, you know, wants to get better at describing things, which is like pretty much everyone. I mean, think about it, we describe things all the time.

00:00:17 Speaker_00
All the time, in conversations, in writing.

00:00:19 Speaker_01
Exactly. So this is going to be way more than just test prep.

00:00:22 Speaker_00
Definitely.

00:00:22 Speaker_01
It's about unlocking a superpower.

00:00:26 Speaker_00
I like that. A description superpower.

00:00:28 Speaker_01
Exactly. So our listeners sent in some really awesome notes and- Looks like they've done their research. Seriously, they are ready for this. And they've broken it down into three main categories, right?

00:00:41 Speaker_00
Yep. Scenery with objects, and then animals.

00:00:45 Speaker_01
Animals. Okay, we'll get to the cute stuff later, but first... Gotta lay the groundwork. Right, the foundation. So, what are some of the big picture things to keep in mind? Like, before we even see a photo, what should we know?

00:00:56 Speaker_00
The biggest thing.

00:00:57 Speaker_01
Yeah.

00:00:59 Speaker_00
The time crunch.

00:01:00 Speaker_01
Yeah.

00:01:00 Speaker_00
You only get 20 seconds to look at the photo. Yeah, and then one chance to record your answer.

00:01:05 Speaker_01
OK, that is pressure. So I'm staring at this photo. Clock's ticking. What's my strategy?

00:01:11 Speaker_00
OK, so instead of trying to memorize every single detail.

00:01:14 Speaker_01
Which is impossible.

00:01:15 Speaker_00
Pretty much. You want to focus on finding the story. Like, what's the main idea?

00:01:19 Speaker_01
OK, interesting. So not just listing objects, but finding the narrative.

00:01:22 Speaker_00
Exactly. What's the mood? How do the people or objects relate to each other? Are there any, like, surprises or contrasts?

00:01:30 Speaker_01
Well, it's more like being a detective than a photographer, right?

00:01:33 Speaker_00
I like that. Looking for clues, for deeper meaning. And those clues can be super subtle.

00:01:39 Speaker_01
Oh, I bet. Like a facial expression?

00:01:41 Speaker_00
The way an object is positioned? Or even just the light in the scene, you know?

00:01:46 Speaker_01
Wow, yeah. OK, I'm already looking at photos differently. Let's talk about people.

00:01:49 Speaker_00
OK, sure.

00:01:50 Speaker_01
Your notes really highlight the importance of describing facial expression. But I struggle with this. I get stuck at happy, sad, angry. How do we get more nuanced, more specific?

00:02:01 Speaker_00
Think of each expression as a tiny story. It's showing you how someone feels, their relationship to others. It even hints at what might happen next.

00:02:09 Speaker_01
Wow, that's deep.

00:02:11 Speaker_00
Right. So instead of just the label, describe the actual features. Like, is the smile genuine or kind of forced? Are their eyes narrowed or wide with surprise?

00:02:21 Speaker_01
Oh, that's good. So not just happy, but eyes crinkled at the corners, lips slightly parted.

00:02:27 Speaker_00
Exactly. You're bringing the face to life, you know.

00:02:29 Speaker_01
Okay, let me try. So, group photo. There's a man and a woman standing close. He's got his hand on her shoulder.

00:02:35 Speaker_00
Okay, I'm picturing it.

00:02:36 Speaker_01
Instead of, they look happy, I could say. The man's hand rests gently on her shoulder, and there's a softness in his gaze, like they share a secret.

00:02:45 Speaker_00
Perfect. You're not just describing the pose, you're hinting at their connection, their history.

00:02:50 Speaker_01
I like it, but doesn't this require, like, imagination? Isn't it risky to guess about people's feelings just from a photo?

00:02:58 Speaker_00
Well, you don't want to make stuff up entirely. Right. But a little creative interpretation, as long as it's based on what you see, can make your description way more interesting.

00:03:07 Speaker_01
It's more engaging, for sure.

00:03:09 Speaker_00
Yeah. And remember, you're showing that you can analyze an image, not just, you know, list objects.

00:03:14 Speaker_01
You're demonstrating understanding.

00:03:16 Speaker_00
Right. So find that balance observation, plus a little bit of insightful interpretation.

00:03:21 Speaker_01
OK. That makes sense. Now, your notes also mention using your own experiences.

00:03:26 Speaker_00
Yeah, that's an interesting one.

00:03:27 Speaker_01
It is. But how do we do that without going off on, like, a personal story tangent?

00:03:33 Speaker_00
The key is to find connections that genuinely relate back to the photo.

00:03:37 Speaker_01
Oh.

00:03:38 Speaker_00
Let's say there's a photo of a kid laughing. Pure joy.

00:03:41 Speaker_01
I love those.

00:03:42 Speaker_00
Right. and maybe reminds you of a specific time when you felt that same way as a kid.

00:03:47 Speaker_01
I see.

00:03:47 Speaker_00
You could say something like, this photo takes me back to being a kid when everything felt new and amazing and laughter came so easily.

00:03:54 Speaker_01
Ah, so it's not when I was five, we went to Disneyland.

00:03:57 Speaker_00
Right. It's a brief, almost universal feeling that the photo evokes.

00:04:01 Speaker_01
OK, I get it. It adds depth, but it's still anchored in the image.

00:04:05 Speaker_00
Exactly. And it lets you use richer vocabulary to describe those emotions which the test scorers love.

00:04:11 Speaker_01
Oh, speaking of vocabulary, they're looking for complexity, right? But how do you avoid sounding like you're just showing off?

00:04:18 Speaker_00
Instead of memorizing fancy words, focus on understanding the nuances.

00:04:23 Speaker_01
OK.

00:04:23 Speaker_00
Like instead of the man is looking at the woman, you could say, his gaze lingered on her face.

00:04:28 Speaker_01
Ooh, that's way more intense.

00:04:31 Speaker_00
Right. It adds a layer of emotion, of meaning. It's not about big words. It's about the right words.

00:04:36 Speaker_01
Choosing words that really capture the essence of what you're saying.

00:04:40 Speaker_00
Exactly. And the more you practice, the more natural it becomes.

00:04:43 Speaker_01
I'm already feeling more confident. OK, before we move on to scenery, any common mistakes people make when describing people? Things to avoid.

00:04:52 Speaker_00
One big one is getting too caught up in physical descriptions, like clothes and hair.

00:04:57 Speaker_01
OK.

00:04:58 Speaker_00
and forgetting about the emotional stuff. Remember, it's about how people feel, how they relate.

00:05:02 Speaker_01
Right, right. Not just what they look like.

00:05:04 Speaker_00
Exactly. And another one is using cliches, like, they look like a happy family. Be specific. What details make you think that?

00:05:12 Speaker_01
Show, don't tell.

00:05:13 Speaker_00
Yes, exactly. Okay, ready for some scenery?

00:05:15 Speaker_01
Bring on the landscapes.

00:05:17 Speaker_00
Okay, so with scenery, it's less about, you know, interactions and more about capturing the mood.

00:05:23 Speaker_01
The vibe, the atmosphere.

00:05:24 Speaker_00
Right. And your notes really emphasize sensory details.

00:05:28 Speaker_01
Yeah, which makes sense. You want to make the listener feel like they're there.

00:05:30 Speaker_00
Exactly. So it's not just what you see, but what you might hear, touch, even smell.

00:05:37 Speaker_01
Oh, I get stuck on the visuals. I'll describe the colors, shapes, but then I'm like, What else?

00:05:43 Speaker_00
Uh-huh. Yeah. Imagine you're actually in the scene. What sounds would be around you?

00:05:48 Speaker_01
OK, so if it's a forest photo, I might hear birds chirping, wind in the leaves.

00:05:52 Speaker_00
Exactly. Or like the distant sound of traffic if it's a city.

00:05:56 Speaker_01
I can hear it now. OK, what about touch?

00:05:58 Speaker_00
Think textures. Rough bark on a tree, smooth surface of a lake.

00:06:01 Speaker_01
OK, so instead of just there's a mountain, I could say the mountain's rocky surface looks rough and jagged.

00:06:06 Speaker_00
Perfect. You're bringing in that tactile element.

00:06:08 Speaker_01
Making it real. And even smell, you said.

00:06:11 Speaker_00
Sometimes, like if it's a market scene, you could mention the aroma of spices or fresh bread.

00:06:17 Speaker_01
Mm, yeah. Okay, so we've got all these sensory details. How do we actually create a mood with them?

00:06:23 Speaker_00
That's where word choice comes in. Instead of neutral words, use ones that evoke feeling.

00:06:28 Speaker_01
Ooh, I like that. Give me an example.

00:06:31 Speaker_00
Okay, so dark forest is fine, but the forest was thick with shadows, the air heavy, and still is more evocative.

00:06:40 Speaker_01
You can practically feel the spooky vibes.

00:06:43 Speaker_00
Right. It's like you're setting the scene for a story.

00:06:45 Speaker_01
Now, your notes also mention expressing personal feelings, inspiring imagination.

00:06:50 Speaker_00
Yeah. That's where you can really get creative.

00:06:52 Speaker_01
But isn't that, like, too subjective for a test? Should I really be saying, the sunset makes me think of hope and new beginnings?

00:06:59 Speaker_00
It's all about balance. A brief, genuine feeling is fine, but don't go off on a tangent.

00:07:04 Speaker_01
OK, so more like this peaceful lake scene makes me feel calm and relaxed, tied to the actual image.

00:07:10 Speaker_00
Exactly. You're connecting your emotion to the elements of the photo.

00:07:13 Speaker_01
Got it. But what if the photo is boring, like just a field with some trees?

00:07:18 Speaker_00
That's when you get really creative. Think about what's not shown. Is the field vast and empty, creating a sense of loneliness? Are the trees bare, hinting at winter's approach?

00:07:28 Speaker_01
OK, so I'm looking for a story, even in the simple stuff.

00:07:31 Speaker_00
Right. Subtle details, contrasts, anything that sparks your imagination.

00:07:36 Speaker_01
Makes sense. Now, you mentioned basic versus advanced vocabulary.

00:07:40 Speaker_00
Yeah. The scorers definitely want to see some sophisticated word choices.

00:07:44 Speaker_01
I get nervous about sounding like I'm trying too hard.

00:07:47 Speaker_00
It's about finding the right word, not just the longest one.

00:07:50 Speaker_01
OK, give me an example.

00:07:51 Speaker_00
So basic description of a city might be, there are lots of tall buildings. It looks busy.

00:07:56 Speaker_01
Yeah, pretty basic.

00:07:57 Speaker_00
But you could say the cityscape is a dynamic blend of modern architecture with powering skyscrapers reaching for the sky.

00:08:03 Speaker_01
Whoa, that's way more impressive.

00:08:05 Speaker_00
Right. It paints a more vivid picture, shows a wider vocabulary.

00:08:09 Speaker_01
But how do I know which words to use? Is there a trick?

00:08:12 Speaker_00
Think about the specific details and the mood you want to create.

00:08:15 Speaker_01
OK.

00:08:15 Speaker_00
Are the buildings sweet and modern or old and grand? Is the city bustling or quiet and peaceful? Choose words that match.

00:08:24 Speaker_01
So it's all about being intentional, using words that create a specific effect.

00:08:29 Speaker_00
Exactly. And like anything, it gets easier with practice.

00:08:32 Speaker_01
The more you play with language, the more comfortable you get.

00:08:35 Speaker_00
Exactly. All right. I'm feeling ready to describe anything.

00:08:38 Speaker_01
Me too. Before we move on to animals, I got to ask, what if there's something totally weird in the photo?

00:08:44 Speaker_00
Like what?

00:08:44 Speaker_01
Like, imagine a beautiful park scene, but there's a giant inflatable flamingo in the middle.

00:08:51 Speaker_00
Uh-huh. That's tricky. I think you acknowledge it, but weave it in naturally.

00:08:56 Speaker_01
OK.

00:08:56 Speaker_00
So you might describe the park, the trees, the sunshine, and then say, And then there's this giant pink flamingo, totally out of place, adding a touch of absurdity to the scene.

00:09:06 Speaker_01
That's funny. So you don't ignore it, but you don't let it take over.

00:09:10 Speaker_00
Right. You turn it into an opportunity to show your range, your descriptive skills.

00:09:14 Speaker_01
I love it. All right. I'm officially ready for any photo they throw at me. Let's talk animals. What makes them different?

00:09:20 Speaker_00
Okay. Animals. They're kind of special.

00:09:22 Speaker_01
Oh, for sure. I mean, who doesn't love a good animal pic? But what makes them tricky, description-wise?

00:09:28 Speaker_00
I think it's that emotional connection. We just naturally, like, project feelings onto animals.

00:09:32 Speaker_01
Yeah, we give them personality.

00:09:34 Speaker_00
Exactly. And that can be great for your description, but you gotta be careful.

00:09:37 Speaker_01
Right, we don't wanna go full Disney princess talking to squirrels.

00:09:40 Speaker_00
Uh-huh, exactly. So balance is key. You still gotta describe them objectively, you know, breed, size, all that. Size. But then you layer in those interpretations, like, how does the animal seem to be feeling? What's its story?

00:09:53 Speaker_01
Okay, so picture a cat, super chill, lounging on a sunny windowsill.

00:09:59 Speaker_00
Perfect example. You could say, it's a tabby cat, maybe five pounds, with its paws tucked under its chest.

00:10:06 Speaker_01
So far, so good. Very factual.

00:10:08 Speaker_00
But then add, its eyes are half closed, and there's the slightest curve to its mouth, like it's totally blissed out, soaking up the warmth.

00:10:16 Speaker_01
Oh, I can see it. You gave the cat a whole mood.

00:10:19 Speaker_00
Right. You're making the listener connect with that feeling of contentment.

00:10:22 Speaker_01
Now, you mentioned describing the environment, too, even for animal photos. Why is that important?

00:10:27 Speaker_00
Context. It adds layers to the story. Is the animal in its natural habitat or somewhere totally different?

00:10:34 Speaker_01
Like a dog sitting on a pile of moving boxes.

00:10:37 Speaker_00
Exactly. That tells us something, right? So you describe the dog, but also those boxes, maybe the messy room around it, to paint the full picture.

00:10:46 Speaker_01
OK, so even if the focus is the animal, I shouldn't ignore the background.

00:10:50 Speaker_00
Don't ignore it. Use it to create atmosphere. Give clues about the animal's situation.

00:10:56 Speaker_01
Gotcha. Now, vocabulary-wise, I know the scorers are looking for complexity.

00:11:00 Speaker_00
For sure. Got to show that range.

00:11:01 Speaker_01
But sometimes those fancy words feel awkward coming out of my mouth. Any advice?

00:11:06 Speaker_00
Honestly, the more you read, the better you get at it. Like, pay attention to how authors describe things, the words they use.

00:11:13 Speaker_01
So it's about absorbing it naturally.

00:11:14 Speaker_00
Yeah. And then, when you're practicing, try swapping in some of those words you've picked up.

00:11:19 Speaker_01
OK, so if I usually say happy dog, maybe I try the dog's tail wagged with unrestrained joy.

00:11:25 Speaker_00
Perfect. It might feel weird at first, but the more you do it, the more natural it becomes.

00:11:29 Speaker_01
Like any skill, I guess. It's about practice.

00:11:31 Speaker_00
Exactly. Now, our listener is getting ready for the test. What are some actionable steps to practice all this?

00:11:36 Speaker_01
Yeah, give us the goods.

00:11:38 Speaker_00
Find sample photos online. Duolingo has some. Or use free stock photo sites. Set that 20-second timer, and just go for it.

00:11:46 Speaker_01
Simulate the test conditions.

00:11:48 Speaker_00
Yep. And don't worry, if you mess up, that's what practice is for.

00:11:52 Speaker_01
I get so flustered when I can't think of the right word.

00:11:55 Speaker_00
It happens. Just take a breath, maybe rephrase. The goal is to get comfortable, build fluency.

00:12:02 Speaker_01
Okay, that's reassuring. Any other tips?

00:12:04 Speaker_00
Record yourself, then listen back. You'll be surprised what you catch, like filler words or awkward phrasing.

00:12:11 Speaker_01
I hate listening to myself, but it is helpful.

00:12:14 Speaker_00
It is. You get more objective about your own speaking.

00:12:17 Speaker_01
Now, practicing alone can get boring. Can I rope a friend into this?

00:12:20 Speaker_00
Definitely. Practice with a partner, take turns describing, give each other feedback.

00:12:25 Speaker_01
That's way more fun. We could even make it a competition, like who can use the most creative vocabulary.

00:12:29 Speaker_00
Exactly. Make it a game. Why not? All right, so we've covered people, scenery, animals. Any final thoughts for our listener?

00:12:37 Speaker_01
Yeah, send them off with some inspiration.

00:12:38 Speaker_00
Remember, describing isn't just about listing what you see. It's about sharing an experience, making the listener feel something.

00:12:46 Speaker_01
Bringing the photo to life.

00:12:47 Speaker_00
Exactly. So be observant, be creative, be bold with your word choices. You got this.

00:12:54 Speaker_01
Awesome advice. I'm feeling super pumped to describe all the photos now. Thanks for this deep dive. It's been so insightful.

00:13:00 Speaker_00
Glad you enjoyed it.

00:13:00 Speaker_01
And to our listener, good luck on your Duolingo test. You're going to rock it. And to everyone else, join us next time for another exciting exploration of language and learning.

00:13:10 Speaker_01
Until then, keep practicing, keep exploring, and most importantly, have fun with words.