Unit 9: Speak About the Photo
Moving on to the next task type, Speak About the Photo. As mentioned earlier, this task is very similar to the Write About the Photo task. In both tasks, you are given an image and asked to describe what you see. You need to identify the main subjects, explain what is happening, and include important details about the setting, location, and background.
However, there are differences too: this time, you describe the image through spoken English. Therefore, this task tests not only your ability to analyze and organize visual information but also your ability to produce fluent, well-structured spoken responses.
Another important difference is that you have preparation time. When the photo appears, you will have 20 seconds to prepare. Ask yourself: Who or what is the main focus of the picture? What are the people, animals, or objects doing? Where is the scene taking place? What important details will help the listener visualize the scene?
After the preparation time, the recording begins automatically. You will have up to 90 seconds to speak. Unlike the Write About the Photo task, there is only one image to describe.
Although the Next button may appear after 30 seconds, a high-scoring response should aim to use most or all of the available time. Remember, you only have one opportunity to record your answer, so use your preparation time effectively.
How to Approach the Task
Just like in the Write About the Photo task, do not simply list objects in the picture. For example:
"There is a man. There is a car. There is a building."
This type of response is too basic because it only names objects without explaining the relationship between them. Instead, imagine that you are describing the photo to someone who cannot see it. Your goal is to help that person create a clear mental image. To achieve this, follow the same organization used in the Write About the Photo task: move from a broad overview to important details that help the listener visualize the image clearly.
Begin with a big-picture overview, focusing on the main subject, which is usually located in the center or middle of the image. Then describe the main subject, what it is doing, and where it is located. After that, add important details about the subject and include reasonable interpretations or inferences when appropriate.
After that, move on to the background details of the image. Remember, speaking happens much faster than writing. In writing, you have time to organize your thoughts while you type. However, in speaking, ideas must come out immediately. This means that strong organization is essential because it prevents you from rambling or repeating the same ideas.
One effective way to organize your description is by using location-indicating phrases. Add details about other objects by explaining where they are located in relation to the main subject.
For some images, moving from left to right is useful. Useful phrases include: on the left side of the frame/photo, on the right side of the frame/photo/image, to the left of the subject, to the right of the subject.
Another strategy is moving from top to bottom or bottom to top, depending on the relationship between the objects in the image.
Left and right
On the left side of the frame, there is a coastal village built on a hillside.
On the right side of the frame, there is a boat named "The Spinach Queen" on the water.
To the left of the subject Popeye, Bluto (or Brutus) is standing with his arms crossed.
To the right of Popeye, Olive Oyl is standing and waving.
Top & Bottom Areas
At the top of the picture: A bright blue sky filled with large, fluffy white clouds and a soft, warm sunlight glow.
At the bottom of the picture: The sparkling blue ocean water rippling around wooden docks and the wake of the moving boat.
Useful phrases include: at the top of the picture, at the bottom of the picture.
If there are important details located in the corners, you can use these phrases: in the upper-left corner, in the upper-right corner, in the lower-left corner, in the lower-right corner.
Another effective way to add details is by explaining the relationship between objects.
Useful expressions include: behind, in front of, next to, beside, near, close to, across from, along, around, between, among, above, below.
Examples: "Behind the man, there is a large building." "In front of the building, several people are standing near the entrance." "Next to the woman, a small child is holding a backpack." "Along the path, several trees create a natural border around the area." "Between the two buildings, a narrow street extends into the distance." "Above the table, several lights are hanging from the ceiling."
The background often provides important context.
Useful expressions include: in the distance, further away, far off in the distance, surrounding the scene, throughout the background.
These phrases allow you to move naturally from the main subject to the wider environment.
Grammar: Use Present Tenses
Because you are describing what is happening in the picture, use present tenses, especially the present simple and present continuous.
Present Simple
Use this for general descriptions.
Examples: "The photo shows a group of students in a classroom." "The image contains several people gathered around a table."
Present Continuous
Use this for actions happening in the moment.
Examples: "The students are discussing a project together." "A woman is walking along the path while carrying a bag."
Speaking Style for a High Score
Since this is a speaking task, your language should sound natural and fluent. However, according to the DET guidelines, you should still maintain a formal speaking style. Imagine that you are describing the photo to a professor at a university where you are applying.
Avoid casual expressions such as: "There is a weird guy standing over there. He has a creepy vibe." Instead, use more precise academic language: "The primary subject of the composition is an emaciated, tattooed man standing near a gas station in the middle of the night, projecting an unsettling atmosphere."
C2-level Response
This example demonstrates a clear subject, specific location, descriptive vocabulary, and a more formal tone. Now, let’s look at an actual DET sample image. This is a C2-level example response:
"The primary subject of the composition is a large seabird standing in profile on a wooden boardwalk. Its appearance resembles that of a heron because of its elongated neck and remarkably sharp, pointed bill. The bird is positioned slightly left of center, gazing toward the right side of the frame, where a turquoise body of water stretches horizontally across the scene. Behind the bird, the boardwalk extends toward a pristine white sand beach lined with a dense grove of mature palm trees. Looking closely beneath the palm trees, we can observe several beach lounge chairs that blend naturally with the bright coastal environment. Further in the background, the deep blue ocean merges seamlessly with a partly cloudy sky. The brilliant natural lighting and peaceful surroundings strongly suggest a tranquil tropical coastal setting."
Now, let’s examine a DET sample response that received a B2 score and analyze what prevented it from reaching the C1 or C2 level.
B2 level Response
Now, let’s examine a DET sample response that received a B2 score and analyze what prevented it from reaching the C1 or C2 level. This is the same sample of a B2 response.
“There's a woman working on this piece of art fabric using a very traditional Chinese way of needling. She is putting flowers and birds on this fabric and trying to make a beautiful picture and paint on this silk fabric. She's wearing glasses, which means she really is very good at what she's doing.”
Duolingo rater’s feedback
This is the Duolingo examiner’s feedback on the response.
“The response mostly achieves the task requirements and adequately describes the image. However, the answer is somewhat short and there are some parts of the photo, such as the sewing machine, and the woman herself (her clothes, accessories, her posture, and hair) which are not commented on. The answer is coherent and cohesive. Vocabulary is generally accurate and appropriate to the task [needling | fabric], including collocations [piece of art], phrasal verbs [working on] and idiomatic use of lexis [paint]. The answer includes adjectival phrases [traditional Chinese way] and some more advanced grammatical features such as “which means” to introduce a dependent clause. The grammar is accurate. The flow of speech is natural and fluent. Although there are some short pauses, these are mostly natural. There is little in the way of repetition or self-repair. Words are clearly pronounced and intonation is appropriate. Stress is accurate. A listener could easily understand the description without asking for clarification.”
As you can read from the examiner's comments, the evaluation is generally very positive, helping the response earn a high B2 level. The speaker clearly understands the image, answers the task, and communicates the main idea. However, it did not reach the C1 or C2 level mainly because it does not provide enough detail.
The examiner specifically noted that important parts of the image were not discussed, including the sewing machine, the woman's clothing, her accessories, her posture, and her hair.
A high-level speaker does not need to mention every single object in the picture, but the response should provide enough detail for the listener to visualize the entire scene.
A B2 speaker often asks:
"What do I see?"
A C2 speaker asks:
"What information does the listener need to imagine this picture?"
To repeat, to move from B2 to C2 in Speak About the Photo, remember:
A B2 response identifies the main objects and actions, a C1 response adds more details and uses more varied grammar, and a C2 response creates a complete picture by describing details, connecting ideas, and explaining the meaning behind the image.
Now let's look at how a C2-level speaker might answer the same photo.
C2 Level Response
Now let's look at how a C2-level speaker might answer the same photo.
At first glance, the image captures what appears to be a quiet indoor workspace, with the primary focus centered on an elderly woman who is carefully operating a vintage sewing machine. If you look closely at her appearance, she’s wearing a pair of eyeglasses, a golden wristwatch, and a light blue blouse. The blouse actually features beautiful pleated patterns and a traditional button style very common in Chinese clothing.
She’s leaning slightly forward to control the machinery, with both of her hands expertly guiding a colorful piece of embroidered fabric directly beneath the needle. You can see these intricate floral details and small bird images stitched right onto the surface.
Now, if we shift our focus over to the right side of the image, there are additional pieces of heavily patterned fabric neatly arranged on the table. It definitely gives you the distinct impression that she has been deeply engrossed in this activity for quite some time.
Then, if you look into the background, the rest of the room is very softly lit with absolutely zero distractions. This really forces the viewer's attention to stay locked on the woman and her incredible craftsmanship. Honestly, the whole peaceful atmosphere, combined with her intensely focused facial expression, strongly suggests she is a highly experienced artisan who takes immense pride in producing such high-quality work.
Unit 10 Read, Then Speak
In this task, you will read a question and then give a spoken response. You will have 20 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak.
During the preparation time, quickly create a roadmap for your response:
Main idea – What is your direct answer to the question?
Reasons and examples – How can you develop and support your answer?
Insightful conclusion – How can you end your response with a broader implication or final thought?
The question remains visible while you are speaking, so you can look back at it if you need to check whether you have answered all parts of the question.
The questions can be descriptive, narrative, or argumentative. These are official DET sample questions:
Question 1
Describe some changes you would like to make in the world, and what steps you would take to bring these changes about.
Question 2
Talk about a book you read recently. What was the title? What was it about? How did you first hear of it? What did you like or dislike about it?
Question 3
Discuss the influence of television on young people. What are the potential benefits and risks?
When a question contains several parts, like Question 2, make sure you answer every part. In fact, these questions can be easier because they naturally allow you to organize your response as a narrative. You can tell a story while answering each part of the question.
Also, pay attention to the verb tense. Your grammar should match the type of question.
Question 1 is a hypothetical question about changes you would like to make in the world. Therefore, use future or hypothetical language with modal verbs such as would, could, and should.
Question 2 asks about a past experience. Organize your answer like a story and mainly use the past tense.
Question 3 asks about a general topic. Your response should mainly use the present tense because you are discussing general facts and opinions.
C2 Responses
Now, let’s create C2-level responses for these three questions.
Question 1: Describe some changes you would like to make in the world, and what steps you would take to bring these changes about.
During the 20-second preparation time, create your roadmap.
This question may seem very broad because the world faces many serious problems, such as poverty, climate change, and war. You might initially think that one individual cannot make a significant difference. However, you can frame your answer as a hypothetical situation because the question asks what changes you would like to make.
For a high score, focus on providing rich content in a logically organized way. For example, you could choose to improve educational opportunities for children in developing countries. Then, you could explain how education could create positive effects beyond individual lives. Better education could help address other global problems, such as climate change and armed conflict, because educated people are more likely to make informed decisions, develop solutions, and resolve disagreements peacefully.
Because this is a hypothetical question, use modal verbs such as would, could, and should to discuss possibilities.
Now, let’s consider C2 sample responses for all three questions.
Question 1
Describe some changes you would like to make in the world, and what steps you would take to bring these changes about.
The world faces countless challenges, including global poverty, climate change, and armed conflict. Unfortunately, many of these problems are too large for one person to solve alone. However, if I could make one meaningful change, I would focus on improving education worldwide. I believe education is the foundation for solving many global problems because it helps people gain knowledge, develop skills, and make better decisions.
To make this change, I would encourage governments and international organizations to invest more in education, especially in disadvantaged areas. I would support building better schools, training qualified teachers, expanding internet access in rural communities, and creating scholarships for students from low-income families. As a result, more people would have opportunities to develop valuable skills, find better jobs, and escape the cycle of poverty.
I believe education can create a powerful ripple effect. Educated people are more likely to make environmentally responsible choices, which can help address climate change. They are also more likely to resolve disagreements through communication and cooperation rather than violence, which can reduce conflicts and wars. Therefore, investing in education is one of the most effective ways to create a more peaceful and sustainable future.
Question 2
Talk about a book you read recently. What was the title? What was it about? How did you first hear of it? What did you like or dislike about it?
Recently, I read a book titled American Gods by Neil Gaiman. It is a horror fantasy novel about a man named Shadow Moon, who is hired by a mysterious person named Wednesday. The story focuses on a conflict between the old gods and the new gods in America. The old gods are mythological figures from different cultures who came to America with immigrants, but they are losing their influence as society changes. The new gods represent modern forces such as technology and media.
At first, it seems like the story is about a battle between these two groups. However, as the story develops, we discover that Wednesday created the conflict for his own purpose. Later, we learn that he is actually Odin, the ancient Norse god.
I first heard about this book through online reviews and recommendations from other readers. I enjoyed the novel because of its creative storytelling and unique way of turning abstract ideas into characters. My only criticism is that, although the story is about gods, it does not include many major religions. Still, I found the plot fascinating and the writing style very imaginative.
For this third question, we have a sample response provided in the official Duolingo English Test (DET) practice materials. This response earned a C2-level score.
Question 3
Discuss the influence of television on young people. What are the potential benefits and risks?
I believe that television can have both a positive and negative influence on young
people. On the positive side, the TV can be an informative and educational tool. It can help our youth learn about different cultures and ideas, as well as teach them about various subjects, from science to language skills. The biggest risks of the TV’s influence on young people are the effect on their mental and physical health. Excessive screen time can lead to low fitness levels and poor physical health. And to add to that, there are many programs on TV that may promote unrealistic beauty standards or unhealthy behaviors, which affect a youngster’s mental health. Basically, the influence of television on young people is a double-edged sword. While it offers educational benefits, there are potential risks to physical and mental health. Young people should be encouraged to develop mindful viewing habits and maintain a healthy balance between screen time and other activities for their overall well-being.
Duolingo rater’s feedback
The response fully achieves the task requirements. It discusses complex ideas, is topically relevant, and is well-developed. The potential benefits and risks of television’s influence are discussed, though the test taker discusses the risks more than the benefits. The test taker uses cohesive devices naturally [I believe | On the positive side | And to add to that | Basically] and avoids repetition by using synonyms for ‘young people’ [youth | youngster]. Ideas are presented in an order which makes it easy for the
listener to follow. Vocabulary use, including collocations and idiomatic expressions [unrealistic beauty standards | double-edged sword | mindful viewing habits], is accurate, appropriate, precise and nuanced. A very wide range of complex grammatical structures is used including modals and relative clauses. The test taker speaks highly fluently, and is able to use stress and intonation effectively.
DET Score: 155-160 (C2)
Unit 11. Interactive speaking
The Interactive Speaking task is one of the new question types introduced in the updated test. Unlike the traditional speaking tasks, this task requires you to participate in a conversation—or, more accurately, answer an interviewer's questions in an interview-style format. The goal is to measure how naturally and effectively you can communicate in everyday situations.
The Interactive Speaking section consists of one simulated conversation with an AI interviewer. The conversation contains six question-and-answer turns. Typically, the first three questions focus on one topic, and then the conversation shifts to a second topic for the remaining three questions.
There is no preparation time, and you can hear each question only once. You have up to 35 seconds to respond to each question. In addition, some follow-up questions may depend on your previous answers, making the conversation feel more natural and interactive.
How Is This Task Scored?
The Interactive Speaking task measures several communication skills at the same time:
Comprehension: Did you understand what the interviewer asked?
Relevance: Did you answer the specific question directly and completely?
Interaction: Did your response fit naturally within the conversation?
Language Use: Did you use accurate grammar and appropriate vocabulary?
Fluency: Did you speak smoothly with natural pacing, pronunciation, and intonation?
Strategies
First, listen carefully to the entire question before you begin speaking. Make sure you understand exactly what the interviewer is asking.
Second, answer the question directly in your first sentence. Don't waste valuable time with long introductions.
Third, develop your answer by giving a reason, an explanation, or a brief example. Imagine that you are having a real conversation rather than delivering a formal speech. High scores depend largely on your ability to produce conversational responses that are clear, relevant, well developed, and natural.
Finally, end your response naturally. You don't need a formal conclusion. Instead, finish your thought in a way that sounds like a genuine conversation and allows the discussion to continue smoothly.
Now, let's look at some C2-level sample responses.
C2 level sample response
Q1 : "What is your favorite food to eat?"
Over the years, my taste in food has changed a lot, ranging from spicy Korean tteokbokki to Mexican tacos with handmade tortillas. But lately, my absolute favorite food to eat is a black bean burger I learned to make from a YouTube video. Instead of ground beef, it uses a black bean base mixed with fresh vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and garlic. Honestly, it’s incredibly healthy, packed with protein, and it completely changes the game for what plant-based food can taste like.
Q2 : "Do you prefer cooking at home or eating out?"
I prefer cooking at home over eating out because it is far more economical and nutritious. Preparing my own food allows me to select high-quality ingredients and cook healthy meals, which is essential on a student budget. Cooking is also a great way for me to take a break from work. I truly enjoy the process of experimenting with different cuisines and modifying recipes to suit my personal taste.
Q3 : "On what occasion do you eat out?"
Honestly, the main times I ever really eat out are for social events. Whether that's just a fun get-together with a group of friends or a festive family gathering to celebrate special holidays, we almost always opt to dine out. I think the biggest reason is that a restaurant setting completely eliminates the logistical hassle of hosting. You don't have to worry about tedious meal prep or the inevitable post-dinner cleanup. Instead, everyone can just fully unwind, sit back, and actually engage in meaningful conversation without any of the stress. Plus, it just makes the whole occasion feel like a genuine treat for everybody involved.
Q4 : "How has modern technology changed the way you communicate?"
Modern technology has completely revolutionized communication by making it virtually instantaneous. With messaging and video tools constantly at our fingertips, I can easily work from anywhere at any time. While this constant connectivity can sometimes blur the line between our professional lives and personal time, I firmly believe this drawback can be managed by setting strict personal boundaries. When you look at the big picture, these digital advancements are definitely a positive change rather than a negative one.
Q2 : "What is one piece of technology you couldn't live without?"
Throughout any given day, I'm constantly rotating between my phone and my laptop. But if I were forced to choose just one, my laptop wins by a landslide. Phones are incredibly convenient for quick tasks, sure, but you simply can't do any serious, heavy-lift work on them—like drafting long essays or producing media content. My laptop bridges that gap perfectly. It fuels my research and manages my life, elevating it from a simple convenience to an absolute baseline necessity.
Q3 : "Do you think technology makes people more or less connected?"
While critics argue that digital communication reduces meaningful face-to-face interaction, I believe that criticism is completely misguided. The issue isn't the technology itself, but how we choose to use it. When you think about it, tech enables us to maintain relationships across immense distances effortlessly. Previous generations had to pay hundreds of dollars for a single landline call to Korea, but now, it costs absolutely nothing to stay in touch. When you look at the big picture, technology allows us to be more deeply connected than ever before
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