Stalling in Describe Image? One template, and look ahead while you speak
Going blank after the first sentence? In 4 minutes: a four-sentence template, picking keywords in the preparation time, looking ahead while you speak, and four ways to practise.
By PlayPTE · Published 2026-10-26
What this video covers
The most common Describe Image problem isn't vocabulary. It's finishing one sentence and going blank about the next. Two fixes: settle on one template early, and look at the next item while you say the current sentence.
One template, and don't change it
A template doesn't need to be impressive; it needs to be so familiar you don't think. Switching means relearning every time, and you still stall in the exam. A simple four-sentence template:
- Topic: This picture shows a table in a café.
- Detail in the middle: In the middle, there is a cup of coffee.
- Detail beside it: Next to it, I can see a small jug of cream and some sugar.
- Summary: Overall, the picture shows a relaxing coffee break.
For a chart, swap the two details for the highest and lowest: The highest is ..., and the lowest is ...
Use the preparation time for keywords only
Don't write full sentences in your head. Pick three or four keywords in template order: café → coffee → cream and sugar → coffee break.
Look ahead while you speak
The openings of template sentences (such as "Next to it, I can see") come out on their own once practised. Use those seconds to move your eyes to the next keyword. While you say "In the middle, there is a cup of coffee", your eyes are already on the cream and sugar. If you only look after each sentence, you pause between sentences.
When you don't know a word
Don't stop to think; say it simply. No "jug"? Say "a small container". If time is nearly up, go straight to the summary. A steady delivery matters more than fancy words.
Four ways to practise
- Write the template on a card and say it aloud ten times, until you don't need to look.
- Five new pictures a day: pick only four keywords in the preparation time, then speak.
- Record and listen: a pause between two sentences means you didn't look ahead.
- Once your template is set, keep it, especially in the last three days.
Then open Describe Image practice and do five pictures with the same template. Previous episode: Repeat Sentence silent shadowing.
Next episode: How do you know you're ready? Clear the key questions in a day, for a week