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IELTS SPEAKING PART 2: DESCRIBE A PHOTOGRAPH
Describing an object like a photograph is common in IELTS speaking part 2. In this lesson, you will review IELTS speaking part 2 tips and learn some key vocabulary by listening to some sample answers for IELTS speaking part 2 questions related to ‘A photograph’. Make sure to take note of any phrases or words you want to remember!
01 IELTS Speaking Part 2 Tips
- Use an opener.
- Answer the question by paraphrasing.
- Use different tenses/structures.
- Include fluency markers and linking words.
- Use some less common vocabulary (as seen below)
02 Video Lesson
Learn some key vocabulary related to photography and listen to a native-speaker model answer by playing the below video. If you prefer to read, keep on scrolling!
03 Key Vocabulary
Read the below definitions. Then complete the quiz that follows.
- Mountainous(adj) - (of a region/place) having many mountains.
- Landscape photography - Photographs of nature.
- Tripod(n) -a three-legged stand for supporting a camera or other apparatus
- Composition (n) - what you can see in a photo ie. the things in a photograph.
- Conversation-starter(n) - a question/statement/object that encourages people to talk.
- A shot (n) - a photograph. eg. 'It's a beautiful photograph' = 'It's a beautiful shot'
Now, take the quiz. More than one answer may be possible. Choose the most appropriate answer.
04 Practice
Now it's your turn, prepare your own answers using some of the vocabulary you learned today.
You should use the model answer to help you and you can 'steal' some phrases but you should not copy or try to memorize the answers.
Then, practice answering the below question. It is a good idea to record your answers on your phone then listen to the answers and correct any mistakes you can hear.
You should say:
- What the photo is of
- Where you took it. .
- When you took it.
Complex Opener
Although I've taken many photographs over the years, one of my favourites is one that I took while on holidays in Da Lat, which is a city near here, so I'm going to tell you about that,
Basic Information
Quite simply, it's a photo of a lake near where I stayed. Da Lat is a mountainous city so it's a fantastic place for landscape photography. In this particular, you can a lake and some trees surrounding it.
It was taken about six months ago when I was on vacation. I was sitting on the balcony of my hotel room when I noticed how beautiful the lake looked. The sun was setting and it looked spectacular so I ran inside and grabbed my DSLR camera and my tripod. I spent a few minutes to set up the shot so I could get the composition and exposure settings right.
Because I love the image so much, I had it printed and framed. It's now hanging on the wall of my living room and is a great conversation-starter when my friends visit. Everybody asks about it!
Two Reasons
The photo is particularly meaningful for two reasons.
First of all, it reminds me of my trip. Because it was my first time to visit there, I took so many shots but that one was definitely the best one! The scenery there is breathtaking.
Secondly, at that time I was just learning to use my DSLR and to be honest, most of my photos were quite bad. However, for this photo, I got the settings just right. It's possible that I was just lucky but I am quite proud of the image as it shows I developed some skills.
To conclude, this shot will alsways hold a special place in my heart.
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