Five tips for describing pictures

1.  Keep it simple

Try to avoid complicated expressions or grammatical structures if you are not sure how to use them.   Don’t waffle (speak unnecessarily about a topic), and if you have nothing to say it’s better to wait for the assessor to prompt you.

2. Ask the assessor for an explanation if you don’t understand the task

If you don’t understand what you are supposed to do, ask the assessor to explain. For example, you could say:

• Could you repeat the question, please?
• I’m sorry, could you explain what the word …. means ?
• Could you please ask the question in another way?

3.  Use full sentences

Avoid answers which are single words or answers that sound like a list of bullet points.  Demonstrate that you know how to form sentences correctly  and can use a range of structures to express yourself.

4.  Be aware of the time limits

When you are asked to describe a photo and explain why something has happened, make sure that you leave some time for explaining your own opinion if that is a required part of the task.  You should also avoid rushing, as speaking slowly and clearly is an essential skill in aeronautical communications.  You will have better pronunciation if you slow down and don’t swallow your words.

5.  Practice

Before the ICAO English test, practice describing pictures with a colleague (if you already know someone who will also be taking the speaking test, ask him/her to practice with you).