7 Essential Tricks for High-Scoring Photo Descriptions on the Duolingo English Test
Here are some useful strategies for describing photos on the test. This can be a tricky task, so try incorporating a few of these techniques—no need to memorize them all!
1. Describe Emotions and Atmosphere for Added Depth 🌅
Instead of just listing objects, describe the scene's overall mood. This adds richness and depth to your response.
Examples:
- “The park has a peaceful atmosphere, with people unwinding under the trees.”
- “This café exudes a cozy, inviting feel, as friends gather around small tables.”
2. Use Descriptive Adjectives for Visual Depth 🎨
Adding specific adjectives makes descriptions more vivid and precise.
Examples:
- “A sleek, silver sports car is parked in front of a grand, stone building.”
- “A tall, elegant woman in a bright red dress is standing under a streetlamp.”
3. Specify Locations of Objects to Structure Your Description 🗺️
Mentioning where objects are positioned improves clarity and structure.
Examples:
- “On the left side, a row of palm trees sways in the breeze.”
- “In the background, mountains tower over the valley.”
4. Use Lists When You’re Unsure of Specific Details 🔍
Listing possible interpretations showcases vocabulary and flexibility.
Examples:
- “This outdoor stand could be selling fresh flowers, handmade crafts, or potted plants.”
- “The building in the background could be an art gallery, museum, or theater.”
5. Avoid Generic Words and Use Precise Vocabulary 🎯
Avoid words like nice or good. Opt for precise terms instead.
Examples:
- Instead of good hotel, say luxurious hotel
- Instead of nice building, say striking architecture
15 Helpful Phrases for Describing Photos on the Duolingo English Test
6. Incorporate Synonyms and Antonyms to Add Range 🔄
Using synonyms and antonyms helps expand your response naturally.
Examples:
- “The coffee shop appears calm, not bustling or crowded.”
- “The lake is tranquil, not chaotic or busy.”
7. Add Comparisons to Bring Objects to Life 🌄
Comparisons make descriptions more engaging and imaginative.
Examples:
- “The flowers in the garden are as vibrant as a rainbow.”
- “The old building is as grand as a castle.”
Practice Your Photo Descriptions with DET Study 🎓
DET Study offers 15,000 practice questions and AI scoring for speaking and writing sections. You’ll get instant feedback, vocabulary suggestions, and grammar corrections. Plus, you can download a free eBook template on how to describe a photo!
By following these seven tips—describing emotions, using descriptive adjectives, specifying locations, listing possibilities, avoiding generic words, using synonyms, and incorporating comparisons—you’ll craft clear, detailed, and engaging responses.
🎉 Practice these techniques and watch your scores improve! 🎉
