📚 20 vivid expressions to describe any photo, color, position, atmosphere, texture & action words that make your answer sound advanced.
How to practice: This set collects only the Speak About the Photo question type from the real DET (Duolingo English Test), covering DET Speaking questions. No grading and no timer, so solve it yourself, then tap each question to reveal the answer or model response.
Q1
Speak about the photo.
20s to prepare · 1:30 to speak · 1 take only
Useful Expressions
I can see... · It looks like... · There are... · In the background... · One thing I notice is...
Show Model Response
This photo shows a large, brightly lit aquarium filled with colorful fish swimming gracefully around a coral reef. Visitors are standing close to the glass, watching in amazement as the fish glide past. It looks like the kind of exhibit that captures everyone's attention, from young children to adults, since there's something fascinating about seeing so many different species up close. I imagine that aquariums like this one play an important role in teaching people about marine life and the importance of protecting ocean ecosystems. Just looking at this photo, I can tell how peaceful and mesmerizing it must feel to stand there watching the fish move so smoothly through the water, almost like watching a living piece of art.
Q2
Speak about the photo.
20s to prepare · 1:30 to speak · 1 take only
Useful Expressions
I can see... · It looks like... · There are... · In the background... · One thing I notice is...
Show Model Response
In this photo, I can see an open jeep driving along a dirt road through a wide, grassy savanna, which looks like a scene straight out of a wildlife documentary. Nearby, a lion is resting calmly under a tree, seemingly unbothered by the vehicle passing close by. It looks like the people in the jeep are on a safari tour, hoping to observe animals in their natural habitat. This kind of experience must be incredibly exciting, since seeing a lion so close in real life is completely different from watching one on a screen. I think safaris like this one give people a rare and unforgettable opportunity to appreciate wildlife while also learning about conservation efforts happening in the area.
Q3
Speak about the photo.
20s to prepare · 1:30 to speak · 1 take only
Useful Expressions
I can see... · It looks like... · There are... · In the background... · One thing I notice is...
Show Model Response
This photo shows a fluffy orange cat sitting comfortably on a windowsill, gazing outside at birds in the garden. Sunlight is streaming through the window, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere around the cat. It looks like the cat is completely captivated by whatever is happening outside, perhaps watching the birds move from branch to branch. I imagine this is one of the cat's favorite spots in the house, since windowsills like this one offer both sunlight and an entertaining view. Moments like this remind me how much cats enjoy simple pleasures, and honestly, there's something calming about watching an animal so relaxed and content in its own little world.