Guide to Describing a Picture in English Class

Introduction:

When describing a picture, include visible details and your background knowledge to show understanding of cultural, historical, and contextual elements.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Initial Observation:

• General Overview: Describe the setting, main subjects, and overall impression.
• Example: "The picture shows a busy city street during the day with many people walking and a few cars on the road."

2. Detailed Description:

• Specific Elements: Describe main parts in more detail, including people, objects, and actions.
• Example: "In the foreground, there is a woman pushing a stroller. To the left, a group of teenagers is gathered around a street performer who is playing the guitar."

3. Contextual and Background Knowledge:

• Historical/Cultural Context: Relate the picture to relevant historical or cultural knowledge.
• Example: "This scene could be set in a Western city, possibly during the early 21st century, given the modern clothing and vehicles."

4. Interpretation:

• Analyze: Interpret what is happening and its significance, using your background knowledge.
• Example: "The people seem to be in a hurry, which might indicate it is a weekday morning."

5. Personal Reaction and Reflection:

• Express Views: Share your reaction and thoughts about the picture.
• Example: "This picture reminds me of my visit to Berlin, where the streets were always bustling with activity."

6. Connecting to Broader Themes:

• Relate to Issues: Connect the picture to larger themes like social dynamics or environmental concerns.
• Example: "The image raises questions about urbanization and its impact on the environment."

Practice and Preparation:

• Practice Descriptions: Regularly practice describing different pictures.
• Expand Knowledge: Learn about cultural, historical, and social contexts of English-speaking countries.
• Seek Feedback: Share descriptions with teachers or peers for feedback.

Key Points to Remember:

• Start with a general overview.
• Provide detailed descriptions of specific elements.
• Incorporate historical and cultural context.
• Offer interpretations based on your background knowledge.
• Share your personal reactions and reflections.
• Connect the picture to broader themes and issues.

Good luck with your studies and exams!

Sample solution - text and audio file

In the picture I am describing, a middle-aged man is standing against a blurred background. He is wearing a dark suit with a white shirt and a patterned tie. A small pin is visible on his suit lapel, but we cannot see what it is. He is shown from the shoulders upward, and he is looking slightly to his right, which is to the viewer's left.

The man is having a serious and thoughtful expression. His brow is slightly furrowed, and his eyes are wide open and focused. He is looking into the distance, as if he is thinking deeply about something important. His face shows determination and contemplation. The lighting in the photograph is creating subtle shadows on his face, especially around his eyes and cheeks. This adds depth to his features and emphasizes the serious tone of the image. The high contrast highlights the texture of his hair and skin.

His hair is short and neatly combed. The photograph is in black and white, which makes the image more dramatic and timeless. The blurred background is making his face stand out. We cannot see any details behind him, so our attention is fully on him. He is alone in the picture, and he is not interacting with anyone else. His formal attire makes him look dignified and important. The small pin on his lapel might represent something significant, but we cannot identify it.

Now, thinking about who this man could be, I believe he is Martin Luther King Jr. He was a famous civil rights leader in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up in a middle-class family. His father and grandfather were Baptist ministers, and his father was the pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church. When he was six years old, he experienced racism when a white friend could not play with him anymore because of segregated schools.

King was very intelligent and started college at Morehouse College when he was just 15 years old. During a summer in Connecticut, he saw how black and white people lived together peacefully. This made him hate racial segregation even more. He decided to become a minister like his father. He studied at Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, where he learned about nonviolence from Mohandas Gandhi, an Indian leader who fought for independence without violence. King earned a doctorate in theology from Boston University.

In 1954, he became the pastor of a church in Montgomery, Alabama. In 1955, he led the Montgomery Bus Boycott after Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white person. The boycott lasted over a year and ended when the Supreme Court ruled that bus segregation was illegal. He founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957. He organized many peaceful marches and protests. In 1963, he gave the famous "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington, where he talked about his dream of a world without racism.

In this picture, Martin Luther King Jr. is showing his determination and commitment to fighting for justice and equality. His serious expression reflects the challenges he faced and the courage he had. The blurred background might symbolize the focus on his message and leadership. This photograph captures an important moment in history. It reminds us of Martin Luther King Jr.'s role in the civil rights movement. His work led to important changes in American laws, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his nonviolent fight for civil rights.

In conclusion, the picture shows Martin Luther King Jr. as a strong and dedicated leader. His expression and appearance convey his passion for equality and justice. The photograph helps us remember his life and work, and it continues to inspire people around the world to fight for what is right.