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Describe Photos

A happy family spending quality time together outdoors on a sunny weekend afternoon
Task 4 · A Family Weekend
Describe · Compare · Give Your Opinion
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Task 4 — School Project

Imagine that you and your friend are doing a school project "A Family Weekend". You have found some photos to illustrate it but for technical reasons you cannot send them now. Leave a voice message to your friend explaining your choice of the photos and sharing some ideas about the project. In 2.5 minutes be ready to:

  • Explain the choice of the illustrations for the project by briefly describing them and noting the differences
  • Mention the advantages (1–2) of the two ways of spending a family weekend
  • Mention the disadvantages (1–2) of the two ways of spending a family weekend
  • Express your opinion on the subject of the project — say which way of spending a family weekend you prefer and why

You will speak for not more than 3 minutes (12–15 sentences). You have to talk continuously.

Photos for the task
An active family with a dog running and playing together in a sunny park
Photo 1
A family relaxing together on a sofa watching TV with pizza boxes at home
Photo 2
Build Your Speech
1
Describe the photos & note the differences
Briefly describe what you see in each photo, then point out the key difference between the two ways of spending a family weekend shown.
In the first photo I can see 
The second photo shows 
The main difference is that 
Both photos are connected by 
2
Advantages of both ways
Mention 1–2 benefits for each way of spending a family weekend.
One advantage of an active outdoor weekend is that it 
As for staying at home, a clear benefit is that it 
3
Disadvantages of both ways
Mention 1–2 drawbacks for each way of spending a family weekend.
A drawback of an outdoor weekend is that it 
On the other hand, staying at home 
4
Your opinion & preference
Say which way of spending a family weekend you personally prefer and explain why.
Personally, I would choose 
…because 
To sum up, I think that 
Phrase Bank
Useful Phrases
Describing
In the foreground / background… It looks like… / It seems to be… The photo was taken indoors / outdoors I can also notice…
Comparing
Unlike the first photo, the second one… While Photo 1 shows…, Photo 2 depicts… Another difference is that…
Pros & Cons
It is worth mentioning that… … tends to be much more… What is more, … However, it should be noted that…
Opinion
As for me, I would choose… In my opinion, … is a better choice since… I strongly believe that…
Vocabulary
Key Words for This Topic
quality time
время, проведённое с пользой / близко
Spending quality time together strengthens family relationships.
outdoor activity
занятие на свежем воздухе
Outdoor activities are great for both physical and mental health.
to bond with
сближаться, укреплять связь с кем-л.
Playing outside helps children bond with their parents.
sedentary lifestyle
малоподвижный образ жизни
Watching TV all weekend can lead to a sedentary lifestyle.
to unwind
расслабляться, отдыхать
After a busy week, many families just want to unwind at home.
screen time
время перед экраном
Too much screen time at the weekend is bad for children.
to strengthen bonds
укреплять семейные связи
Shared activities help to strengthen bonds between family members.
affordable
доступный по цене, недорогой
Staying at home is an affordable option for most families.
weather-dependent
зависящий от погоды
Outdoor plans are always weather-dependent, which can be frustrating.
to get some fresh air
подышать свежим воздухом
It is always a good idea to get some fresh air at the weekend.
cosy
уютный, тёплый (об атмосфере)
Staying in on a rainy day feels very cosy and comfortable.
physical activity
физическая активность
Regular physical activity improves mood and energy levels.
Exam Conditions

School project "A Family Weekend". Leave a voice message: describe both photos, note differences, mention advantages and disadvantages of each way of spending a family weekend, give your opinion.

2:30 preparation → 3:00 speaking. 12–15 sentences, no stops.

An active family with a dog running and playing together in a sunny park
Photo 1
A family relaxing together on a sofa watching TV with pizza boxes at home
Photo 2
Preparation
2:30
Press Start — exam conditions
Exam Phases
1
Preparation
Study the photos and plan your monologue
2:30
2
Speaking
Talk continuously — no pauses, no stopping
3:00
Examiner's Checklist
Described both photos — briefly and clearly
Noted the differences between the two ways of spending a family weekend
Mentioned 1–2 advantages for each way of spending a family weekend
Mentioned 1–2 disadvantages for each way of spending a family weekend
Expressed and justified a personal preference
Spoke within 3 minutes without long pauses

Exam Complete!

Check the boxes above — did you hit every criterion? If not, go back to Practice and refine.