Duolingo English Test: Quick Tips for Describing a Photo #shorts

Teacher Luke - Duolingo English Test

16 Oct 202200:58

Summary

TLDRThe video script outlines a strategy for describing a photograph within a minute for the Duolingo English Test. It emphasizes using the present simple or continuous tense to summarize the scene, detailing the actions of subjects with the present continuous, and specifying the location of items in the photo. Additionally, it suggests using modal verbs or set phrases to speculate on the situation, providing a comprehensive approach to photo description in a limited time.

Takeaways

🕒 The Duolingo English Test requires describing a photo within a strict one-minute time limit.
📷 To describe a photo effectively, start with a general summary using the present simple or present continuous tense.
👭 Highlight the actions of people or subjects in the photo using the present continuous tense.
🌳 Describe the location of items within the photo, such as the subjects' position relative to other elements.
🤔 Use modal verbs or set phrases to speculate about the photo, indicating that you are making an educated guess.
👉 For a general summary, mention what the photo depicts, like 'two young women holding hands in a green field'.
📸 When describing actions, be specific, for example, 'the woman on the right is taking a photo and laughing loudly'.
🏞️ Detail the setting by describing the environment, such as 'a green grassy field with trees in the background'.
🎉 Speculate on the mood or situation, suggesting 'it seems as if they're having a great time together'.
📝 Practice these techniques to improve your ability to describe photos quickly and accurately for the test.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Duolingo English Test writing question described in the transcript?
-The main focus is to describe a photograph within a very limited time of one minute.
Why is it crucial to know how to describe a photo before taking the Duolingo English Test?
-Knowing how to describe a photo is crucial because the time allotted for the task is very short, and it requires quick thinking and the ability to convey information concisely.
What is the first method suggested for describing a photo in the transcript?
-The first method is to give a general summary of the photo, using the present simple or present continuous tense.
Can you provide an example of how to give a general summary of a photo as mentioned in the transcript?
-An example is: 'This photo shows two young women holding hands in a green field.'
What is the second method for describing a photo according to the transcript?
-The second method is to describe the actions of the people or subjects in the photo using the present continuous tense.
How should one describe the location of items in a photo as per the transcript?
-One should describe the location of items in a photo by indicating their position relative to other elements in the photo.
What is the fourth method for describing a photo as outlined in the transcript?
-The fourth method is to speculate about the photo, using modal verbs or set phrases to show that you're making a speculation.
What is an example of a speculation about a photo as suggested in the transcript?
-An example of speculation is: 'It seems as if they're having a great time together.'
Why is it important to use modal verbs or set phrases when speculating about a photo?
-Using modal verbs or set phrases when speculating helps to indicate that the description is an interpretation or guess, rather than a fact.
What tense is recommended for describing the actions of people or subjects in the photo?
-The present continuous tense is recommended for describing the actions of people or subjects in the photo.
How can one practice the skill of describing a photo quickly and effectively for the Duolingo English Test?
-One can practice by looking at various photos and attempting to describe them within a minute, focusing on the four methods outlined in the transcript.