Here are some tips for oral examinations which include comparing two pictures

1. Describing two pictures
José A. Alcalde
Different B2 or Intermediate level official examinations include in the speaking section the task of comparing two
different pictures. This is the case, for example, of FCE tests (Speaking Part 2). In this exercise students are shown
two pictures and they have to compare / contrast them. This is usually done in pairs and takes between 3 and 4
minutes. Here are some tips to consider:
- The aim is not so much describing but comparing or contrasting the information taken from both pictures
(usually different enough to provoke discussion)
- First focus on the photos and don't talk about something else.
- Don't overconcentrate on just one picture. Try to balance time, information given, etc.
- If your mind goes blank, take a deep breath, look at the photos and go on.
- Later go beyond the actual pictures. Maybe you can add more information by guessing, making
assumptions, predictions, expressing preferences, reactions, opinions, etc.
ORDER TO FOLLOW
1. Describe one picture without going into much detail by using expressions like: “The first picture shows...”,
“In the top picture I can see...”, “Picture A shows...”, “In the left picture there is/are...”
2. Highlight similarities between both pictures by using expressions like “Similarly in the second picture
there is/are...”, “Likewise...”, “Also in picture B...”, “... as well as in picture 2...”, etc.
3. Highlight now differences with “On the other hand, picture B shows...”, “However, in the bottom picture I
can see...”, “...whereas in the second picture...”
4. Answer the questions asked by the examiner. Remember to avoid Yes/No answers!!
VOCABULARY
Obviously the vocabulary we need for this exercise will depend on the pictures we are given. But, generally
speaking, the lexical fields are usually connected to: action verbs, landscapes and scenery, adjectives for physical
descriptions or feelings, past and modern times, etc.
GRAMMAR
When comparing pictures there are certain structures that we may use frequently such as:
• Comparatives (inferiority, equality and superiority) and superlatives
• Adverbs of degree (a little, slightly, quite, very, absolutely, extremely...)
• There is / there are or There was / there were and quantifiers like some, any, a few, a little, a lot of, no, none,
most, both, etc.
• Present or past continuous for actions taking place in the pictures.
• Past simple / present simple / future simple for comparing actions in different times.
• Expressions of certainty, likelihood, probability, etc. by using adverbs like maybe, probably, certainly,
perhaps, etc. and modal verbs such us can, could, must, might, etc.
• Connectors to show addition/similarities, contrast/differences (do not overuse “ AND” as it is only used for
addition), chronological order, etc.