B1 • Lesson 32
Vocabulary and reading to prepare for your lesson
Click each word to see its meaning and an example.
To guess or imagine what might be true when you don't have all the facts.
"From the image, I would speculate that this scene is from a city market."
To notice something carefully by looking at it.
"If you observe the background, you can see people walking around."
The part of an image closest to you and the part farther away.
"In the foreground, there's a person, and in the background, you see mountains."
To come to a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning.
"We can infer from the clothing that this photo was taken in winter."
The feeling or emotional quality of an image or scene.
"The lighting creates a calm and peaceful mood in this photograph."
The way elements are arranged in an image or artwork.
"The composition of this photo is very balanced with the subject in the center."
Used to describe what an image appears to show.
"It looks like the photo was taken at sunset based on the orange sky."
Used to point out visible details in an image.
"I can see trees, a house, and what appears to be a family in the foreground."
Used to make an inference based on visual evidence.
"This suggests that the event is taking place in a large city."
Used to describe the mood or feeling created by an image.
"The atmosphere seems tense and serious, judging from the facial expressions."
Used to make a speculation without being certain.
"I would guess that this was taken during the spring season."
Used to suggest a possible interpretation.
"It could be that they are celebrating a special occasion together."
Speculating about images is an important speaking skill that requires you to observe carefully and describe what you see while making reasonable guesses about what you cannot see. When you look at a photograph or image, you notice details like people, objects, locations, and colors. From these visible details, you can infer information that isn't directly shown.
To speculate effectively, start by observing what is actually visible. Describe the foreground, background, and other key elements. Then, use these observations to make inferences. For example, if people are wearing heavy coats, you might infer that it's cold outside. If the sky is dark, you might guess that it's evening. These inferences should be logical based on the evidence you observe.
It's important to distinguish between what you can see and what you're guessing. Use phrases like "It looks like," "I can see," and "I would guess" to show that you're speculating rather than stating facts. This honesty is appreciated because it shows clear thinking. Saying "It could be that the event is formal" is better than saying "The event is definitely formal" when you're not certain.
You should also consider the atmosphere or mood of the image. The lighting, colors, and composition all contribute to the emotional feeling of a photograph. A sunset creates a peaceful mood, while harsh shadows might create tension. Noticing and discussing these elements makes your description more complete and interesting.
With practice, you'll develop the ability to describe images in detail and make confident, reasonable inferences about what they show.
~310 words • B1 Level
Think about these questions before your lesson. You don't need to write answers—just consider your thoughts.
For each question above, write maximum 3 keywords — no sentences. Then practise speaking your answer out loud from just the keywords.
Q1: "Do you enjoy looking at photographs and images? What kinds of images do you find most interesting?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Now say your answer out loud. Speak for about 30 seconds from just your keywords.
Q2: "Can you think of a time when you misunderstood what an image was showing because you made wrong inferences?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Speak for 30 seconds. Let your brain build the sentences from the keywords.
Q3: "What visual details do you notice first when looking at a new photograph?"
Your 3 keywords: / /
Say your answer out loud — don't just think it! Your keywords are enough.
Remember: keywords only. Your brain does the rest. Mistakes are good — they mean you're practising speaking, not reading.
Preparation time: ~15 minutes