Describe, then explain: First say what you see. Then say what it means. Four steps do both.
Four steps for the image
1
Overview
One sentence to set the scene. "This photo shows…"
2
Details with position
Say what is where. "In the foreground… On the left…"
3
Interpret
Say what it suggests. "It seems that… It gives the impression that…"
4
Link to a theme
"This links to the theme of… because…"
Overview → Where → What it means → Theme
The listing trap: "There is a tree. There is a dog. There is a bench." is only a list. It loses Message marks. Always add where things are and what they suggest.
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Hear the four steps: A photo of two students on a park bench, described in four steps.
Model: the four steps
The description, step by step
- Overview. "This photo shows two students relaxing in a park."
- Details with position. "In the foreground they are sitting on a bench and laughing at a phone. In the background, some children are playing football."
- Interpret. "It seems that they are close friends. It gives the impression that technology can bring people together."
- Link to a theme. "This links to the theme of identities, because how we spend our free time is part of who we are."
Why it works
- Every detail has a position word.
- Two sentences say what the image means.
- The theme link gives a reason with "because".