What raters reward
Clear, orderly description for a listener who can't see (Task Fulfillment, Coherence), precise nouns, comparisons and position words (Vocabulary), and confident delivery (Listenability). The key is highlighting what's strange, not every detail.
Your time plan
How to structure it
Fill the [slots] with your own ideas — adapt the frames, don't recite them.
Signal that this is unusual so they pay attention.
Grammar Attention-getter
- You won't believe what I'm looking at right now.
- Picture this: [one-line overview].
Use comparisons so the listener can imagine it.
Grammar Present continuous + comparison (looks like / as if)
- There's a [object] that looks like [comparison].
- The strangest part is [detail] — it's about the size of [comparison].
Help them build a mental map with position words.
Grammar Prepositions of place
- Right next to it, there's [detail].
- In the background, [detail].
Name the surprise and, if natural, your reaction.
Grammar Reaction
- What makes it so unusual is [reason].
- Honestly, you don't see that every day!
A worked model answer
A high-scoring sample that follows this shape — use it as a model, not a script.
Dear Alex,
You won’t believe the bizarre spectacle I just encountered while out for my morning run! I’m still catching my breath. Right in the middle of the park trail, a group of costumed individuals on inline skates has completely taken over. There is a grinning clown in vibrant primary colors, a full-scale astronaut, and even someone in a fuzzy pink creature suit—all rolling at high speeds. To make it even more chaotic, they are engaged in a massive water balloon fight. Brightly colored spheres are flying everywhere, and one just detonated against a tree, leaving a massive red splatter. One skater has even wiped out on the pavement amidst the splashes of blue and red powder.
It is utterly startling because this is usually such a serene, predictable path. Seeing such eccentric characters in high-performance gear performing stunts while hurling projectiles is the last thing I expected on a Tuesday. It feels like a fever dream has come to life.
Useful vocabulary
Vocabulary is one of the four scored dimensions — weave a few in (don't force all of them).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Describing it as if the listener can see it.
- Listing ordinary details and burying the unusual part.
- No comparisons, so it's hard to picture.
- Vague location words ('over there').
Quick tips
- Assume the listener sees nothing — be concrete and ordered.
- Lead with the surprising detail and compare it to something familiar.
- Use present continuous and clear position words.