Many TOEIC candidates lose points in Speaking Part 2. Not because they lack vocabulary, but because they lack structure. In just 45 seconds, you need to observe a picture and describe it clearly, fluently, and with good detail.
In this post, you’ll learn a simple 5-step method, get useful vocabulary, see a high-scoring sample answer, and practise using AI feedback on Speak AIcademy.
What is TOEIC Speaking Part 2?
You’ll see one picture on the screen and have:
- 45 seconds to prepare
- 30 seconds to speak
Your goal: describe what you see, with as much relevant detail as possible.
How it’s scored
Your response is evaluated on:
- Pronunciation
- Intonation and stress
- Grammar and vocabulary range
- Relevance and detail
Being fluent isn’t enough — structure, precision, and vocabulary matter.
The 5-step method for describing any picture
- Start with an overview sentence
«This picture shows a group of people in a meeting room.»
- Describe layout and location
«In the foreground, there are three people seated at a table. In the background, there’s a whiteboard.»
- Explain the main action
«One man is pointing at a graph, and the others are listening.»
- Add specific details
«They’re all wearing formal clothes. On the table, there are some laptops and notebooks.»
- Speculate and add context
«It might be a business meeting or a training session.»
This method helps you stay organized and maximize your 45 seconds.
Power vocabulary and phrases
| Purpose | Phrase | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Location | in the foreground | In the foreground, there’s a woman sitting. |
| Location | on the left/right side | On the right side, I see two laptops. |
| Action | is giving a presentation | A man is giving a presentation. |
| Action | are discussing something | They are discussing a document. |
| Description | is wearing / are wearing | She is wearing a blue dress. |
| Object | there is / there are | There are several chairs around the table. |
| Speculation | might be / could be | This might be a university classroom. |
| Context | looks like / seems to be | It looks like a professional environment. |
| Detail | in the background | In the background, there is a projector. |
| Detail | next to / behind | Behind the group, there’s a whiteboard. |
Use these expressions to sound natural and professional.
High-scoring sample answer
Picture: A small team of people working around a table with laptops and papers.
“This picture shows three people working in an office setting. In the foreground, there are two women sitting next to each other, both focused on their laptops. One of them is pointing at the screen while speaking. In the background, a man is writing something on a whiteboard. They are all dressed in business casual clothing. It looks like a brainstorming session or a team project meeting. The room appears modern and bright, with large windows on the left side. They might be preparing for a presentation or discussing project updates.”
Teacher feedback:
✅ Clear structure: overview → detail → context
✅ Good use of present continuous and speculation
✅ Natural linking phrases
⚠ Could vary vocabulary more (e.g., replace “working” with “collaborating”)
Common mistakes and how to fix them
| Mistake | Why it’s a problem | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| Using past tense | The picture is in the present | Use present continuous: «They are talking» |
| Listing objects without structure | Sounds unorganized | Use layout words: foreground, background |
| Repeating the same verbs (e.g. “is”) | Reduces score for vocabulary range | Learn new verbs: presenting, pointing, etc. |
| Forgetting to speculate | Misses chance to show grammar variety | Add «might be», «looks like», etc. |
Three quick ways to practise today
- Describe a random photo
Open Google Images, pick a photo, and describe it out loud for 45 seconds. - Use a mirror and record yourself
Listen back to check fluency and pronunciation. - Try the task in our app
Use Speak AIcademy to practise with real-time AI feedback.
Try it now: practise in the app
🎙️ Ready to test yourself?
Record your own answer to a TOEIC Part 2 prompt and get instant feedback on fluency, pronunciation, grammar and coherence.
FAQ
Q: How long should my answer be in Part 2?
A: 30 seconds — usually around 100–120 words.
Q: Can I invent details if I don’t see much in the picture?
A: Yes, as long as your ideas are logical and relevant. Speculation shows grammar skill.
Q: How much does Part 2 affect my total score?
A: It’s one of 11 tasks. A strong performance helps raise your overall Speaking band.
Q: Where can I find the official guide?
A: In the official TOEIC webiste.