CELPIP language frames
Study CELPIP-style description frames at CLB 6, 8, and 10 for organizing details in scene and situation tasks.
Adapt the placeholders to the task. These are reusable structures, not complete answers to memorize.
Level guide
In the foreground, {person or object} is {action or position}.
Example: In the foreground, a young boy is holding a red balloon.
When to use it: Use when identifying the most noticeable person or object closest to the viewer.
Uses clear location language to organize a scene description for the listener.
{person one} is {action one}, and {person two} is {action two}.
Example: A cashier is scanning groceries, and a customer is placing bags in a cart.
When to use it: Use when describing two actions happening at the same time.
Reports multiple visible actions clearly with correct coordination.
{person} is wearing {clothing} and carrying {object}.
Example: The woman is wearing a blue raincoat and carrying an umbrella.
When to use it: Use when clothing or an object helps identify a person in the picture.
Selects concrete visual details that make the description easy to follow.
Level guide
In the foreground, {person or object} is {action}, while {background detail} can be seen behind them.
Example: In the foreground, a young boy is holding a red balloon, while several families can be seen behind him.
When to use it: Use when connecting the main foreground action with an important background detail.
Organizes two visual details with accurate spatial language and a controlled complex sentence.
While {person one} is {action one}, {person two} is {action two}.
Example: While a cashier is scanning groceries, a customer is placing bags in a cart.
When to use it: Use when showing that two related actions are happening simultaneously.
Uses a time clause to connect concurrent actions smoothly.
{person}, who is dressed in {clothing}, is carrying {object}.
Example: The woman, who is dressed in a blue raincoat, is carrying an umbrella.
When to use it: Use when adding appearance details without interrupting the main description.
Uses a relative clause to integrate identifying details naturally.
Level guide
Dominating the foreground is {person or object}, while {background activity} unfolds in the distance.
Example: Dominating the foreground is a young boy holding a red balloon, while a community fair unfolds in the distance.
When to use it: Use when giving the listener a polished overview of the scene from front to back.
Creates a fluent visual hierarchy and varies sentence structure without losing clarity.
As {person one} {action one}, {person two} appears to be {action two}, suggesting that {interpretation}.
Example: As the cashier scans the groceries, the customer appears to be arranging the bags, suggesting that they are nearly finished shopping.
When to use it: Use when describing simultaneous actions and adding a reasonable interpretation.
Combines observation and cautious interpretation in a fluent, well-controlled sentence.
Dressed in {clothing} and carrying {object}, {person} stands out because {distinctive detail}.
Example: Dressed in a blue raincoat and carrying an umbrella, the woman stands out because everyone else is wearing summer clothes.
When to use it: Use when a person’s appearance is especially noticeable or unusual.
Fronts descriptive detail and explains its significance with natural sentence variety.
Use it in context