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Describe and Draw

Overview

In this activity, one student describes a picture while their partner listens carefully and tries to draw it.

Learning Objective
Students improve their ability to give clear descriptions and follow spoken instructions.

Resources needed

  • Paper
  • Pencil

Lesson stages

0 / 8 done
  1. 1 Put students into pairs and ask them to sit back-to-back so they cannot see each other’s work.
  2. 2 Explain that Student A will describe a simple picture, and Student B must draw it without asking too many questions at first.
  3. 3 Ask Student A to imagine or quickly sketch a simple image, such as a house, a person, or a scene.
  4. 4 Student A begins to describe the picture slowly, using clear language about shapes, size, and position.
  5. 5 Student B listens carefully and draws what they understand, asking questions only when necessary.
  6. 6 After a few minutes, ask students to compare the original idea and the drawing, and discuss what was similar or different.
  7. 7 Students then swap roles and repeat the activity with a new picture.
  8. 8 Finish by discussing which types of instructions were most helpful and why.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Limit students to using only simple shapes.
  • Add a time limit to increase challenge.
  • Turn it into a group competition.
More information

Teach: next to, above, below, in the middle, on the left/right, shape, line. Model a short description before starting.

Provide a simple example picture for students who need more support.

Are students giving clear instructions and responding accurately to spoken language?

If paper is not available, students can draw in sand or describe only.

Students may give too many unclear details. Encourage short, clear instructions.

This activity develops both speaking clarity and listening accuracy.

Activity details
Secondary Medium 20 minutes no prep Pairs Indoor
Topics
Speaking Listening