Short answer
Start with what learners can see, then use details in the image to lead into vocabulary, questions and personal discussion. In S06E22, Em asks Gav to describe pictures about coincidences, then expands from colours and objects into related topics such as cars, routines and health data.
The coincidence pictures in S06E22 take us from matching cars and a building into transport, neighbourhoods and possible explanations. Em starts with description before opening the conversation.
Try this in your next lesson
Ask learners for one visible detail, one possible explanation and one related question about a suitable picture.
👇 Scroll down for our practical checklist or activity and download.
Listen to the whole S06E22 discussion in our podcast episode guide here🔊.
Move from noticing to conversation
A picture of matching cars can lead to describing colour and location, then to talking about transport or neighbourhoods. Let learners decide how far the discussion goes, and bring it back to the language goal when needed.
Visual prompts give learners something concrete to talk about and can create variety alongside reading, listening, speaking and writing tasks.
Separate observation from speculation
Three similar cars do not prove that neighbours copied one another. Ask what is visible first, then invite a possibility with might or could. This gives the discussion a language focus as well as a clearer reasoning task.
For our suggested pair task, choose an image with two or three clear details. Learners describe one, suggest an explanation and ask a partner a connected question. A fictional answer is fine. If vocabulary runs out, supply only what they need for that detail, then return to the exchange. A single image can be enough.
Gav and Em suggest: a short classroom adaptation
Use this as a starting routine and adapt it to your learners.
- ☐ Give the task before learners open or view the image.
- ☐ Ask learners to describe the main objects and what is happening.
- ☐ Invite more specific vocabulary, such as colours, materials or surroundings.
- ☐ Ask an open question that connects the image to experience or opinion.
📥 Download the free teacher practice card (PDF)
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