How to Describe Pictures in TOEIC Writing: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thomas m
- Nov 29
- 7 min read
Getting ready for the TOEIC Writing Test? Master the Picture Description section with this complete guide to common mistakes and how to fix them.
The Picture Description task is the first section of the TOEIC Writing Test, and it sets the tone for your entire exam. You have just 8 minutes to write 5 sentences - one for each picture. Sounds simple, right?
But here's the challenge: most students make the same predictable mistakes that cost them easy points. Even if you have great English skills, these common errors can lower your score from a perfect 15/15 to something much less impressive.
In this guide, I'll walk you through the 5 most common TOEIC picture description mistakes I see students make, show you exactly how to fix them, and give you a proven formula for scoring 3/3 on every single picture.
What Is the TOEIC Picture Description Task?
Before we dive into the mistakes, let's quickly review what this section requires.
The Task:
You'll see 5 pictures, one at a time
Each picture shows people doing everyday activities (working in an office, shopping, exercising, etc.)
You're given 2 required words that must appear in your sentence
You have 8 minutes total (roughly 1.5 minutes per picture)
The Scoring:
Each sentence is scored from 0-3 points
Maximum total: 15 points (5 pictures × 3 points each)
You're scored on: grammar, use of required words, and relevance to the picture
Sounds straightforward - but the time pressure and specific requirements trip up even advanced students. Let's look at what NOT to do.
Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Tense
This is the #1 mistake I see in my TOEIC classes.
❌ Wrong:
"A man sits at a desk and types on a computer."
✅ Correct:
"A man is sitting at a desk and typing on a computer."
Why It Matters:
TOEIC evaluators expect you to use the present continuous tense (also called present progressive) to describe ongoing actions in pictures. The pictures show actions happening right now - not habitual actions or general truths.
Using simple present tense ("sits," "types") immediately signals to the evaluator that you don't understand the task requirements, and you'll lose points for grammar.
The Fix:
Always use the present continuous structure:
Subject + is/are + verb-ing
Examples:
"A woman is walking down the street."
"Two colleagues are discussing a project."
"Children are playing in a park."
This is the single easiest way to improve your picture description score. Make it a habit, and you'll never lose points on tense again.
Mistake #2: Forgetting to Use BOTH Required Words
This mistake is devastating because it caps your maximum score at 1/3 - no matter how perfect your grammar is.
❌ Wrong:
"A woman is holding a hamburger." (Missing the word "waiter")
✅ Correct:
"A waiter is holding a plate with a hamburger."
Why It Matters:
The TOEIC instructions are crystal clear: you must use both provided words in your sentence. If you omit even one word, your maximum possible score is 1 out of 3 points.
It doesn't matter if your sentence has perfect grammar, great vocabulary, and accurately describes the picture. Missing a required word means automatic point deduction.
The Fix:
Before you submit each sentence, check that BOTH words appear.
You can change the form of the words:
"waiter" → "waiters" ✅
"wait" → "waiting" ✅
"admire" → "admiring" or "admiration" ✅
But both words must be present in some form.
Pro tip: Highlight or circle the two required words before writing your sentence. This visual reminder helps ensure you don't forget either one.
Mistake #3: Being Too Vague or General
Vague language is a red flag to TOEIC evaluators that you have limited vocabulary.
❌ Wrong:
"Some people are doing things in a place."
✅ Correct:
"In the foreground, two professionals are collaborating at a desk while additional colleagues work at computer stations in the background."
Why It Matters:
TOEIC picture descriptions test your ability to use specific, descriptive language in a professional context. Words like "people," "things," "stuff," and "place" are too general and show poor vocabulary range.
Evaluators look for:
Specific nouns: professionals, colleagues, equipment (not "people" or "stuff")
Location words: in the foreground, in the background, on the left side
Accurate descriptions: what is actually visible in the image
The Fix:
Use professional, specific vocabulary:
Instead of: "people" → Use: professionals, colleagues, individuals, customers, students
Instead of: "doing something" → Use: collaborating, presenting, discussing, reviewing
Add location details:
"In the foreground..."
"On the left side of the image..."
"In the background..."
Your sentence doesn't need to be complicated - it just needs to be specific and accurate.
Mistake #4: Writing Multiple Sentences
The instructions say "write ONE sentence" - so write ONE sentence.
❌ Wrong:
"A businessman is reading. He is sitting at a desk. There is a computer on the desk."
✅ Correct:
"A businessman is reading documents while sitting at a desk with a computer."
Why It Matters:
The TOEIC instructions specifically ask for one sentence per picture. Writing multiple sentences suggests you either:
Didn't read the instructions carefully, or
Can't construct a complete sentence with multiple clauses
Both hurt your score.
The Fix:
Combine ideas into one complete sentence using:
Conjunctions: and, while, as
Prepositional phrases: with, at, in, on
Relative clauses: who, which, that
You don't need a complex sentence - a simple sentence with good detail works perfectly. Just make sure it's ONE sentence with proper punctuation (capital letter at start, period at end).
Mistake #5: Ignoring What's Actually in the Picture
Describe what you SEE, not what you imagine.
❌ Wrong:
"A chef is preparing a delicious five-course meal for an important client." (Picture just shows someone cooking)
✅ Correct:
"A chef is preparing food in a kitchen."
Why It Matters:
You're scored on relevance to the picture. If you add details that aren't visible, you're not accurately describing what's shown. TOEIC evaluators want you to describe observable facts, not create stories.
The Fix:
Stick to what's visible:
What can you clearly see in the image?
What actions are obviously happening?
What objects are present?
Don't assume or invent details like:
People's emotions ("looking happy," "feeling stressed")
Backstory ("preparing for an important meeting")
Details you can't see ("delicious," "expensive")
Keep it simple, factual, and accurate to what's in the picture.
The Perfect TOEIC Picture Description Formula
Now that you know what NOT to do, here's the formula for a perfect 3/3 score:
1. Use present continuous tense (is/are + verb-ing)
2. Include BOTH required words (in any form)
3. Use specific, professional vocabulary (avoid "people," "things," "stuff")
4. Add location details if helpful (foreground, background, left/right)
5. Write ONE complete sentence
6. Describe only what's visible (no assumptions or stories)
Example:
Picture: Office scene with two people at a desk Required words: "woman" and "computer"
Perfect sentence: "A woman is typing on a computer while her colleague reviews documents at the adjacent desk."
Why this scores 3/3: ✅ Present continuous ("is typing") ✅ Both words used ("woman," "computer") ✅ Specific vocabulary ("colleague," "reviews," "adjacent") ✅ Accurate to what's visible ✅ One complete sentence
Practice Tips for TOEIC Picture Description
Tip #1: Time Yourself
You have 1.5 minutes per picture. Practice writing sentences within this limit until it feels natural. Speed comes with repetition.
Tip #2: Build Your Vocabulary Bank
Create a list of professional vocabulary for common TOEIC scenarios:
Office: colleagues, workstation, documents, presentation
Shopping: customers, merchandise, checkout, cashier
Restaurant: diners, servers, menu, ordering
Outdoor: pedestrians, vehicles, sidewalk, crossing
Tip #3: Practice with Real TOEIC-Style Pictures
Don't just practice with random photos. Use images that match TOEIC style: professional settings, everyday activities, clear actions.
Tip #4: Check Your Work
Before moving to the next picture, ask yourself:
✅ Did I use present continuous?
✅ Are both required words in my sentence?
✅ Is my vocabulary specific?
✅ Did I write ONE sentence?
Watch the Full Video Tutorial
Want to see these strategies in action with more examples? Watch my complete TOEIC Picture Description video tutorial:
In the video, I walk through multiple practice examples and show you exactly how to apply the formula in real-time.
Practice with Instant Feedback
Reading about picture descriptions is helpful - but the real improvement comes from practice with feedback.
That's why I created the Next Level Writing Lab - a free app that gives you instant feedback on your TOEIC picture descriptions.
Features:
✅ Realistic TOEIC-style pictures
✅ Instant grammar checking
✅ Scoring on use of required words
✅ Feedback on vocabulary and relevance
✅ Unlimited practice questions
Start practicing now: Next Level Writing Lab
Want Personalized Feedback?
While the Writing Lab gives you instant automated feedback, sometimes you need a human expert to review your writing and identify your specific weak points.
Book a free 30-minute TOEIC Writing assessment where I'll:
Review your picture description samples
Identify your biggest obstacles
Create a personalized study plan for your test date
Answer all your TOEIC questions
Download Your Free TOEIC Picture Description Template
Want a simple template you can use for every picture? I've created a fill-in-the-blank formula that guarantees you include all the essential elements.
Get instant access by signing up for my weekly TOEIC tips:
You'll receive:
The Picture Description Template (PDF)
Weekly TOEIC Writing strategies
Common mistake alerts
Practice materials
Essay prompts and email examples
Final Thoughts: Picture Description is Your Easiest 15 Points
The Picture Description section should be the easiest part of the TOEIC Writing Test. With just 8 minutes of practice for each test, you can master the formula and consistently score 15/15.
Remember the key points:
Always use present continuous tense
Never forget to use both required words
Be specific with your vocabulary
Write one complete sentence
Describe only what's visible
Follow this formula, avoid these 5 common mistakes, and you'll maximize your picture description score every single time.
Ready to practice? Head to the Next Level Writing Lab and start improving your TOEIC Writing score today!
About the Author: Thomas Macomson is a TOEIC Writing specialist and founder of Next Level English Prep. He has helped hundreds of students improve their TOEIC scores through personalized lessons and proven strategies. Connect with him on YouTube for more free TOEIC lessons.
Related Posts:
TOEIC Email Writing: The 5-Part Formula for Perfect Responses
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10 Most Common TOEIC Writing Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
Subscribe to Next Level English Prep on YouTube for more TOEIC lessons: youtube.com/@NextLevelEnglishPrep
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