ICAO Speaking Part 2 – Picture Description

ICAO Speaking Part 2 – Picture Description

ICAO Speaking Part 2 focuses on picture description. You are shown an aviation-related image and must describe what you see clearly and logically. The examiner evaluates fluency, vocabulary, pronunciation and your ability to explain the situation.

Related ICAO speaking pages

What happens in Part 2?

You are shown a picture related to aviation. You must describe what is happening, explain the situation and possibly say what may happen next. The goal is clear operational communication.

Picture description tasks may include:
  • airport situation
  • weather conditions
  • runway activity
  • aircraft movement
  • technical problem
  • ATC communication
  • emergency situation

What the examiner wants to hear

  • clear description of the scene
  • logical organization
  • aviation vocabulary
  • continuous speech
  • explanation of situation
  • possible outcome

Simple structure for Part 2

Recommended structure
  • 1. Overview: describe the general scene
  • 2. Main details: aircraft, weather, runway, vehicles
  • 3. Situation: explain what is happening
  • 4. Outcome: explain what may happen next

Useful opening phrases

  • This picture shows an airport scene.
  • The image appears to show an aircraft.
  • There is an aircraft on the runway.
  • The weather looks poor.
  • This seems to be an operational situation.

Common ICAO Part 2 picture types

Example ICAO Part 2 answer

This picture shows an airport runway. There is a passenger aircraft on the runway, and it appears to be preparing for takeoff. The weather looks cloudy, but visibility seems good. I can also see a vehicle near the runway, which may be an airport inspection vehicle. This could create a possible safety concern. In this situation, the aircraft may hold position until the runway is clear. After that, the aircraft will probably continue with departure.

Useful language for speculation

  • The aircraft appears to be preparing for departure.
  • There seems to be a technical issue.
  • This could cause a delay.
  • The crew may request assistance.
  • The aircraft might hold position.
  • This situation could require ATC coordination.

Mistakes to avoid

  • only listing objects
  • speaking too briefly
  • not explaining the situation
  • not mentioning aircraft position
  • using overly complex grammar
  • long pauses while speaking
Important: In ICAO Speaking Part 2, clear communication is more important than complex grammar. Speak clearly and explain the situation step by step.

Practice ICAO Speaking Part 2

Practice using ICAO Picture Description, Aircraft pictures, Weather pictures, Runway pictures and Technical problem pictures.