Five solved photo comparisons for Aptis Speaking Part 3. Learn to speculate with modal verbs and contrast words instead of listing objects.
You see two photos and the timer starts. You list what is on the left, then what is on the right. By the time you have something interesting to say, the time is over. This is the inventory mistake. This article shows five solved comparisons and the phrases behind them. For more guides, go to the home page.
In Speaking Part 3, you see two photographs. You have 45 seconds for each of three questions in a row. In the practice tasks we use, you first compare the photos, then choose which one you prefer, and then talk about related consequences or feelings.
The common mistake is a visual inventory. You list what you see on the left, then what you see on the right. By the time you want to say something interesting, the timer reaches zero.
Basic answer (only describes obvious objects):
"In the picture on the left there are people working in an office with computers. In the picture on the right, there is a man alone at home with a laptop. Both pictures show people working."
Stronger answer, C1 style (speculates about feelings and circumstances):
"Whereas the individuals in the first image seem to be collaborating in a dynamic corporate environment, the man on the right appears to enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of teleworking. In all likelihood, the latter experiences fewer distractions, although he might occasionally miss team interaction."
Note: "C1" here describes the style of the language, our own label. In the official Aptis General scale for Part 3, the top band is "B2 or above", and C1 is awarded only in Part 4. The same scale counts how many of the three questions you answer, so answer all three first.
These are five common topics from our practice tasks.
1. Traditional office vs. working from home
"While working from home undeniably offers greater autonomy and eliminates commuting stress, it seems to blur the boundary between personal life and professional obligations, whereas office environments foster spontaneous collaboration."
2. Busy city vs. quiet countryside
"Living in a metropolis inevitably guarantees instant access to cultural amenities, yet it comes at the expense of noise pollution. Conversely, the countryside appears to provide a far more peaceful pace of life."
3. Fast food vs. traditional home cooking
"Fast food undoubtedly appeals to individuals pressed for time, but it lacks nutritional value. In contrast, preparing home-cooked meals seems to encourage mindfulness and family bonding."
4. Backpacking trip vs. luxury all-inclusive hotel
"Budget backpacking appears to offer authentic cultural immersion and unexpected adventures, whereas luxury resorts prioritize effortless relaxation and comfort."
5. Reading on a screen vs. a paper book
"Digital e-readers are extremely convenient for commuting; nonetheless, traditional printed books seem to offer a tactile satisfaction that screens simply cannot replicate."
Avoid flat sentences like "they are happy". Use these verbs of appearance and possibility in your answers.
Do the Speaking part of a mock exam, with the time shown for each part, and use these phrases to compare photos. These are AptisBot's own mock exams, not official exams. Any correction is an estimate. In the Advanced test, the two photos are Part 1.
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