PTE Describe Image Tips and Templates With Examples

Whether in business or academic settings, describing an image, a chart, or a graph is necessary.

That’s also exactly what the PTE Describe Image section tests you.

Are you stuck on this task?

If yes, LUME Test comes to the rescue by offering in-depth insights and tips.

Keep reading!

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Key Takeaways 

• The PTE Describe Image is designed to assess your speaking skills. Candidates have to present pictures filled with data or normal activities.
• You have 25 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to deliver your answer.
• Content, pronunciation, and oral fluency are three main scoring criteria to assess your speaking capabilities.
• Highlighting key features of the image is crucial. Avoid tediously listing data points at all costs. More tips are below!

Related:

• FREE PTE exam preparation with mock tests and AI scoring
• A simple PTE study plan to achieve high scores
• Proven PTE Speaking tips and tricks for newbies
• What is the one-line strategy in PTE Read Aloud?
• PTE Describe Image vocabulary: words and phrases

What Should You Know About The PTE Describe Image Section? 

The Format

You will be shown different types of photos and charts. You have to describe them by analyzing key features and highlighting them. Examiners could assess your logical thinking, information analysis, and speaking skills. 

The typical format of the PTE Describe Image task includes 6 questions. They could be maps, diagrams, graphs, tables, photos, and charts. Upon viewing the image, you have 25 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to deliver your response.  

The Scoring Guide

There are three criteria that assessors rely on to decide your score. Content is scored from 0 to 6, and Pronunciation and Oral Fluency from 0 to 5 each. 

• Content: You will get a good score if your response identifies key elements and clarifies them. You should also pay attention to their relationships. This can be a plus if you describe them fluently. 
• Pronunciation: The score will be high if you pronounce words correctly. Native-like pronunciation, proper stress emphasis, consistent rhythm, and intonation are keys. 

If your English accent is not good enough, don’t worry. Strive to be confident and express your ideas of the image smoothly. This can be an advantage.

• Oral fluency: This criterion assesses the smoothness of your delivery and the absence of frequent pauses or hesitations. To get a higher score on this task, speak at a slow pace. You will have enough to think and avoid stumbling over words. 

3 Steps to Success

Here are 3 steps of a well-structured PTE Describe  Image template. 

• Step 1: Give a brief intro (about 1 to 2 sentences) to mention the chart type, its title, and its overview.  For instance, if you are encountering a graph, the main focus should be what the lines and bars represent. 
• Step 2: Take a quick look at the image and pinpoint the largest or smallest number/percentage/ratio, etc. Your presentation should include those important elements. 

It’s even better to determine their meaningful relationships. To highlight them, you can use some linking words and transitional phrases. Some examples are “besides,” “on the other hand,” “moreover,” etc. 

• Step 3: Summarize your analysis in 1 or 2 sentences. To make your speech more engaging, consider illustrating a trend with the data you have analyzed. 

6 Examples of PTE Describe Image Questions 

Here are 6 common questions in the PTE Describe Image section that you should know. 

Bar/Line Graph

The bar chart or line graph is one of the most straightforward questions, as you can easily identify the general trend. Below is a PTE Describe Image example regarding the graph.

To excel in the bar/line graph, you must first observe the axes and labels that indicate the variable being measured. In the above image, the topic surrounds the oil production capacity of five nations from 1990 to 2010 (unit: millions of barrels per day).

Then, quickly determine the overall trend before showcasing the main characteristics. As we can see from the graph, all nations witnessed an upward trend. Among them, Saudi Arabia recorded the greatest capacity in producing oil.

Table

The table chart is a bit more difficult, as it entails tons of data, which easily confuses candidates, especially under time pressure. Here is a table example.

It is crucial to spot the dominant percentage, the smallest number, or the most fluctuating category. One tip is to avoid transforming your pictorial presentation into a mere list. 

Getting back to an example, you should mention the fact that personal and family funding occupied the largest percentage in both periods. 

Another notable feature was the decrease in funding from the US College/University or the triple percentage increase of the current employer source. 

Map

Given the map, it is highly recommended that the main differences in the provided area be clarified over time. Here is an example.

To deliver a good response for the map chart, mention the fact that this land was converted into a tourist hotspot. The fast growth of entertainment facilities, such as swimming areas, lodgings, etc., was the most remarkable trait.  

Pie Chart/Flow Chart

Like the bar/line graph, the pie chart is easier and favored by many test-takers. Here is an instance.

To win the pie chart, you need to understand the big idea of the chart and its outstanding data points. 

Take a look at the above instance. When describing it, you should mention that both male and female students no longer attend school due to the completion of their studies, with a percentage of 60% and 65% respectively. 

Then, continue to compare the percentages of different categories between males and females. 

Process Diagram

When encountering the process diagram, the most important thing is to explain it following a logical order. Here is an example.

It would be best to capture the process’s main idea, recycling. To ensure consistency and logical expression, consider starting from the manufacturers and retailers to consumers. 

Then, consumers will deliver goods to recyclers before transporting them back to manufacturers to complete the recycling loop. 

Photo

The photo topics are diverse, including daily activities, rising global matter, the temperature degrees of a region, etc. Here is an example.

Unlike other question types, the photo task may not involve data. Instead, they require you to describe the spirit of the picture. You should focus on elements like the emotions or activities depicted. 

For example, you must highlight the feelings and actions of the young girl in the above image. 

Some Proven PTE Describe Image Tips You Need to Know

Focus On Punctuation And Fluency

The ultimate goal of the PTE Describe Image section is to assess candidates’ speaking capabilities. Hence, it’s crucial to focus on the two most important elements: punctuation and fluency. 

To improve your performance, practice speaking regularly at home. By doing so, you can reduce pauses and hesitations during your presentation. Besides, speak at a low pace and manage your breath well. 

Don’t Explain Every Detail 

We have said many times in this article: highlight key features and don’t turn your presentation into a mere list. 

There is no need to capture all the details depicted in the image, as you have limited time. Even if you can cover them all, the AI system won’t highly evaluate redundant details.

Speak For More Than 30 Seconds

Do you desire to gain a score of more than 65 on the PTE exam?

If yes, it is advisable to speak for at least 30 seconds. The duration provides ample time to convey your ideas clearly. This ensures you deliver the necessary information.  

An overly short response also indicates your lack of preparation, poor vocabulary, and limited English proficiency.

Build A Well-Structured Flow

When explaining elements of the image, you’d better ensure the logical flow and smooth expression. Presenting the data in a disorganized order could confuse examiners, resulting in an unsatisfying outcome. 

Time Practice

Time constraints are apparent in every exam. So, practicing to answer questions within a strict time limit is essential. Otherwise, you may feel anxious and struggle to manage the stress during the test.

When practicing, try to prepare in 25 seconds and respond to each query in 40 seconds. This makes you familiar with the time pressure. 

Conclusion 

We have shared all you have to know about the PTE Describe Image. Understanding its format, scoring criteria, and common question types are your weapons to conquer it.

For more effective strategies on other sections of the PTE speaking test, be sure to explore other articles on our website.

Thank you!

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Want to FINALLY Pass the PTE Test And Achieve Your Goals? Get Your FREE Lume Account Today to Unlock… ✅ 10,000+ PRACTICE QUESTIONS with detailed answers ✅ FREE MOCK TESTS with fast & accurate AI scoring ✅ Get BETTER SCORES with a PERSONALIZED study plan GET YOUR FREE ACCOUNT NOW (Limited seats available!)