PTE Core Describe Image Format, Tips, Templates, And More

The PTE Core Describe Image sounds easy at first until you realize you have to fill 40 seconds without pausing or guessing!

What looks simple turns out to be one of the biggest Speaking challenges.

Here, LUME Test will give you exact templates and sharp techniques to make this task feel more predictable. 

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Key Takeaways

• You get 25 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak, using an erasable booklet if needed to structure your ideas.
• Applying specific templates for different types of images (such as charts and maps) helps you deliver faster and more organized responses.
• To get a high score, you should stick to 40 seconds, avoid long pauses, and use full sentences and linking phrases.

Related:

• FREE PTE Core practice tests with AI scoring
• PTE Core Speaking format and tips
• PTE Core Repeat Sentence tips

PTE Core Describe Image Format

During this task, you will be shown an image on the screen, which may be a map, diagram, chart, graph, table, or picture.

You are given 25 seconds to study the image silently and organize your thoughts.

Feel free to use an erasable notebook booklet to jot down key points or structure your response.

After the 25-second preparation time, the microphone will open automatically; you then have 40 seconds to speak and describe the image.

There is no penalty for finishing early if you have given a complete description.

Still, speaking for only a few seconds without covering the main details will hurt your score.

Also, note that there is no replay, no second chance, and no pause button.

What Affects Your Score?

Like other speaking tasks, your score here is determined by three key criteria: Content, Pronunciation, and Oral Fluency.

• Content: You are expected to mention the most obvious and important information shown. For example, if you are shown a bar graph, it is essential to describe the general trend and notable highs and lows.
• Pronunciation: Your individual sounds, syllables, and word stress must still be clear and natural according to standard English pronunciation.
• Oral Fluency: This criterion assesses the natural flow and pace of your speaking. That means you must speak smoothly, with steady speed, and without unnatural pauses, hesitations, or repetitions.

Additionally, while grammar is not a standalone scoring category in Describe Image, using simple, grammatically correct sentences will support your fluency and pronunciation. 

7 PTE Core Describe Image Practice Templates & Examples

Bar Chart

• The bar chart shows [main topic]. 
• Overall, [general trend]. 
• It is clear that [highest point] and [lowest point]. 
• [Comparison if relevant]. 
• In conclusion, the chart highlights [overall observation].

Example:

“The bar chart shows the number of students enrolled in different faculties in 2024. 

Overall, Science and Engineering had the highest enrollments, while Arts had the lowest. 

It is clear that Science attracted about 500 students, whereas Arts had fewer than 200.

Engineering and Business were quite close, each with around 450 students.

In conclusion, the chart highlights students’ extremely palpable preference for science and technical majors.”

Line Graph

• The line graph illustrates [main topic] over [time period].
• Overall, [general trend].
• [Mention peaks and drops].
• [Noticeable comparisons, if any].
• To summarize, the graph demonstrates [overall insight].

Example:

“The line graph illustrates the unemployment rate in three cities from 2020 to 2024.

Overall, unemployment decreased steadily in all cities.

City A experienced a sharp decline from 10% to 4%, whereas Cities B and C showed a more gradual decrease.

Notably, City C remained the lowest throughout the period.

To summarize, the graph demonstrates an impressively improving employment situation across all cities.”

Pie Chart

• The pie chart depicts [main topic].
• Overall, [largest and smallest portions].
• [Highlight major sections and percentages if given].
• It is noticeable that [significant observation].
• In conclusion, the chart provides a clear breakdown of [general insight].

Example:

“The pie chart depicts the market share of different smartphone brands in 2023.

Overall, Brand A holds the largest share, while Brand D has the smallest.

Brand A accounts for approximately 40% of the market, followed by Brand B at 30% and Brand C at 20%.

Brand D holds only 10%.

It is noticeable that the two brands A and B dominate most of the market.

In conclusion, the chart provides a clear breakdown of the extremely competitive smartphone market.”

Table

• The table presents data about [main topic].
• Overall, [key trend or relationship].
• [Mention any highest/lowest values].
• [Compare important figures.]
• In summary, the table highlights [the overall interpretation].

Example:

“The table presents data about average monthly temperatures in four cities.

Overall, City X is the warmest throughout the year, while City Y is the coldest.

City X averages 30 degrees Celsius in summer, compared to City Y’s 15 degrees.

In winter, City X remains mild at 20 degrees, but City Y drops to below freezing.

In summary, the table highlights very significant climate differences between these cities.”

Map

• The map shows [main topic/location changes].
• Overall, [general changes or features].
• [Describe major changes if it’s a comparison map or key landmarks if it’s a single map].
• It is clear that [main trend or pattern].
• To conclude, the map illustrates [summary of the observation].

Example:

“The map shows the layout changes in Greenfield Town between 2000 and 2020.

Overall, the town has expanded significantly, with the addition of new residential and commercial areas.

The area was primarily farmland in 2000, but by 2020, it had been replaced by housing complexes and shopping centers.

It is clear that urban development has transformed the town dramatically.

To conclude, the map illustrates the gradual but steady shift from a rural to an urban landscape.”

Process Diagram

• The diagram illustrates the process of [main topic].
• Overall, the process consists of [number] main stages, beginning with [starting point] and ending with [final stage].
• [Briefly describe a few important stages].
• To summarize, the diagram clearly outlines [general description of the process].

Example:

“The diagram illustrates the process of recycling plastic bottles.

Overall, the process consists of six main stages, beginning with collection and culminating in the production of new products.

First, used bottles are gathered and sorted.

They are then cleaned, crushed into small pieces, melted, and finally molded into new bottles and containers.

To summarize, the diagram clearly outlines how old plastic bottles are transformed into new usable items.”

Picture

• The picture shows [main subject of the image].
• Overall, [describe the general situation].
• [Mention a few noticeable details about people, environment, or activities.]
• It is clear that [specific observation].
• In conclusion, the image portrays [general impression].”

Example:

“The picture depicts a bustling farmers’ market.

Overall, the scene is lively, with many people shopping for fresh produce.

There are colorful stands filled with fruits and vegetables, and some customers are seen bargaining with vendors.

It is evident that the market plays a significant role in the community’s daily life.

In conclusion, the image portrays a vibrant and very active local market environment that is typical in the countryside.”

5 PTE Core Describe Image Tips to Score Well

Stick to The 40-Second Mark

As discussed, you are given 40 seconds to speak after the microphone opens.

You don’t have to speak for exactly 40 seconds, but ideally, your answer should be around 35 to 40 seconds long.

Speaking too briefly (for example, only 20 seconds) usually means you haven’t fully developed your description, which can lower your Content and Oral Fluency scores.

It’s best to use a timer every time you practice and check how long your natural speaking response is:

• If you finish too early, you will need to add more observations, such as comparisons.
• If you are speaking too long or running out of ideas halfway, you need a better structure during preparation. 

Avoid Long Pauses

Long pauses over 3 seconds will cause the microphone to close and end your answer abruptly.

And even if you don’t reach 3 seconds, frequent or unnatural pauses during your speech will decrease your Oral Fluency score significantly.

To avoid this, fill your preparation time by planning a simple structure: introduction, main observations, and conclusions.

If you forget what to say next, keep going with general phrases like “Another important point to note is…” rather than freezing.

Additionally, in daily practice, try simple breathing and speaking exercises (such as describing random pictures in one breath).

Use Full Sentences

It is a big no to speak in broken fragments or single words, such as “market… people… busy. “

You must form full, clear sentences, even if they are simple!

During the 25-second preparation time, mentally plan simple sentences for your opening (“The image shows…”), body (“It is clear that…”), and closing (“In conclusion…”).

Plus, remember to train yourself always to finish your thoughts, no matter the content.

Use Linking Phrases

Using linking phrases such as “First of all,” “In addition,” “Moreover,” and “Overall” helps make your description flow smoothly and sound logical.

Simply memorize a few simple linking phrases and practice inserting them naturally during your answers.

Mentally divide your response into three parts: an opening, the main body, and a conclusion, then assign a simple linking phrase to introduce each part.

Do Not Describe Every Detail

Many beginners make the mistake of trying to describe every single item they see in the image.

That usually leads to running out of time and sounding disorganized!

Always remember that PTE Core values major features and clear observations rather than minor and unnecessary details. 

Therefore, during preparation time, quickly scan the image and mentally select 2 to 4 main points you want to discuss.

Only move to minor items or secondary categories when you still have extra time.

FAQs

What Happens If The Image Fails to Load During The Task?

In that case, you should immediately raise your hand and inform the test administrator.

According to the PTE official procedure, technical problems that affect your ability to complete a task must be reported during the exam.

If the issue cannot be immediately resolved, you can request a technical review after the test if you believe your speaking score was affected.

Can I Include Personal Opinions Like “I Think”?

You can, but it’s generally not recommended.

If you say, “I think this graph is interesting,” you are moving away from a formal description into personal commentary.

Instead, you should state observations as facts, even if you are inferring information.

For example, instead of saying, “I think there are many people,” you  should say, “There are many people in the image.”

Can I Skip The Conclusion?

Technically, you are not required to have a formal conclusion, yet an incomplete speech will lower your score.

Even a simple one-sentence conclusion helps wrap up your answer neatly.

Conclusion

Now, you know how to identify the key features and present them effectively while still managing your time.

The PTE Core Describe Image is no longer overwhelming!

Practice smart and speak with purpose using LUME’s practical tools; when the real test comes, you will be ready!

Want to FINALLY Pass the PTE Core 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!)