The PTE Describe Image is a crucial speaking task where test-takers must describe visual information within 40 seconds. This comprehensive guide covers all image types, proven templates, and scoring strategies to help you achieve your target PTE score.
What is PTE Describe Image task?
The PTE Describe Image task can feel overwhelming with its 25-second prep time and 40-second response window. But here's the thing: this task tests how well you can discuss pictures like graphs, charts, maps, and photos. Doing well means spotting important details, arranging your thoughts, and speaking clearly and smoothly. Once you understand the format and develop a systematic approach, you'll find it's more manageable than it first appears.
Task format overview
The images can include bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, maps, process diagrams, flowcharts, and pictures of objects, landscapes, or people. There will be a preparation time of 25 seconds to study the image before the recorder opens to record the test taker's response. The task evaluates your ability to quickly interpret visual information and express it clearly within strict time constraints.
Consistent Format Across All Image Types:
- 25 seconds preparation: Study the image and organize your thoughts
- 40 seconds response: Deliver your description
- Goal: Provide clear, structured description of key features
Simple strategy that works
Regardless of image type, follow this three-step approach adapted from official PTE guidelines:
Step 1: Identify and introduce (5-8 seconds)
During preparation, use the time efficiently to study the image and identify the main features that can be defined by answering questions such as, What is happening? What are the smallest numbers? and What are the biggest numbers?
Start your response by introducing the image:
- "This graph shows/displays..."
- "The diagram illustrates..."
- "This image depicts..."
Step 2: Describe key features (25-30 seconds)
In the body, students should describe each feature or main idea as identified in Step 1, and provide supporting details. Focus on the three most significant elements - typically the highest, lowest, and one other notable feature.
Step 3: Conclude (5-7 seconds)
They should conclude with one sentence summarizing their description and drawing the relevant conclusion, e.g., The information indicates…, From the chart/graph, we can conclude that…
Strategies by image type
The following are the most common question types for the PTE describe image task. Let's discuss each of them in detail with examples:
Bar Charts and Column Charts
Bar charts are excellent for practicing because they provide all of the factors clearly and logically. These factors include the topic, figures, differences or similarities and so on.
Template Structure:
- Introduction: "The bar chart represents information about [topic]"
- Key Features: "The highest figure is [value] for [category], followed by [second highest]. However, the lowest figure is [value] for [category]"
- Conclusion: "In conclusion, it can be seen that [main trend/difference]"
Example Response: "This bar chart shows transport preferences for trips in Sydney. The chart reveals that 72% of people preferred their vehicles, followed by 17% who chose to walk to reach their destination. Public transportation like trains, buses, and ferries was used by 10% of individuals, and only 2% chose other forms of transportation. Overall, we can conclude that people in Sydney find much more comfort in traveling in their vehicles compared to other conveyances."
Line Graphs
Before tackling line charts, know that there are 3 basic types in PTE Describe Image: single line, parallel line, and cross line charts. The most significant part is describing these trends clearly.
Key Vocabulary for Trends:
- Upward movement: increased, rose, grew, went up, climbed, surged
- Downward movement: decreased, declined, dropped, fell, plummeted, dipped
- No change: remained steady, stabilized, plateaued, stayed constant
- Degree of change: sharply, gradually, slightly, dramatically, moderately
Template Structure:
- Introduction: "The line chart describes information about [topic]"
- Trends: "The highest figure in [category] is [value], and it gradually [increased/decreased] to reach [value]. In contrast, the lowest figure is [value] and it [trend description]"
- Conclusion: "In conclusion, [overall trend] can be observed"
Example Response: "This line graph shows Dubai Gold Sales in 2002 measured in millions of dirhams. Sales started at 200 million in January, peaked at 350 million in March, then declined to the lowest point of 150 million in July. After August's recovery to 200 million, sales fluctuated and returned to 200 million by December. Overall, despite monthly variations, sales averaged around 200 million dirhams throughout the year."
Pie Charts
Pie charts are among the most challenging PTE charts to explain, as every slice represents a specific value. The pie charts show the overall composition out of 100% and will always have colors to highlight the different items.
Template Structure:
- Introduction: "The pie chart shows the percentage breakdown of [topic]"
- Segments: "The largest segment is [category] with [percentage], followed by [second largest]. The smallest portion is [category] at [percentage]"
- Conclusion: "Overall, [main observation about the composition]"
Example Response: "The pie chart shows the percentage of components the sun comprises. It can be seen that the highest percentage of gas present in the sun is hydrogen at 73.5%, followed by helium at 24.9%. Also, very small percentages of nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, and silicon are present in the sun, totaling less than 2%. Overall, it can be said that the sun is composed primarily of hydrogen and helium."
Tables
For tables, summarize the key information by highest and lowest values, trends across the table, and any significant figures. Don't try to mention every number.
Focus Areas:
- Column and row headers to understand what's being compared
- Highest and lowest values
- Any clear patterns or trends
- Notable differences between categories
Template Structure:
- Introduction: "The table presents data about [topic] across [categories/time periods]"
- Key Comparisons: "[Category 1] shows [trend/value] while [Category 2] demonstrates [contrasting information]"
- Conclusion: "The data highlights [main pattern/difference]"
Example Response:
"The table shows student study issues at two universities in 2023. University A's biggest problem is time management at 68%, while University B struggles most with financial pressure at 61%. Academic workload affects around 40% at both universities. Social isolation impacts about 30% of students at each institution. Technology issues are the lowest concern, affecting only 15-18% of students. The data reveals different priority challenges between the universities."
Process Diagrams and Flow Charts
Process chart PTE involves explaining a sequence of steps in a structured manner. This task can be challenging due to the limited 40-second time frame especially when there are numerous steps involved.
Essential Vocabulary:
- Sequence words: initially, first, next, then, subsequently, finally, ultimately
- Process words: develops, converts, transforms, turns into, produces, generates
- Connection phrases: this is followed by, after that, in the next stage, leading to
Template Structure:
- Introduction: "The flowchart illustrates the process of [topic]"
- Steps: "Initially, [first step]. This is followed by [second step]. Subsequently, [third step]"
- Conclusion: "Finally, [final step], completing the [process name]"
Adaptation Strategy: The core part to complete this type of task is cutting off or adding more details from the provided flow chart. If there are many steps, group them or focus on major stages. If few steps, add more descriptive detail.
Example Response:
"The flow chart describes the reproduction process of virus. It can be seen that the first step is adsorption. This is followed by the second step in which the virus enters the host cell. After that, the virus replicates and assembles itself in the cell. In the final step, the cell is disintegrated and viruses are released. After analyzing the key aspects, it can be concluded that the flow chart shows crucial information about how viruses reproduce."
Maps
When describing maps, focus on:
- Geographical features: locations, directions, landmarks, borders
- Spatial relationships: north/south/east/west, adjacent to, located between
- Key elements: major cities, routes, migration patterns, notable features
- Scale and scope: regional, national, or global perspective
Template Structure:
- Introduction: "This map shows [geographical area/theme]"
- Key Features: "The map indicates [major features/patterns]. Notable locations include [specific places]"
- Relationships: "The [routes/patterns] connect [locations] showing [purpose/movement]"
- Conclusion: "Overall, the map demonstrates [main geographical relationship/pattern]"
Example Response:
"This map shows a university campus layout. The main library is in the north, with the student center on the east side. The sports complex occupies the southwest area, while the cafeteria sits centrally. The parking area is located southeast, and the main entrance is at the southern boundary. Overall, the facilities are well-distributed across the campus for easy student access."
Pictures and Photographs
When describing pictures and photographs, you need to use different vocabulary compared to charts and graphs. Focus on these key areas:
Useful Vocabulary:
- Perspective: bird's eye view, worm's eye view, from a distance, close-up view
- Structure: foreground, background, upper/lower part, left/right side, in front of, behind, next to
- Scene description: shows a scene, depicts, illustrates, captures, displays an image of
- Impression: attention focused on, draws the eye to, emphasizes
- Intention: evokes, expresses something, puts forth a perspective
Template Structure:
- Introduction: "This photograph/image shows [scene/subject] from [perspective]"
- Structure: "In the foreground, we can see [elements]. The background shows [elements]"
- Key Details: "The image captures [main focus/activity]. Notable features include [specific details]"
- Conclusion: "Overall, the photograph conveys [impression/message]"
Example Response:
"This image shows a modern library interior. In the foreground, students work at wooden study tables with laptops. Tall bookshelves filled with colorful books line both sides of the room. Large windows in the background provide natural lighting, creating a bright atmosphere. Modern light fixtures illuminate the ceiling. Overall, the space represents a contemporary learning environment designed for both individual study and collaboration."
Critical Success Tips
Time Management Strategy
You will get 40 seconds to describe each image. Before this, there will be a countdown of 25 seconds. After this countdown only, your microphone will open up. So, never start answering before the microphone opens. Also, speaking once the allotted time is over is of no use. So, try to finish your response in 35 seconds.
Content Strategy for High Scores
Including around 12 items from the image in your response is enough to get the full score in the Content category. Focus on quality over quantity - describe main features accurately rather than listing every detail.
Statistical Vocabulary Mastery
It is important to use correct vocabulary to describe statistical information. Build your repertoire of:
- Prepositions: from/between 1990 to/and 2010, during the period of
- Movements up: increased, rose, grew, went up, climbed, surged
- Movements down: decreased, declined, dropped, went down, fell, plummeted
- Adjectives: slight, gradual, sharp, sudden, steady, dramatic
- Adverbs: slightly, gradually, sharply, suddenly, steadily, dramatically
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don'ts ❌
- Don't try to mention every single detail
- Don't spend too much time on minor elements
- Don't use memorized templates rigidly - relying too heavily on them can make your answer sound rehearsed and may not fit all image types
- Don't panic if you miss something - keep flowing
- Don't exceed the time limit
- Don't start speaking before the microphone opens
- Don't use filler words excessively (um, ah, like)
Speaking Quality Focus
Remember that in this task, you will be assessed on three criteria: pronunciation, fluency, and content. So, do not worry too much about grammar, but be sure to mention the main elements, ideas, or features in the image.
Scoring Breakdown
The task contributes 15 marks total to your Speaking score:
| Criterion | Score Range | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Content | 0-6 | Accuracy, completeness, key features, relationships between elements |
| Pronunciation | 0-5 | Clarity, word stress, consonant sounds, native-like delivery |
| Oral Fluency | 0-5 | Rhythm, phrasing, smooth delivery, natural speech flow |
Content Scoring Details: A high score (6) is awarded to answers that cover all relevant parts of the image, including their relationships. The more elements from the image you describe accurately, the higher your score will be.
Practice Approach
Take advantage of the 25-second preparation time and speak as fluently as possible. Always ensure that you have enough time to draw a conclusion.
Effective Practice Steps:
- Build vocabulary: Study statistical and descriptive terms for each image type
- Practice timing: Use actual 25-second prep + 40-second response constraints
- Record yourself: Listen back to identify areas for improvement
- Focus on structure: Master the introduction-body-conclusion format for each type
- Develop flexibility: Practice adapting templates to different content
Quick Planning Method (25 seconds):
Use the 3-Second Planning Approach:
- Seconds 1-3: Identify the image type and main topic
- Seconds 4-15: Spot the three key features (highest, lowest, notable pattern)
- Seconds 16-25: Plan your conclusion and organize speaking points
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have for PTE Describe Image?
You get 25 seconds to study the image and 40 seconds to respond. The microphone opens automatically after the preparation time.
What types of images appear in PTE Describe Image?
Bar charts, pie charts, line graphs, tables, process diagrams, flowcharts, maps, photographs, and sometimes mixed chart types.
How is PTE Describe Image scored?
Based on three criteria: Content (6 marks), Pronunciation (5 marks), and Oral Fluency (5 marks), for a total of 15 marks contributing to your Speaking score.
Can I use templates for PTE Describe Image?
Yes, but adapt them flexibly to each image rather than using rigid memorized responses. Human reviewers are trained to identify overly templated responses.
How many Describe Image questions are in the PTE test?
Typically 6-7 Describe Image tasks appear in the Speaking section of PTE Academic.
What if I can't understand the image completely?
Focus on what you can clearly see and describe those elements confidently. It's better to describe fewer elements accurately than to guess incorrectly.
Should I describe every detail in the image?
No. Focus on the main features and key relationships. Including around 12 relevant items is sufficient for full content marks.
LearnPTE Platform Advantage
Our Describe Image module provides detailed feedback on your responses, breaking down performance across content, pronunciation, and oral fluency. The platform offers diverse image types to practice with, helping you develop confidence across all possible formats you might encounter on test day.
The key to success in Describe Image is developing a systematic approach that works across all image types while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to specific content. While this task might appear challenging initially, with consistent practice and strategic preparation, you'll transform this challenging task into a confident, high-scoring opportunity.
