How to Ace in the Bar Graph PTE Describe Image Task?

The PTE Describe Image is the task under the PTE Speaking and Writing Section of the PTE Exam. In this question, an image appears on the screen of the test taker which they have to describe within the given timeframe. One such type of describe image task is the Bar Graph PTE Task. 

The Bar Graph PTE task can seem difficult to some test takers owing to the complexity and short time provided to understand and answer this task. In this task, 25 seconds is allowed to read and understand the image. After that, the test taker must start describing the image in the microphone and the same must be completed within 40 seconds. 

From this Bar Graph PTE Describe Image question of the PTE-A exam, the candidate’s speaking fluency is assessed. Read this article to check the tips to answer, sample Bar Graph PTE describe image question and answer and the PTE Bar Graph template. 

Also Read:

• PTE Speaking Section - Tips and Tricks
• PTE Academic Writing Section Tips and Tricks

What is PTE Describe Image?

The PTE Describe Image is the fourth question in the PTE Speaking and Writing Section of the PTE Academic exam. The describe image question in the PTE exam includes an image with some data that needs to be described by the test taker. There is no fixed format of the type of image description question and it can be anything from a bar graph to a pie chart and a local map. 

The total time offered to understand and think of a possible answer to describe the image is 25 seconds. After that, the microphone starts recording itself and you will have to speak your answer in the microphone. Please note that you must not speak before those 25 seconds (those will be represented on your computer screen) as your answer will not be recorded.  

After the completion of 25 seconds of analysing and preparing for an answer in the Bar Graph PTE Describe Image task, you will listen to a short music which means that the microphone has started recording. Speak your answer in the microphone with clarity in not more than 40 seconds. 

The following types of images may appear in the PTE Describe Image question:

• Bar Graph PTE
• Line Graph 
• Geographical Maps
• Pie Chart

In this article, we will talk deeply about the Bar Graph PTE. we will learn about its format, template and tips and tricks to analyse the bar graph and answer this question nicely. 

Format of Bar Graph PTE Describe Image

The format of the “describe image” question of the PTE test is given below.

PTE Bar Graph Template  

The template of the PTE bar graph question under the describe image part of the PTE Speaking and Writing section is represented below.

Source: Pearson PTE

Note: The above image resembles the “describe image” question and certain elements in the above image may differ from the exact elements in the real PTE exam. Candidates must take note of the interface in which they will be presented with the question in the PTE describe image task.

Bar Graph PTE Sample 

A bar graph PTE describe image practice sample is given below.

Source: Pearson PTE

Sample Answer: The graph shows the percentage of the population receiving age or disability pensions in different regions of Sydney for the year 2004.  According to this graph, a bigger chunk receives a pension in Southwest Sydney. 

In conclusion, people living in Sydney's South West benefit more from age and disability pensions in comparison to their Eastern counterparts.

Tips to Analyse the Bar Graph PTE Question

As the time provided is too short for analysing and deciding on an answer to the PTE Bar Graph question, some tricks that may help to understand the image in the shortest length of time will be just good. Below are the tips on how you can analyse the Bar Graph PTE question under the “describe image” question category of the PTE Speaking and Writing Section within the given time.

1. Read the title of the image, the labels and the axes of the graph carefully. 
2. Speak what the labels on the graph are trying to indicate and try to name the elements of comparison in the given figure. 
3. Speak of the represented trends in the nature of the bar graph by using terms like - “on the left-hand side”, “on the right side”, “next to”, “below/bottom”, “above”, “at the top”, foreground, background, etc.
4. Present your idea of what you can infer from the image - whether the image shows an increasing trend or a decreasing trend in the value of the data presented to you by means of the Bar Graph, PTE. 
5. If there is a particular bar that goes against the usual trend in the rest of the graph, then, mention that separately.

Just by keeping the above points in mind and following them righteously while attempting your PTE Describe Image question, you can good marks. Remember, aim to complete your answer in 30-35 seconds and don’t leave any incomplete sentences in the recording. 

Also Read: PTE Speaking Section - Tips and Tricks

Tips to Answering the PTE Bar Graph Question

Below are some simple and easy tricks to answer your Bar Graph PTE question and score full marks in this part. Check on the below points and remember them at the time of your exam to make an impression.

1. Analyse the Question Properly

This is the most important part of performing well in any exam. Sometimes we rush to read the entire question properly to save more time for the lengthier questions. But this is not a healthy practice.  

Sometimes, you might get half of the answer just by reading and understanding the answer properly. So, take the given amount of time to nicely understand the question in your Bar Graph PTE describe image task.

2. Don’t Miss the Heading

Many students may miss the heading and may go on describing the PTE Bar Graph image like - “The bar graph in the image shows…”. However, this may be the biggest mistake that you make alongside missing a sharp opportunity to add value to your answer.

Instead, you must “describe what you see at first glance”, i.e. always make use of the heading of the image in your answer. For example, if the title of the image says - “Population Growth in Australia” and in the graph you see the growth and decline in the number/percentage of population over the years (say 2001 to 2022). Then, you must start answering your answer as - “The image represents the population growth data in Australia from the year 2001 to 2022”.

By adding this line, you will give a clear impression that you understand what the data in the image is all about.  

3. Analyse the PTE Bar Graph Quickly

Observe the details given in the PTE bar graph question quickly as you will not be given extra time to analyse the question and think of an answer beyond the provided 25 seconds. The microphone will start recording automatically after the 25 seconds offered to you to understand the question and think of an answer. 

Manage your time effectively to observe only the main points of information when you are presented with this question (as suggested in the above heading). You must be well aware of the pattern of each question in the PTE exam so that you don’t waste your time reading the instructions given for each of the questions in the real PTE test. 

4. Track Patterns in the Graph Properly and Record Any Exceptions that You See

Check what the data in the bar graph is showing - if it is showing an increasing or a decreasing trend or a comparison. Separately mention any bar that goes against the otherwise usual trend in the whole of the PTE bar graph. 

5. Speak Clearly

Remember, your responses in the PTE exam are assessed by sophisticated AI algorithms. So, you must speak clearly and avoid mumbling. The following points must be taken care of while recording your answer:

• Do not repeat a sentence.
• Do not leave an incomplete sentence.
• Do not stop speaking before your answer is incomplete. 
• Use good vocabulary in articulating the exact expression of the bar graph image. 

6. Practice Regularly Before Your Exam

The key to performing nicely in your PTE bar graph question is to practice solving several such questions before your actual PTE exam date. You must try recording your voice within the same time frame for the sample PTE bar graph questions taken from the net and listen to your responses later. This is the best way to identify your mistakes and improve them with regular self-assessment.

This was all about Bar Graph PTE Describe Image. In this article, we learned what is the PTE describe image question, what kind of image questions can be asked in a PTE test with a focus on the PTE Bar Graph question, the format and template of the PTE bar graph question and tips and tricks to analyse and answer this section of the PTE exam. 

If you have any doubts, feel free to drop your queries in the comments below.