"Describe Image" task in PTE Academic Speaking section often creates anxiety among most test-takers. You are given just 25 seconds to understand a complex graph, chart, or map and then 40 seconds to describe it fluently into a microphone.
You can ace the preparation of PTE Academic Describe Image task by sticking to a smart strategy. Use reliable templates and understand what the PTE’s AI scoring system wants. This article contains everything you need to know about the PTE Describe Image task, from its pattern, scoring, to practice tips.
- What is the Describe Image Task?
- Types of Images in the PTE Academic Describe Image Task
- PTE Academic Describe Image Scoring Criteria
- Describe Image Template for PTE
What is the Describe Image Task?
In this task, you are shown an image and given 25 seconds to study it. Then you need to speak for up to 40 seconds describing what you see. The purpose of this task is to analyse your ability to interpret visual information and your spoken English fluency and pronunciation.
PTE Academic Describe Image Highlights-
| Number of Questions |
3-4 |
| Time to Study Image |
25 seconds |
| Time to Answer |
40 seconds |
| Skill Assessed |
Speaking |
| PTE Section |
Part 1: Speaking & Writing |
Types of Images in the PTE Academic Describe Image Task
You will see 3-4 questions of the Describe Image task on your PTE exam. Each question comes with an image which can be either a map, graph, table, etc.. You need to think critically about it and draw a conclusion. Images in this task can be of-
- Bar Graph
- Line Graph
- Pie Chart
- Table
- Map
- Process Diagram
- Flowchart
PTE Academic Describe Image Scoring Criteria
The Describe Image task on the PTE Academic exam is scored on the basis of 3 major factors-
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
- Content
- Pronunciation
- Oral Fluency
| Key Factors |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Content |
Pronunciation |
Oral Fluency |
|
| What does this factor determine? |
The Content determines whether your answer describes the image accurately and thoroughly. |
The Pronunciation determines whether you produce speech sounds similar to those of regular English speakers. |
The Oral Fluency determines whether you use an effortless, smooth and natural rate of speech in your answer. |
| How is your answer scored based on this key factor? |
Based on the factor Content, your response gets a full point if it:
|
Based on the Pronunciation factor, your response gets a full mark if:
|
Based on the Oral Fluency factor, your response gets a full mark if:
|
In short-
| Criteria |
Description |
|---|---|
| Content |
How well you describe the image and cover key points |
| Fluency |
Smooth, natural speech without hesitation or repetition |
| Pronunciation |
Clarity of speech, correct stress, intonation, and accent |
Describe Image Template for PTE
While using a template for any task of the PTE test is not recommended, memorising just a few can help you articulate an answer of your own quickly during the exam.
Here is a sample high-scoring PTE Describe Image Template that you can adapt to any type of image:
"The given [image type] illustrates [main subject]. It shows data/information about [topic] across [variables/time period]. From the image, it is evident that [key observation]. [Point A] has the highest value while [Point B] has the lowest. Overall, it indicates [general trend or insight]."
So, you must take notes of the following important details of the image, and the rest can be done with the help of the template:
- The image type
- The main subject/idea of the image
- The topic
- The variations along time/other metric
- General trend or insight
Start practising on several PTE mock tests and sample papers so that you will get to know what to note, how to note and then use this information in your answer. Practice reducing your response time with each question.
This was all about the PTE Academic Describe Image Task. If you have any doubts, feel free to drop your queries in the comments below.
With the new update from 07 August 2025, the Part 1 - Speaking & Writing of the PTE exam will have 10 different question types. These new tasks will be introduced as task 7th and task 8th in Speaking and Writing section of the PTE exam.
The complete (updated) list of different question types in Part 1 - Speaking and Writing of the PTE exam is given below.
- Personal Introduction
- Read Aloud
- Repeat Sentence
- Describe Image
- Re-tell Lecture
- Answer Short Question
- Summarize Group Discussion (New)
- Respond to a Situation (New)
- Summarise Written Text
- Essay
The total PTE Repeat Sentence questions that may be asked in the Speaking & Writing section of the test range from 10-12. The total time dedicated to PTE Repeat Sentence questions range from 3.5 to 4.2 minutes. Candidates must be attentive while listening to the recorded audio note as the same will not be replayed and repeat the sentence with the same stress, intonation, rate of speech and rhythm with the most important aspect of scoring being the repetition of exactly the same words or phrases in the correct sequence.
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
The total questions in PTE-A exam are distributed among Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.