PTE Academic Describe Image

The "Describe Image" task in the PTE Academic Speaking section is often a source of anxiety for 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. It feels like an impossible race against time.

You can master the PTE Academic Describe Image task by following a smart strategy, using a reliable template, and understanding what the PTE’s AI scoring algorithm truly 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?

In this task, you are shown an image and given 25 seconds to study it. Then, you must 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:

Types of Images in the PTE Academic Describe Image Task

There are 3-4 questions asked in the PTE Describe Image task. Each question contains an image with different elements, such as a map, a graph, etc., that require you to think critically and draw a conclusion. These images may include anyone of the following elements:

• Bar Graph
• Line Graph
• Pie Chart
• Table
• Map
• Process Diagram
• Flowchart
• Picture (Photo or Illustration)

How to Answer the PTE Describe Image Task?

When you come to the Describe Image Task of the PTE exam, you see an image, which you should start analysing without wasting a single second. As this question emerges on your screen, the recording box on the screen shows a countdown, which goes on down to 25 seconds, after which the mic opens for recording. 

The mic opens with a small tone, and you need to start speaking as soon as you hear the tone. If you start speaking before the tone, then the length of words spoken before the tone will not be recorded. Here are the key tips to answer the Describe Image questions:

• Speak clearly without rushing. 
• Don’t speak too slowly, as you might run out of time before your answer completes.
• You can record your response to the question only once. When the mic stops recording, the status on the recording box changes from “recording” to “completed”.

PTE Academic Describe Image Scoring Criteria

The Describe Image task on the PTE Academic exam is scored on the basis of 3 major factors:

1. Content
2. Pronunciation
3. Oral Fluency

Let us understand what each of these key factors determines:

In short:

Ideal Structure for the PTE Describe Image Task

The following 3-part structure is generally recommended for an ideal response:

1. Introduction (5–7 sec)

Take just 5-7 seconds to describe what the image is about. 

For example, if your image contains a bar graph, then you can describe it as: "The image is a bar graph showing the population growth of five countries between 2000 and 2020."

Note:- You can take notes of the various elements of the image during the study time of 25 seconds. You can use these rough notes to take a hint when describing your image. 

2. Key Features/Trends (20–25 sec)

Take the next 20-25 seconds to describe the details shown in the image. 

For the above example of a bar graph, you can highlight its highest and lowest points, similarities, differences, and trends. Use comparative and superlative adjectives here.

Here is a sample statement: "India shows the highest growth, while Japan has the lowest. Most countries show an upward trend except Japan, which declines gradually."

3. Conclusion (5–7 sec)

In the last 5-7 seconds, try to wrap up and give a conclusion to your answer. Here you can give a brief summary or inference.

For example: "Overall, the graph shows that developing countries had more rapid population growth."

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.