PTE Describe Image – Types, Templates with Examples
I am Brijesh Dhanani, a dynamic entrepreneur and seasoned software engineer passionate about innovation and education technology. As the co-founder of Gurully, I have been instrumental in building a platform that empowers students to excel in global English proficiency tests like PTE, IELTS, Duolingo, and CELPIP. At Gurully, we proudly offer tools like Free PTE Mock Tests, enabling students to prepare effectively and achieve their goals for English language proficiency.
The Describe Image task is a key part of the PTE Speaking section. In this task, you are shown an image—such as a graph, chart, diagram, or map—and you need to describe it clearly and accurately in 40 seconds.
Scoring well in this section is crucial because it evaluates your speaking fluency, content, pronunciation, and grammar all at once. A strong performance can significantly boost your overall PTE score.
In this guide, you will learn about the different types of images you may encounter, ready-to-use templates for each type, and examples to practice, so you can confidently tackle any Describe Image task.
What is PTE Describe Image?
The PTE Describe Image task is a speaking activity where you are required to describe an image clearly in 25–30 seconds. The images can vary, including graphs, charts, diagrams, maps, or pictures, and your goal is to convey the main information effectively.
Your response is scored based on four key criteria:
Content – Accuracy and completeness of the information you present.
Fluency – Smoothness and natural flow of your speech.
Pronunciation – Correct and clear articulation of words.
Grammar – Proper sentence structure and use of te
Understanding these criteria helps you focus on what really matters and maximize your score in this section.
Types of Images in PTE Describe Image
In the Describe Image task, you may encounter various types of images. Each type requires a slightly different approach to describe effectively:
Bar Charts – Used for comparing categories. Focus on differences and highlight the highest or lowest values.
Line Graphs – Show trends over time. Emphasize increases, decreases, and significant changes.
Pie Charts – Display proportions or percentages. Mention the largest and smallest segments clearly.
Table Charts – Present data in numbers. Summarize the key points without reading every value.
Maps Chart – Show locations or directions. Highlight movement, changes, or important areas.
Diagrams/Processes – Explain steps, cycles, or sequences. Use linking words like first, next, finally.
Pictures/Photographs – Describe events, objects, or scenes. Focus on the main action or theme.
Knowing the type of image in advance helps you choose the right vocabulary and structure, making your response more precise and scoring-friendly.
Why Use a Template for Describe Image
Using a template for the Describe Image task offers several benefits:
Organise your thoughts quickly – A template gives you a clear structure, so you know exactly what to say and in what order.
Reduces anxiety and hesitation – Knowing a ready framework helps you stay calm and focused during the 25–30 seconds.
Improves fluency and confidence – Following a template ensures smooth delivery, making your speech sound natural and confident.
Templates act as a shortcut to scoring well, allowing you to focus on accuracy, pronunciation, and content rather than scrambling for ideas.
PTE Describe Image Template
A structured template helps you deliver a clear and concise response in the Describe Image task. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Introduction – Begin with a general statement about the image. For example, mention the type of image and its subject.
Main Features – Highlight the key points or trends that stand out. Focus on what is most important for the reader/listener to notice.
Details – Include numbers, comparisons, or important specifics to support your main points. Avoid reading every single value; summarize effectively.
Conclusion / Overall Trend – End with a summary of the main insight. This could be an overall trend, significant observation, or general pattern.
Following this template ensures your response is organized, fluent, and scoring-friendly, while covering all the necessary elements PTE examiners look for.
Example Phrase Templates:
“The [type of image] illustrates/shows …”
“It is clear from the [chart/graph] that …”
“The highest/lowest [value] is … while … is …”
“Overall, the trend indicates …”
Sample Describe Image Responses
Using the template from the previous section, here are example responses for different types of images:
Bar Chart Example – Summarize the main differences between categories, highlight the highest and lowest values, and provide supporting numbers.
Line Graph Example – Describe the overall trend over time, noting increases, decreases, and any significant changes.
Pie Chart Example – Point out the largest and smallest segments, mention proportions, and summarize the key insight.
Map Example – Explain locations, directions, or changes clearly, emphasizing movement or significant areas.
Process Diagram Example – Describe each step or stage in sequence, using linking words like first, next, then, finally.
These examples show how the structured template can be applied to any image type, helping you deliver clear, fluent, and high-scoring responses in your PTE Speaking test.
Tips to Score High
To maximize your score in the Describe Image task, follow these practical tips:
Speak clearly and confidently – Maintain a steady pace and pronounce words accurately to ensure fluency and clarity.
Focus on key trends, not every detail – Highlight the most important information; avoid reading all numbers or minor points.
Practice within the 25–30 second limit – Time yourself to get comfortable delivering concise and complete responses.
Record and review your practice sessions – Listening to your recordings helps identify areas for improvement in pronunciation, grammar, and content delivery.
Implementing these strategies consistently will improve your confidence and help you achieve a high score in the PTE Describe Image task.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To score well in the Describe Image task, be mindful of these common pitfalls:
Reading data word-for-word from the image – Examiners want a summary, not a repetition of every number or detail.
Ignoring trends or patterns – Always focus on the main insights rather than minor details.
Overcomplicating your description – Keep your language simple, clear, and structured.
Speaking too fast or too slow – Maintain a natural pace to ensure clarity and fluency.
Avoiding these mistakes will help you deliver a confident, concise, and high-scoring response in your PTE Speaking test.
Conclusion
Mastering the Describe Image task in PTE Speaking requires both a structured approach and consistent practice. Using templates helps you organize your thoughts quickly, reduces anxiety, and improves fluency, ensuring you deliver a confident and high-scoring response.
To maximize your preparation, practice with multiple types of images—bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, maps, diagrams, and pictures—so you’re ready for any scenario on test day.
Start improving your Describe Image skills today by trying free PTE mock tests, and apply the templates and tips shared in this guide to achieve your target score.
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