Are you struggling with the PTE describe image task of the speaking section? Many candidates face this task as a challenge because you are given a limited time to analyse and describe the image, which could be in the form of bar graphs, flow charts, pictures, etc. But with the right approach and following a describe image PTE template, you can turn this tricky task into a high-scoring one. This blog will help you understand the different types of images you may encounter, how scores are calculated in this task, and provide expert tips to follow while answering the questions.
Table of Contents
The PTE describe image task comes under the speaking section, in which a candidate is shown an image that can be in the form of a bar graph, pie chart, table, diagram, map, or photo. Along with this, they have 25 seconds to analyse it, prepare the response, and then 40 seconds to answer it. The describe image PTE task tests a student’s ability to quickly interpret, analyse, and verbally express the contents of the image. This task follows a partial credit scoring method, which means that there are no correct or incorrect answers; your response will be evaluated on the basis of content, structure, fluency, vocabulary, and grammar. Below is the table which can help you structure your response and know what key points you should notice after the image is displayed on the screen, so let's have a look
|
Title |
It is located at the top of the image and should ideally be mentioned at the beginning of the answer. |
|
Distinctive Features |
Once the title is introduced, the candidate should move to the main features of the image. Try to include at least three components. |
|
Ending |
In the last, the answer with a conclusion that one has gathered from the image or a suggestion they would like to make. |
As you got an overview of what PTE describe image task is, and how much time is given to prepare and speak. Now, in the next section we will discuss the various types of images that you can encounter in your PTE exam.
In the PTE Describe Image task, you may encounter various types of images. Let’s explore some common types that can appear in the test.
These are some of the various types of images that can be asked in your speaking portion. To get hands-on experience with such questions, you can try the Free PTE Mock Test by Gurully. Now, let’s understand each image type in detail along with their required samples and templates.
In a bar graph, you will observe that some information or values of different things are displayed using rectangular bars. You can describe a bar graph with reference to the highest and lowest bars, overall trends, and whether there are any differences or similarities among the categories. To answer the bar graph, one needs a structured approach. For more clarification on how to answer, look at the template for the Bar Graph.
Introduction: The graph depicts the trends in (subject) over (period).
Body: The (subject) shows a significant increase from (start year) to (end year), reaching its peak at (highest point). In contrast, there was a remarkable decline from (highest point) to (lowest point). The data also shows a moderate variation between (year) and (year).
Conclusion: Overall, the graph demonstrates the changing patterns of (subject) over the given period.
Let’s have a look at the PTE image of the Bar Graph that is given below and then read the sample answer for the same.
Answer:
The chart shows that 72% of the people preferred their vehicles, followed by 17% who chose to walk to reach their chosen destination. Public transportation like trains, buses, and ferries was used by 10% of individuals, and only 2% of people chose other forms of transportation.
Overall, we can conclude from the chart that people in Sydney find much more comfort in traveling in their vehicles for trips as compared to other conveyances.
A line graph represents how the data changes over a period of time using lines that connect data points, highlighting trends like increases, decreases, and fluctuations. The horizontal axis usually represents time, while the vertical axis shows the values being measured.
Introduction: The line chart describes information (Topic/Title)
Body: The highest figure in (Name) is at (Figure), and it gradually declined/increased to reach a low/high of (Figure). On the contrary, the lowest figure in (Name) is at (Figure), and it gradually rises/drops to (Figure).
Conclusion: In conclusion, it can be seen that (Trend/Highest/Lowest/Difference/Similarity).
Given below is a sample for a Line Graph that will help you to know how to describe it, understand the type, and format for your exam.
Answer:
This line graph or chart indicates Dubai Gold Sales in 2002 throughout the year measured in millions of dirhams.
In January, the price was at 200 dirhams. It saw a sharp rise from February, reaching 350 million. Additionally, there was a sharp decline, followed by a slower decrease, ultimately resolving at 150 million in July. As we see, August marked a brief recovery, with sales hitting 200 million, followed by another decline in September. However, by December, sales again returned to 200 million.
In conclusion, in the whole year, there were changes, but on the whole, sales remained at approximately 200 million dirhams per month.
A pie chart depicts data as parts of a whole that show how different categories comprise a whole. It's a circular graph split into segments, each segment representing a percentage or portion of that category. Pie charts show differences and allow easy comparisons of which categories are larger and smaller in relation to each other.
Introduction: The pie chart illustrates the distribution of (category) in (context).
Body: The largest portion of the pie chart is assigned to (category 1), consisting of (percentage). Meanwhile, (category 2) and (category 3) represent (percentage) and (percentage) of the chart, respectively.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the pie chart provides a clear overview of the distribution of (category) in (context).
Here is a sample of a PTE describe image line graph that will help you understand how data trends change over time and how to describe them effectively in the PTE test.
Answer:
The pie chart here represents the survey conducted by a man on 30 kids to know which pet they like the most.
It illustrates that 53.33% of them like dogs, which is the maximum number among all the other categories. Cats are favoured by 6.67% of the students, while the same percentage, 6.67%, express a liking for hamsters as pets. 6.67% of students said that they like other pets apart from dogs, cats, and hamsters, and 26.67% of students said that they like all pets.
In conclusion, the maximum percentage of liking is for the dogs.
Another common image type in PTE Describe Image task is a table. In this type, it is not necessary to describe all of the figures in the table. Instead, it is vital to find out the relative figures or trends first and simply mention the elements provided in the chart. Look at the template for tables.
Introduction: The table presents the data related to (topic).
Body: (Category 1) observes a rise from (value) in (year) to (value) in (year). On the contrary, (Category 2) had a gradual decline from (value) in (year) to (value) in (year). (Category 3) remained steadily stable throughout the period, floating around (value).
Conclusion: In summary, the table highlights the various trends and figures for (topic).
The table shown below for depicts the percentage of students with study issues in two universities. Look at the image below.
Answer:
The table displays the percentage of students with several academic problems in the two universities a decade ago compared with the current one.
The number of students with problems attending lectures rose drastically from 18 to 32% in University A, whereas it remained at 15% to 16% in University B. University A saw a deduction in the number of students having issues with submitting tasks on time, from 28% to 18%, while this increased from 13 to 19% for University B. Finally, University A had 24% of students with problems concentrating in lectures, compared with 18% in University B, and this did not change over the time.
In conclusion, the two universities had noteworthy differences in study-related challenges, with some improving over the last decade while others weakened.
In Process/Flow charts or diagrams, the candidate is required to describe a process in chronological order. Therefore, candidates must have a strong vocabulary for the process diagram. This task sometimes gets tricky as there are too many or too few processes to describe in 40 seconds. In addition, look at the template below.
Introduction: The process/flow chart image gives the process or life cycle of (Topic/Title).
Body: There are several stages /steps in the flow chart. Initially explain (The first process). And in the next stage, convert into the (second process), and then the (third process).
Conclusion: Finally, (The final process) and provides information about (Topic/Title).
Below is the sample picture for the PTE Process/Flow chart that can come in your exam. Have a look for a better understanding.
Answer:
The image shows the Inquiry Process and Terms of Reference for Australia in 2015.
This process begins with the Terms of Reference and ends with the Government’s response. Initially, it involves early research and consultations, followed by the creation of issues paper, and a call for submissions. Eventually, there is an examination of the collected submissions that leads to the generation of a Discussion Paper. After review and further consultations, a final report is made.
In conclusion, the report is then submitted to the government, which results in a response involving possible law-making changes.
In this, an image will be shown to you representing any information, and you have to observe the photo during the 25-second preparation time. You must keep your eye on key elements, people, objects, and the overall scene. Let’s look at the template that you can use in this task.
Introduction: The photo captures a scene of (description).
Body: The foreground of the photo portrays (main objects/people) engaging in (activity). In the background, add the (additional details), that can be observed, contributing to the overall atmosphere.
Conclusion: Overall, the photo lively depicts (description), capturing the moment’s essence.
The image or picture given below shows a person crossing the road. See the image and read the sample answer for the same.
Answer:
The given image shows a young girl who is crossing the road, and it seems like she is busy on her phone.
The highlight of the image, which I can observe is that she is not aware of anything and is busy looking at her phone while crossing the road. There is no other person around her, that is why she can cross the road very smoothly. In the background, I can only see some cars and trees.
Overall, I can conclude from the image that the person knows her destination and where she has to go after crossing the road.
Finally, these are some of the types of PTE charts or Describe Images that you can face in your PTE exam. Now, let’s discuss in the next section what is the scoring criteria, and how your answers will be assessed in the exam.
In the PTE Describe Image task, accuracy is important. Candidates are evaluated on how accurately and thoroughly they can describe the image. It includes mentioning the key elements, a correlation between data points, and conclusions that can be drawn. Thus, the described image task will be assessed based on the three criteria that are given below.
Content signifies the information that you record in your response. You should describe all the information from the given image. Thus, a well-structured response in the writing or speaking section must include:
It is a vital component of the scoring criteria. It refers to the smoothness, effortlessness, and natural tone of speech. Key aspects of oral fluency include:
The answers you write for the PTE describe image are scored based on how easily your content is readable. Elements of good pronunciation involve:
In essence, this is the criterion for how the PTE scores are assessed by an examiner. Now, the next part includes the scoring specifics or the points allocation for each criterion.
The Describe Image task allocates points for each scoring criterion. Let’s have a look at the table given below.
Scoring Breakdown for PTE Describe Image Task:
| Criterion | Maximum Points | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Content | 5 | Completeness, logic, and implications |
| Oral Fluency | 5 | Smoothness, natural tone, no hesitations |
| Pronunciation | 5 | Clarity, stress, and intonation |
This is the scoring breakdown or the point allocation for the answers to the PTE describe image. According to this, your answers will be scored. Now, the next section covers some tips and tricks to excel in the task of describing an Image in the PTE test.
Tips and tricks play a crucial role in the describe image task of the speaking section or overall in the PTE Academic exam. Mentioned below are some of the tips that will help you to ace this task.
Explore Different Types of PTE Speaking Questions:
To sum up, the PTE Describe Image task evaluates your descriptive, analytical skills and how well you can describe the different images. Thus, this blog covers the different types of images that you can encounter, with their templates and sample answers. Additionally, the scoring criteria and tips have also been provided for scoring high in the test. Still, if you are facing difficulties in your PTE preparation, then you can practice with our PTE mock test of all the sections. You can also join our online PTE classes and get free study abroad consultancy to complete your journey.
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