Describe Image PTE Template & Tips (2025) | Admissify

Last Updated on October 18, 2024

The Describe Image PTE is the task under the PTE writing and speaking section of the PTE test. It requires good observation and describing skills. Performing well in this part is essential to obtain high scores. The objective of this task is to offer insights into effective response strategies and to explain their difficulties. Thus, in this blog, we will understand everything about the describe image PTE template & tips, and many more. Additionally, let’s find out what exactly the task of describe image PTE means.

Task Description in Describe Image PTE

In the PTE exam, the ‘Describe Image’ task in the speaking portion presents a different challenge beyond language proficiency. It tests a candidate’s ability to quickly interpret, verbally express, and analyze the contents of a PTE image. These include tables, graphs, maps, photos, diagrams, and charts. There are no fixed rules for the different image types. Sometimes, more than one image can also include a piece of text. Furthermore, this task mainly contributes to the speaking module, making it crucial for students to excel in it with an overall high score in PTE.

When it comes to Describe Image PTE questions, many students find it very hard and tricky as it is open to interpretation with no correct response. Henceforth, an individual must have a full-planned strategy to respond to these questions. Candidates must know what they are looking for to answer these questions correctly. This ensures that students are well-prepared not just expressively but also in terms of analytical abilities. So, as soon as the image is displayed on the screen, one must always look out for the three key things and mention them in their answers. Let’s look at the below table.

Title	It is located at the top of the image and should ideally be mentioned in 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, end the answer with a conclusion that one has gathered from the image or a suggestion they would like to make.

Thus, each applicant is provided around 25 seconds to analyze the image for PTE, after which the next 40 seconds are given to describe it in detail. Now, let’s discuss in the next section the various types of ‘Describe Images’ that will be included in your PTE exam.

What Are the Different Types of Describe Image PTE?

Being prepared is one of the most important things for the PTE Academic exam. For this task, you must know that many different kinds of images may appear. Thus, look below at the various sample types of Describe Image PTE that can appear in your test.

1. Bar Graph
2. Line Graph
3. Pie Chart
4. Tables
5. Process/Flow Chart
6. Pictures

These are some of the various types of Describe Image PTE that can be asked of you in your speaking portion. Now, let us know them one by one in detail, using the describe image PTE templates and samples.

Bar Graph

The Bar Graph in the Describe Image PTE reveals the data from highest to lowest, and students have to describe it with good pronunciation. To answer the bar graph, one needs a structured approach. Look at the template given below for the Bar Graph for more clarification on how to answer such questions-

Describe Image PTE Template: 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.

Bar Graph PTE Sample

Look at the PTE image of the Bar Graph below and then read the sample answer.

Answer:

The chart shows that 72% of the people preferred their vehicles, followed by 17% who chose to walk to their destination. Public transportation, such as trains, buses, and ferries, was used by 10% of individuals, and only 2% 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 than in other conveyances.

Line Graph

Candidates must describe the information presented in the image using the Line Graph PTE question type. To score decently in the speaking section for the line graph, one should carefully scan the information shown in the image. You must look for the template for the line graph.

Describe Image PTE Template: Line Graph

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, the (Trend/Highest/Lowest/Difference/Similarity) can be seen.

Line Graph PTE Sample

An example of a Describe Image PTE for Line Graph is given below to help you understand the type and format of questions for your exam.

Answer:

This line graph or chart indicates Dubai Gold Sales in 2002, 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, there were changes throughout the year, but sales remained at approximately 200 million dirhams per month.

Pie Chart

This is one of the most challenging PTE charts to explain, as every part of the pie chart is similar to a value. The pie charts show the overall composition out of 100% and will always have colors to highlight the items. Look at the following template for the pie chart to gain a better understanding-

Describe Image PTE Template: Pie Chart

Introduction: The pie chart illustrates the distribution of (category) in (context).

Body: The most significant 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: The pie chart provides a clear overview of the distribution of (category) in (context).

Pie Chart PTE Sample

The PTE image for the pie chart is given below. Look at it to get a better understanding of how to answer it.

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 favored 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.

Tables

Another common image type in Describe Image PTE is a table. In this kind of situation, describing all of the figures in the table is optional. Nonetheless, it is crucial first to find relative trends or figures. First, mention the elements provided simply in the chart. Look at the template for tables.

Describe Image PTE Template: 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).

PTE Tables Sample

The given picture below for PTE tables 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.

Process/Flow Chart

A process/Flow diagram or chart requires the candidates to describe a process in chronological order. Therefore, students must possess a solid vocabulary for the process diagram. This task gets tricky sometimes as there are too many or few processes to describe in 40 seconds. Apart from that, look at the template below.

Describe Image PTE Template: Process/Flow Chart

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).

PTE Process / Flow Chart Sample

The picture of the Process/Flow chart for PTE that can come in your exam is given below. Have a look to understand better how to respond to such a type.

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 an issues paper and a call for submissions. Eventually, an examination of the collected submissions will be conducted, which will lead 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.

Pictures

This task is a PTE picture or image in which you have to look at the photo carefully during the 25-second preparation time. You must keep an eye on crucial elements, objects, people, and the entire scene. Let’s look at the template that you can use in this task.

Describe Image PTE Template: Pictures

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.

PTE Pictures Sample

The PTE picture or image below shows a person crossing the road. Look at the image and read the sample answer.

Answer:

The 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 is what I can observe: she is not aware of anything and is busy looking at her phone while crossing the road. There is no other person around her, which 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 the scoring criteria are and how your answers will be assessed in the exam.

Scoring Criteria for Describe Image PTE Speaking Section

In the ‘Describe Image’ PTE task, accuracy is essential. Candidates are evaluated on how accurately and thoroughly they describe the image. It includes mentioning the key elements, correlation between data points, and conclusions that can be drawn. Thus, the describe image PTE task will be assessed based on three criteria, which are given below.

• Content: 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 writing or speaking section must include:

1. All aspects of the image.
2. Logical connections between the points.
3. Conclusions based on the image.

• Oral Fluency: It is a vital component of the scoring criteria. It refers to the smoothness, effortlessness, and natural tone of speech. Critical aspects of oral fluency include:

1. Rhythm, phrasing, and stress.
2. Avoid hesitations, repetitions, and false starts.
3. Maintain a stable and average pace of speaking.

• Pronunciation: The answers you write for the PTE chart are scored based on how easily your content is readable. Elements of good pronunciation involve:

1. Precise usage of vowels and consonants.
2. Correct stress and intonation.
3. There should be clarity to the speaker.

In essence, these are the criteria 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.

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Points Allocation for Each Criterion in Describe Image PTE 

The Describe Image PTE task allocates points for each scoring criterion. Let’s have a look at the table.

Scoring Breakdown for Describe Image PTE

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 chart. According to this, only the examiner will give you a score. Now, the following section covers some tips and tricks to excel in the Describe Image PTE test task.

Tips and Tricks for Describe Image PTE Tasks

Tips and tricks play a crucial role in the task of describing an image or overall in the PTE Academic exam. Mentioned below are some tips that will help you ace this task.

• Don’t Stop: The Speaking Test assesses your verbal ability to express. So, even if you face difficulty in understanding an image, speak as much as you can.
• Understand the Pattern: If you are preparing for PTE, then it is vital to understand the PTE exam pattern and get familiar with what the Describe Image task wants.
• Avoid Fillers: Umms…and urrs… are strictly avoided as the machine will take it as a lack of preparation and vocabulary.
• Highlight the Main Points: It is essential to highlight the main points by scanning the information given in the chart/graph/image. Plan your sentences accordingly.
• Develop a Strategy: The PTE exam syllabus needs a specific strategy for the tasks. Templates can be helpful in solving the task of Describing an Image.
• Understand the Image Type: Different images require different approaches. Thus, I want to become familiar with all the different types of PTE charts, such as bar graphs, line graphs, and pictures.

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Conclusion

To sum up, the Describe Image PTE task tests or evaluates how well you can discuss the answers related to all the charts or graphs. Thus, this blog covers the different types of image tasks with their templates and sample answers. Additionally, the scoring criteria and tips have also been provided for a good score. If you still need help with your PTE preparation, take our PTE mock test for all the sections. 

FAQs

Q. How should one describe the image PTE test?

In the PTE test, describing an image involves summarizing its critical elements within a 40-second timeframe. Start with a brief introduction, focus on the main points or trends shown in the picture, and conclude with a summary or inference.

Q. What does the describe image PTE task entail?

The Describe Image PTE task requires candidates to observe an image for 25 seconds and then describe it in detail within 40 seconds. This task assesses speaking skills and the ability to convey information accurately and fluently.

Q. What are the scoring criteria for describe image PTE task?

Scoring for the Describe Image PTE task is based on three factors: content accuracy, oral fluency, and pronunciation. Each factor is equally weighted, with a maximum of 5 points available for each.

Q. What are the practical tips for the describe image PTE task?

Effective tips include understanding different image types, practicing descriptive vocabulary, using structured templates, focusing on fluency and pronunciation, and employing time management strategies.

Q. What are common mistakes to avoid in the describe image PTE task?

Common mistakes include focusing too much on minute details, ignoring fluency and pronunciation, poor time management, and lack of structured description.

Linette Shoji is a seasoned content writer specializing in guiding students through the complexities of applying to universities abroad. Her well-researched, clear, and practical articles break down intricate information into easy-to-understand advice. Linette’s work empowers students to make informed decisions, ensuring a smooth and successful journey to higher education.