PTE
Speaking

PTE Describe Image

Master PTE Describe Image with proven templates for bar charts, pie charts, maps, processes and tables. AI-scored practice with instant feedback.

⏱ 25 sec prepare + 40 sec speak 📊 High ⭐ High (Speaking only)

What is PTE Describe Image?

In Describe Image you are shown a visual (bar chart, line graph, pie chart, table, map, process diagram, or image) and must speak about it for 40 seconds after 25 seconds of preparation. Strong response requires a clear opening, main finding, comparison, and conclusion.

Strategy & Tips

  1. Use the 25 seconds to identify: type of visual, main topic, highest/lowest values, and one comparison.
  2. Open with a fixed template: "The [chart/graph/image] illustrates/shows [topic]."
  3. State the main trend or most notable value first.
  4. Make one comparison (e.g., highest vs lowest, before vs after).
  5. End with a conclusion: "Overall, it is clear that [main finding]."
  6. Aim to speak for the full 40 seconds — stopping early loses marks.

How is it Scored?

  • Content — do you cover the key information from the visual?
  • Pronunciation — clarity of individual sounds
  • Fluency — smooth delivery without long pauses
  • Oral grammar — grammatically correct sentences
  • Vocabulary — appropriate words for describing data

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Describe Image questions are in PTE?
PTE Academic typically includes 6–7 Describe Image questions. Image types vary: bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, tables, maps, process diagrams and photographs.
What is the best Describe Image template?
Opening: "The [chart] shows [topic]." Main trend: "The most notable feature is [highest/key value]." Comparison: "In contrast, [second value]." Conclusion: "Overall, the data suggests that [main finding]." Practise applying this template to different visual types.
What if I do not understand the image?
Never go silent. Describe what you can see literally — the title, the axes, the colours, any numbers visible. Even a partial but fluent response scores higher than silence or a very short response.
How long should my Describe Image answer be?
Aim to speak for the full 40 seconds. A response under 20 seconds will typically score below 50 on content. The AI scoring engine rewards both content coverage and speaking duration.

Ready to practise PTE Describe Image?

Join thousands of students improving their PTE score with AI-powered practice and real-time feedback.

Start Free Practice