How to Master the “Describe Image PTE” Task

The “Describe Image” task is a crucial part of the PTE Academic Speaking section. It assesses your ability to analyze and verbally describe various types of visual data, including graphs, tables, charts, diagrams, and maps, within a short time. This task evaluates your speaking fluency, pronunciation, and your capacity to communicate effectively under pressure. This guide will walk you through the describe image PTE task with helpful tips, templates, and practice examples to improve your score.

What is the describe image PTE task?

In the PTE describe image task, you are given 25 seconds to study an image and 40 seconds to describe it. The images can include:

• Bar graphs
• Line graphs
• Pie charts
• Tables
• Maps
• Diagrams

Your goal is to identify key trends or significant data points and articulate them clearly within the allotted time. The structure of your response is critical as it must be coherent, concise, and demonstrate fluency in English.

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Common types of images in describe image PTE

Different image types require slightly different strategies. Below are the common image types in the describe image PTE task and tips for handling each:

1. Bar graphs

• Introduction: Describe what the bar graph represents.
• Body: Highlight 2-3 key trends, such as the highest and lowest data points.
• Conclusion: Summarize the overall trend or make a prediction.

2. Line graphs

• Introduction: Explain what the line graph depicts over a period.
• Body: Mention significant trends such as increases, decreases, or fluctuations.
• Conclusion: Summarize the key finding or forecast a future trend.

3. Pie charts

• Introduction: State what the pie chart shows in terms of distribution.
• Body: Focus on the largest and smallest portions, using percentages.
• Conclusion: Briefly summarize the key insight.

4. Tables

• Introduction: Mention the data categories presented in the table.
• Body: Discuss key comparisons or significant trends in the data.
• Conclusion: Provide a general overview of the data’s implications.

5. Maps

• Introduction: Describe the geographical area or theme of the map.
• Body: Identify and compare key locations or changes over time.
• Conclusion: Summarize the importance or trends shown by the map.

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Describe image PTE template

To perform well in the describe image PTE task, using a structured template is essential. Here’s a general PTE describe image template for all image types:

1. Introduction: Start with “The [image type] represents/shows/depicts [subject of the image] over [time period, if applicable].”
2. Body: Highlight 2-3 key features of the image. Use comparative language such as “the highest,” “the lowest,” “increased significantly,” “decreased sharply,” etc.
3. Conclusion: Summarize the main trend or predict future outcomes.

For example, if describing a bar graph, you could say:

• “The bar graph illustrates the sales performance of three products over five years. Product A experienced the highest sales in 2020, while Product C showed a significant decline in 2021. Overall, sales for Product A steadily increased, making it the most successful product.”

Practice tips for describe image PTE

1. Time Management: Practice managing your time. You have only 25 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to describe the image, so prioritize the most important points rather than attempting to cover everything.
2. Use Descriptive Language: Employ a variety of vocabulary such as “rise,” “fall,” “peak,” “steady,” and “fluctuate.” Also, include linking phrases like “in contrast,” “on the other hand,” or “similarly” to improve fluency.
3. Focus on Key Features: Don’t try to describe every detail. Instead, focus on 2-3 key trends or data points that stand out. For example, in a line graph showing fluctuations in data, mention the highest point, lowest point, and overall trend.
4. Use Comparisons: When describing graphs or tables, compare categories to make your response more insightful. For example, “Product B’s sales doubled in 2020, while Product A remained stable.”
5. Practice with a Timer: Use practice materials and set a timer for 40 seconds to simulate real test conditions. This will help you improve fluency and time management.

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PTE describe image examples

Here are some PTE describe image examples based on different types of graphs:

Example 1: Bar graph

• Introduction: The bar graph represents the number of tourists visiting three countries in 2019.
• Body: Country A had the highest number of visitors, with over 1 million. In contrast, Country C had the lowest, with less than 500,000 visitors. Country B remained stable at around 800,000.
• Conclusion: Overall, Country A attracted the most tourists, while Country C saw the least.

Example 2: Line graph

• Introduction: The line graph shows the growth of two companies’ profits from 2015 to 2020.
• Body: Company A’s profits peaked in 2018 at $500,000 but dropped sharply in 2019. Company B’s profits steadily increased throughout the period.
• Conclusion: Overall, Company B experienced continuous growth, whereas Company A saw significant fluctuations.

Example 3: Pie chart

• Introduction: The pie chart illustrates the market share of five tech companies in 2021.
• Body: Company A held the largest share at 40%, while Company D had the smallest at just 10%. Companies B and C each had roughly equal shares of 25%.
• Conclusion: Company A dominated the market, while the others held smaller portions.

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Conclusion

Mastering the describe image PTE task requires practice, clear articulation, and a structured approach. By familiarizing yourself with various image types and using a consistent template, you can confidently tackle this section of the PTE exam. Regular practice with a timer, effective use of vocabulary, and understanding key trends in graphs and charts will boost your performance.

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FAQs for describe image PTE

1. How to describe an image in PTE?
Focus on identifying key features and trends in the image. Use a structured approach to introduce, describe, and summarize the data clearly.

2. What is the best way to prepare for the describe image PTE task?
Practice regularly with a variety of image types, use templates, and set a timer to ensure you’re able to respond within 40 seconds.

3. Can I use a template for all images?
Yes, using a general template will help structure your response for all image types, but be flexible to adjust it based on the specific image.

4. How long should my response be?
Aim to speak for around 35-40 seconds, clearly articulating 2-3 key features of the image.

5. What types of images can I expect in the PTE?
Common image types include bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, tables, diagrams, and maps.

6. Can I make predictions in my conclusion?
Yes, making a prediction based on the data is a great way to end your response, especially for graphs and charts.

7. How can I improve my fluency?
Practice speaking aloud with a timer. Focus on smooth transitions between points and avoid hesitations.

8. How do I prepare for a bar graph in PTE?
Identify the highest and lowest data points and compare categories. Summarize the overall trend in your conclusion.

9. What’s the most challenging part of describe image PTE?
Managing time effectively and describing key trends without getting too detailed can be challenging.

10. How important is pronunciation in the PTE describe image task?
Pronunciation is critical as it contributes to your overall speaking score. Practice enunciating clearly and fluently.