The Describe Image task of the PTE Core Speaking section tests not only your reading skills but also your ability to convey what you see in a logical and thorough speech.

It’s difficult to organize a well-structured talk to describe an image in a limited time frame.

In this short guide, PTE Magic will help you learn more about this part and show you some practical tips to conquer this challenge!

(Read our Vietnamese version here)

Key Takeaways

• The PTE Core Describe Image section requires candidates to use proper words to describe what they see logically.
• There are 8 types of images that examinees need to describe, including bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, tables, and more.
• Improving your descriptive language and the ability to capture the main points/ trends will give you a big help.

Related:

• The ultimate guide to the PTE Core exam
• PTE Core preparation tips
• PTE Core repeat sentence tips

About The PTE Core Describe Image Task

Task Explanation

The PTE Core Describe Image is the third question type in the speaking section. An image will be displayed on the screen, and you’ll have 25 seconds to capture it in your mind. After a short tone, you must retell the image in detail within 40 seconds.

The microphone will only open after the tone, so don’t speak before that; otherwise, your answer will not be recorded.

Speak steadily to ensure you finish your response before the progress bar changes from “Recording” to “Completed.” Plus, remember that you can only record once.

Scoring Factors

Content

Accurate and completed content should cover all elements and aspects of the image. Your description should include relationships, tendencies, conclusions, or implications from the provided details to help you score more.

There should be a logical connection between the described aspects, and disjointed ideas can negatively influence your performance. 

Pronunciation

Your speech should be understandable by most regular English speakers to gain a high score. You must pronounce vowels and consonants appropriately and stress the words or phrases correctly. 

Oral Fluency

The key to success is your response’s smooth, effortless, and natural rhythm. Your voice should be clear and at a comfortable pace. Don’t make false starts, repetitions, or hesitations, as these mistakes can negatively affect the result. 

3 Steps To Tackle PTE Core Describe Image

Organizing your description of the image will help you get a higher score. A well-organized response must cover the main idea and the detailed elements in the image. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1. Provide an introduction

First, you should paraphrase the chart or diagram’s title and mention the focus (the general trend or idea of the image).

Step 2. Describe the main features

This step is the main part of your answer. You should describe the picture’s three most important/ key features and link these elements together logically.

Step 3. Give a short conclusion

In this step, summarize your answer, explain the meaning of what the image showed, or predict a future tendency if possible.

Applying these steps will help you master this section.

PTE Core Describe Image Types And Templates

Bar Graph

A bar graph or bar chart is the simplest type in the Describe Image section since it clearly shows the main features, similarities, or differences.

• Introduction: The bar chart shows/ represents [Topic/ Title] and [Categories in the bar graph]. 
• Body: According to the chart, the [Category A] has the lowest/ highest [feature] compared to [other Categories]. The decreased/ increased trend continues until [Category Z].
• Conclusion: The bar chart provides information on [feature] across different [categories]. It highlights the impact of [an element] on the overall trend.

Line Graph

In this type, information is presented based on the XY Axis.

• Introduction: The line graph indicates [Topic/ Title].
• Body: There’s a significant [growth/ deduction] in [feature] from [point A to B], in which the [highest/ lowest] point is in [point C]. After [a specific period], the [feature] experiences [quick/ slow] changes because of [factor].
• Conclusion: The trend and fluctuations in the line graph proved the effect of [factor] on [feature].

Pie Chart

Like bar charts, pie charts contain information on the lowest and highest figures and similarities and differences.

• Introduction: The pie chart provides information on the distribution of [categories] among various segments. 
• Body: It can be seen from the chart that [segment A] makes up the highest portion, accounting for [percentage]. And [segment B] took second place with [percentage]. Meanwhile, [segment C] is the lowest.
• Conclusion: Overall, we can see a [trend/ similar or different changes] in [Topic].

Table

The table type can be huge, so discussing all the details is unnecessary. However, if the table is small, mention everything. 

• Introduction: The table reveals information on [Topic/ Title]
• Body: The data shows [a specific highlighted point or trend]. [Figure 1,2,3] experience the same changes. Meanwhile, [Figure 4] is slightly different. [Mention the different elements].
• Conclusion: To conclude, the table shows [trend] in [Figure 1,2,3] but not in [Figure 4], indicating [your conclusion].

Map

A map can be complicated with too much information. Plus, you should have some geographical analyzing skills. 

• Introduction: The map offers an overview of [region’s name] in [Topic/ Title]. 
• Body: [City A] has a significant [feature] due to its locations. On the other hand, since [City B] is located in [location], it has fewer [features]. 
• Conclusion: To summarize, the map provides a geographical layout to help us understand the [trend/ fact] in the [region]

Process Chart/Flow Chart

Sometimes, you may encounter a process or flow chart in the PTE Core Describe Image section. These charts can be challenging due to complicated steps and technical terminology.

• Introduction: The chart presents [numbers of steps] needed to [Topic/ Title].
• Body: The first step is […]. Next, it proceeds with [subsequent steps]. And the final stage is […].
• Conclusion: The chart clearly explained the process of […] with  [numbers of steps]. 

Venn Diagram

Venn Diagram mostly focuses on relationships and intersections between categories. 

• Introduction: The given diagram visualizes the relationships between [categories]. Each circle represents [specific set], and the overlapping section is [the shared characteristic].
• Body: As we can see from the Venn Diagram, circle A indicates […], while circle B is […]. The shared section means they are [describe things in common].
• Conclusion: Overall, the relationships between the two categories are clearly shown by its shared section. Thus, we understand their similarities and differences. 

Photo

This type of question is not too difficult to handle. Once you look at the photo, capture the main people, their actions and expressions, objects, and location, and understand the context. 

• Introduction: The photo describes what’s happening in [location].
• Body: There are [people 1] and [people 2]. They are [describe the action]. They look [describe emotion]
• Conclusion: Overall, the photo is about [main activity conducted by people in the photo].

7 PTE Core Describe Image Tips To Succeed 

Have A Proper Understanding Of The Given Image

No matter what type of image you are given, you need to understand its idea and main features. Focus on the key components, such as notable patterns, trends, labels, and axes. 

Taking notes of important details will help you outline your answer effectively. 

Organize Your Answer 

As mentioned above, you should organize your response well to receive a positive result. The structure needs to include an introduction, main body, and conclusion. Don’t forget to use proper transition words or phrases to make your answer flow smoothly.

Emphasize The Main Point

While doing this section, pay attention to fluctuating patterns, changing tendencies, highest and lowest data points, etc. 

Logically build your structure based on these points and highlight the main idea in your answer.

Use Descriptive Language And Transitional Phrases

A variety of descriptive phrases can make your description informative and interesting. Precise vocabulary, adjectives, and adverbs help convey the amount, characteristics, and relationships.

Practice With Various Image Types

Image types can be various, including charts, diagrams, maps, or graphs, and each requires specific words and language to describe. Thus, you should not miss practicing with any of them.

Ask For Feedback While Practicing

Your PTE Core Describe Image practice will be more effective if you receive feedback from others, such as teachers, classmates, or friends. They can analyze your answer and identify your strong and weak aspects, thus helping you improve faster.

Train Your Time Management

Practicing time management is paramount in any test. Preparation and actual speaking time are both important, requiring you to be ready.

The only way to eliminate time pressure is to practice regularly. Stay calm and organize your answer comprehensively and thoroughly. The more you practice, the more you can hone this skill.

Conclusion

The PTE Core Describe Image task can make candidates panic.

However, proper and consistent practice will help you become familiar with various image types and know what to do when facing them.

Don’t give up, and try your best for the best result!