PTE Describe Image

You're shown a chart, graph, table, picture, map or process diagram. After 25 seconds of preparation, you have 40 seconds to describe what it shows. The visual is always one of seven predictable types — and once you have a template for each, this becomes one of the most teachable tasks in PTE Academic.

Weightage
High — contributes to Speaking score only
Time
25s preparation, 40s speaking
Frequency
6–7 questions per test

Why this task matters

Describe Image is the only Speaking task where you can fully prepare a structural template — every visual type has the same rough shape. With practice, you can hit a 4/5 content score on every single question, which alone can lift your Speaking score by 10+ points.

How it works on test day

  1. An image appears on screen with a 25-second prep timer.
  2. Use the prep window to identify the image type (bar, line, pie, table, picture, map, process) and pick out 3–4 key features.
  3. When the microphone opens, you have 40 seconds to speak.
  4. There's a 3-second silence cut-off — keep talking, even if you're filling with summary statements.
  5. Aim for 6–8 sentences total. That's the sweet spot for 40 seconds at PTE pace.

What scorers measure

  • Content (0–5) — You must mention all key features: title/subject, axes/categories, the highest, the lowest, and a conclusion or trend.
  • Oral Fluency (0–5) — Speak for the full 40 seconds in continuous, well-paced English. Avoid long pauses or restarts.
  • Pronunciation (0–5) — Clear pronunciation of numbers, technical terms, and category names matters as much as general clarity.

Practise on PTEAce — free. Real Describe Image questions, AI scoring, instant feedback: Start Describe Image practice.

Tips & tricks for 2026

  • Identify the chart type in your first sentence — 'The bar graph compares...' instantly orients the scorer.
  • Always include at least one specific number with its unit (e.g., '23%', '8,500 TWh', '2026'). Numbers are content gold.
  • Don't memorise word-for-word templates — Pearson's 2026 algorithm flags identical openings across responses. Vary 2–3 phrasings.
  • If you panic and the visual is unfamiliar, fall back to the picture template: foreground, background, left, right, conclusion.
  • Practise on PTEAce's Describe Image bank using a real headset and mic — a 40-second response feels different in real conditions.

Common mistakes

  • Describing every single data point until the timer cuts you off mid-sentence.
  • Forgetting to name the chart type — leads to instant content loss.
  • Long opening pause while you 'plan' — start speaking within 1 second.
  • Using 'the picture shows' for a bar graph (mismatched template = loses content).
  • Ending with silence instead of a conclusion sentence — always close with 'Overall...'.

Your 4-week prep plan

  1. Week 1: Memorise the structure (not wording) of all 7 chart-type templates.
  2. Week 2: Do 5 Describe Image questions per day — 1 of each chart type plus 2 random.
  3. Week 3: Time yourself strictly. Cap responses at 40 seconds; record and listen back for fluency.
  4. Week 4: Drill weak chart types only (most students struggle with maps and process diagrams). Use PTEAce's filtered question bank.

Notes done. Time to practise Describe Image.

Apply this guide on real exam-style questions. Free AI scoring, unlimited attempts, no credit card required.

More Speaking notes