PTE Describe Image Practice with Templates & Answers
- Gurully Technologies
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
For many students preparing for the PTE Academic exam, the Describe Image task can feel intimidating. This section tests your ability to interpret visuals quickly and communicate your observations clearly in English. With the right practice strategies, templates, and examples, mastering this task becomes much easier.

Understanding the Describe Image Task
In the Describe Image section, test-takers are presented with a visual stimulus, which could be a graph, chart, table, map, diagram, or even a picture. The challenge is to describe the most significant trends, comparisons, or details in 30 seconds. The goal is to convey information accurately, concisely, and fluently.
The scoring criteria focus on:
Content: Are the key points from the image covered?
Oral fluency: Is the speech smooth without unnatural pauses?
Pronunciation: Are words pronounced correctly?
Grammar: Is the sentence structure accurate and appropriate?
Common Image Types in PTE
Bar Graphs: Compare categories or trends over time.
Line Graphs: Show trends, rises, or falls in data points.
Pie Charts: Display proportions or percentages.
Tables: Highlight comparisons between different sets of data.
Maps and Diagrams: Describe locations, processes, or stages.
Familiarity with these types helps in quickly identifying key points to mention during the task.
The Role of Templates in Describe Image
Templates act as a framework to organize thoughts quickly. They ensure that even under time pressure, the response remains structured and covers the main aspects of the image.
Here are some practical templates:
Template 1: Bar or Column Graphs "The graph illustrates [topic]. It is evident that [key trend]. The [category] shows the highest value at [number], while [other category] shows the lowest at [number]. Overall, the data indicates [summary trend]."
Template 2: Line Graphs "The line graph depicts [topic] over [time period]. A clear upward/downward trend is observed in [category], peaking at [number] in [time]. In contrast, [another category] shows a decline/stable pattern. This indicates [summary of trend]."
Template 3: Pie Charts "The pie chart represents [topic]. The largest proportion is [category] at [percentage], followed by [other category] at [percentage]. The smallest segment is [category] at [percentage]. Overall, [general observation]."
Template 4: Process Diagrams "The diagram illustrates the process of [process name]. It starts with [first step], followed by [second step], and concludes with [final step]. Each stage is essential to [purpose of the process]."
These templates can be adjusted depending on the complexity and type of image, making them a flexible tool for test-takers.
Practice Strategies for Effective Responses
Analyze Quickly: Identify the main trend, highest/lowest points, and overall pattern. Avoid describing every detail.
Use Linking Words: Words like while, in contrast, overall, and as a result improve fluency and cohesion.
Time Your Response: Record 30-second responses to get accustomed to pacing.
Use Synonyms: Avoid repeating words. For example, use depicts, shows, illustrates interchangeably.
Check Pronunciation: Pronunciation is essential to maintain clarity and confidence.
Consistent practice with these strategies ensures students become comfortable with both simple and complex images.
Integrating Describe Image Practice into PTE Preparation
Combining templates with actual PTE mock test exercises allows students to simulate real exam conditions. During these exercises, it is recommended to focus on:
Identifying key trends quickly
Organizing ideas into a logical structure
Speaking clearly and fluently within the 30-second time frame
Regular PTE practice Test sessions help track improvement in accuracy, fluency, and timing. Repeating these exercises improves confidence and reduces anxiety on exam day.
Benefits of Using Templates and Answers
Structure: Templates guide the speech flow, ensuring nothing important is missed.
Time Management: With a clear framework, candidates save time thinking about sentence structures.
Confidence: Knowing exactly how to approach each image type reduces stress.
Consistency: Consistent practice with answers ensures responses meet scoring criteria every time.
Templates also act as a stepping stone. Over time, students develop the skill to modify them naturally and speak more spontaneously without sounding robotic.
Conclusion
Mastering the Describe Image section is crucial for a high PTE score. Utilizing templates and practicing with sample answers provides structure and clarity, making it easier to deliver accurate and fluent responses. Consistent practice, combined with PTE mock test exercises and timed PTE practice Test sessions, ensures familiarity with various image types and boosts confidence for exam day. With focus and persistence, the Describe Image task can transform from a challenge into a scoring opportunity.
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