How to Ace PTE Describe Image: Templates and Tips

Describe Image is scored on three criteria: Content, Oral Fluency, and Pronunciation. These are the same three criteria used for Read Aloud, but their application differs because Describe Image requires you to generate your own content rather than read pre-written text. Content scoring evaluates whether your description accurately addresses the key features of the image. For a bar chart, this means mentioning the highest and lowest values, trends, and comparisons. For a map, it means identifying key locations and spatial relationships. The AI scoring engine assesses whether your response includes relevant information about what the image shows. A response that mentions specific data points, trends, and relationships will score higher on content than a vague, generic description. Oral Fluency is evaluated the same way as in Read Aloud — the AI assesses the smoothness, pace, and rhythm of your speech. Hesitations, long pauses, repetitions, and self-corrections reduce your fluency score. Because you are generating your own content in real time, maintaining fluency is harder in Describe Image than in Read Aloud, which is why using a template structure is so valuable. Pronunciation is also assessed the same way, evaluating the clarity and accuracy of your English sound production. Clear articulation, appropriate word stress, and natural intonation all contribute to a strong pronunciation score.

Templates are structured frameworks that provide a predictable outline for your response. Using a template for Describe Image serves several important purposes. First, it eliminates the need to organize your response from scratch during the 25-second preparation time — instead, you simply need to identify the relevant information and slot it into your pre-learned structure. Second, it ensures that you will speak for the full 40 seconds, which is important because very short responses score lower on content and may not provide enough speech for the AI to evaluate fluency and pronunciation. Third, it reduces cognitive load during the task, freeing your mental energy to focus on pronunciation and fluency rather than struggling with what to say next. A good template is flexible enough to work with any image type while providing enough structure to keep you speaking smoothly. In the following sections, we will present templates for every major image type you might encounter. Practice these templates until they become second nature, so that on test day, producing a well-structured description requires minimal conscious effort.

Bar charts and line graphs are among the most common image types in PTE Describe Image. They typically show quantitative data over time or across categories, making them ideal for describing trends, comparisons, and extremes. For bar charts, use this template structure: Begin with an introduction: 'This bar chart illustrates [topic] across [categories/time period].' Then describe the key features: 'The highest value is [X], which shows [category], while the lowest is [Y], representing [category].' Add comparisons: 'Notably, [category A] is significantly higher than [category B], indicating [interpretation].' Conclude with: 'Overall, the chart suggests that [main takeaway].' For line graphs, the structure is similar but emphasizes trends over time: 'This line graph shows the trend of [topic] from [start year] to [end year].' Describe the pattern: 'There was a steady increase from [value] to [value] between [year] and [year].' Note any changes: 'However, a sharp decline occurred in [year], dropping to [value].' Conclude: 'In summary, the overall trend shows [increase/decrease/fluctuation] over the period.' When describing bar charts and line graphs, always mention specific numbers or approximate values where visible. Saying 'approximately 45 percent' is much more informative and scores higher on content than saying 'a large amount.' Practice reading data quickly from axes and labels during your preparation time.

Pie charts show proportional data — how a whole is divided into parts. Tables present data in rows and columns, often comparing multiple variables across multiple categories. For pie charts: 'This pie chart shows the distribution of [topic]. The largest segment is [category] at [X percent], followed by [category] at [Y percent]. The smallest portion is [category], accounting for only [Z percent]. Together, [categories A and B] make up more than [combined percent] of the total. Overall, the chart indicates that [category] dominates [topic].' For tables: 'This table presents data on [topic] across [number] categories. The highest value recorded is [value] for [category/row], while the lowest is [value] for [category/row]. Comparing [row A] and [row B], we can see that [observation]. It is also notable that [additional observation]. In conclusion, the table reveals that [summary].' With pie charts, focus on the largest and smallest segments and any notable relationships between segments. With tables, identify the extremes (highest and lowest values) and any interesting patterns or outliers. You do not need to describe every single data point — focus on the most significant information.

Process diagrams show the steps or stages of a process, cycle, or system. Maps show geographic information, spatial relationships, or changes over time in a location. Photographs may show anything from scientific specimens to architectural structures to natural landscapes. For process diagrams: 'This diagram illustrates the process of [topic]. The process begins with [first step], followed by [second step]. In the next stage, [third step] occurs, which leads to [fourth step]. The final stage involves [last step], which results in [outcome]. Overall, this is a [number]-step process that [summary].' For maps: 'This map shows [location/topic]. In the northern part, we can see [feature]. To the south, there is [feature]. The eastern region contains [feature], while the western area shows [feature]. Notably, [key observation about relationships or changes]. Overall, the map indicates that [summary].' For photographs and other images: 'This image shows [general description]. In the foreground, we can see [element]. In the background, there is [element]. On the left side, [observation], and on the right, [observation]. The most prominent feature is [key element]. Overall, this image represents [summary].' The key with non-data images is to use spatial language (left, right, top, bottom, center, foreground, background) to organize your description systematically rather than jumping randomly between elements.

During the 25-second preparation window, you need to accomplish four things quickly. First, identify the image type (chart, graph, table, diagram, map, or photo) and mentally select the appropriate template. This should take only two to three seconds if you have practiced your templates. Second, read the title, labels, and any text on the image. The title tells you what the image is about and provides vocabulary you can use in your description. Axis labels tell you what is being measured and the units. Legend entries identify different data series or categories. Spend about five to eight seconds on this step. Third, identify the key features you will mention: the highest value, lowest value, main trend, biggest comparison, or most notable element. Prioritize two to three major features that will form the body of your description. Spend about eight to ten seconds on this step. Fourth, mentally rehearse your opening sentence. Having a smooth, confident opening sets the tone for the entire response and launches your fluency on a positive trajectory. Spend the final five seconds solidifying your opening line so you can begin speaking immediately when the microphone activates.

Divide your 40-second speaking time into roughly four segments of 10 seconds each, corresponding to the four parts of your template: Introduction (10 seconds), Key Features (10 seconds), Trends and Comparisons (10 seconds), and Conclusion (10 seconds). The introduction should state what the image shows in general terms: 'This bar chart illustrates the population growth of five major cities between 2000 and 2020.' This opening sentence uses information from the title and labels and immediately establishes the context. The key features segment should describe the most notable data points: 'The city with the highest population is Shanghai at approximately 28 million, while the lowest is London at around 9 million.' Use specific numbers where possible. The trends and comparisons segment adds depth: 'There is a noticeable upward trend for all cities, but Shanghai and Delhi show the most dramatic growth. In contrast, London and Tokyo show relatively stable populations over the period.' The conclusion wraps up neatly: 'In conclusion, the chart clearly demonstrates that Asian cities have experienced significantly faster population growth compared to their European and Japanese counterparts during this two-decade period.' This four-part structure ensures you use the full 40 seconds productively and deliver a well-organized response. If you finish your planned content early, add one more observation rather than stopping short.

One of the most common content mistakes is providing a vague description that does not reference specific information from the image. Saying 'the graph shows that something increased' is far less effective than saying 'the graph shows that renewable energy production increased from 15 percent in 2010 to 32 percent in 2020.' Always include specific data points, category names, and approximate values. Another content mistake is trying to describe every single element of a complex image. If a bar chart has 10 bars, you do not need to describe all 10. Focus on the most significant features — the highest, lowest, and any notable patterns — and you will score well on content while having enough time to speak fluently. Some candidates make the mistake of fabricating data or describing things that are not actually in the image. The AI scores content based on the accuracy and relevance of your description relative to the actual image content. If you cannot read a specific number clearly, use approximate language ('approximately,' 'around,' 'roughly') rather than stating a number you are unsure about.

The most damaging fluency mistake is stopping mid-response because you do not know what to say next. This usually happens to candidates who do not use templates and try to improvise their entire description. Long pauses of silence are heavily penalized by the AI fluency scoring. Using a template prevents this by always giving you a structural cue for what comes next. Another fluency mistake is filling pauses with sounds like 'um,' 'uh,' 'er,' or repeated words. While these are natural in everyday speech, in a scored PTE response they count as disfluencies and reduce your score. If you need a brief moment to think, a short silent pause (under one second) is far preferable to an audible filler. Speaking too quickly is also a common fluency error, particularly among candidates who are nervous about fitting everything into 40 seconds. Rapid speech often leads to unclear pronunciation, swallowed word endings, and a frantic tone that the AI interprets as reduced fluency. Practice at a moderate pace and trust that your template structure will carry you through the full 40 seconds without needing to rush.

Some candidates waste their preparation time by trying to mentally script their entire 40-second response word for word. This is impractical in 25 seconds and leads to anxiety when the actual delivery inevitably deviates from the mental script. Instead, plan your key points (what to mention in each template segment) and let the specific wording flow naturally during delivery. Another preparation mistake is failing to read the image title and labels. These elements provide ready-made vocabulary and context that should be incorporated into your response. The title often contains the exact words you need for your introduction, and axis labels provide the terminology for discussing data points. Finally, some candidates panic when they encounter an unfamiliar image type. If you see a flowchart, Venn diagram, or other unusual visual, do not freeze. Apply the basic template structure (introduction, key features, observations, conclusion) and describe what you see using spatial language and logical sequencing. Any organized, relevant description that fills 35-40 seconds will score reasonably well, even if the image type is not one you practiced extensively.

Begin each practice session by reviewing your templates for 2 to 3 minutes. Recite them from memory until the structural phrases ('This bar chart illustrates...,' 'The highest value is...,' 'In conclusion, the image shows...') flow automatically without conscious thought. Template fluency is the foundation of Describe Image success. Next, practice with images using the full test timing: 25 seconds of preparation followed by 40 seconds of speaking. Record every response and review your recordings critically. Evaluate your content (did you mention the key features?), fluency (did you speak smoothly without long pauses?), and pronunciation (were your words clear and well-articulated?). Note one or two specific improvements to focus on in your next practice session. As you progress, increase the difficulty by using more complex images with multiple data series, unfamiliar topics, or ambiguous information. Practice with images that challenge you, not just comfortable ones. This builds resilience and adaptability so that nothing on test day catches you off guard. GoPTE's Describe Image practice module provides a library of images across all types, with AI scoring that evaluates your content, fluency, and pronunciation in real time. Practicing on GoPTE ensures your preparation closely mirrors the actual test experience, from the image formats to the timing constraints to the scoring feedback. Visit gopte.com to start building your Describe Image skills today.

Describe Image is one component of a broader Speaking score that also includes Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Re-tell Lecture, and Answer Short Question. The speaking skills you develop through Describe Image practice — fluency, pronunciation, organized content delivery — transfer directly to these other tasks. Conversely, the pronunciation work you do for Read Aloud and the listening skills you build for Repeat Sentence also strengthen your Describe Image performance. Consider your Describe Image practice as part of an integrated preparation strategy. If your PTE score report shows that Oral Fluency is your weakest enabling skill, prioritize fluency-focused practice across all speaking tasks, including Describe Image. If Pronunciation is the issue, focus on articulation exercises and shadowing practice that will benefit all your spoken responses. For a complete understanding of how individual task scores contribute to your overall result, refer to our guide on understanding the PTE scoring system. With consistent practice, a reliable template structure, and strategic use of your preparation and speaking time, Describe Image becomes a task where you can confidently earn strong scores. Rather than dreading the image that appears on screen, you will approach it systematically, describe it clearly, and move on to the next task knowing that you have delivered a solid response.