PTE Describe Image Task: Template, Tips & Practice (2026)
Master the PTE Describe Image task with a reusable template for bar charts, line graphs, maps, and process diagrams. Learn how to score 75+ in 25 seconds with confident, well-structured descriptions.
▶ Free College Predictor & study-abroad toolsWhat is PTE Describe Image and Why is It Worth 10-15 Points?
Describe Image is a PTE Speaking task that appears 6–8 times in the exam. You get 25 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak. The image is usually a bar/column chart, line graph, pie chart, map, or process diagram. Your score depends on fluency, content (describing all key elements), and pronunciation. Many students struggle because they memorize one template and freeze when the image type changes.
The Universal Describe Image Template (Works for All Chart Types)
Intro (5 sec): 'This image shows a [type: bar chart/line graph/map] depicting [main topic].' Key features (15 sec): 'The [x-axis/key variable] ranges from [lowest] to [highest]. The [largest/smallest] value is [number/category] at [value]. There is a significant [trend: increase/decrease/fluctuation].' Conclusion (5 sec): 'Overall, the [main insight] demonstrates [what this means].' Practice saying this structure until it flows naturally; the examiner cares about fluency, not word-for-word accuracy.
How to Describe a Bar or Column Chart in 40 Seconds
Open with the topic and variable (e.g., 'This shows sales across regions'). State the highest and lowest bars. Describe the trend: are values increasing, decreasing, stable? Mention any notable differences or patterns. Close with a summary statement: 'Overall, the [region/category] outperformed others.' Example: 'The chart displays quarterly revenue from 2023 to 2026. Q1 2023 had the lowest revenue at 50 million, while Q4 2025 peaked at 200 million. There is a steady upward trend, with Q2 consistently lower than Q1 and Q4.' Avoid saying every single value; examiners want you to identify patterns, not read numbers.
How to Describe a Line Graph or Trend Chart
Identify all lines/trends first. Describe the starting and ending points for each line. Note intersections, divergences, peaks, or troughs. Use comparative language: 'Line A rose sharply while Line B remained flat.' State the y-axis and x-axis units (e.g., 'measured in thousands of users'). Example: 'This line graph shows smartphone usage from 2020 to 2025. Android usage climbed from 60% to 85%, while iOS dropped from 35% to 15%. The lines crossed in early 2022. Overall, Android dominance increased significantly.' Practice comparing two or more lines fluently without long pauses.
How to Describe a Map or Process Diagram
For maps, identify the locations, directions, and any highlighted areas. State what the map shows (population density, territory, routes, etc.). Describe movement or relationships between locations. Example: 'This map shows Europe with highlighted countries in green. The green region appears to be EU member states, concentrated in Western and Central Europe.' For process diagrams, describe each step in sequence from start to end. Use transition words: first, then, next, finally. Example: 'The diagram illustrates how water is filtered. Water enters from the left, passes through a sediment filter, then a carbon filter, and finally emerges as purified water on the right.' State the purpose or outcome of the process.
Fluency and Pronunciation Tips for High Scores
Speak at a natural pace — neither rushed nor slow. Pause briefly between ideas, not within sentences. Stress important words: 'The PEAK occurred in 2025.' Avoid robotic delivery; sound conversational. Use linking words naturally: 'Additionally,' 'Furthermore,' 'In contrast.' Pronounce key terms correctly (e.g., 'de-CLINE' not 'de-CLIN'). If you make a small mistake, keep going — correcting mid-sentence wastes time and breaks fluency.
Common Describe Image Mistakes That Lower Your Score
Speaking too fast and slurring words. Giving opinions ('This chart is nice') instead of describing facts. Long silences or hesitations while thinking. Saying 'uh' or 'um' repeatedly. Forgetting to mention the title, axes, or units. Describing every single data point instead of patterns. Using the exact same sentence structure for each chart type.
Get Instant Feedback on Your PTE Describe Image Practice
Practice with LandingPrep's free PTE speaking simulator. Get 8–10 random charts, 25 seconds to prepare, and AI-powered feedback on fluency, vocabulary range, and content accuracy. Repeat until your descriptions feel natural and you hit 40 seconds without rushing. Most users improve 3–5 points in PTE speaking score with 15–20 practice rounds.