Simple PTE Describe Image Template

Template for the PTE Describe Image task, designed to be flexible, easy to use, and effective for scoring high.

The Core Template Structure

This structure follows a clear, logical flow: Introduction -> Key Features -> Conclusion/Trend. You should aim to speak for about 30-35 seconds.

Part 1: Introduction (What is the image about?)
“The given image provides a detailed representation of…”
“This image illustrates/data pertains to…”
“This is a [chart type, e.g., bar chart, line graph, pie chart, map] depicting…”

Part 2: Key Features (The most important details)
“The most prominent feature is…”
“According to the data, the highest value is for…, at…”
“In contrast, the lowest value can be seen in…, at…”
“Other significant figures include… and…”
“We can also observe a clear trend of…”
“The data is divided into [number] main categories.”

Part 3: Conclusion / Overall Trend (Summarize)
“In conclusion, the overall trend shows…”
“To summarize, the main takeaway is that…”
“Overall, it is clear that…”

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Adapting the Template to Different Image Types

Here’s how to apply the core template to the most common image types.

1. For Bar Charts & Column Charts

Introduction: “This bar chart compares [subject, e.g., the sales figures] for different [categories, e.g., products] over a given period.”
Key Features:
“The highest bar represents [Category A], with a value of [Number].”
“Conversely, the lowest bar is for [Category B], at only [Number].”
“[Category C] and [Category D] show similar values, around [Number].”
Conclusion: “In summary, there is a significant disparity between the highest and lowest values, with [Category A] being the dominant category.”

2. For Line Graphs

Introduction: “The line graph illustrates the trends in [subject, e.g., population growth] for [categories, e.g., two different countries] from [Start Year] to [End Year].”
Key Features:
“The most striking trend is the sharp increase in [Line A] starting from around [Year].”
“In contrast, [Line B] remained relatively stable/experienced a gradual decline throughout the period.”
“It is noteworthy that both lines peaked in [Year].”
Conclusion: “Overall, the graph demonstrates a clear upward trend for [Subject A], while [Subject B] showed more stability/decline.”

3. For Pie Charts

Introduction: “This pie chart displays the distribution of [subject, e.g., energy sources] broken down into [number] segments.”
Key Features:
“The largest segment is [Segment A], which accounts for [Percentage] of the total.”
“This is followed by [Segment B] at [Percentage] and [Segment C] at [Percentage].”
“The smallest segments, [Segment D] and [E], together make up only [Combined Percentage].”
Conclusion: “To summarize, [Segment A] is the most significant component, representing over half of the total share.”

4. For Tables

Introduction: “The table presents data on [subject, e.g., the performance metrics] for various [categories, e.g., departments].”
Key Features:
“The highest figure in the table is for [Category A] in the [Metric X] column, at [Number].”
“The lowest figure is for [Category B] in the [Metric Y] column.”
“A key observation is that [Category C] performs well in [Metric X] but poorly in [Metric Y].”
Conclusion: “In conclusion, the table reveals significant variations in performance across the different departments.”

5. For Maps / Diagrams / Processes

Introduction: “The image depicts a map showing the changes in [a specific area] between [Year A] and [Year B].” OR “The diagram outlines the process of [process name].”
Key Features:
For Maps: “The most noticeable change is the expansion of [Feature A, e.g., residential areas] in the north-eastern part. We can also see the disappearance of [Feature B, e.g., forest land] and the construction of new [Feature C, e.g., roads].”
For Processes: “The process begins with [Step 1]. Following this, [Step 2] occurs, which leads to [Step 3]. The final stage involves [Step 4].”
Conclusion: “Overall, the map highlights a significant development in the region.” OR “In summary, the process involves [number] key stages from start to finish.”

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Example Using the Template (Line Graph)

Image: A line graph showing the website traffic for Site A and Site B from 2010-2020. Site A starts low and rises sharply. Site B starts high and falls gradually.

Your Response:
> (Introduction) “This line graph illustrates the trends in website traffic for Site A and Site B over a ten-year period from 2010 to 2020.
>
> (Key Features) The most prominent feature is the dramatic increase in traffic for Site A, which began around 2012 and continued to rise, reaching a peak in 2020. In contrast, Site B experienced a steady decline throughout the same period. It is noteworthy that both sites had similar traffic levels in approximately 2013.
>
> (Conclusion) Overall, the graph demonstrates a clear upward trend for Site A, while Site B showed a consistent downward trend.”

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Pro-Tips for Success

1. Practice the Template: Memorize the core structure so it becomes second nature. This saves you crucial thinking time.
2. Focus on Key Information: You only have 25 seconds to prepare. Identify the highest, lowest, a key trend, and a notable comparison. Don’t describe every single data point.
3. Use Linking Words: Words like “however,” “in contrast,” “furthermore,” and “similarly” make your speech flow better.
4. Don’t Panic Over Unknown Words: If a term is complex, describe it generally (e.g., “this category,” “this segment”).
5. Pace Yourself: Speak calmly and clearly. You need to finish your description in about 30-35 seconds. A natural conclusion is better than being cut off.
6. Fluency is King: Your fluency and pronunciation are scored highly. It’s better to speak smoothly with simple vocabulary than to use complex words and hesitate.

By using this template and practicing with various image types, you can approach the PTE Describe Image task with confidence and maximize your score.

 

This template provides a structure to describe various image types like charts (bar, line, pie), tables, maps, process diagrams, and even photographs.

Template Structure (Fill in the blanks):

Introduction:

• The image is about/shows/illustrates/depicts/presents [Main Topic/Subject of the image].
• It is a [Type of image – e.g., bar chart, line graph, pie chart, table, map, diagram, photograph].

Body Paragraph 1: Key Features/Trends (Start with the most significant feature):

• According to the [Type of image], it is clear/evident/noticeable that [Key Feature 1 – often the highest/lowest value, biggest trend, most prominent element].
• For example, [Specific data point or example to support Key Feature 1].
• Another significant feature is [Key Feature 2 – another important value, trend, or element].
• This can be seen in [Specific data point or example to support Key Feature 2].

Body Paragraph 2: Further Details (Optional – use if time and image allow):

• In addition, [Further Detail 1 – compare or contrast elements, mention other categories or stages, etc.].
• Similarly/Likewise/In contrast, [Further Detail 2 – another comparison, contrast, or detail].

Conclusion:

• Overall/In conclusion/To summarize, the image provides information about [Summarize the main topic again].
• It is a [Positive adjective describing the image – e.g., informative, insightful, useful, clear, illustrative] [Type of image] that [Conclude with the main message or takeaway from the image].

Example using the Template (Bar Chart – Hypothetical Data on Internet Usage by Age Group):

Let’s imagine a bar chart showing “Internet Usage by Age Group” with age groups along the X-axis and percentage of users on the Y-axis. Let’s say the bar chart shows high usage for younger age groups and lower usage for older age groups.

Applying the Template:

Introduction:

• The image is about internet usage by different age groups.
• It is a bar chart.

Body Paragraph 1: Key Features/Trends:

• According to the bar chart, it is evident that younger age groups have the highest internet usage.
• For example, the bar for the 18-25 age group is significantly taller than others, reaching nearly 90%.
• Another significant feature is that internet usage generally decreases as age increases.
• This can be seen in the steadily declining bar heights as we move from younger to older age categories.

Body Paragraph 2: Further Details (Optional – in this case, let’s add comparison):

• In addition, the difference in internet usage between the youngest and oldest age groups is quite substantial.
• In contrast, the usage among the middle-aged groups shows a more gradual decline.

Conclusion:

• Overall, the image provides information about how internet usage varies across different age demographics.
• It is an informative bar chart that clearly illustrates the trend of higher internet usage among younger generations.

Explanation of Template Sections:

• Introduction: Immediately set the context by identifying the topic and image type. This helps you start strong and gives the examiner a clear understanding of what you are describing.
• Body Paragraph 1 (Key Features): This is the most crucial part. Focus on the most important features. For charts and graphs, this often means identifying the highest/lowest points, largest/smallest categories, and significant trends (increases, decreases). Using “According to the [Image type], it is clear/evident/noticeable that…” helps you directly reference the image and present your key observations confidently.  Always back up your key features with specific data points or examples from the image.
• Body Paragraph 2 (Further Details): This section is optional. If you have time left (and the image has more details to discuss without exceeding the time limit), you can add further details. This could be comparisons, contrasts, mentioning other categories, or elaborating on less prominent but still noteworthy features.  Don’t rush into this section if you are running out of time; focus on getting the Key Features right first.
• Conclusion: Briefly summarize the overall topic again and give a concluding statement. Using a positive adjective to describe the image (informative, clear, insightful) adds a positive and confident tone. Conclude with a brief takeaway message that reinforces the overall meaning of the image.

Why this Template is Effective for PTE Describe Image:

• Structured and Organized: Provides a clear framework, preventing rambling or getting lost during your description.
• Covers Essential Information: Ensures you address the topic, image type, key features, and overall message.
• Time-Efficient: Helps you structure your response quickly within the 40-second time limit.
• Adaptable: Works for various image types by simply changing the “Type of image” and the content within each section.
• Focuses on Key Features: Emphasizes identifying and describing the most important elements of the image, which is crucial for scoring well.
• Uses Useful Phrases: Provides ready-to-use phrases (“According to…”, “It is evident that…”, “Another significant feature…”) that are suitable for spoken English and PTE.

Tips for Using this Template Effectively:

• Practice Identifying Key Features Quickly: Spend a few seconds analyzing the image before you start speaking. Identify the most important data, trends, or elements that stand out.
• Prioritize Key Features in Body Paragraph 1: Focus on the most significant features first, as these are the most important to describe if time is limited.
• Use Specific Data Points: Don’t just say “high” or “low.” Mention specific numbers or labels from the image to support your descriptions (e.g., “almost 90%”, “the highest value is in 2020”).
• Time Management: Practice describing images within the 40-second limit. Don’t try to describe everything in detail. Focus on the most impactful features. If you are running out of time, skip Body Paragraph 2 and move to the Conclusion.
• Use Clear and Concise Language: Speak clearly and use simple, direct sentences. Avoid overly complex grammar or vocabulary.
• Maintain a Good Pace: Speak at a natural pace. Don’t rush or speak too slowly.
• Practice with Different Image Types: Practice using this template with various PTE Describe Image practice questions – bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, tables, process diagrams, maps, and even photographs. This will make you more comfortable and adaptable on test day.

By using this template and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to effectively describe images in the PTE speaking section and maximize your score.

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