The PTE Describe Image is the task under the PTE speaking and writing section of the PTE exam. It requires good observation and describing skills. Performing well in this section is vital to getting higher scores. The objective of this task is to explain its difficulties and offer insights into effective response strategies. Thus, in this blog, we will understand everything about the describe image in PTE, samples, templates and many more. In addition, let’s know what exactly the task of describing an image means.
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In the PTE exam, the ‘Describe Image’ task in the speaking portion presents a unique challenge that is beyond basic language proficiency. It tests a student’s ability to quickly interpret, analyze, and verbally express the contents of PTE image. They can be graphs, tables, maps, charts, diagrams, and photos. There are no set rules for the image type. Sometimes, there is more than one image, that can also include a piece of text. Moreover, this task majorly contributes to the speaking portion, making it vital for students to excel in it with an overall high PTE score.
When it comes to Describe Image questions, many individuals find it very difficult and tricky as it is open to interpretation with no correct answer. Therefore, one must have a full-planned strategy to answer these questions. They must know what they are looking for to answer these questions efficiently. Through this, it ensures that students are well-prepared not just expressively, but also in their analytical abilities. Thus, as soon as the picture is displayed on the screen, one should always look out for the three key things and mention them in the answers. Let’s look at the below table.
|
Title |
It is located at the top of the image and should ideally be mentioned in the beginning of the answer. |
|
Distinctive Features |
Once the title is introduced, the candidate should move to the main features of the image. Try to include at least three components. |
|
Ending |
In the last, end the answer with a conclusion that one has gathered from the image or a suggestion they would like to make. |
Overall, each candidate is provided around 25 seconds, to analyze the picture for PTE, followed by the next 40 seconds to describe it in detail. Now let’s discuss in the next section the various types of ‘Describe Images’ that will come in your PTE exam.
One of the most important things for the PTE Academic exam is to be prepared. For this task, you must know that there are many different kinds of images that may appear. Thus, let’s have a look below at the different sample types of PTE Describe Images that can appear in your test.
These are some of the various types of PTE Describe Image that can be asked in your speaking portion. Now let’s understand them one by one in detail with their required samples and templates.
The Bar Graph in the PTE reveals the data from highest to lowest, and you have to describe it with good pronunciation. To answer the bar graph one needs a structured approach. For more clarification on how to answer, look at the template for the Bar Graph.
Introduction: The graph depicts the trends in (subject) over (period).
Body: The (subject) shows a significant increase from (start year) to (end year), reaching its peak at (highest point). In contrast, there was a remarkable decline from (highest point) to (lowest point). The data also shows a moderate variation between (year) and (year).
Conclusion: Overall, the graph demonstrates the changing patterns of (subject) over the given period.
Let’s have a look at the PTE image of Bar Graph that is given below and then read the sample answer for the same.
Answer:
The chart shows that 72% of the people preferred their vehicles, followed by 17% who chose to walk to reach their chosen destination. Public transportation like trains buses, and ferries was used by 10% of individuals, and only 2% of people chose other forms of transportation.
Overall, we can conclude from the chart that people in Sydney find much more comfort in traveling in their vehicles for trips as compared to other conveyances.
In the Line Graph PTE question type, candidates are required to describe the information presented in the image. To score well in the line graph of the speaking section, one should scan the information reflected in the image. You must look for the template for the line graph.
Introduction: The line chart describes information (Topic/Title)
Body: The highest figure in (Name) is at (Figure), and it gradually declined/increased to reach a low/high of (Figure). On the contrary, the lowest figure in (Name) is at (Figure), and it gradually rises/drops to (Figure).
Conclusion: In conclusion, it can be seen that (Trend/Highest/Lowest/Difference/Similarity).
Given below is the example of Describe Image for Line Graph that will help you to understand the type and format for your exam.
Answer:
This line graph or chart indicates Dubai Gold Sales in 2002 throughout the year measured in millions of dirhams.
In January, the price was at 200 dirhams. It saw a sharp rise from February, reaching 350 million. Additionally, there was a sharp decline, followed by a slower decrease, ultimately resolving at 150 million in July. As we see, August marked a brief recovery, with sales hitting 200 million, followed by another decline in September. However, by December, sales again returned to 200 million.
In conclusion, in the whole year, there were changes, but on the whole, sales remained at approximately 200 million dirhams per month.
This is without doubt one of the highest PTE charts to explain, as every slice of the pie chart is similar to a value. The pie charts show the overall composition out of 100%, and will always have colours to highlight the different items. To gain better clarity, look at the template for the pie chart.
Introduction: The pie chart illustrates the distribution of (category) in (context).
Body: The largest portion of the pie chart is assigned to (category 1), consisting of (percentage). Meanwhile, (category 2) and (category 3) represent (percentage) and (percentage) of the chart, respectively.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the pie chart provides a clear overview of the distribution of (category) in (context).
Below is the PTE image for the pie chart. Look at it and gain a better understanding of how to answer it.
Answer:
The pie chart here represents the survey conducted by a man on 30 kids to know which pet they like the most.
It illustrates that 53.33% of them like dogs, which is the maximum number among all the other categories. Cats are favoured by 6.67% of the students, while the same percentage, 6.67% express a liking for hamsters as pets. 6.67% of students said that they like other pets apart from dogs, cats, and hamsters, and 26.67% of students said that they like all pets.
In conclusion, the maximum percentage of liking is for the dogs.
Another common image type in PTE Describe Image is a table. In this type, it is not necessary to describe all of the figures in the table. Instead, it is vital to find out the relative figures or trends first, and simply mention the elements provided in the chart. Look at the template for tables.
Introduction: The table presents the data related to (topic).
Body: (Category 1) observes a rise from (value) in (year) to (value) in (year). On the contrary, (Category 2) had a gradual decline from (value) in (year) to (value) in (year). (Category 3) remained steadily stable throughout the period, floating around (value).
Conclusion: In summary, the table highlights the various trends and figures for (topic).
The below-given picture for PTE tables depicts the percentage of students with study issues in two universities. Look at the image below.
Answer:
The table displays the percentage of students with several academic problems in the two universities a decade ago compared with the current one.
The number of students with problems attending lectures rose drastically from 18 to 32% in University A, whereas it remained at 15% to 16% in University B. University A saw a deduction in the number of students having issues with submitting tasks on time, from 28% to 18%, while this increased from 13 to 19% for University B. Finally, University A had 24% of students with problems concentrating in lectures, compared with 18% in University B, and this did not change over the time.
In conclusion, the two universities had noteworthy differences in study-related challenges, with some improving over the last decade while others weakened.
Process/Flow chart or diagram requires the students to describe a process in chronological order. Therefore, candidates must have strong vocabularies for the process diagram. This task sometimes gets tricky as there are too many or few processes to describe in 40 seconds. In addition, look at the template below.
Introduction: The process/flow chart image gives the process or life cycle of (Topic/Title).
Body: There are several stages /steps in the flow chart. Initially explain (The first process). And in the next stage, convert into the (second process), and then the (third process).
Conclusion: Finally, (The final process) and provides information about (Topic/Title).
Below given is the picture for PTE of the Process/Flow chart that can come in your exam. Have a look for a better understanding.
Answer:
The image shows the Inquiry Process and Terms of Reference for Australia in 2015.
This process begins with the Terms of Reference and ends with the Government’s response. Initially, it involves early research and consultations, followed by the creation of issues paper, and a call for submissions. Eventually, there is an examination of the collected submissions leads to the generation of a Discussion Paper. After review and further consultations, a final report is made.
In conclusion, the report is then submitted to the government, which results in a response involving possible law-making changes.
This task is a PTE image or picture in which you have to observe the photo during the 25-second preparation time. You must keep your eye on key elements, people, objects, and the overall scene. Let’s look at the template that you can use in this task.
Introduction: The photo captures a scene of (description).
Body: The foreground of the photo portrays (main objects/people) engaging in (activity). In the background, add the (additional details), that can be observed, contributing to the overall atmosphere.
Conclusion: Overall, the photo lively depicts (description), capturing the moment’s essence.
The given below is the PTE image or picture that is shows a person crossing the road. See the image and read the sample answer for the same.
Answer:
The given image shows a young girl who is crossing the road and seems like she is busy on her phone.
The highlight of the image is what I can observe is that she is not aware of anything and busy looking at her phone while crossing the road. There is no other person around her that’s why she can cross the road very smoothly. In the background, I can only see some cars and trees.
Overall, I can conclude from the image that the person knows her destination and where she has to go after crossing the road.
Finally, these are some of the types of PTE chart or Describe Images that you can face in your PTE exam. Now let’s discuss in the next section that what is the scoring criteria and how your answers will be assessed in the exam.
In the ‘Describe Image’ task, accuracy is important. Candidates are evaluated on how accurately and thoroughly they describe the image. It includes mentioning the key elements, correlation between data points, and conclusions that can be drawn. Thus, the described image task will be assessed based on three criteria that are given below.
In essence, this is the criteria for how the PTE scores are assessed by an examiner. Now the next part includes the scoring specifics or the points allocation for each criterion.
The Describe Image task allocates points for each scoring criterion. Let’s have a look at the below-given table.
Scoring Breakdown for ‘Describe Image’
|
Criterion |
Maximum Points |
Key Considerations |
|
Content |
5 |
Completeness, logic, and implications |
|
Oral Fluency |
5 |
Smoothness, natural tone, no hesitations |
|
Pronunciation |
5 |
Clarity, stress, and intonation |
This is the scoring breakdown or the point allocation for the answers to the PTE chart. According to this only, the examiner will give you a score. Now the next section covers some tips and tricks to excel in the task of Describe Image in the PTE test.
Tips and tricks play a crucial role in the task of describing an image or overall in the PTE Academic exam. Mentioned below are some of the tips that will help you to ace this task.
Must Read: PTE Collocation List
To sum up, the PTE Describe Image task tests or evaluates how well you can discuss the answers related to all the charts or graphs. Thus, this blog covers the different types of image tasks with their templates and sample answers. Additionally, the scoring criteria and tips have also been provided for a good score. Still, if you are facing difficulties in your PTE preparation then take our PTE mock test of all the sections. Also, you can join our offline or online PTE classes at Gradding.com.
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