Task Overview

In the Describe Image item type of the PTE Academic & UKVI Speaking section, an image (such as a map, graph, chart, or diagram) appears on the screen, and you are required to describe it in detail.

• Skills Assessed: Speaking
• Preparation Time: 25 seconds
• Speaking Time: 40 seconds
• Prompt Length: Not applicable

How to Answer the Question

1. Preparation Phase: You have 25 seconds to study the image before the microphone opens. Use this time to identify key trends, labels, and overall patterns.
2. Audio Cue: Wait for the short tone before speaking. Do not start early, as anything spoken before the recording status changes will not be captured.
3. Delivery: Speak clearly and at a natural rate. Avoid rushing or over-emphasizing.
4. Completion: Wrap up your speech before the progress bar finishes and the status changes from Recording to Completed.
5. Single Attempt: You are only allowed to record your response once.

Practical Test Tips

1. Focus on Main Information and Details

Ask yourself two key questions while looking at the image:

• "What is the main idea being shown?"
• "What are the key details relating to the main idea?"

Use your erasable noteboard booklet to write down key words and phrases during your 25-second prep time. Combine these into coherent sentences when speaking.

2. Organize Your Response

Structuring your answer logically improves your score by ensuring you cover main insights and conclusions. A recommended structure includes:

• Introduction / General Overview: Mention the title and main subject of the image.
• Main Points & Key Trends: Highlight significant data points, peaks, low points, or key contrast areas.
• Other Details & Conclusion: Briefly mention secondary details and summarize with a logical conclusion or implication.

How 'Describe Image' is Scored

The task uses partial credit scoring and assesses three main traits:

• Content: Evaluates whether you accurately and thoroughly describe all elements, relationships, developments, and implications. Mentioning disjointed or incomplete ideas will reduce your content score.
• Pronunciation: Measures your ability to produce speech sounds, vowels, consonants, and word stress easily understandable to regular English speakers.
• Oral Fluency: Assesses smooth rhythm, natural phrasing, and consistent speaking rate. Hesitations, false starts, and repetitions negatively impact oral fluency.