The best PTE Describe Image approach is a single flexible framework you adapt to each image not a memorised template. You get 25 seconds to study the image, then up to 40 seconds to speak. Use that window to name what the image shows, lead with the most striking data point, add two or three specifics, and close with a trend or comparison. The engine rewards specific, fluent description and penalises generic, identical scripts.
What is the 40-second Describe Image method?
You get 25 seconds to study the image, then up to 40 seconds to speak. Use a four-move framework: (1) say what the image is, (2) lead with the standout feature, (3) give two to three supporting specifics, (4) finish with the overall trend or comparison. It works for any image because you adapt the wording to what you actually see there’s no fixed sentence to memorise.
1 · Identify
Name the image type and its topic in one short sentence – ‘This line graph shows…’
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2 · Standout
Lead with the single most striking point: the peak, the biggest slice, the clearest contrast.
3 · Specifics
Add two or three concrete details figures, labels or categories you can actually read.
Stock openings like ‘The given image illustrates…’ appear in tens of thousands of answers and carry little scoring weight and a word-for-word template you repeat on every image can be flagged by the scoring engine as reused, memorised content. Vary your wording to the actual image: describe this graph, in your own words, and you stay safe under the 2025 marking standard.
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You get 25 seconds to study the image and plan spot the standout feature and two or three figures you can read then up to 40 seconds to speak. Start talking as soon as the tone sounds and keep going; long silences end your recording early.
How do you describe a line graph?
For a line graph, lead with the trend: is the line rising, falling, fluctuating or steady? Name the start and end points, the highest and lowest values, and any sharp change. Close with the overall direction over the whole period.
Adaptable framework: ‘This line graph shows [topic] from [start] to [end]. The most striking feature is [the peak / sharp rise / steep drop] at [point]. It begins at [value], reaches [value], and ends at [value]. Overall, the trend is [upward / downward / fluctuating].’ Swap the bracketed parts for what you see.
How do you describe a bar chart?
For a bar chart, lead with the comparison: which bar is highest, which is lowest, and how they differ. Group similar bars, call out the extremes, and finish with the overall pattern across categories.
Adaptable framework: ‘This bar chart compares [categories]. The highest is [category] at [value], while the lowest is [category] at [value]. [Two/three] categories sit close together around [value]. Overall, [the pattern / which group dominates].’ Keep it specific to the labels on screen.
How do you describe a pie chart?
For a pie chart, lead with proportion: the largest slice and the smallest, as shares of the whole. Mention two or three notable segments and whether any are roughly equal. Close with what the biggest share tells you.
Adaptable framework: ‘This pie chart shows the proportion of [topic]. The largest share is [segment] at [%], and the smallest is [segment] at [%]. [Segment] and [segment] are roughly equal. Overall, [segment] dominates / the split is fairly even.’
How do you describe a map or process diagram?
For a map, describe location and change what’s where, and what differs between ‘before’ and ‘after’ versions. For a process diagram, describe the sequence the first stage, the order of steps, and the final output — using clear sequencing words.
| Image | Lead with | Useful language |
|---|---|---|
| Map | Location & change | ‘to the north/south’, ‘replaced by’, ‘developed into’ |
| Process diagram | Sequence | ‘first’, ‘next’, ‘then’, ‘finally’, ‘results in’ |
How do you describe a table or multiple-image slide?
For a table, lead with the highest and lowest values and any clear row-or-column pattern; you can’t read every cell, so pick the standouts. For a multiple-image slide, compare the images directly what they share and where they differ.
The principle is constant across all six types: open with the most important thing on screen, support it with two or three readable specifics, and finish with a comparison or trend fluently, in your own words.
Frequently asked questions
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Should I memorise a Describe Image template?
No. Memorised, widely-shared templates now score poorly because the engine treats them as reused content. Use one flexible framework you adapt to each image in your own words.
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How long do I get to speak in Describe Image?
You get 25 seconds to study the image and prepare, then up to 40 seconds to speak. Lead with the standout feature so your best content comes first.
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What should I say first in Describe Image?
Name the image type and topic, then immediately lead with the single most striking data point — the peak, the largest slice or the clearest contrast.
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Does Describe Image score content or fluency?
Both. You need accurate, specific description and fluent, clearly pronounced delivery — content alone won’t carry a hesitant answer.
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How do I describe a process diagram in PTE?
Describe the sequence: name the first stage, walk through the steps in order using sequencing words, and finish with the final output.
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Which graph types appear in PTE Describe Image?
Line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, maps, process diagrams and tables – plus occasional multiple-image slides. One adaptable framework covers them all.
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