The Describe Image in PTE is an assessment of your ability to describe visual elements in English. It belongs to the Speaking Section and is worth 22.2 marks out of the total 360.
In this article, our experts at PTE Success Online (the fastest-growing PTE platform in Australia) will provide you with a complete guide to getting the highest score on Describe Image in PTE, along with several images to practice. We have discussed the secret strategies used by students to obtain 90.
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In the “Describe Image” task, you’ll see an image on the screen and have 25 seconds to study it. After that, you have 40 seconds to describe the image aloud. The types of images you might encounter include:
- Bar charts show data comparisons across different categories.
- Line Graphs: Illustrate trends over time.
- Pie charts display parts of a whole.
- Tables: Present data in rows and columns.
- Maps: Depict geographical locations or directions.
- Pictures can be photos, diagrams, or other illustrations.
- Process diagrams show steps in a process or how something works.
How do I prepare to describe an image?
Use the following methods as preparation for the Describe Image Task in PTE, as suggested by our expert tutors. The description image is important as it evaluates one’s speaking skills, such as pronunciation, fluency, and logic. It also assesses whether you can use appropriate vocabulary and grammar to describe the visual information.
To better tackle the task, you must learn to identify the most important elements of an image and always focus on the highest, lowest, notable patterns, and significant patterns.
Tips for describing the image section
- Learn about image types.
Learn about all the different image types for the describe image questions. Learn to describe bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, tables, maps, and pictures. Learn the method of explaining them properly and showing the largest and smallest segments, along with the key elements and notable patterns.
- Practice Regularly
The best way to successfully tackle the Describe Image is to practice it on a regular basis. You must spend 4-5 minutes describing different types of images, along with online resources, textbooks, or practice tests.
- Always break down your speech.
It is very important to break down your speech into multiple topics to effectively describe images. Start with a general statement or a basic introduction, followed by the key features of the image, known as the main description, followed by a concluding statement of the overall impression or main trend.
- Use Comparative and Denotative Words in Vocabulary
Always use comparative words like increase, decrease, fluctuate, peak, trend, etc. in your language. Also, learn to use terms to better describe your location and direction. Use denotative words for diagrams to provide a step-by-step guide.
- Talk, act, and think like a native speaker.
As Describe Image is a part of the Speaking Section, it is important to talk, act, and think like a native speaker. Avoid filler words to the extent possible and create smooth flow with the use of connectors. Also, practice speaking clearly at a steady pace.
Describe the image-scoring criteria.
The Describe Image task in the Pearson Test of English is assessed based on several key criteria for how the test taker describes the image. It observes if the test-taker has highlighted the highest, lowest, and other noticeable patterns or not. It assesses if the test-taker has finished explaining the image within the allocated time frame. It also looks at your pronunciation and the fluency of your speech. The test holds 22.2 out of 360 marks in the speaking section.
Commonly described image topics
The major or common topics for describing images in the PTE test are as follows:
- Charts and graphs
The charts and graphs contain sales figures, population trends, market share, and other indicators.
2.Tables
Tables are utilized to present data in rows and columns between different categories, such as survey results, financial data, and other statistics.
- Maps
Maps are important to provide information about locations, boundaries, and directions. Maps can include population, resources, and transportation.
- Process Diagrams
The process diagrams involve particular processes or workflows, such as manufacturing processes, biological processes, and business processes.
How long is the Describe Image task?
The Describe Image Tasks in PTE Academic lasts for 40 seconds. During the 40-second period, the test taker should verbally describe a visual image presented to them on the screen.
Candidates have 25 seconds to examine and analyze the image. After the end of 25 seconds, they have 40 seconds to speak aloud and describe the image in English.
Secret Tips and Strategies for Describe Image PTE
- Use Mnemonics
- Use sensory imagery.
- Utilize the Rule of Threes.
- Create Acronyms
- Use storytelling techniques.
- Apply the S.P.E.A.K. method.
- Visualize as a Tour Guide
- Use analogies or metaphors.
- Employ the Zoom-In Technique
- Practice Visualization
- Use Mnemonics
Create mnemonic devices to remember key points about the image. Try to associate each product with a mental image or story to recall them during the speaking time.
- Use sensory imagery.
Always try to utilize sensory language in your description. Instead of saying, “The graph shows a decrease,” say, “The line slopes downward like a roller coaster, indicating a sharp decline.”
- The Rule of Threes
Your description of the image should be surrounded by three main points or observations about the image to cover your essential information. The three should have an overall observation, the highest and the lowest.
- Create Acronyms
Develop an acronym to remember the elements to address in your description. Create an acronym using the initial letters of key steps in your description.
- Use storytelling techniques.
Develop a narrative around the image, such as the beginning, middle, and end, to make your description more effective.
- Apply the S.P.E.A.K. method.
The S.P.E.A.K. method to structure your description is:
- State the main idea or theme of the image.
- Point out key features or trends.
- Explain the significance or implications of the data.
- Address any anomalies or exceptions.
- Keep your description concise and focused.
- Visualize as a Tour Guide
Another interesting tip from one of your tutors is to visualize yourself as a guide, where you are leading the listener through the image. Try to be clear, concise, basic, yet engaging.
- Use analogies or metaphors.
Similar to acronyms, analogies and metaphors can also be utilized to describe the image more effectively.
- Employ the Zoom-In Technique
Start your description with an overview of the entire image and zoom in on specific details or sections.
- Practice Visualization
Visualization is the most effective way of articulating the key points of the image. Always practice visualization.
Describe Image Samples
Conclusion
The Describe Image Task in PTE Academic examines your ability to process visual information within the Speaking Section with only 25 seconds to prepare. Always focus on key points and highlight the main idea, including the including the highest and lowest points. Develop a narrative by using the SPEAK method. The PTE Describe Image Practice must be refined again and again.
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