Mastering the PTE Describe Image Task: Templates, Tips, and Strategies

Updated on Apr 16,2025

The PTE Describe Image task requires test-takers to verbally describe an image within a limited time. This assesses not only content comprehension but also fluency and pronunciation. Mastering this section can significantly impact your PTE score. This blog post will provide you with updated strategies, useful templates, and practical tips for success in the PTE Describe Image task. We'll guide you on how to approach different image types and avoid common pitfalls, ensuring you're well-prepared for this crucial segment of the exam.

Key Points for PTE Describe Image Success

Understand the latest PTE Describe Image updates and their impact on test strategy.

Learn how to use fillers and connectors to enhance fluency and coherence.

Adapt to various image types, including graphs, charts, maps, and real-life pictures.

Develop a personalized approach instead of relying on fixed, outdated templates.

Focus on strong content and good content to improve your PTE score.

Navigating the Updated PTE Describe Image Task

Understanding Recent Changes

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic has seen recent updates that significantly impact test-taking strategies, particularly in the Describe Image section.

Fixed templates are no longer recommended as a primary strategy. Instead, the focus is now on demonstrating genuine language proficiency. This means test-takers need to be adaptable and spontaneous in their responses. These are designed to test the test takers' ability to respond confidently, this will further improve the result.

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The Shift from Fixed Templates to Personalized Responses

To effectively create a personalized response, consider the following:

  • Identifying Key Elements: Quickly assess the image to identify the main subjects, trends, or features.
  • Using Varied Language: Employ a range of vocabulary and sentence structures to showcase your language skills.
  • Maintaining a Natural Flow: Speak fluently and coherently, using connectors and fillers where appropriate.

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Embracing Fillers and Connectors for Enhanced Fluency

Since fixed templates are no longer the best approach, the effective use of fillers and connectors has become increasingly important. These linguistic tools help to create a smooth and natural flow in your speech. Fillers, such as “well,” “um,” and “like,” can give you time to Gather your thoughts without creating awkward pauses.

Connectors, like "moreover", "furthermore", and "in addition", are used to link ideas logically and enhance coherence. Aim for fluency and not to compromise.

Here is a list of connectors and fillers that you could learn for enhance fluency:

  • However
  • Although
  • Therefore
  • Moreover
  • Likely
  • Well
  • Um

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Navigating Different Image Types in PTE Describe Image

Different Images require different skills, so you can consider practising by type for each one. Here is the list you should remember:

  • Charts
  • Pictures
  • Graphs
  • Maps
  • Tables

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Crafting Your Own 'Template': A Flexible Framework

Options, Not Restrictions

To stay ahead of the curve, create your own framework that gives you multiple options for constructing a response, without relying on rigid, easily detectable templates. This is essential for all test-takers in achieving a high PTE score. To help create a natural, flowing response and give you time to think about adjust them based on the specificities of each images, make sure you make your own structure based on strategy. Here are some examples of sentences you can use to describe images:

  • In this image, I can see...
  • The image illustrates...
  • From what I can see from this image...
  • It appears to be
  • The major thing is...

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Making your own PTE Describe Image Template for High Score

As noted above, if you don't have a template and start making sentences, there is a high chance you cannot deliver high quality content. Therefore, it is important for us to have high quality sentences.

  • In this map, we can see...
  • As the image has shown us…
  • Looking at the image from different angels…
  • From here, we are noticing/seeing…. Keyword Density: PTE Describe Image, PTE score, Pearson, vocabulary

How to improve your PTE score

Follow strategy mentioned above to create your own template

As I have said throughout the content above, it is extremely important to follow the content listed above to improve your overall PTE Score. A PTE High Score requires a lot of work, so keep grinding!

PTE Describe Image: Fillers and Connectors

👍 Pros

Improve fluency and coherence

Connect ideas and arguments effectively.

Enhance the logical flow of your speech.

Create a more natural and engaging delivery

👎 Cons

Overuse can make your speech sound unnatural.

Using the wrong connectors can confuse your message.

Requires practice to use them effectively and appropriately.

Frequently Asked Questions about the PTE Describe Image

Can I still use templates for PTE Describe Image?
While memorized templates aren't strictly prohibited, they are no longer recommended. PTE now focuses on more flexible frameworks that promote spontaneous and adaptable language use. Over-reliance on fixed templates can be flagged and may negatively impact your score. With the new and upcoming content, test takers may find new strategy for test preparation.
How much time do I have to prepare and speak in PTE Describe Image?
For each image, you have 25 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak. It’s crucial to use the preparation time effectively by quickly analyzing the image and structuring your response in your mind. Some test takers may click next without taking time to prepare. You have enough time so prepare for your image by using 20/40 seconds. Don't rush and prepare well.
What happens if I pause too much during my description?
Excessive pausing can negatively affect your fluency score. Practice using fillers and connectors to maintain a smooth flow. This will help you keep up with the limited time that you have and achieve better results. It will prevent you from using any fixed format phrases that make your speech sound robotic. Also, ensure test-takers do not lose marks in content

Related Questions for PTE Describe Image Exam

What are the key elements I should focus on when describing an image?
Focus on clarity, coherence, and content. Start with a concise introduction, identify the main subjects or trends, and use appropriate language to convey the image's details. Pay close attention and look out for filler and other phrases. Take notes before speaking about the content and make sure to review each step before you say anything. Pearson always checks the ability for a test take to respond properly.

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