Speaking · visual information
Describe Image: explain what matters most
Describe Image is a PTE Academic speaking task. Look for the image’s purpose, the most important features and one meaningful comparison before you speak. A short, accurate explanation is more useful than naming every label.
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What is Describe Image?
You see an image such as a chart, map, process or photograph and produce a spoken description. The method changes with the image: charts invite comparisons, while process diagrams call for a clear sequence. MaxPTE presents image prompts in its practice player and lets you review your attempts.
How to practise this task
- Identify the image type and its subject.
- Select two or three features a listener would need to understand it.
- Describe a contrast, trend or sequence where one is visible.
- Close with a brief overall observation supported by the image.
Practical preparation guidance
- For a chart, check labels and units before comparing values.
- For a process, follow the arrows or numbered stages.
- Practise with different image types so you can adapt your structure.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Inventing a cause for a trend that the image does not show.
- Reading every number with no overall point.
- Using a memorised description that ignores the actual image.
Example opening
For an illustrative bar chart of library visits by month, begin: “The chart compares monthly library visits.” Then identify the highest and lowest months and one visible change. Do not claim why visits changed unless the chart provides that information.
Quick answers
Should I mention every number?
No. Choose the figures that support the main comparison.
Can I use one fixed template?
A flexible opening is useful, but the details must come from the image.
Continue in MaxPTE
Open the Academic task in the existing MaxPTE practice player, complete a question, and use the result to choose your next attempt. MaxPTE is an independent PTE preparation platform, not an official Pearson scoring service.
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