Describe Image Templates (2026)

PTE Describe Image Guide – Everything You Need to Know (and Templates!)

The Describe Image task in the PTE Academic exam is one of the most challenging parts of the Speaking section because it requires you to think quickly, organise information logically, and speak fluently. In this task, you’re shown an image such as a bar chart, line graph, pie chart, map, diagram, table, or even a real-life photograph. You then have 25 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak, during which the AI scoring engine evaluates your content, fluency, pronunciation, and oral communication skills.

What makes Describe Image difficult for many students is the unpredictability of the visuals. You never know what type of image will appear, how complex it will be, or how much detail it contains. This unpredictability often causes students to panic, hesitate, or ramble – all of which reduce fluency and lead to lower scores.

That’s why many students rely on Describe Image templates. These templates can be extremely helpful because they give you a clear framework to follow, prevent silence, and reduce the mental pressure of forming sentences on the spot. When used correctly, templates help you stay calm, organised, and fluent, even when the image looks confusing or overly complicated.

This guide will teach you:

1. What Is the Describe Image Task in PTE Academic?
2. A Quick Warning About Templates
3. Types of Images You Can Expect
4. Key Benefits of Using Describe Image Templates
5. The Universal 4-Step Structure & Template
6. Safe & Flexible Templates for Each Visual Type
   1. Bar Chart Template
   2. Line Graph Template
   3. Pie Chart Template
   4. Map Template
   5. Process Diagram Template
   6. Table Template
   7. Mixed Visual Template
7. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
8. How We Can Help You Achieve Your Desired Score
9. FAQs – PTE Describe Image Task

Let’s begin.

What Is the Describe Image Task in PTE Academic?

In this PTE speaking task, you will see a visual and must describe it clearly and logically.

Task Requirements:

• Preparation time: 25 seconds
• Speaking time: 40 seconds
• Skills assessed: Content, fluency, pronunciation, oral communication
• Visual types: Graphs, charts, tables, maps, diagrams, photos

The key to scoring high is structure. Without structure, students ramble, get stuck, forget what to say, or waste time repeating irrelevant details. That’s where templates and frameworks help, when used properly.

⚠️ A Quick Warning About Templates

Templates can be very helpful, but using them incorrectly can lower your score. Pearson reduces marks when:

• You ignore the actual image
• You repeat memorised lines that don’t match the visual
• Your response sounds robotic or irrelevant

Remember: templates are guides, not shortcuts. The scoring system checks your content, fluency, pronunciation, and overall clarity.

So if you only read a memorised script, you will lose marks for content.

Types of Images You Can Expect in the PTE Describe Image Task

In the PTE Academic, the Describe Image task can present a wide range of visuals. Knowing what types of images may appear helps you prepare better and avoids surprises during the test.

Here are the most common image types:

• Bar Charts – compare values across categories
• Line Graphs – show trends and changes over time
• Pie Charts – display percentage or proportional breakdowns
• Tables – present structured numerical or categorical data
• Maps – show geographical differences or distributions
• Process Diagrams – illustrate stages, cycles, or sequences
• Flowcharts – present step-by-step processes or decision paths
• Mixed Images – combinations of charts, diagrams, or tables
• Scientific Diagrams – cycles, systems, structures, or labelled illustrations
• Real-Life Photos – scenes, objects, or activities requiring broad description

Being familiar with these visuals makes it easier to recognise patterns, identify key details, and respond confidently in 40 seconds.

Key Benefits of Using PTE Describe Image Templates

Describe Image templates are powerful tools when used properly. They provide structure, reduce stress, and help you stay fluent even with complex visuals.
Here are the main benefits:

• Reduce mental load – you don’t need to create sentences from scratch
• Improve fluency – templates remove hesitation and filler words
• Keep your response organised – clear introduction, body, and conclusion
• Avoid rambling – focus on key features instead of random details
• Enhance time management – helps you use the 40 seconds effectively

These benefits are why so many students use templates, as long as they adapt them to the actual image.

The Universal 4-Step Structure & Template for Any Describe Image Task

Whether you receive a bar chart or a complex scientific diagram, this simple 4-step method ensures a clear, full-score answer.

Step 1: Identify the Visual Type & Topic

Open with a short, accurate sentence that identifies:

• The type of visual
• The main subject

Examples:
“This bar chart illustrates mobile phone sales across different manufacturers.”
“This map shows rainfall distribution across Australia.”

This tells the system you understood the task.

Step 2: Describe the Main Features

In 10–12 seconds, cover the most important details:

• Highest and lowest values
• Major categories or stages
• Key events, areas, or data points

Avoid trying to describe everything and focus on 2–3 major points.

Step 3: Highlight Patterns, Comparisons, or Trends

This is where your response becomes strong and analytical.

Use phrases like:

• “shows a steady increase”
• “is significantly higher than”
• “remains stable compared to”
• “declines sharply”

This helps demonstrate deeper understanding of the visual.

Step 4: Conclude With a Summary Statement

End with a sentence summarising the overall message.

Examples:
“Overall, the chart highlights that Samsung leads the market.”
“In summary, the data shows a clear upward trend in renewable energy usage.”

A conclusion makes your answer sound complete and organised.

Safe & Flexible Describe Image Templates for Each Visual Type

Below are templates for all the common image types you’ll see in PTE. These PTE describe image templates are exam-safe and effective, provided you adapt them to the specific details shown in the image.

Bar Charts and Line Graphs Templates:

Bar charts and line graphs are frequently used in this task, and these templates will help you tackle them effectively.

Bar Chart Template:

• Start with: “This bar chart illustrates [topic] across [categories/time period].”
• Highlight key data: “[Category A] has the highest value at [data], while [Category B] shows the lowest at [data].”
• Add comparisons: “There is a noticeable difference between [category A] and [category B], with [category A] being [amount/percentage] higher.”
• Conclude with: “Overall, the chart highlights [main trend or insight].”

Line Graph Template:

• Start with: “This line graph shows trends in [topic] from [start period] to [end period].”
• Describe patterns: “The [subject] increases significantly from [start point] to [peak point], peaking at [specific value].”
• Note changes: “It then declines to [lowest point] before stabilising around [final value].”
• Summarise with: “The graph illustrates changing patterns in [subject] over the given timeframe.”

Pie Charts Templates

Pie charts are all about proportions and percentages. A clear structure makes them straightforward to describe.

• Start with: “This pie chart breaks down [topic] by [categories], showing percentage distribution.”
• Highlight the largest segment: “[Category] has the largest share at [percentage], making up nearly [fraction] of the total.”
• Compare segments: “In contrast, [category] contributes the smallest portion at [percentage], while [category] accounts for a moderate share of [percentage].”
• Wrap up with: “The chart clearly indicates that [main category] dominates, with the remaining categories sharing the rest.”

Maps and Diagrams Templates

These visuals often require interpreting spatial or sequential data. The templates below will help you approach them effectively.

Map Template:

• Start with: “This map displays [information type] across [geographical area/region].”
• Identify key patterns: “The highest concentration of [subject] is in [region/area], especially around [specific locations].”
• Compare regions: “Coastal areas show [pattern], whereas inland regions demonstrate [different pattern].”
• Conclude with: “Overall, the map highlights geographical variations, with [region] showing the most [characteristic].”

Process Diagram Template:

• Start with: “This diagram illustrates the process of [subject/topic] in [number] main stages.”
• Describe the flow: “It begins with [first step], proceeds to [second step], and concludes with [third step].”
• Highlight critical transitions: “The key stage is [specific step], where [important change/transformation] occurs.”
• Summarise with: “The diagram outlines a clear progression from [starting point] to [end result].”

For Australian examples, you might describe rainfall distribution across states, population density differences between cities like Sydney and Perth, or temperature variations from Darwin to Hobart.

Tables and Mixed Images Templates

Tables and mixed visuals often combine various data types, requiring a flexible approach. These templates will help you organise your response.

Table Template:

• Start with: “This table presents data on [topic], comparing [row categories] across [column categories].”
• Highlight extremes: “The highest figure is in [specific cell] at [value], while the lowest is [value] for [category].”
• Draw comparisons: “[Category A] consistently shows higher values than [Category B] across all areas.”
• Conclude with: “The table reveals [main pattern or trend], with [specific category] performing better overall.”

Mixed Visual Template:

• Start with: “This image combines [type 1] and [type 2] to represent [overall topic].”
• Address each part: “The [first element] shows [information], while the [second element] highlights [different information].”
• Connect the elements: “Together, they reveal a relationship between [element 1] and [element 2], showing [specific connection or correlation].”
• Summarise with: “The combined data suggests [main insight].”

These templates provide a clear and structured approach, allowing you to focus on the content of the visuals without worrying about organisation. Practice regularly to make these structures second nature during the exam.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Here are common mistakes we see our students make when attempting the describe image question:

How We Can Help You Achieve Your Desired Score

Mastering the Describe Image task becomes much easier with the right guidance, and that’s exactly what we offer at PTE Tutoring Online. Our online PTE classes are designed to help students build structure, fluency, and confidence. You’ll also benefit from personalised support from our highly qualified tutor team – experts who have helped hundreds of students achieve their desired PTE score through targeted feedback, proven strategies, and consistent coaching.

We understand that every learner studies differently, which is why we offer a wide range of flexible preparation options. Whether you prefer live group classes, 1:1 coaching, mock tests, or self-paced study packages, our programs cater to all learning styles and experience levels. From first-time test takers to students aiming for 65+ or 79+, we ensure you have the right tools and guidance to perform at your absolute best.

Most importantly, PTE Tutoring Online operates across every state in Australia – including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, and Darwin – so you can join us from anywhere, at any time. If you’re ready to achieve your target score with proven methods and expert support, we’re here to help. Contact our team to get a free consultation.

FAQs – PTE Describe Image Task