The 'Describe Image' in the PTE Speaking section is not as easy as it sounds. Many candidates face issues with speaking accurately & to-the-point such that they can be logical as well as informative. The other thing to keep in mind is that it is not merely about the completion of the task but also about scoring as per the PTE Score Guide.
However, the scoring in the Describe Image in PTE speaking section depends highly on the content that you put forth. So try to focus on the main idea that the image is trying to convey. Make sure that you take notes & try to form complete sentences using key ideas & words that seem useful. In short, be relevant & economical in the use of words.
Content is not as important as Pronunciation or Fluency
Whether you understand the graph or not, the only prime thing to keep in mind is that it is a speaking task so you have to speak and show that you can speak. You should mainly focus on pronunciation and oral fluency.
You are not expected to explain every detail within the image
The image that carries a lot of information within, you need to explain the overview of it. There is no need to explain every detail mentioned in the image. You are expected to focus on the striking features or the features that can be distinguished.
Too many test-takers try so hard to capture every detail in the image that they lose focus and fail to deliver a strong response. You don’t have to push yourself to read the whole list of figures or 12 different segments within a pie chart, as you have no spare time nor it is necessary. Capture a few points, connect them properly, and deliver them in a well-structured response. That will get you a much better score.
Try to speak more than 30 seconds
Test takers are expected to speak more than 25s if you are after 65+ and speak more than the 30s if you are after score 79+. Content is not as much important as pronunciation or fluency; however, it must be relevant to the graph.
Organize your description of the Describe image in PTE
If you organize what you say, you will get a better score. This is because a well-organized answer is more likely to cover the main information as well as the additional details, and also talk about conclusions based on the information.
Description should cover “Introduction + main body + conclusion”. Each image is different, but you can use a 4-sentence structure that will work for most images.
- Introduction
- Describe the most distinguishing feature of the image
- Address highest – lowest, most – least, maximum-minimum, increase-decrease, etc
- Conclusion
Types of Describe Images in PTE
There are different types of images including in the PTE Describe Image Section, including bar-charts, line-charts, pie-charts, tables, flow-charts, maps, and pictures.
Above are seven types of images that can be asked in the Describe Image in PTE task within PTE Speaking. Sometimes two of these types can also be combined and asked as a single question, where both will be related and you will have to provide your response correspondingly.
Timed practice is more EFFICIENT
Always make sure that you practice in a timed environment. Responding to a describe image question in 2 minutes is very different from responding in 40 seconds. The quality of your response depends directly on the time you spend on preparation and responding. So, if you want the best outcome from your practice, it is suggested to practice with PTE Mock test at 79score.com to get acquainted with the exam patterns and train your time management in PTE skills.
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