Describe Image — 4-Part Template for High Scores

What is Describe Image?

You see an image (graph, chart, map, picture, process diagram), get 25 seconds to study it, then describe it in 40 seconds. It tests Speaking only and contributes heavily to your Speaking section score.

Format & Timing

Preparation: 25 seconds
Recording: 40 seconds
Number per exam: 6–7

The 4-Part Template

Introduction (5 sec): "The image shows / illustrates / displays a [bar chart / line graph / map / process] about [topic]."
Overview (8 sec): highest, lowest, biggest trend. "The most striking feature is..."
2–3 specific details (20 sec): compare two values, name a trend, note a category. Use linkers — "however", "in addition", "furthermore".
Conclusion (5 sec): "Overall, the image suggests / indicates that..." or "In conclusion..."

Image-Type Tips

Bar/line graph: name the units, identify highest+lowest, mention trend (increasing, plateauing, declining).
Pie chart: name the largest+smallest segment, mention proportions.
Map: name the location, mention 2–3 features and their relative position.
Process diagram: use sequence words — first, then, after that, finally.
Picture (less common): describe foreground, background, what is happening.

Common Mistakes

Long pauses while thinking — fluency score collapses.
Reading numbers from the image one by one — boring and low-content.
Trying to describe every detail — pick the 3 most striking ones.
Ending early at 25 seconds — keep talking until 35–40 seconds.

Practice on ClearMyPTE

Practice with the same template in Speaking practice. After 20 attempts the template becomes automatic and you can focus on filling content.