The do’s and don’ts of the Describe Image question type in PTE Academic

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PTE Author
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The "Describe Image" task in the PTE Academic can be challenging, but we are here to help you prepare. Here are some key do's and don'ts: 

What to do 

1. Use your preparation time wisely 

  • Before the recording starts, use your preparation time to identify the key trends and the most significant trend in the image. This will help you focus your response on the most important aspects. 

2. Speak for 30-40 seconds 

  • Aim to speak for 30-40 seconds. This duration is ideal for covering the key features without rushing or running out of time.

3. Incorporate numbers 

  • Use numbers from the image in your spoken response. Mentioning specific data points can make your description more precise.

What not to do 

1. Avoid memorized responses 

  • Do not use memorized responses or templated sentences. Such responses can lead to a score of 0 for content. If this happens, your fluency and pronunciation will not be scored either. 

2. Don't try to mention every feature 

  • Focus on the key features of the image. Prioritize the most significant trends and data points within the 40 seconds. 

3. Don't spend too much time on labels

  • While it's important to mention labels, don't spend too much time describing them. Instead, focus on the trends and data they represent. 

4. Avoid adding personal opinions

  • Stick to describing the elements you can see in the image.  

By following these do’s and don’ts, you can tackle the "Describe Image" task in the PTE Academic test with confidence.    Need more help preparing for PTE Academic? Visit our PTE Academic Preparation page.

Want to explore the other PTE Academic question types? Check out our PTE Academic Question Bank for over 300 sample questions with model answers.

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