About - Describe Image is the third question type in PTE Speaking. This question is designed in such a way to test the test taker’s ability to explain the content from visually presented images or graph in a fluent manner. The images range from varieties of background presented in the form of bar graph, line graph, pie chart, world map, table, pyramid, process, layout and random images. The total of 6-7 questions will be asked in the exam. This section contributes marks only for Speaking section
Scoring -
Scoring mainly depends on 3 main factors: Content, Pronunciation
and Fluency. Content score is based on the test takers ability
to present all the key elements of the images and their
relationship and concluding them in a logical way. It is
measured in the scale of 0-5.
5: when all the elements in the image is described in a logical
way by demonstrating their relationships, possible development,
conclusion or implications.
4: when
3: when explains most key elements from the image by referring
their implications or conclusion.
2: when explains only one key elements from the image by
referring its implication or conclusion.
1: when describes only basic elements of the image but does not
make clear interrelations or implications.
0: when almost nothing is explained.
Pronunciation:
The scoring for the pronunciation is measured in the scale of
0-5.
90 Points - Native-Like when all vowels and
consonants are pronounced in a manner that is easily understood
by regular speaker of the language.
79 Points - Advanced: A few minor errors on
consonant, vowel or consonant sequences may be distorted but
still all the words are easily understandable by the regular
speaker of the language.
65 points – Good: Most vowels and consonants
are spoken in a clear manner which is understandable, however,
there might be the regular distortion, omission or
mispronunciation of the certain words.
50 points:2/3 of the speech is only
understandable where there is consistent mispronunciation of the
consonants and vowels. Some consonants are regularly omitted,
and the stress is placed incorrectly on some words.
Fluency: The scoring for the pronunciation is
measured in the scale of 0-5.
90 Points: Native-Like: Smooth rhythmic and
phrasing pattern without any hesitation, repetitions
79 Points- Advanced: There is no more than one
hesitation, one repetition or a false start. Must speak in an
acceptable rhythmic pattern with appropriate phrasing and word
emphasis.
65Points- Good: There may be more than one
hesitation, one repetition or a false start with lack of
phonological simplifications. Speech is at an acceptable speed;
however, the phrasing may be uneven or lack of word emphasis.
50 Points- Average: Speech is uneven with
unacceptable rhythmic pattern. There might be many hesitation
and repetition or false starts. There may be long pauses in
between the phrases or words. Lack of word emphasis.
Strategy It is important to identify all the key elements during the preparation time of 25 seconds. Key elements are presented in the form of TOPIC, VALUES, BULLET Points, Year, Date, Month, Names and So on. Describing the image in 25-30 seconds is the best way to avoid any pronunciation and fluency mistakes.
Time duration: 25 seconds is given to prepare before the recording starts. You have 40 seconds time to describe the entire elements of the image.