PTE Academic – Speaking: 1.4 Describe image
Task :
An image appears on screen. Describe the image in detail.
Skills assessed : Speaking
Prompt length : N/A
Time to answer : 40 seconds
In this section, an image is displayed on the computer screen and the test takers are given 25 seconds for the preparation of their response. They hear a peep, indicating that they should begin speaking and their voice is recorded. The screen also shows a recording bar that informs the candidates running of time. As the time is over, the recording button on the screen changes into ‘completed’. Describe image is one of the most significant modules after Retell lecture in speaking evaluation of PTE Academic and thus needs priority and concentration of the test takers.
For this item type you need to describe an image.
The recording status box displays a countdown until the microphone opens. You have 25 seconds to study the image and prepare your response. You hear a short tone. After the tone, start speaking immediately. Do not start speaking before the microphone opens because your voice will not be recorded.
You should speak clearly. There is no need to rush.
Finish speaking before the progress bar reaches the end. The word “Recording” changes to “Completed’’.
You are only able to record your response once.
PTE Academic – Speaking: 1.4 Describe image – Test tips
1- Focus on the main information in the image
When you look at the image ask yourself ‘‘What is the main idea being shown by the image?’’ and ‘‘What are the details relating to the main ideas?’’. Use your erasable noteboard booklet to note down key ideas and phrases that relate to the main information and the explanatory details. These can be put into sentences when you start to speak:
2- Organize your description of the image
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 implications or conclusions based on the information. Look at how this sample description is organized:
How this question is scored
Your score on Describe Image is based on three factors:
Content: Does your response accurately and thoroughly describe the image?
Content is scored by determining if all aspects and elements of the image have been addressed in your response. Your description of relationships, possible developments and conclusions or implications based on details from the image is also scored. The best responses deal with all parts of the image, contain logical and specific information and include possible developments, conclusions or implications. Mentioning just a few disjointed ideas will negatively affect your score.
Oral fluency: Does your response demonstrate a smooth, effortless and natural rate of speech?
Oral fluency is scored by determining if your rhythm, phrasing and stress are smooth. The best responses are spoken at a constant and natural rate of speech with appropriate phrasing. Hesitations, repetitions and false starts will negatively affect your score.
Pronunciation: Does your response demonstrate your ability to produce speech sounds in a similar way to most regular speakers of the language?
Pronunciation is scored by determining if your speech is easily understandable to most regular speakers of the language. The best responses contain vowels and consonants pronounced in a native-like way, and stress words and phrases correctly. Responses should also be immediately understandable to a regular speaker of the language.
PTE Academic recognizes regional and national varieties of English pronunciation to the degree that they are understandable to most regular speakers of the language.
Note
- Partial credit scoring applies to Describe Image. No credit is given for no response or an irrelevant response. This question type affects the scoring of the following: speaking, oral fluency and pronunciation.
- Your listening and writing skills are not tested by this question type, and your reading skills are only used to read the instructions.
- For more information download the Score Guide.
PTE Academic – Useful Tips for Describe image :-
- Start speaking after the beep :
Wait for the beep and then start speaking. If you start before the beep, your voice will not be recorded and you will lose your marks. Finish your speech when the recording progress bar reaches the end. If you still continue, it will not be recorded. - Speak clearly :
Avoid fast speech. It can garble your words and you may not be heard distinctly. Your focus should be on natural, distinct and clear speaking. - Pronunciation & fluency :
These are two main things in your evaluation. Remember it is not the test of your knowledge about the image but of your ability to speak fluently in correct pronunciation. - Main Focus :
Focus on language; its accuracy and fluency. You are not expected to go into each and every detail of the image shown to you. Only a general description is enough. - Organize your thoughts :
The accuracy of the content of your thoughts does not matter but if you speak in an organized manner; beginning with the general information and then going for details, it is appreciated. - Time duration :
The test takers are expected to speak for 25 seconds at minimum. It results to score 65+ marks, if they do not commit grammatical mistakes and mispronunciation. If somebody wants to obtain 79+, a 30 second speaking is must.
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