Important tips and strategies to help you excel in the PTE Describe Image task for better scores.
This blog is about Describe Image Question Type: its format, scoring criteria, preparation tips, strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and useful keywords to help you boast your score.
It is the third type of question in a speaking module. In this task, an image will appear on a screen. You will be provided 25 seconds to analyze the image and prepare your response accordingly. Then recording will start after a short beep tone, so start speaking the main points of the image. You will have about 40 seconds to record your answer.
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It is also an important scoring question among all question types. It assesses only Speaking skills.
IMPORTANT: The recording will stop if you remain silent for longer than 3 seconds.
In the Describe Image task:
Describe Image score is based on three factors:
Content: It is in the range of 0-5, score depends on the. Try to explain all the main elements of the image and even emphasize on the comparison and relationship with possible development in the task to score high in the content. There is no negative marking for extra spoken words.
Pronunciation: it is in the range of 0-5. Score depends on the clarity of the speech, the clarity in vowels and consonants and how well the stress has been on words and phrases. Overall, the responses should be understandable.
Oral fluency: It is in the range of 0-5. Score depends on your rhythm, phrasing and stress which have to be smooth. The rate of speed has to be natural with appropriate phrasing. There should be no hesitation or repetitions and false start, these all will reduce your score.
Describe Image carries around 13-15 points in Speaking. Points will depend on the range of questions comes in the test.
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:
Quick Glance: Briefly look at the picture to see what it is all about.
Identify Key Elements: Note the main features, like main objects, graphs, data points
Organize Your Description: How you will explain the picture from the most striking features and moving to the details.
Steady Pace: Maintain a steady and medium pace as you describe the image. Try not to hurry or speak too fast or too slow.
Clarity and Accuracy: Ensure that you have a well-defined description of what you are perceiving. Be detailed about the thing you see with no assumptions.
Stay Composed: Compose yourself and be calm. Take a deep breath before you begin as it reduces nervousness and gives better performance.
Over-Description: Keep a simple description of what is in the picture. Try to avoid details that are irrelevant.
Irregular Pace: Speaking at a very fast or very slow pace will also negatively impact your fluency score. Try to speak at an average, natural and consistent pace.
Ignoring Key Details: Make sure to include the main elements of the image when giving your description. Skipping recognizable parts can result in an incomplete description.
Getting Stuck: If you have trouble describing some part of the picture, do not stick there too long. Continue on to describe as best you can to keep fluency.
Fast Speech: If you speak at a very high rate, this will also tend to lead to errors and is difficult to follow in any case. Focus on clear & deliberate speech for easy comprehension.
Now, practice the mock test on ptepanacea.com. You will realise your strengths and weaknesses in the four PTE skills: Speaking, Writing, Reading & Listening. We are here with real exam simulations and question-wise practices especially for Describe Image to concentrate on weak areas. If you compare our material closely, it closely resembles actual PTE content. You get the same format and question types in time limits. Such comprehensive practice will help you to be very well prepared and confident enough to ace the Read Aloud test item and the whole PTE exam.
