PTE Describe Image — Speaking 54 Guide

PTE ディスクライブイメージ ― スピーキング54 対策ガイド
August 2025 Format Japanese L1 Specific Target: Speaking 54 All Image Types

1. What Is Describe Image?

Describe Image (DI) appears 5-6 times in Part 1 Speaking and Writing. You see one visual, get 25 seconds to study it, then speak for up to 40 seconds.

Your job is not to describe every label. Your job is to make a listener understand the image: what it is, the main pattern, the most important details, and the overall conclusion.

ElementDetail
Items per test5-6
Prep time25 seconds
Speaking time40 seconds
Max score / item16 (Content 6 + Pronunciation 5 + Oral Fluency 5)
Contributes toSpeaking + Overall
Typical visual typesGraph, chart, table, map, diagram, process, cycle, infographic
Shiho target: stable 8-10/16 per image. That means clear content, smooth delivery, and enough specific numbers or relationships to prove you actually read the image.

2. August 2025 Scoring Reality

Human expert review now applies to DI Content. Pronunciation and Oral Fluency are AI-scored, but Content can be reviewed by a human expert. Generic memorised filler is risky.
TraitTargetWhat It Means
Content3-4 / 6Accurate simple description, basic relationships, enough detail for a mental picture.
Pronunciation2-3 / 5Mostly intelligible vowels/consonants; number words are understandable.
Oral Fluency2-3 / 5Acceptable speed, few long pauses, mostly continuous phrases.
Content zero gate: if Content is 0, Pronunciation and Fluency do not rescue the item. Your answer must be relevant to the actual image.

What changed in practice: use flexible frames, but do not say a fully memorised response that could apply to any image. Say the title/type, one main relationship, and two real details from the image.

3. The 25-Second Prep System

Use T-M-D-C

TimeTaskWrite
0-5sT = Type + Titlebar chart / map / table; topic words
5-12sM = Main patternincrease, decrease, largest, contrast, sequence
12-20sD = Details2 numbers, places, stages, or labels
20-25sC = Conclusionoverall message in 3-5 words
TYPE: line graph
TITLE: volunteer rate by age
MAIN: peak 35-44, then decline
DETAILS: female slightly higher; lowest 16-24 and 75+
CONCLUSION: middle-aged adults volunteer most
Do not write sentences. Write only keywords and numbers. The sentence comes from your spoken frame.

4. The 40-Second Speaking Structure

TimeSentencePurpose
0-6sThis [image type] shows [topic], measured by [unit/axis].Type + topic
6-14sThe most important feature is [main pattern].Main relationship
14-24sSpecifically, [detail 1 with number/label].Evidence
24-34sIn comparison, [detail 2 or contrast].Contrast
34-40sOverall, the image suggests that [conclusion].Wrap-up
Minimum answer: if you panic, say 4 sentences: type/topic, main trend, one number, conclusion. Keep talking smoothly.

5. Sentence Frames You Can Rotate

Opening

This line graph illustrates [topic] over [period].
This table presents [topic] across [groups].
This map shows the distribution of [feature] in [place].
This diagram explains the structure/process of [topic].

Main Feature

The most notable feature is that [X] is much higher than [Y].
The overall trend is upward/downward across the period.
The image is mainly divided into [number] stages/regions/groups.
There is a clear contrast between [A] and [B].

Detail + Contrast

Specifically, [X] reaches [number], while [Y] is only [number].
By contrast, [category] remains relatively stable at around [number].
The highest figure is [X], whereas the lowest is [Y].
This is followed by [second feature], which accounts for [number].

Conclusion

Overall, the image highlights [central message].
Overall, [X] appears to be the dominant factor.
Overall, the process moves from [start] to [end].
Overall, the data shows a strong relationship between [A] and [B].

6. Image Types and What to Say

Line Graph

Look forAnswer focusFrame
Start/end, peak, low point, crossing linesTrend over time; compare categoriesThis line graph shows [topic] from [start] to [end]. [X] rises/falls from [a] to [b], while [Y] [contrast]. Overall, [summary].
  • Strong points: highest year, lowest year, steepest rise/drop, stable period, crossover.
  • Vocabulary: increased steadily, declined gradually, peaked at, dipped to, fluctuated, remained stable.

Bar Chart / Column Chart

Look forAnswer focusFrame
Highest/lowest bars, ranking, grouped bars, gapsRank and contrastThis bar chart compares [groups] in terms of [measure]. The highest figure is [X] at [number], followed by [Y]. The lowest is [Z]. Overall, [main contrast].
  • Strong points: top two, bottom one, biggest gap, group difference, year-by-year change.
  • For horizontal bars, read the longest bar first. For grouped bars, compare within each group.

Pie Chart / Doughnut Chart

Look forAnswer focusFrame
Largest slice, smallest slice, grouped percentagesShare of a wholeThis pie chart shows the distribution of [topic]. [X] accounts for the largest share at [percent], while [Y] is the smallest at [percent]. Together, [A] and [B] make up about [percent]. Overall, [dominant category].
  • Strong points: largest slice, second-largest, smallest, combined share, majority/minority.
  • Use "accounts for", "represents", "makes up", "nearly half", "about one-third".

Table / Matrix

Look forAnswer focusFrame
Rows/columns, max/min values, repeated patternDo not read every cell; group the dataThis table presents [topic] for [groups]. The clearest pattern is [pattern]. For example, [row/category] has [number], whereas [contrast] has [number]. Overall, [summary].
  • Strong points: best/worst row, best/worst column, repeated high values, exceptions.
  • Tables are content traps: if you list cells, fluency falls. Speak in groups.

Map / Geographic Distribution

Look forAnswer focusFrame
Region, colour legend, largest/smallest area, directionSpatial patternThis map shows [topic] across [place]. The largest area is [region/colour], mainly in the [north/south/east/west]. By contrast, [smaller feature] appears in [region]. Overall, [geographic message].
  • Strong points: dominant region, smaller region, coast/inland, north/south/east/west, safe/affected zones.
  • Use direction words: northern, southern, western, coastal, central, surrounding.

Process / Flowchart

Look forAnswer focusFrame
Start, arrows, repeated loops, final outputSequence and cause-effectThis flowchart explains the process of [topic]. It begins with [first stage], followed by [second stage]. After [testing/feedback], the process moves to [next stage] and ends with [final result]. Overall, [purpose].
  • Strong points: first stage, middle loop, decision point, final stage.
  • Use sequence words: initially, then, after that, once, finally.

Cycle / Life Cycle

Look forAnswer focusFrame
Stages, direction arrows, adult/young form, environment changeRepeated circular sequenceThis cycle diagram shows the life cycle of [organism/process]. It starts with [stage 1], then moves through [stage 2] and [stage 3]. Eventually, [final stage] produces [new beginning], so the cycle repeats.
  • Strong points: start point, transformation, location change, final reproduction/restart.
  • Do not over-explain biology. Say the sequence clearly.

Labelled Diagram / Cross-Section

Look forAnswer focusFrame
Parts, layers, centre/outer area, relative sizeStructure and functionThis diagram shows the structure of [object]. At the centre, there is [core part], surrounded by [layer/part]. The largest/thickest part is [feature], while the smallest/thinnest part is [feature]. Overall, [main structural idea].
  • Strong points: centre vs outside, largest vs smallest, labelled function, unusual feature.
  • Use location words: at the centre, around it, above, below, on the left, on the right.

Infographic / Mixed Visual

Look forAnswer focusFrame
Multiple panels, icons, two related charts, headlineRelationship between sectionsThis infographic presents [topic] using [two charts/icons/panels]. The first section shows [point 1], while the second section shows [point 2]. Together, they suggest [relationship/conclusion].
  • Strong points: headline, left/right contrast, two variables moving in opposite directions, icon meaning.
  • Do not get stuck reading every small label. Explain the relationship between panels.

Photo / Illustration / Scene

Look forAnswer focusFrame
People, objects, setting, action, visible relationshipObservable facts onlyThis image shows [people/object] in [setting]. The main focus is [visible action or feature]. In the background/foreground, [detail]. Overall, the scene appears to show [safe visible interpretation].
  • Strong points: who/what, where, action, foreground/background, obvious purpose.
  • Do not invent emotion, cause, or hidden story. Use "appears to" when uncertain.

Rare but Possible Formats

FormatWhat to SaySafe Frame
Scatter plotCorrelation, cluster, outlierThis scatter plot shows the relationship between [A] and [B]. Most points suggest [positive/negative/no clear] correlation, with [outlier] standing apart.
Area chartOverall volume plus trend over timeThis area chart shows how [measure] changed over time. The total area rises/falls most clearly between [period] and [period].
TimelineChronological stages and major turning pointThis timeline presents the development of [topic]. It begins with [event], then moves through [event], and ends with [latest event].
Venn diagramOverlap and difference between groupsThis Venn diagram compares [A] and [B]. [A] has [feature], [B] has [feature], and the overlap shows [shared feature].
Tree / organisation chartHierarchy, branches, top-level categoryThis chart shows the hierarchy of [system]. At the top is [main category], which divides into [branches].
Route / site / floor planStarting point, destination, direction, key landmarksThis plan shows the layout of [place]. The main route moves from [start] to [end], passing [landmark].
Before-after imageVisible change between two statesThis image compares [before] and [after]. The main change is [difference], especially in [area/detail].
Rule: for unusual images, name the format if you can; if not, say "This image shows..." and move straight to visible facts.

7. Data Vocabulary Bank

MeaningUse TheseAvoid Only Saying
Upincreased, rose, climbed, grew, surgedgo up
Downdecreased, fell, dropped, declined, dippedgo down
No big changeremained stable, stayed almost the same, levelled off, plateauedsame
Up and downfluctuated, varied, changed unevenlydifferent
High/lowpeaked at, reached a high of, bottomed out at, the lowest figure wasbig/small
Approximateabout, around, roughly, approximately, just over, just undermaybe
Comparisonwhereas, while, by contrast, compared with, in contrastbut but but
Cause-style conclusionsuggests, indicates, highlights, reflects, demonstratesI think

8. Japanese-Specific Problems and Fixes

DI-Specific Speaking Traps

ProblemWhy It HurtsFix
13 vs 30, 14 vs 40Numbers are content evidence. Mispronouncing them damages clarity.Stress the first syllable in THIRty, FORty, FIFty. Stress the second syllable in thirTEEN, fourTEEN, fifTEEN.
Plural endings
percent / percents		Japanese has no plural marking; extra or missing /s/ sounds unnatural.Say "percent" after numbers; say "figures/categories/groups" when plural is needed.
Vowel insertion
chart → chato		Added vowels reduce pronunciation score.Clip final consonants: chart, graph, trend, peaked, dropped.
Long thinking pausesFluency drops before content improves.Use safe bridges: "In comparison...", "Another important point is...", "Overall..."
Over-translating from JapaneseThe sentence becomes slow and unnatural.Think in slots: type, trend, number, contrast, conclusion.

9. Full Sample Frames by Image Type

Line Graph

This line graph shows [topic] over [period].
The main trend is that [X increased/decreased], while [Y stayed stable/changed differently].
Specifically, [X moved from A to B].
In comparison, [Y reached/ended at C].
Overall, the graph highlights [main message].

Pie Chart

This pie chart shows the distribution of [topic].
The largest share is [category], accounting for [percent].
The second largest is [category], while [category] is the smallest.
Together, [A and B] make up about [percent].
Overall, [dominant category] clearly represents the main part.

Map

This map shows [topic] across [place].
The most prominent area is [region/colour], mainly located in the [direction].
Another important area is [region], which appears around [location].
By contrast, [small feature] covers only a limited area.
Overall, the map shows [geographic pattern].

Table

This table presents [topic] across [groups/categories].
The clearest pattern is that [group/category] has the highest figure for [measure].
For example, [specific value], compared with [contrast value].
Another noticeable point is [second pattern or exception].
Overall, the table suggests [main conclusion].

Flowchart

This flowchart explains the process of [topic].
It begins with [first stage], followed by [second stage].
After that, [middle action/testing/feedback] takes place.
The process then moves to [later stage] and ends with [final result].
Overall, it shows how [purpose/outcome] is achieved.

Diagram

This diagram shows the structure of [object/system].
At the centre/top/left, there is [main part].
This is surrounded/connected by [second part].
The most significant feature is [largest/thickest/most important part].
Overall, the diagram explains [main structural idea].

10. Practice Plan

Week 1: Build the Engine (20 min/day)

  1. 5 min vocabulary: read the data vocabulary bank aloud.
  2. 10 min image sorting: look at 10 images and say only T-M-D-C notes.
  3. 5 min number drill: say numbers, percentages, years, and comparisons clearly.

Week 2: Timed Speaking (25 min/day)

  1. 15 min timed sets: 5 images, each with 25s prep + 40s recording.
  2. 5 min review: check whether each answer included type, main pattern, 2 details, conclusion.
  3. 5 min fluency repair: replay and mark pauses, fillers, self-corrections, and number mistakes.

Daily Self-Check

  • Did I speak for 30-40 seconds?
  • Did I include the image type?
  • Did I mention at least two real details?
  • Did I compare highest/lowest, before/after, or left/right?
  • Did I avoid opinions and invented details?

11. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using a generic memorised answer. "This image is very interesting..." does not prove content. Start with the real image type and topic.
  2. Listing labels only. A list is not a description. Connect the labels with relationships.
  3. Ignoring numbers. Use at least one exact or approximate figure when the image has data.
  4. Trying to cover everything. Choose the main trend and two details. You only have 40 seconds.
  5. Adding opinions. Do not say whether the data is good, bad, surprising, or important unless the image itself supports it.
  6. Stopping early. A 15-second answer usually misses content. Aim for 30-40 seconds.
  7. Self-correcting repeatedly. One small error is less damaging than broken fluency.
  8. Reading tiny labels for too long. Use the title, axes, legend, and biggest visual pattern first.

12. Quick Reference Card

PREP 25s: T-M-D-C
TYPE chart / table / map / diagram / process
MAIN trend / rank / region / sequence / structure
DETAIL two numbers, labels, stages, or places
CLOSE one overall message

SPEAK 40s
0-6s "This [type] shows [topic]."
6-14s "The main feature is [pattern]."
14-24s "Specifically, [detail 1]."
24-34s "In comparison, [detail 2]."
34-40s "Overall, [conclusion]."

RULES
✓ Use real image details
✓ Include one number when possible
✓ Compare highest/lowest or start/end
✓ Speak smoothly for 30-40 seconds
✗ Don't use generic filler
✗ Don't describe every label
✗ Don't invent causes or opinions
✗ Don't stop after 15 seconds

Source Notes

This guide is based on Pearson's current Score Guide and Describe Image speaking tips, the live PTEpass RL guide structure, the local PTE Expert B1/B2 extracts, PTEpass official mock DI items, and cross-checks against public preparation resources.

Prepared for PTEpass · Describe Image guide · May 2026