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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

Use This Guide In Layers

You do not need to memorise everything at once. Start with the core method, then use the quick card and worked examples as the main exam tool.

1. Core Method25s prep + 40s answer 2. Image Typeswhat to look for first 3. Quick Cardthe one pattern to memorise 4. Worked Exampleshow to fill each bracket 5. Practicedaily drills and self-check

Target Outcome

One clear answer per image: identify the visual, say the main pattern, give two real details, then close smoothly.

25sprepare
40sspeak
2+real details
8-10target /16

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
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.
3-4Content target /6
2-3Pronunciation /5
2-3Fluency /5
0content cannot be rescued
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

0-5sTType + Titlebar chart, map, table; topic words
5-12sMMain Patternincrease, largest, contrast, sequence
12-20sDDetails2 numbers, places, stages, or labels
20-25sCConclusionoverall 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

0-6sOpenThis [type] shows [topic].Type + topic
6-14sMainThe main feature is [pattern].Relationship
14-24sDetail 1Specifically, [detail 1].Evidence
24-34sCompareIn comparison, [detail 2].Contrast
34-40sCloseOverall, [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

  • 5 min vocabulary aloud
  • 10 min image sorting with T-M-D-C
  • 5 min number and comparison drill

Week 2: Timed Speaking

25 min/day

  • 5 timed images: 25s prep + 40s recording
  • Check type, pattern, two details, conclusion
  • Replay for pauses, fillers, number mistakes

Before Each Set

One rule

Say real image information first. Fluency matters, but generic filler is now risky.

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/image] shows [topic]."
6-14s "According to the image, [main pattern]."
14-24s "For example, [detail 1]."
24-34s "In contrast, [detail 2]." or "In addition, [detail 2]."
34-40s "In conclusion, [conclusion]."

WHEN TO CHOOSE CONTRAST OR ADDITION
Use "In contrast" for highest/lowest, increase/decrease, before/after, left/right, or group A/group B.
Use "In addition" when the second detail supports the same idea or continues a process.

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

Choose One Main Strategy

1. Contrast Anchors

Pick two measurements that clearly oppose each other: highest/lowest, start/end, before/after, left/right.

Best for charts, maps, photos, before/after

2. Trend Direction

Describe the most visible movement: increasing, decreasing, stable, fluctuating, peaking, or dropping.

Best for line graphs, area charts, timelines

3. Group Strongest Value

For tables or grouped charts, choose the most significant value in each important group instead of reading every cell.

Best for tables and grouped bar charts

4. Sequence / Structure

If there is no natural contrast, describe order, layers, parts, or the main object, then use "In addition".

Best for process, cycle, diagram, scene
Best single tool: If you can use only one page under exam pressure, use this card. Section 13 below shows how to fill each bracket from different image types.

13. Worked Quick-Card Examples by Exam Priority

Each mini image now has a fake title. The title becomes the [topic] in the first sentence, while the figures and labels become the [details].

日本語メモ：各ミニ画像に仮タイトルがあります。そのタイトルを最初の文の [topic] に入れ、数字やラベルを [details] に入れます。

This is a practice-priority order, not a Pearson-published frequency list.

[type] [topic] [pattern] [detail] [conclusion]
1. Bar / Column Chartvery common
Potential titleproduct sales by category
[type] bar chart Figures: A 24, Y 41, X 68, Z 18 Main: X highest, Z lowest

Bar / Column Chart 棒グラフ

TypeThis bar chart shows product sales by category.

PatternAccording to the image, category X is the highest, while category Z is the lowest.

Detail 1For example, X reaches 68 units.

Detail 2In contrast, Z is only 18 units, below A at 24 and Y at 41.

CloseIn conclusion, the chart shows that product X clearly dominates sales.

2. Line Graphvery common
Potential titlewebsite visits from January to April
[type] line graph Figures: X 20 to 80, Y 50 to 45 Main: X rises strongly, Y is stable

Line Graph 折れ線グラフ

TypeThis line graph shows website visits from January to April.

PatternAccording to the image, X increases sharply, while Y remains almost stable.

Detail 1For example, X rises from about 20 to 80 visits.

Detail 2In contrast, Y changes only slightly, from around 50 to 45.

CloseIn conclusion, the graph highlights strong growth in X.

3. Pie / Doughnut Chartvery common
Potential titlemarket share by sales channel
[type] pie chart Figures: Online 55%, Retail 28%, Phone 17% Main: Online largest

Pie / Doughnut Chart 円グラフ

TypeThis pie chart shows market share by sales channel.

PatternAccording to the image, online sales have the largest share.

Detail 1For example, online sales account for 55%.

Detail 2In contrast, retail makes up 28%, while phone sales are the smallest at 17%.

CloseIn conclusion, online sales clearly represent the dominant channel.

4. Table / Matrixcommon
Potential titletest results by group
[type] table Figures: Group A max, B 36/31, C exception Main: Group A row 1 is strongest

Table / Matrix 表

TypeThis table shows test results by group.

PatternAccording to the image, group A in row 1 is the maximum result.

Detail 1For example, group B records 36 in row 1 and 31 in row 2.

Detail 2In addition, group C includes one exception in row 2.

CloseIn conclusion, the table compares performance across groups and rows.

5. Map / Geographic Distributioncommon
Potential titleregional population share
[type] map Figures: North 46%, East 32%, small orange area Main: north region largest

Map / Geographic Distribution 地図

TypeThis map shows regional population share.

PatternAccording to the image, the north region is the largest area.

Detail 1For example, the north accounts for about 46%.

Detail 2In contrast, the east is around 32%, with a small orange area inside it.

CloseIn conclusion, the map shows that population is concentrated in the north.

6. Process / Flowchartcommon
Potential titleproduct testing process
[type] flowchart Stages: start, stage, check, final Main: feedback loop returns to stage

Process / Flowchart プロセス図

TypeThis flowchart shows product testing process.

PatternAccording to the image, the process starts and moves through stage and check before reaching final.

Detail 1For example, there are four main stages in the sequence.

Detail 2In addition, the feedback loop returns from check to an earlier stage.

CloseIn conclusion, the diagram shows a testing process with revision before the final result.

7. Cyclecommon
Potential titlefour-stage life cycle
[type] cycle diagram Stages: new start, stage 1, young, adult Main: cycle repeats

Cycle サイクル図

TypeThis cycle diagram shows four-stage life cycle.

PatternAccording to the image, the stages move in a continuous loop.

Detail 1For example, the cycle includes new start, stage 1, young, and adult.

Detail 2In addition, the adult stage connects back to a new start.

CloseIn conclusion, the image highlights a repeating life-cycle pattern.

8. Labelled Diagram / Cross-sectionmedium
Potential titleobject layers and core
[type] diagram Labels: core, outer layer, thickest part, small label Main: centre-to-outer-layer structure

Labelled Diagram / Cross-section ラベル付き図

TypeThis diagram shows object layers and core.

PatternAccording to the image, the structure moves from the centre to the outer layer.

Detail 1For example, the core is placed in the centre.

Detail 2In addition, the thickest part and a small label are shown on the right side.

CloseIn conclusion, the diagram explains the object's internal structure.

9. Infographic / Mixed Visualmedium
Potential titletwo-panel performance summary
[type] infographic Details: panel 1 up, panel 2 down Main: two panels show opposite trends

Infographic / Mixed Visual インフォグラフィック

TypeThis infographic shows two-panel performance summary.

PatternAccording to the image, the two panels show opposite trends.

Detail 1For example, panel 1 shows an upward movement.

Detail 2In contrast, panel 2 shows a downward movement.

CloseIn conclusion, the infographic summarises a contrast between two related results.

10. Photo / Illustration / Scenemedium
Potential titleperson giving a presentation
[type] photo Details: foreground person, background screen, object/action Main: person is the focus

Photo / Illustration / Scene 写真・場面

TypeThis photo shows person giving a presentation.

PatternAccording to the image, the person in the foreground is the main focus.

Detail 1For example, there is a screen in the background.

Detail 2In addition, the foreground also shows an object or action.

CloseIn conclusion, the image presents a clear indoor presentation scene.

11. Area Chartless common
Potential titleenergy use by source from 2020 to 2024
[type] area chart Figures: solar 20 to 60, gas 50 to 45 Main: solar rises, gas is flatter

Area Chart 面グラフ

TypeThis area chart shows energy use by source from 2020 to 2024.

PatternAccording to the image, solar energy rises clearly, while gas stays relatively flat.

Detail 1For example, solar increases from about 20 to 60 units.

Detail 2In contrast, gas changes only slightly, from around 50 to 45.

CloseIn conclusion, the chart shows a clear shift towards solar energy.

12. Study Hours and Test Scoresless common
Potential titlestudy hours and test scores
[type] image Details: more hours, higher scores Main: upward relationship

Study Hours and Test Scores 学習時間と点数

TypeThis image shows study hours and test scores.

PatternAccording to the image, scores tend to increase as study hours increase.

Detail 1For example, the lower points are near the bottom left.

Detail 2In contrast, the higher points are closer to the top right.

CloseIn conclusion, the image suggests a positive link between studying and scores.

13. Timelinerare but possible
Potential titleproject stages in 2026
[type] timeline Dates: Jan start, Mar build, Jun check, Sep finish Main: four stages from start to finish

Timeline タイムライン

TypeThis timeline shows project stages in 2026.

PatternAccording to the image, the project moves from start to finish in four stages.

Detail 1For example, it starts in January and reaches the build stage in March.

Detail 2In addition, the check stage appears in June before the final stage in September.

CloseIn conclusion, the timeline highlights a clear order of project events.

14. Venn Diagramrare but possible
Potential titleskills shared by two teams
[type] Venn diagram Labels: Team A, both, Team B Main: overlap in the centre

Venn Diagram ベン図

TypeThis Venn diagram shows skills shared by two teams.

PatternAccording to the image, the two teams overlap in the centre.

Detail 1For example, the left circle represents Team A only.

Detail 2In addition, the right circle represents Team B only, while the middle shows shared skills.

CloseIn conclusion, the diagram shows both separate and shared team skills.

15. Tree / Organisation Chartrare but possible
Potential titlecompany structure
[type] organisation chart Labels: top, group A, group B Main: top role branches into two groups

Tree / Organisation Chart 組織図

TypeThis organisation chart shows company structure.

PatternAccording to the image, one top role branches into two groups.

Detail 1For example, group A appears on the left side.

Detail 2In addition, group B appears on the right side.

CloseIn conclusion, the chart explains the structure of the organisation.

16. Route / Floor Planrare but possible
Potential titlelibrary route map
[type] floor plan Details: entry, centre route, exit Main: route turns through the centre

Route / Floor Plan 経路・平面図

TypeThis floor plan shows library route map.

PatternAccording to the image, the path moves from the entry to the exit.

Detail 1For example, the route turns through the centre of the plan.

Detail 2In addition, the start and end points are on different sides.

CloseIn conclusion, the plan explains how to move through the space.

17. Before / After Imagerare but possible
Potential titleroom renovation
[type] before-and-after image Details: before simple, after brighter with new items Main: after image is more developed

Before / After Image ビフォー・アフター

TypeThis before-and-after image shows room renovation.

PatternAccording to the image, the after image looks more developed.

Detail 1For example, the first panel is simpler and darker.

Detail 2In contrast, the second panel has brighter colours and more objects.

CloseIn conclusion, the image highlights a clear improvement.

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