The image
You have 25 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak.
Sample answer (75 words, about 35 seconds)
The line graph shows how many printed books, e-books and audiobooks Harbourside Books sold each year between 2016 and 2024. Printed books were always the most popular format, but their sales fell steadily from 42,000 to 30,000 copies. In contrast, e-book sales more than tripled, rising from 6,000 to 19,000, and audiobooks grew fastest of all, from just 1,000 to 10,000 copies. Overall, the gap between printed and digital formats narrowed considerably over the period.
The structure behind it
- Introduce: "The line graph shows/compares…" (what, where, when)
- Main feature: the biggest, highest or most important thing
- Two details with numbers: one comparison, one change or contrast
- Conclusion: "Overall, …"
Keep a steady pace and don't stop for more than 3 seconds; a long pause can end your recording. Fluency and pronunciation count for more than describing every detail.
Practise it
Try this image yourself on the Describe Image practice page, which records your answer on your device and shows your start time and pauses. More: all Describe Image examples.
Frequently asked questions
How do I describe a line graph in PTE?
Introduce what the line graph shows, describe two or three key features with numbers or comparisons, then finish with a short conclusion. Keep speaking smoothly.
How long do I have for PTE Describe Image?
25 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak.
How is PTE Describe Image scored?
On content, oral fluency and pronunciation. Fluency and clear pronunciation matter as much as the details.
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