PTE Describe an image is often considered a difficult question by most students. In the speaking section, describe image carries a moderate weightage and is evaluated on various factors. This is why analysing your performance through a free PTE mock test becomes essential to understand scoring gaps and improve accuracy in this task.. But no worries, here is a brief explanation of what mistakes you might commit and how to avoid them. Additionally, understand how to craft a high-scoring response. Let’s start with understanding,
Why are you losing marks in the PTE Describe image?
Many common mistakes drag scores down in this task:
Speaking too little:
- Short answers (under -30 seconds) usually miss key features and draw weak conclusions, which lowers content marks.
Using memorized or template filler sentences:
- Pearson explicitly warns against memorizing generic intros like “The image is beautiful and shows…” because this yields zero content score. Then fluency/ pronunciation won’t count either — effectively making the answer score 0.
Describing every tiny detail:
- The time limit is very short, so describing every single little thing might waste your time, and you will end up missing important features.
Adding personal opinions:
- You are expected to describe what you see, not comment on it. Opinions don’t add scoreable content.
What Pearson Is Really Testing in Describe Image
According to Pearson’s official documentation, Describe Image assesses three core areas:
- Content – Did you correctly identify and explain the key features of the image?
- Oral Fluency – Is your speech smooth, continuous, and natural.
- Pronunciation – How you are pronouncing the words.
Here’s the critical rule most students miss:
- If your content score is weak or irrelevant, fluency and pronunciation may not be counted at all.
- This is clearly stated in Pearson’s official tips. That means:
- A fluent but irrelevant answer:
- A memorized template without image-specific details can result in a very low or even zero effective score, no matter how confident you sound.
Sample PTE Describe Image Responses
Check all the samples and understand why you are scoring high and low.
Image:
Case 1 :
Low Score Due to Irrelevance and Speed
Score: 6.8 / 16
(Content: Average | Pronunciation: Bad | Oral Fluency: Average)
What went wrong (major issues)
This answer shows classic mistakes that heavily penalize Describe Image scores.
- Content drift (biggest problem)
- You introduced wrong years (2005, 2025).
- You talked about industries, states, embassy history, which are NOT in the image.
- PTE scoring is zero-tolerance for irrelevant content.
Even fluent English cannot save an answer if the content is off-topic.
- Excessive speaking speed (156 wpm)
- PTE ideal range: 110–130 wpm
- At high speed:
- Words merge
- Stress and clarity drop
- AI scoring engine penalizes pronunciation
- Weak image reference
- You did not clearly explain:
- what existed before
- what changed in 2035
- The examiner (or AI engine) cannot “see” the image through your description.
Why pronunciation dropped to “Bad”
- Fast speed + unclear articulation
- Function words skipped
- No clear pauses at sentence boundaries
How to fix this completely
- Never add background knowledge
- Describe only what is visible
- Slow down consciously
- Use map-specific language:
- on the left side
- in the future map
- has been removed/added
Case 2:
Score: 10.8 / 16, Decent Content but Limited Fluency
(Content: Good | Pronunciation: Average | Oral Fluency: Average)
What went right
- You correctly identified the type of image (area redevelopment comparison).
- You mentioned both timelines (now vs 2035).
- You attempted to cover multiple locations shown on the map.
This is why your content score is high. PTE rewards relevance, not the accuracy of every detail.
What went wrong
- Listing instead of describing
- You named places randomly (food store, museum, pub, apartment) without showing change.
- PTE Describe Image is not about listing objects; it’s about comparison and trends.
- Weak sentence structure
- Repetition like “apartment house, apartment house”
- Sentences lack flow and logical connectors.
- Pronunciation inconsistency
- Long pauses and unclear stress reduce pronunciation score.
- Mispronounced compound nouns (e.g., “art gallery”, “food store”).
- Fluency breaks
- Hesitation while searching for words.
- No clear opening or closing sentence structure.
How to improve this level
- Use a fixed structure:
- Introduction → 2 changes → overall summary
- Replace lists with comparison phrases:
- has been replaced by
- has been converted into
- Speak in short, complete sentences, not long, confused ones.
Case 3:
Score: 15 / 16, Near-Perfect Answer. Source: Gurully
(Content: Good | Pronunciation: Good | Oral Fluency: Good)
What worked perfectly:
- Clear opening
- You identified:
- image type
- comparison
- timeline
- This immediately anchors the response.
- You identified:
- Focused comparison
- You highlighted key changes, not everything.
- Mentioned removal and addition clearly:
- old structures removed
- new exhibition center added
- Natural fluency
- Speaking speed: 121 wpm (ideal)
- Smooth transitions
- No rushed delivery
- Clean pronunciation
- Clear stress on keywords
- Correct pausing
- Simple vocabulary spoken confidently
Why this scores high in PTE:
PTE Describe Image rewards:
- Clarity over complexity
- Structure over vocabulary
- Confidence over quantity
These three examples show why some answers score low while others perform better. But to score consistently high in PTE Describe Image, understanding examples alone isn’t enough; regular practice is essential. Practising these questions on Gurully’s PTE platform helps you build a stronger structure, fluency, and confidence. Full-length mock tests prepare you for real exam conditions, while section-wise practice strengthens individual skills more effectively. To get regular tips and tricks, you can subscribe to our YouTube channel and join our Telegram group.
