Master PTE Speaking: Ace the Describe Image section!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of PT II Exam
3. Method for Describing Images
   • 3.1 Introduction to the Image
   • 3.2 Key Features of the Image
   • 3.3 Conclusion of the Description
4. Examples of Describing Different Types of Images
   • 4.1 Bar Graph
   • 4.2 Line Graph
   • 4.3 Pie Chart
   • 4.4 Combination of Graphs
   • 4.5 Table of Data
   • 4.6 Picture
   • 4.7 Process
   • 4.8 Map
5. Tips for Increasing Oral Fluency Score
6. Importance of Staying Calm and Thinking Quickly
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
8. FAQ
9. Conclusion

Article

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss a three-step method to effectively describe any image You encounter in your PT II exam. We will also explore strategies to improve your oral fluency score, which plays a crucial role in determining your overall speaking score. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how to Apply these techniques during your exam and a chance to practice what you have learned.

Overview of PT II Exam

During the PT II exam, you will be required to describe various types of images within a specified time frame. These images can include bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, combinations of different graphs, tables of data, pictures, processes, or maps. It is essential to have a methodical approach to describe these images effectively. This method will consist of three parts: introduction, key features, and conclusion.

Method for Describing Images

3.1 Introduction to the Image

The first step in describing an image is to provide an introduction. Start by stating the Type of image and what it represents. For example, you could say, "This bar graph represents literacy rates by country in 1990 and 2000 across six different countries for men and women." Similarly, for a line graph, you could say, "This line graph represents oil consumption by area from 1985 to 2009 according to various countries." Adjust your introduction Based on the specific image you are describing, and remember to keep it concise and clear.

3.2 Key Features of the Image

After providing the introduction, focus on describing the key features of the image. Take about 20 seconds to highlight the most noticeable aspects. It is crucial to keep your description simple and avoid getting into overly complex details. For instance, you can mention specific data points or trends that stand out. An example could be "Chinese males had the highest rates of literacy in the year 2008, just above 90%, followed by Brazilian men and Kuwaiti men. Pakistani women had the lowest rates of literacy in 1990, followed by Bangladesh and Egypt."

3.3 Conclusion of the Description

Once you have described the key features, conclude your description with a single sentence summarizing the image. Begin your sentence with the word "overall" to indicate that you are providing a conclusive statement. For example, you could say "Overall, the graph shows an improvement in literacy rates in all countries, especially for women." This conclusion helps tie together the information you have provided and allows you to make a final statement about the image.

Examples of Describing Different Types of Images

4.1 Bar Graph

A bar graph represents the number of calories eaten over a time period. For example, you could mention, "The bar graph showcases the number of calories consumed over a month. The highest number of calories were eaten on the fourth of November, while the lowest number of calories were eaten on the seventh of September. Dinner accounted for the highest number of calories by meal type at 46%, followed by snacks at 21%."

4.2 Line Graph

A line graph represents the change in a variable over time. For instance, you could describe, "This line graph illustrates the population growth in a city over the span of ten years. The population steadily increased from 2000 to 2006, with a significant spike in growth from 2007 to 2009. After 2009, the growth rate started to decline gradually."

4.3 Pie Chart

A pie chart represents the distribution of a whole into parts. For example, you could explain, "These pie charts depict the factors contributing to RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury). The imagined factors of RSI include biomechanics, inflammation, and overuse. However, the actual factors have a different emphasis, with overuse, muscle strain, and head games playing a more significant role."

4.4 Combination of Graphs

In some cases, you may encounter a combination of two different graphs, such as a bar chart and a pie chart. For instance, you could say, "This image combines a bar chart representing the number of hours spent studying by different age groups with a pie chart showcasing the preferred study methods within each age group."

4.5 Table of Data

A table of data presents multiple indicators or variables. For example, you could mention, "This table represents various indicators across four different countries, including income, life expectancy, calorie supply, and literacy rates. Japan had the highest income per person annually, amounting to over $15,000. Japan also boasted the highest life expectancy at birth, followed by Canada, Peru, and Zaire. On the other HAND, literacy rates were comparatively low in Zaire and Peru, at 68% and 34%, respectively."

4.6 Picture

A picture can represent various elements, such as objects, people, or scenes. For instance, you could describe, "This image represents housing inequality, portraying a stark contrast between slum areas, a luxurious mansion, and an expensive-looking apartment building. The left-hand side showcases a concentration of poverty, with hundreds of people living in dire conditions, while the right side exhibits a single property occupying a vast amount of space."

4.7 Process

A process image demonstrates a series of steps or stages. For example, you could explain, "This process illustrates how computers and electronics are recycled. The first stage involves manually disassembling the devices, followed by the extraction of recyclable components such as metals and precious materials. These separated parts are then reassembled to Create functional computers."

4.8 Map

A map visualizes geographical information. For instance, you could say, "This map represents potential trans-frontier elephant populations in a specific area of Africa. It includes categories such as known, occasional or possible, and past range. Notably, Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa exhibit no past range or present status, while a landmass between Namibia and Angola encompasses the majority of the known elephant population range."

Tips for Increasing Oral Fluency Score

To improve your oral fluency score, it is essential to focus on a few key tips:

1. Stay calm and think quickly: Being able to think on your feet and remain composed is crucial during oral descriptions. Practice staying calm even when faced with unfamiliar images.

2. Practice speaking smoothly: Avoid hesitating, stuttering, or restarting sentences. Maintain a steady flow of speech to demonstrate your fluency and confidence.

3. Focus on pronunciation: Pay Attention to your pronunciation of words and try to mimic native speakers to achieve clearer speech.

4. Speak naturally and confidently: Aim to speak in a natural and confident manner, using intonation and expression to engage your audience.

5. Use appropriate vocabulary: Utilize subject-specific vocabulary when describing images to showcase your understanding of the topic.

6. Monitor your timing: Keep an eye on the timer during your PT II exam and ensure that you conclude your description within the allocated time.

Importance of Staying Calm and Thinking Quickly

One of the crucial aspects of describing images effectively is the ability to stay calm and think quickly. Remaining composed allows you to avoid hesitation or stumbling while providing a description. By practicing this skill, you can alleviate anxiety and deliver your description with confidence. Remember, even if you are unsure about the image, it is better to keep speaking and maintain your fluency rather than getting stuck or attempting to correct yourself.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When describing images, there are a couple of common mistakes that you should avoid:

1. Overcomplicating the description: Stick to the most noticeable features and avoid going into unnecessary details. Complexity can hinder your oral fluency and cause you to hesitate.

2. Focusing too much on content: While it is important to provide accurate information, remember that oral fluency and pronunciation carry more weight in your speaking score. Focus on the delivery and Clarity of your description.

3. Interrupting or correcting yourself: If you make a mistake or say something inaccurate, do not worry. It is better to Continue speaking without interruption, as hesitating or correcting yourself can negatively impact your fluency score.

4. Neglecting timing: Pay close attention to the time allotted for the description and ensure that you conclude your description within the given timeframe. Going over the time limit may result in your sentence being cut off.

FAQ

Q: What Verb tense should I use when describing the graph?

A: The verb tense used in your description depends on the timeline represented by the x-axis of the graph. If the x-axis represents past years, use past tense verbs such as "increased" or "decreased." However, when describing images or maps, present tense verbs like "shows" or "depicts" should be used.

Q: Should we use the y-axis when describing key features?

A: While it is not necessary to Delve into the details of the y-axis, you can mention specific data points or percentages if they are simple and easy to represent verbally. However, it is essential to avoid getting stuck in the details of the y-axis and prioritize a smooth and coherent description.

Q: Is content more important than oral fluency in the speaking score?

A: No, content is less important than oral fluency and pronunciation in determining the speaking score. While providing accurate information is essential, it is more crucial to demonstrate fluency, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of describing images in the PT II exam requires a methodical approach and consistent practice. By following the three-step method of introducing the image, describing key features, and providing a conclusion, you can effectively convey your understanding. Remember to stay calm, avoid hesitation, and focus on your oral fluency and pronunciation to stand out in your speaking score. With dedicated practice and the tips provided in this article, you can excel in describing images during your PT II exam.