Updated
Speaking order, not a script
PTE Describe Image map template
Use the template for the order of your sentences and fill every [slot] with facts from the map in front of you. Start with the largest area and its position, then place the others relative to it (next to, opposite, in the north-east corner).
This plan shows the layout of [place]. The largest area, [zone], takes up [position: the top half, most of the left side]. [Zone] is next to [zone], and [zone] sits in the [corner]. [Zone] is placed [close to / away from] [zone], probably so that [reason]. Overall, the layout is organised around [main idea: the entrance, a central hall, quiet and busy areas kept apart].
What it shows: This [type of image] shows [what is measured] for [who or where], [unit or time period]. Main feature: The most noticeable point is that [the highest, largest or clearest change], at [figure]. Compare: By contrast, [the lowest or opposite item] is [figure], while [the middle items] are around [figure]. Relationship: [how two features connect: twice as many, both rise until, higher in every case]. Conclusion: Overall, the [image] suggests that [implication or likely reason].
About 70–90 words fills the 40 seconds at a natural pace. Drop the labels when you speak.
Keep it flexible: if the image is a photo or an unusual diagram that no frame fits, drop the wording and keep only the order (what it is, the main features, how they relate, what it suggests).
Do not memorise sentences. Generic filler that would fit any image, such as "The image gives a lot of useful information." Pearson treats memorised material as irrelevant, and a Content score of 0 means Pronunciation and Oral Fluency are not scored at all.
Study 25 s, speak 40 s
10 PTE Describe Image map questions
Speak your answer first, then open the sample. Sample answers are shown here only where the practice set already shows them; for the others, record on the set page to see the sample answer and key points.
Question 1 · Landscape Design of Modern Cemeteries, question 1
Cemetery Circulation Network Plan
Master Layout of Memorial Grounds, north at the top. Main Entrance & Reception in the north-west, Ceremonial Courtyard in the north, Administrative Offices in the north-east, Central Pathway Axis in the south, Lawn Burial Sectors in the south-west, Quiet Reflection Garden in the south-east.
Master Layout of Memorial Grounds Practise this image with AI feedback →Show sample answer
The floor plan illustrates the master layout and spatial organisation of modern memorial grounds. The entrance and administrative offices occupy the northern section, flanking a central ceremonial courtyard. Moving south, a central pathway axis divides the expansive lawn burial sectors on the west from the quiet reflection garden on the east. The burial sectors and reflection garden comprise the largest zones on the site. Overall, the layout creates a structured transition from public administrative areas to secluded commemorative spaces.
- Identifies northern administrative and reception facilities flanking the courtyard
- Notes the central pathway separating burial sectors and the reflection garden
- Concludes that the layout transitions from public entry points to private memorial zones
Question 2 · The Symphony Orchestra, question 1
Standard Orchestra Stage Layout
Symphony Orchestra Seating Arrangement, north at the top. First Violins in the south-west, Second Violins in the south, Cellos and Basses in the south-east, Violas in the south, Woodwinds in the centre, Brass Section in the north, Percussion in the north.
Symphony Orchestra Seating Arrangement Practise this image with AI feedback →Show sample answer
This floor plan illustrates the traditional seating layout of a symphony orchestra on stage. Across the front, string instruments dominate the space, with First Violins and Second Violins occupying the left side, whilst Violas, Cellos, and Basses are positioned towards the right. Centrally behind the strings sits the woodwind section, spanning across the middle rows. Further back, the brass section and percussion are placed at the rear of the stage. Overall, this arrangement balances acoustic projection by keeping softer strings in front of louder instruments.
- Strings occupy the entire front half of the stage.
- Woodwinds sit in the middle tier, with louder brass and percussion at the rear.
- The layout enhances acoustic balance and ensemble coordination.
Question 3 · Animation Production and Technology, question 4
Animation Studio Floor Plan
Practise this image with AI feedback →Independent Animation Studio Layout, north at the top. Storyboarding Suite in the north-west, Recording Booth in the south-west, Central Open Studio in the centre, Render Server Room in the north-east, Screening Room in the south-east.
Independent Animation Studio Layout Question 4 · Archaeology and Ancient History, question 4
Neolithic Settlement Ground Plan
Practise this image with AI feedback →Layout of Excavated Neolithic Village, north at the top. Communal Longhouse in the north-west, Granary Enclosure in the north-east, Ceramic Kiln in the south-west, Flint Workshop in the south, Refuse Pit in the south-east.
Layout of Excavated Neolithic Village Question 5 · Art of Violin Making, question 4
Violin Workshop Floor Layout
Practise this image with AI feedback →Violin Workshop Floor Layout, north at the top. Timber Storage in the north-west, Rough Milling in the north, Assembly Bench in the north-east, Varnish Room in the south-west, Drying Cabinet in the south, Final Setup in the south-east.
Violin Workshop Floor Layout Question 6 · Artisanal Hand Weaving Practices, question 4
Layout of a Traditional Weaving Studio
Practise this image with AI feedback →Communal Textile Studio Floor Plan, north at the top. Warping Mill Area in the north-west, Treadle Loom Hall in the north, Fibre Storage Vault in the south-west, Finishing and Inspection in the south.
Communal Textile Studio Floor Plan Question 7 · Bus Rapid Transit Systems, question 4
Integrated BRT Station Layout
Practise this image with AI feedback →BRT Multi-Modal Transfer Station, north at the top. Busway Platform A in the north, Turnstile Concourse in the west, Customer Service in the east, Cycle Hub in the south-west, Pedestrian Plaza in the south.
BRT Multi-Modal Transfer Station Question 8 · Carnival Arts and Organisation, question 2
Festival Ground Layout
Practise this image with AI feedback →Municipal Carnival Ground Plan, north at the top. Parade Staging Area in the north-west, Main Performance Stage in the north, First Aid Post in the north-east, Artisan Craft Fair in the south-west, Central Spectator Plaza in the south, Refreshment Concourse in the south-east.
Municipal Carnival Ground Plan Question 9 · Community Gardens in Practice, question 3
Allotment Layout and Facilities
Practise this image with AI feedback →Community Allotment Site Layout, north at the top. Individual Plots in the north-west, Tool Shed and Storage in the north, Greenhouse in the north-east, Communal Orchard in the south-west, Gathering Pavilion in the south-east.
Community Allotment Site Layout Question 10 · Fairy Tale Studies and Lore, question 4
Folklore Exhibition Floor Plan
Practise this image with AI feedback →Exhibition Layout of Folk Narrative Museum, north at the top. Main Foyer in the north-west, Oral Traditions Gallery in the north, Manuscript Archive in the north-east, Interactive Theatre in the south-west, Reading Room in the south.
Exhibition Layout of Folk Narrative Museum
Ready for the whole test?
Practise the full test format with timed sections and BandLadder AI feedback.
Take a free mock →PTE Describe Image map: FAQ
How do I describe a map in PTE Describe Image?+
Keep a fixed order: say what the map shows, give the main features with figures, say how they relate, and finish with what it suggests overall. Fill every part with facts from the image in front of you. About 70–90 words fills the 40 seconds at a natural pace.
Are Describe Image templates allowed, or does Pearson penalise them?+
A speaking order is fine; memorised content is not. Pearson's Speaking & Writing format page says no credit is given for an unoriginal response: "You must use your own words." Pearson's PTE Academic Score Guide (July 2025, p. 8) uses Describe Image as its example: a response with pre-prepared or memorised material is classed as irrelevant and scores 0 for Content, and then Pronunciation and Oral Fluency are not scored either. A human expert also reviews Describe Image Content (p. 15). The PTE Core Score Guide (January 2026, p. 27) puts a response that fails to deal with the image because of memorised material in Content band 0. Use the template for the order of your sentences, and fill every slot with facts from the image in front of you.
How long do I get to describe the image?+
You have 25 seconds to study the image and 40 seconds to describe it, in both PTE Academic and PTE Core.
Do I need to mention every number?+
No. Pearson's top Content band asks for the main features and the relationships between them, so pick the highest, lowest and biggest changes and compare them.
Are these official PTE questions?+
No. They are BandLadder-original images drawn from each set's own data. Each sample answer is an authored example, not a score for your response.
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