PTE Academic and PTE Core · Describe Image

PTE Describe Image pie chart: template and sample answers

Answer a PTE Describe Image pie chart in a fixed order: what it shows, the main features with figures, how they relate, and what it suggests overall. Below is a pie chart template, then 10 free pie chart questions, 10 with a sample answer. You get 25 seconds to study the image and 40 seconds to speak.
  • 10 pie chart questions
  • Template and sample answers
  • Updated 25 October 2026

Updated

Speaking order, not a script

PTE Describe Image pie chart template

Use the template for the order of your sentences and fill every [slot] with facts from the pie chart in front of you. Two pies? Compare the same slice across them instead of describing each pie separately.

Pie chart template
This pie chart breaks [the whole] down into [number] parts.
The largest share, [figure] per cent, goes to [category], which is [about a third / almost half] of the total.
[Second category] follows with [figure] per cent, while [smallest category] makes up just [figure] per cent.
Together, [two categories] account for [sum] per cent.
Overall, [what dominates and what that suggests].

Two pies? Compare the same slice across them instead of describing each pie separately.

General template
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 pie chart 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.

  1. Question 1 · Animation Production and Technology, question 1

    Anime Studio Resource Allocation

    Average Budget Allocation in Commercial Animation (%). Keyframe Drawing 35, In-betweening 25, Background Art 15, Digital Compositing 15, Sound Design 10.

    Average Budget Allocation in Commercial Animation (%)
    • Keyframe Drawing: 35%
    • In-betweening: 25%
    • Background Art: 15%
    • Digital Compositing: 15%
    • Sound Design: 10%
    View the data
    CategoryValue (%)
    Keyframe Drawing35
    In-betweening25
    Background Art15
    Digital Compositing15
    Sound Design10
    Show sample answer

    The pie chart illustrates the distribution of production expenditure across different departments in a commercial animation project. Overall, drawing tasks represent the largest proportion of financial resources, with keyframe drawing accounting for 35% and in-betweening taking 25%. In contrast, background art and digital compositing each consume an equal share of 15%. Sound design requires the smallest financial allocation at just 10%. In this chart, keyframe drawing and in-betweening together account for 60% of the budget, compared with 40% for the other three departments.

    • Keyframe drawing receives the largest single share at 35%
    • Background art and digital compositing receive equal allocations of 15% each
    • Keyframe drawing and in-betweening together account for 60%, compared with 10% for sound design
    Practise this image with AI feedback →
  2. Question 2 · Art Conservation and Heritage Science, question 1

    Causes of Fresco Deterioration

    Primary Factors in Wall Painting Decay (%). Moisture Intrusion 42, Microbial Growth 24, Thermal Fluctuation 18, Atmospheric Pollutants 11, Structural Shifting 5.

    Primary Factors in Wall Painting Decay (%)
    • Moisture Intrusion: 42%
    • Microbial Growth: 24%
    • Thermal Fluctuation: 18%
    • Atmospheric Pollutants: 11%
    • Structural Shifting: 5%
    View the data
    CategoryValue (%)
    Moisture Intrusion42
    Microbial Growth24
    Thermal Fluctuation18
    Atmospheric Pollutants11
    Structural Shifting5
    Show sample answer

    This pie chart illustrates the primary factors responsible for the deterioration of historic wall paintings. The dominant cause is moisture intrusion, which accounts for 42% of all recorded damage. Microbial growth represents the second largest share at 24%, followed by thermal fluctuation at 18%. Atmospheric pollutants and structural shifting contribute much smaller proportions, at 11% and 5% respectively. Overall, the data demonstrates that water-related issues and biological activity cause almost two-thirds of all decay, highlighting the vital importance of environmental moisture control in heritage conservation.

    • Moisture intrusion is the primary factor at 42 percent
    • Moisture and biological growth together account for nearly two-thirds of decay
    • Environmental moisture control is the most critical intervention for preserving frescoes
    Practise this image with AI feedback →
  3. Question 3 · Fairy Tale Studies and Lore, question 1

    Recurring Fairy Tale Motifs

    Prevalence of Core Motifs in European Folklore (%). Magical Transformations 35, Quests and Trials 25, Deceptive Villains 20, Royal Marriages 12, Supernatural Helpers 8.

    Prevalence of Core Motifs in European Folklore (%)
    • Magical Transformations: 35%
    • Quests and Trials: 25%
    • Deceptive Villains: 20%
    • Royal Marriages: 12%
    • Supernatural Helpers: 8%
    View the data
    CategoryValue (%)
    Magical Transformations35
    Quests and Trials25
    Deceptive Villains20
    Royal Marriages12
    Supernatural Helpers8
    Show sample answer

    The pie chart illustrates the prevalence of core narrative motifs in European folklore. Overall, magical transformations represent the largest category, accounting for 35% of all recorded motifs. Quests and trials form the second most frequent element at 25%, followed by deceptive villains at 20%. In contrast, supernatural helpers constitute the smallest share at only 8%, while royal marriages make up 12%. In conclusion, the data demonstrates that supernatural change and heroic journeys dominate traditional European tales compared to minor assistance tropes.

    • Magical transformations are the most prevalent motif at 35%
    • Quests and trials (25%) exceed deceptive villains (20%) and royal marriages (12%)
    • Supernatural helpers are the least frequent motif at 8%
    Practise this image with AI feedback →
  4. Question 4 · Felt Production and Applications, question 1

    Industrial Felt Fibre Composition

    Global Industrial Felt Raw Material Shares (%). Merino Wool 42, Recycled Polyester 28, Coarse Wool 16, Viscose 9, Aramid Fibres 5.

    Global Industrial Felt Raw Material Shares (%)
    • Merino Wool: 42%
    • Recycled Polyester: 28%
    • Coarse Wool: 16%
    • Viscose: 9%
    • Aramid Fibres: 5%
    View the data
    CategoryValue (%)
    Merino Wool42
    Recycled Polyester28
    Coarse Wool16
    Viscose9
    Aramid Fibres5
    Show sample answer

    The pie chart illustrates the proportions of various raw materials utilised in global industrial felt manufacturing. Merino wool constitutes the largest share at 42%, followed by recycled polyester, which accounts for 28%. Coarse wool represents 16% of total consumption, whereas viscose and specialised aramid fibres contribute smaller proportions at 9% and 5% respectively. Natural animal fibres collectively dominate over synthetic alternatives, demonstrating that natural wool remains the primary foundation for technical felt production worldwide despite the growing adoption of recycled polymers.

    • Merino wool is the dominant raw material at 42%
    • Recycled polyester is the second largest component at 28%
    • Natural wool varieties form the majority of total fibre consumption
    Practise this image with AI feedback →
  5. Question 5 · Global Basketry Traditions, question 1

    Natural Fibres in Basketry

    Global Raw Material Usage in Traditional Basketry (%). Willow and Hazel 35, Rattan and Cane 28, Bamboo Splints 18, Grasses and Reeds 12, Palm Leaves 7.

    Global Raw Material Usage in Traditional Basketry (%)
    • Willow and Hazel: 35%
    • Rattan and Cane: 28%
    • Bamboo Splints: 18%
    • Grasses and Reeds: 12%
    • Palm Leaves: 7%
    View the data
    CategoryValue (%)
    Willow and Hazel35
    Rattan and Cane28
    Bamboo Splints18
    Grasses and Reeds12
    Palm Leaves7
    Show sample answer

    The pie chart illustrates the proportion of raw materials used in traditional basketry worldwide. Willow and hazel constitute the largest share at 35%, followed closely by rattan and cane at 28%. Together, these two categories account for over half of all materials recorded. Bamboo splints represent 18%, while grasses and reeds make up 12%. Palm leaves form the smallest segment at just 7%. Overall, woody and flexible shoots dominate traditional weaving practices over softer fibrous plants.

    • Willow and hazel represent the largest material category at 35%
    • Palm leaves comprise the smallest share at 7%, while rattan is second largest at 28%
    • Woody shoots dominate over softer grasses and leaves in global basketmaking
    Practise this image with AI feedback →
  6. Question 6 · Global Production and Consumption of Noodles, question 1

    Cereal Grain Usage in Noodle Doughs

    Global Grain Share in Noodle Manufacturing (%). Wheat Flour 55, Rice Flour 20, Buckwheat 12, Mung Bean Starch 8, Other Grains 5.

    Global Grain Share in Noodle Manufacturing (%)
    • Wheat Flour: 55%
    • Rice Flour: 20%
    • Buckwheat: 12%
    • Mung Bean Starch: 8%
    • Other Grains: 5%
    View the data
    CategoryValue (%)
    Wheat Flour55
    Rice Flour20
    Buckwheat12
    Mung Bean Starch8
    Other Grains5
    Show sample answer

    This pie chart illustrates the proportions of various cereal grains used in global noodle manufacturing. Wheat flour represents the largest share by far, accounting for 55% of total production, followed by rice flour at 20%. Buckwheat comprises 12%, while mung bean starch and other minor grains make up 8% and 5% respectively. In comparison, wheat flour exceeds all alternative ingredients combined. Overall, the data indicates that traditional wheat remains the primary base for industrial noodle production worldwide.

    • Wheat flour forms the majority of raw material at 55%
    • Rice flour is the second largest category at 20%
    • Wheat dominates over all alternative cereal grains combined
    Practise this image with AI feedback →
  7. Question 7 · Historical and Contemporary Calligraphy, question 1

    Illumination Pigment Composition

    Pigment Composition in Medieval Scriptoria (%). Carbon black 40, Iron gall 30, Vermilion red 15, Verdigris green 10, Lapis lazuli 5.

    Pigment Composition in Medieval Scriptoria (%)
    • Carbon black: 40%
    • Iron gall: 30%
    • Vermilion red: 15%
    • Verdigris green: 10%
    • Lapis lazuli: 5%
    View the data
    CategoryValue (%)
    Carbon black40
    Iron gall30
    Vermilion red15
    Verdigris green10
    Lapis lazuli5
    Show sample answer

    The pie chart illustrates the proportional breakdown of pigments used in medieval scriptoria. Overall, dark inks formed the vast majority of the materials, with carbon black representing the largest share at 40%, followed by iron gall at 30%. In contrast, decorative mineral pigments accounted for smaller portions, with vermilion red at 15%, verdigris green at 10%, and lapis lazuli making up only 5%. In conclusion, medieval scribes relied primarily on basic carbon and iron mixtures, while precious mineral colours were used sparingly for illumination.

    • Carbon black and iron gall constitute seventy per cent combined.
    • Lapis lazuli represents the smallest fraction at five per cent.
    • Scribes prioritised utility inks over expensive decorative pigments.
    Practise this image with AI feedback →
  8. Question 8 · History of Silent Cinema, question 1

    Silent Film Nitrate Stock Survival

    Survival Status of Silent Feature Films (%). Completely Lost 75, Incomplete Fragments 15, Fully Preserved 10.

    Survival Status of Silent Feature Films (%)
    • Completely Lost: 75%
    • Incomplete Fragments: 15%
    • Fully Preserved: 10%
    View the data
    CategoryValue (%)
    Completely Lost75
    Incomplete Fragments15
    Fully Preserved10
    Show sample answer

    The pie chart illustrates the survival status of silent feature films produced during the early cinematic era. It is immediately clear that the vast majority of silent features are completely lost, accounting for 75% of the total output. In contrast, incomplete fragments make up 15%, while fully preserved titles represent the smallest proportion at just 10%. Overall, this striking imbalance demonstrates the severe vulnerability of early nitrate stock, indicating that only a minor fraction of early cinematic heritage has survived intact.

    • Completely lost films form the largest share at 75%
    • Fully preserved features represent only 10% of the total
    • Nitrate degradation caused the loss of most early cinematic heritage
    Practise this image with AI feedback →
  9. Question 9 · Masks in History and Industry, question 1

    Surgical Mask Material Composition

    Material Composition of Standard Surgical Masks (%). Spunbond Polypropylene 60, Meltblown Filter Layer 25, Nose Wire and Clips 10, Elastic Ear Loops 5.

    Material Composition of Standard Surgical Masks (%)
    • Spunbond Polypropylene: 60%
    • Meltblown Filter Layer: 25%
    • Nose Wire and Clips: 10%
    • Elastic Ear Loops: 5%
    View the data
    CategoryValue (%)
    Spunbond Polypropylene60
    Meltblown Filter Layer25
    Nose Wire and Clips10
    Elastic Ear Loops5
    Show sample answer

    The pie chart illustrates the material breakdown of standard surgical masks by percentage. Spunbond polypropylene forms the largest share at 60%, followed by the meltblown filter layer, which constitutes 25% of the total structure. Structural components make up the remainder, with nose wires accounting for 10% and elastic ear loops representing the smallest portion at just 5%. Overall, synthetic filtration and structural fabrics dominate production, comprising 85% of all materials, which highlights the critical importance of polymer layers in medical barrier manufacturing.

    • Spunbond polypropylene accounts for the largest proportion at 60%
    • Elastic ear loops represent the smallest share at 5%
    • Polymer fabrics together comprise the vast majority of the mask structure
    Practise this image with AI feedback →
  10. Question 10 · Museum Repatriation Practices, question 1

    Repatriation Claims by Material Type

    Proportion of Restitution Claims by Material (%). Ceramics and Pottery 35, Metalwork and Coins 25, Carved Stone 20, Textiles and Fibre 12, Organic Remains 8.

    Proportion of Restitution Claims by Material (%)
    • Ceramics and Pottery: 35%
    • Metalwork and Coins: 25%
    • Carved Stone: 20%
    • Textiles and Fibre: 12%
    • Organic Remains: 8%
    View the data
    CategoryValue (%)
    Ceramics and Pottery35
    Metalwork and Coins25
    Carved Stone20
    Textiles and Fibre12
    Organic Remains8
    Show sample answer

    The pie chart illustrates the breakdown of restitution claims submitted to museums by material type. Ceramics and pottery account for the largest proportion at 35%, followed by metalwork and coins at 25%. Carved stone represents 20% of the total claims, while textiles and organic remains form smaller shares at 12% and 8% respectively. In comparison, ceramic and metallic objects together constitute over half of all claims. This suggests that durable inorganic artefacts are far more frequently subject to formal return requests than organic cultural heritage.

    • Ceramics and pottery form the largest share at 35%
    • Organic remains represent the smallest category at only 8%
    • Durable inorganic materials constitute the vast majority of restitution claims
    Practise this image with AI feedback →

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PTE Describe Image pie chart: FAQ

How do I describe a pie chart in PTE Describe Image?+

Keep a fixed order: say what the pie chart 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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See the pie chart template