PTE Academic and PTE Core · Describe Image

PTE Describe Image process diagram: template and sample answers

Answer a PTE Describe Image process diagram in a fixed order: what it shows, the main features with figures, how they relate, and what it suggests overall. Below is a process diagram template, then 10 free process diagram questions, 9 with a sample answer. You get 25 seconds to study the image and 40 seconds to speak.
  • 10 process diagram questions
  • Template and sample answers
  • Updated 25 October 2026

Updated

Speaking order, not a script

PTE Describe Image process diagram template

Use the template for the order of your sentences and fill every [slot] with facts from the process diagram in front of you. Give the number of stages first, then walk through them in order with sequence words, and say whether the process is linear or a cycle.

Process diagram template
This diagram shows the [number] stages of [process], from [first stage] to [last stage].
It begins with [stage 1], where [what happens].
Next comes [stage 2], after which [stage 3].
Once [stage] is complete, [stage].
Finally, [last stage], which [the result].
Overall, it is a [linear / cyclical] process in which [key relationship].
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 process diagram 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 · Carnival Arts and Organisation, question 1

    Costume Production Workflow

    Carnival Float Costume Production Stages. Stage 1: Theme conceptualisation and sketch approval. Stage 2: Wireframe welding and structural shaping. Stage 3: Fabric selection and textile dyeing. Stage 4: Feather attachment and sequin embellishment. Stage 5: Fitting sessions and movement testing. Stage 6: Final adjustments and transport packing.

    Carnival Float Costume Production Stages
    1. 1.Theme conceptualisation and sketch approval
    2. 2.Wireframe welding and structural shaping
    3. 3.Fabric selection and textile dyeing
    4. 4.Feather attachment and sequin embellishment
    5. 5.Fitting sessions and movement testing
    6. 6.Final adjustments and transport packing
    Show sample answer

    This flowchart outlines the six sequential stages involved in producing carnival float costumes. The process commences with theme conceptualisation and sketch approval, followed by structural wireframe welding. Once fabric dyeing and embellishment are complete, performers undergo fitting sessions to test mobility. The workflow concludes with final adjustments and packing for transport. Overall, the diagram illustrates a clear progression from initial artistic design to structural fabrication and final physical preparation, ensuring that elaborate outfits are both visually striking and durable enough for performance.

    • Identifies the starting stage of conceptualisation and the concluding stage of packing
    • Highlights the intermediate structural and embellishment procedures
    • Summarises the overall progression from initial design to final physical preparation
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  2. Question 2 · Comics Studies and Production, question 1

    Comic Strip Translation Workflow

    Stages in Localising Comic Strips. Stage 1: Script translation and cultural adaptation. Stage 2: Dialogue re-lettering in speech balloons. Stage 3: Sound effect redrawing and visual adjustment. Stage 4: Editorial review and colour proofing. Stage 5: Digital publication and print distribution.

    Stages in Localising Comic Strips
    1. 1.Script translation and cultural adaptation
    2. 2.Dialogue re-lettering in speech balloons
    3. 3.Sound effect redrawing and visual adjustment
    4. 4.Editorial review and colour proofing
    5. 5.Digital publication and print distribution
    Show sample answer

    This flowchart illustrates the sequential stages involved in localising comic strips for international readers. The process begins with script translation and cultural adaptation, which is followed by dialogue re-lettering directly inside the speech balloons. Next, sound effects undergo visual redrawing and adjustments, leading into editorial review and colour proofing. Finally, the finished work moves to digital publication and print distribution. Overall, the diagram demonstrates that adapting graphic narratives requires careful coordination between textual rewriting and visual redesign before final release.

    • Identifies the starting stage of script translation and cultural adaptation.
    • Traces the progression through lettering, artwork adjustments, and editorial review.
    • Concludes that localisation demands simultaneous visual and textual adaptations before publication.
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  3. Question 3 · Folk Song Collecting and Archiving, question 1

    Folk Song Field Documentation Stages

    Stages of Folk Song Field Documentation. Stage 1: Initial informant consultation and consent. Stage 2: Live acoustic recording in field. Stage 3: Field note compilation and context logging. Stage 4: Musical transcription and melodic analysis. Stage 5: Archive deposit and public indexing.

    Stages of Folk Song Field Documentation
    1. 1.Initial informant consultation and consent
    2. 2.Live acoustic recording in field
    3. 3.Field note compilation and context logging
    4. 4.Musical transcription and melodic analysis
    5. 5.Archive deposit and public indexing
    Show sample answer

    This flowchart illustrates the five sequential stages involved in folk song field documentation. The process begins with initial informant consultation and securing consent, followed immediately by live acoustic recording in the field. Next, researchers compile detailed field notes and log situational context before moving on to musical transcription and melodic analysis. The entire workflow concludes with archive deposit and public indexing. Overall, the diagram demonstrates a structured progression from direct community engagement to the permanent preservation and accessibility of collected songs.

    • Identifies the first stage as informant consultation and the final stage as archive deposit
    • Highlights the intermediate stages of recording, note compilation, and melodic transcription
    • Concludes that field documentation follows a systematic route from community interaction to public archiving
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  4. Question 4 · Global Sericulture and Silk Processing, question 1

    Stages of Raw Silk Manufacturing

    Stages in Commercial Silk Production. Stage 1: Rearing silkworms on fresh leaves. Stage 2: Cocoon formation and harvesting. Stage 3: Hot air stifling of pupae. Stage 4: Soaking cocoons in boiling water. Stage 5: Reeling filaments onto spools. Stage 6: Twisting fibres into raw yarn.

    Stages in Commercial Silk Production
    1. 1.Rearing silkworms on fresh leaves
    2. 2.Cocoon formation and harvesting
    3. 3.Hot air stifling of pupae
    4. 4.Soaking cocoons in boiling water
    5. 5.Reeling filaments onto spools
    6. 6.Twisting fibres into raw yarn
    Show sample answer

    This flow diagram illustrates the sequential stages of commercial silk production, from cultivation to finished yarn. The process begins with rearing silkworms on fresh leaves, leading directly to cocoon harvesting. A crucial intermediate phase involves hot air stifling followed by soaking the cocoons in boiling water to soften the sericin gum. Finally, continuous filaments are reeled onto spools and twisted into raw yarn. Overall, the sequence demonstrates how delicate biological cultivation is systematically converted into a robust industrial textile product through controlled thermal treatments.

    • Process begins with silkworm rearing and finishes with twisting raw yarn
    • Thermal steps include stifling and boiling before reeling filaments
    • Conversion from agricultural rearing to an industrial textile yarn
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  5. Question 5 · High-Speed Rail Networks, question 1

    Ballastless Slab Track Installation

    Stages of Ballastless Slab Track Construction. Stage 1: Subgrade compaction and stabilising. Stage 2: Hydraulically bound base laying. Stage 3: Precast concrete slab positioning. Stage 4: Precision surveying and alignment. Stage 5: Self-compacting mortar injection. Stage 6: Rail fastening and tensioning.

    Stages of Ballastless Slab Track Construction
    1. 1.Subgrade compaction and stabilising
    2. 2.Hydraulically bound base laying
    3. 3.Precast concrete slab positioning
    4. 4.Precision surveying and alignment
    5. 5.Self-compacting mortar injection
    6. 6.Rail fastening and tensioning
    Show sample answer

    The process diagram illustrates the six successive stages involved in constructing a ballastless slab track for high-speed rail. Initially, the ground undergoes subgrade compaction and stabilising, followed by the laying of a hydraulically bound base. In the intermediate stages, precast concrete slabs are positioned and surveyed with precision alignment before self-compacting mortar is injected underneath. Finally, the steel rails are fastened and tensioned. Overall, the sequence demonstrates a structured progression from geotechnical ground preparation to precise mechanical fastening, ensuring track stability at high speeds.

    • Identifies the initial stage as subgrade compaction and the final stage as rail fastening
    • Highlights the middle phase involving concrete slab positioning and mortar injection
    • Concludes that the structured sequence ensures long-term track stability for high-speed trains
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  6. Question 6 · Jewellery Crafting and Production, question 1

    Lost Wax Casting Stages

    Lost-Wax Casting Process. Stage 1: Carving the wax model. Stage 2: Attaching the wax sprue. Stage 3: Pouring liquid plaster investment. Stage 4: Burnout in high-temperature kiln. Stage 5: Injecting molten precious metal. Stage 6: Quenching and retrieving casting. Stage 7: Final filing and polishing.

    Lost-Wax Casting Process
    1. 1.Carving the wax model
    2. 2.Attaching the wax sprue
    3. 3.Pouring liquid plaster investment
    4. 4.Burnout in high-temperature kiln
    5. 5.Injecting molten precious metal
    6. 6.Quenching and retrieving casting
    7. 7.Final filing and polishing
    Show sample answer

    The flow diagram illustrates the sequential stages involved in the lost-wax casting method for jewellery production. The process begins with carving an initial wax model and attaching a sprue, followed by encasing the assembly in liquid plaster investment. Once hardened, the plaster undergoes high-temperature burnout in a kiln to melt away the wax. Molten metal is then injected into the resulting cavity before quenching and retrieval. Overall, the technique transforms a temporary wax design into a durable, polished metal ornament through systematic thermal and casting steps.

    • Identifies initial wax carving and sprue attachment as the starting points
    • Highlights the central burnout and molten metal injection steps
    • Concludes that the process converts a delicate wax master into a finished metal piece
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  7. Question 7 · Renewable Energy Technology, question 1

    Anaerobic Digestion Biogas Production

    Anaerobic Digestion Biogas Process. Stage 1: Organic waste collection and sorting. Stage 2: Mechanical pre-treatment and shredding. Stage 3: Anaerobic digestion in sealed tank. Stage 4: Biogas collection and desulphurisation. Stage 5: Combined heat and power generation. Stage 6: Digestate processing into biofertiliser.

    Anaerobic Digestion Biogas Process
    1. 1.Organic waste collection and sorting
    2. 2.Mechanical pre-treatment and shredding
    3. 3.Anaerobic digestion in sealed tank
    4. 4.Biogas collection and desulphurisation
    5. 5.Combined heat and power generation
    6. 6.Digestate processing into biofertiliser
    Show sample answer

    The flow chart illustrates the sequential stages involved in producing biogas through anaerobic digestion. Overall, the process consists of six continuous steps, beginning with the collection and sorting of organic waste and concluding with biofertiliser production. After mechanical shredding, the feedstock enters a sealed digestion tank where microorganisms break down the material. The resulting biogas undergoes desulphurisation before being utilised for combined heat and power generation. In conclusion, the system provides a dual benefit by generating renewable energy alongside agricultural fertiliser.

    • Identifies the six-stage sequence from waste collection to fertiliser processing
    • Highlights the middle phase where anaerobic digestion and biogas desulphurisation occur
    • Concludes that the process generates both useful energy and biofertiliser
    Practise this image with AI feedback →
  8. Question 8 · Traditional and Modern Indigo Dyeing, question 1

    Natural Indigo Extraction Process

    Stages of Natural Indigo Extraction. Stage 1: Harvesting fresh indigofera leaves. Stage 2: Fermenting leaves in water vats. Stage 3: Aerating the liquid to induce oxidation. Stage 4: Settling and collecting indigo paste. Stage 5: Drying paste into solid pigment blocks.

    Stages of Natural Indigo Extraction
    1. 1.Harvesting fresh indigofera leaves
    2. 2.Fermenting leaves in water vats
    3. 3.Aerating the liquid to induce oxidation
    4. 4.Settling and collecting indigo paste
    5. 5.Drying paste into solid pigment blocks
    Show sample answer

    This flow chart illustrates the five sequential stages involved in extracting natural indigo pigment from plant matter. The process begins with harvesting fresh leaves, which are subsequently fermented in water vats. A critical central phase is aeration, which oxidises the liquid to form insoluble particles. Following aeration, the sediment is collected as paste before being dried into solid pigment blocks. Overall, the diagram demonstrates how organic plant foliage is systematically transformed into durable solid dye through biochemical and mechanical steps.

    • Main sequence begins with leaf harvest and ends with solid pigment blocks
    • Aeration and oxidation form the crucial turning point in pigment development
    • The complete extraction involves five distinct sequential processing stages
    Practise this image with AI feedback →
  9. Question 9 · Urban Street Art Studies, question 1

    Stencilling Workflow for Public Art

    Multi-Layer Stencil Art Procedure. Stage 1: Drafting source illustration. Stage 2: Separating tonal layers. Stage 3: Cutting acetate stencils. Stage 4: Applying temporary spray mount. Stage 5: Spraying base layer colours. Stage 6: Layering fine detail colours. Stage 7: Applying protective clear varnish.

    Multi-Layer Stencil Art Procedure
    1. 1.Drafting source illustration
    2. 2.Separating tonal layers
    3. 3.Cutting acetate stencils
    4. 4.Applying temporary spray mount
    5. 5.Spraying base layer colours
    6. 6.Layering fine detail colours
    7. 7.Applying protective clear varnish
    Show sample answer

    The diagram illustrates the step-by-step procedure involved in creating multi-layer stencil street art. The process begins with drafting a source illustration and separating the distinct tonal layers. Following this, individual acetate stencils are cut and secured using temporary spray mount. Artists then apply the base layer colours before spraying finer detail colours on top. Finally, the completed work is coated with a protective clear varnish. Overall, the sequence highlights a methodical progression from initial design to final surface preservation.

    • Begins with drafting the illustration and separating tonal layers
    • Progresses through cutting stencils and sequential paint application
    • Concludes with applying a clear protective varnish to preserve the mural
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  10. Question 10 · Animation Production and Technology, question 2

    Pipeline of 3D Character Modelling

    Digital Character Creation Workflow. Stage 1: Concept Art Approval. Stage 2: Base Mesh Sculpting. Stage 3: Retopology and UV Mapping. Stage 4: Texture Painting and Shading. Stage 5: Skeletal Rigging and Skinning. Stage 6: Final Animation Testing.

    Digital Character Creation Workflow
    1. 1.Concept Art Approval
    2. 2.Base Mesh Sculpting
    3. 3.Retopology and UV Mapping
    4. 4.Texture Painting and Shading
    5. 5.Skeletal Rigging and Skinning
    6. 6.Final Animation Testing
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PTE Describe Image process diagram: FAQ

How do I describe a process diagram in PTE Describe Image?+

Keep a fixed order: say what the process diagram 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 process diagram template