PTE · Describe Image

The Symphony Orchestra: PTE Describe Image practice questions

4 original Describe Image questions. Question 1 is free to record, play back and compare with a sample answer right here; log in free to practise the rest in the BandLadder app.
  • 4 questions
  • Question 1 free, no login
  • PTE Academic and PTE Core
1

Standard Orchestra Stage Layout

Free to try, no login

Look at the image below. You have 25 seconds to study it, then 40 seconds to describe in detail what it shows.

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
First ViolinsSecondViolinsCellos andBassesViolasWoodwindsBrass SectionPercussionN

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Questions 2–4

Look at the image below. You have 25 seconds to study it, then 40 seconds to describe in detail what it shows.

Read them here; log in to answer and check them.

2

Instrument Family Proportions

Composition of Musicians by Instrument Family (%). Strings 60, Woodwinds 16, Brass 14, Percussion 7, Keyboard and Harp 3.

Composition of Musicians by Instrument Family (%)
  • Strings: 60%
  • Woodwinds: 16%
  • Brass: 14%
  • Percussion: 7%
  • Keyboard and Harp: 3%
View the data
CategoryValue (%)
Strings60
Woodwinds16
Brass14
Percussion7
Keyboard and Harp3
3

Rehearsal Cycle to Performance

Orchestral Concert Preparation Workflow. Stage 1: Score Study and Bowing Marking. Stage 2: Sectional Rehearsals. Stage 3: Tutti Rehearsals. Stage 4: Acoustic Balance Check. Stage 5: Dress Rehearsal. Stage 6: Live Concert Performance.

Orchestral Concert Preparation Workflow
  1. 1.Score Study and Bowing Marking
  2. 2.Sectional Rehearsals
  3. 3.Tutti Rehearsals
  4. 4.Acoustic Balance Check
  5. 5.Dress Rehearsal
  6. 6.Live Concert Performance
4

Musician Demographics by Age

Age Distribution of Orchestral Musicians (Number of Musicians). Full-time Players: Under 30 12, 30 to 39 28, 40 to 49 34, 50 to 59 22, 60 and Over 8.

Age Distribution of Orchestral Musicians (Number of Musicians)
01020304050Under 3030 to 3940 to 4950 to 5960 and Over
View the data
Under 3030 to 3940 to 4950 to 5960 and Over
Full-time Players122834228

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