The Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic is one of the most popular English proficiency exams for students planning to study or migrate abroad. Among the various tasks in the Speaking section, the Describe Image question is often considered challenging, especially when it includes a map or chart. This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about Map Chart questions in the Describe Image task, including a reliable template, useful tips, and some sample answers to help you prepare for the PTE in 2025.
What Is a Map Chart in PTE?
In the PTE Describe Image task, you may be shown a map that illustrates:
- Locations of cities, landmarks, or countries
- Routes or pathways
- Changes in an area over time
- Geographical features like rivers, mountains, or weather patterns
Your job is to speak about the key details from the map in 40 seconds after 25 seconds of preparation.
Why Are Map Chart Questions Important?
Map charts are a test of both your observation skills and spoken fluency. The task checks how well you can:
- Understand visual information
- Speak clearly and confidently
- Use correct grammar and vocabulary
- Organize your thoughts in a logical order
Even if you don’t know everything on the map, you can still score well by describing what you do understand using a simple and effective structure.
Are you ready to test your skills?
Describe Image Template for Map Charts
Having a reliable template can save you time and help reduce nervousness. Here’s a simple yet professional template you can use:
“The image is a map that shows [main topic or location]. It highlights [key features: cities, countries, changes, directions, etc.].
In the map, [mention specific details: directions, comparisons, dates]. Overall, the image provides a clear overview of [summary or trend].
Based on my observation, the map is informative and helps understand [general idea or pattern].”
You can adjust this template depending on what type of map is shown.
Tips to Describe Map Charts Effectively
Here are some helpful tips for handling map chart questions in the PTE Describe Image task:
1. Start with an Overview
Begin by mentioning what the map is about. This gives your answer structure and clarity. Example: “The map illustrates the public transport network in London.”
2. Use Directional Vocabulary
Maps often include directions like north, south, east, and west. Include these when explaining positions. Example: “The city center is located in the north, while the airport is in the south.”
3. Mention Time, if Present
If the map compares two different time periods, talk about what changed. Use words like “earlier,” “later,” “before,” and “after.”
4. Use Transition Words
Words like “in addition,” “on the other hand,” “similarly,” “overall,” help make your speech smoother and more organized.
5. Practice with Real Examples
The more maps you practice with, the more confident you will become. Try practicing with sample questions or real PTE-style maps.
Are you ready to test your skills?
Sample Map Chart Question and Answer
Sample Map Question:
Sample Answer Using the Template:
“The image is a map that shows the town center before and after the development of a shopping complex. It highlights changes made to roads, buildings, and pedestrian areas.
In the before map, there were small shops along both sides of the street. In the later version, these were replaced by a large shopping complex in the middle. Additionally, a parking area was added to the east side. The park and the road on the west was converted into a pedestrian-only zone.
Overall, the map presents the transformation of the town center into a more modern commercial area.
Common Vocabulary for Map Chart Questions
Here are some useful words and phrases you can use:
- Located in / Situated at
- To the north/south/east/west of
- Adjacent to / Close to / Opposite of
- Transformed / Replaced / Converted
- Expanded / Removed / Constructed
- Earlier / Later / Previously / Currently
Using these words will make your description sound more natural and academic.
