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PTE Describe Image sample: pie chart (international students' average monthly spending)

A PTE Describe Image task with a model answer, the structure behind it and how to fit it into 40 seconds.

Updated 2026-10-13

The image

Pie chart of international students' average monthly spending.
Pie chart of international students' average monthly spending.

You have 25 seconds to prepare and 40 seconds to speak.

Sample answer (75 words, about 35 seconds)

The pie chart shows how international students spend their money each month. Rent is by far the largest expense, accounting for 38 per cent of spending. Food is the second biggest category at 21 per cent, followed by transport at 12 per cent and study costs at 11 per cent. Utilities and phone, and other expenses, each make up 9 per cent. Overall, housing and food together take almost 60 per cent of students' budgets.

The structure behind it

  1. Introduce: "The pie chart shows/compares…" (what, where, when)
  2. Main feature: the biggest, highest or most important thing
  3. Two details with numbers: one comparison, one change or contrast
  4. Conclusion: "Overall, …"

Keep a steady pace and don't stop for more than 3 seconds; a long pause can end your recording. Fluency and pronunciation count for more than describing every detail.

Practise it

Try this image yourself on the Describe Image practice page, which records your answer on your device and shows your start time and pauses. More: all Describe Image examples.