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PTE Process Chart and Flow Chart Practice

A PTE process chart, also called a flow chart, shows the stages of a process or system in order, using boxes and arrows. You get 25 seconds to study it and 40 seconds to speak. Introduce the process and its start and end point, then walk through the stages in order with sequence words such as first, next and finally. Mention any loops or decision points, and finish with the result. Putting the steps in the right order is the main thing to get right.

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Question 1 of 37

How a water filter cartridge is produced

How should we check your answer?

Charts use invented figures written for practice. Your recording is never uploaded. The result is a practice estimate from an optional transcript (on-device in most recent browsers, or the browser's own in Chrome and Edge) or from key points you tick yourself. It is not an official score.

How to describe a process chart in 40 seconds

  1. Introduce: This flow chart shows the process of [process], which has [number] stages.
  2. Start: The process begins with [first stage].
  3. Middle stages: [Next stage] follows, after which [stage] takes place.
  4. Decision or loop: If [condition], the process [loops back / branches to another stage].
  5. Finish: Finally, [end result], and the process is complete.

Use the 25 seconds to find the title, the labels and the main values, then speak in the order above. Replace each bracket with the details from your image.

Useful language

  • Sequence: begins with, is followed by, once this is complete, after that, finally
  • Branching: if ... then, depending on, either ... or
  • Result: the output is, the end product, the process concludes with

Common mistakes

  • Describing boxes as a list with no sequence words. Make the order obvious to the listener.
  • Missing the start or the end. Name both.
  • Ignoring loops and branches. These are often where the detail is.
  • Guessing the purpose. Describe what the image shows, and state the purpose only if the chart makes it clear.

How Pearson scores Describe Image

  • Pearson gives 25 seconds to study the image and prepare, then 40 seconds to speak after the tone. You can record only once.
  • Responses are scored on three factors: content, pronunciation and oral fluency.
  • Content checks whether you address all the elements of the image, and also credits relationships in the data, possible developments, and conclusions or implications drawn from details in the image.
  • Pearson says a few disjointed ideas will lower your score, so cover the main information and link it to specific details.
  • Pearson says unoriginal responses earn no credit. Use a structure to organise your answer, but write the content from what you see in the picture.

Source: Pearson PTE Academic test format: Speaking and Writing (Describe Image) (checked 2026-10-09).

How this task is scored (practice estimate)

After you record, the page can give a practice estimate for this process chart answer. It is not a Pearson score. With a transcript on (on-device in most recent browsers, browser-based in Chrome and Edge only), the content part checks whether the transcript mentions each key point of the chart (a few keywords per point), and a rough pace estimate lowers the percentage a little. With the transcript off, you tick the key points you covered and the result is labelled self-checked, with no pace part. Pronunciation is never measured, and keyword matching cannot judge whether your description is accurate or well organised. Results stay in this browser.

Practice charts with model answers

Read each chart for 25 seconds, then compare your answer with the model. Every figure below is invented for practice.

Chart 1: How a water filter cartridge is produced

Process diagram: How a water filter cartridge is produced. Step 1: Raw water enters the intake; Step 2: A coarse screen removes sediment; Step 3: Water passes through carbon layers; Step 4: Filtered water is tested; Step 5: The cartridge is sealed and packed.How a water filter cartridge is producedSTEP 1Raw water enters theintakeSTEP 2A coarse screenremoves sedimentSTEP 3Water passes throughcarbon layersSTEP 4Filtered water istestedSTEP 5The cartridge issealed and packed
Model answer

This flow chart shows how a water filter cartridge is produced, in five stages. The process begins when raw water enters the intake. The water then passes through a coarse screen, which removes sediment. Next, it flows through carbon layers. Once it has been filtered, the water is tested to confirm it is suitable. Finally, the cartridge is sealed and packed, which completes the process.

Chart 2: Steps to set up a small business

Process diagram: Steps to set up a small business. Step 1: Choose a business name; Step 2: Check the name is available; Step 3: Register the business; Step 4: Open a business bank account; Step 5: Apply for a tax number; Step 6: Start trading.Steps to set up a small businessSTEP 1Choose a business nameSTEP 2Check the name isavailableSTEP 3Register the businessSTEP 4Open a business bankaccountSTEP 5Apply for a tax numberSTEP 6Start trading
Model answer

This flow chart outlines six steps for setting up a small business. The process starts with choosing a business name, and the next step is checking that the name is available. Once the name is confirmed, the business is registered. After registration, the owner opens a business bank account and then applies for a tax number. Finally, the business can start trading. The chart shows that most of the preparation happens before the first sale.

Chart 3: How wheat becomes flour

Process diagram: How wheat becomes flour. Step 1: Harvest wheat with combine; Step 2: Dry and store the grain; Step 3: Clean out stones and dust; Step 4: Condition with water; Step 5: Grind between rollers; Step 6: Sift and pack the flour.How wheat becomes flourSTEP 1Harvest wheat withcombineSTEP 2Dry and store thegrainSTEP 3Clean out stones anddustSTEP 4Condition with waterSTEP 5Grind between rollersSTEP 6Sift and pack theflour
Model answer

This diagram shows six stages in turning wheat into flour. First, the wheat is harvested with a combine harvester. The grain is then dried and stored, and after that it is cleaned to remove stones and dust. In the fourth stage, water is added to condition the grain. Next, it is ground between rollers, and finally the flour is sifted and packed. Overall, the process moves from the harvested crop to packaged flour.

Chart 4: How rain forms

Process diagram: How rain forms. Step 1: Sun heats the sea; Step 2: Water vapour rises; Step 3: Vapour cools and condenses; Step 4: Clouds form; Step 5: Droplets grow heavy; Step 6: Rain falls.How rain formsSTEP 1Sun heats the seaSTEP 2Water vapour risesSTEP 3Vapour cools andcondensesSTEP 4Clouds formSTEP 5Droplets grow heavySTEP 6Rain falls
Model answer

This diagram shows how rain forms in six stages. First, the sun heats the sea, and water vapour rises. As it climbs, the vapour cools and condenses into tiny droplets, and these gather to form clouds. The droplets then grow heavy, and finally rain falls to the ground. Overall, the process is a cycle powered by heat from the sun.

Chart 5: The journey of an online order

Process diagram: The journey of an online order. Step 1: Customer places order; Step 2: Parcel packed at warehouse; Step 3: Van collects parcel; Step 4: Sorted at regional hub; Step 5: Loaded onto local vehicle; Step 6: Delivered and signed for.The journey of an online orderSTEP 1Customer places orderSTEP 2Parcel packed atwarehouseSTEP 3Van collects parcelSTEP 4Sorted at regional hubSTEP 5Loaded onto localvehicleSTEP 6Delivered and signedfor
Model answer

This flowchart shows the journey of an online order in six stages. It begins when the customer places an order, and the parcel is then packed at the warehouse. A van collects it and takes it to a regional hub, where it is sorted. Next, it is loaded onto a local vehicle, and the final stage is delivery, when the customer signs for it. Overall, the process runs from the order to the signature.

Chart 6: Stages of an archaeological project

Process diagram: Stages of an archaeological project. Step 1: Survey and map the site; Step 2: Excavate layer by layer; Step 3: Record and photograph finds; Step 4: Wash and label finds; Step 5: Analyse in a laboratory; Step 6: Publish the report.Stages of an archaeological projectSTEP 1Survey and map thesiteSTEP 2Excavate layer bylayerSTEP 3Record and photographfindsSTEP 4Wash and label findsSTEP 5Analyse in alaboratorySTEP 6Publish the report
Model answer

This diagram outlines the stages of an archaeological project. The team first surveys and maps the site, then excavates it layer by layer. Every find is recorded and photographed, and the finds are washed and labelled. Next, specialists analyse them in a laboratory, and the final stage is publishing a report. Overall, the project moves from fieldwork to analysis and finally to sharing the results.

Chart 7: How sedimentary rock forms

Process diagram: How sedimentary rock forms. Step 1: Weathering and erosion; Step 2: Transport by water or wind; Step 3: Deposition in layers; Step 4: Burial and compaction; Step 5: Cementation; Step 6: Sedimentary rock.How sedimentary rock formsSTEP 1Weathering and erosionSTEP 2Transport by water orwindSTEP 3Deposition in layersSTEP 4Burial and compactionSTEP 5CementationSTEP 6Sedimentary rock
Model answer

This diagram shows how sedimentary rock forms in six stages. It begins with weathering and erosion, which break rock into fragments. These are then transported by water or wind and deposited in layers. Burial and compaction squeeze the layers, and cementation binds the grains together. Finally, the sediment becomes solid sedimentary rock.

Chart 8: From assignment to publication: a newspaper story

Process diagram: From assignment to publication: a newspaper story. Step 1: Editor assigns story; Step 2: Reporter researches and interviews; Step 3: Draft is written; Step 4: Facts are checked; Step 5: Sub-editor edits; Step 6: Published online and in print.From assignment to publication: a newspaper storySTEP 1Editor assigns storySTEP 2Reporter researchesand interviewsSTEP 3Draft is writtenSTEP 4Facts are checkedSTEP 5Sub-editor editsSTEP 6Published online andin print
Model answer

This flowchart shows six stages in producing a newspaper story. First, an editor assigns the story. The reporter then researches and interviews, and writes a draft. Next, the facts are checked, and a sub-editor edits the text. Finally, the story is published online and in print. Overall, the story is written, checked and edited before readers ever see it.

Chart 9: Making soap at home

Process diagram: Making soap at home. Step 1: Dissolve lye in water; Step 2: Warm the oils; Step 3: Combine and stir; Step 4: Pour into moulds; Step 5: Cut into bars; Step 6: Cure for four weeks.Making soap at homeSTEP 1Dissolve lye in waterSTEP 2Warm the oilsSTEP 3Combine and stirSTEP 4Pour into mouldsSTEP 5Cut into barsSTEP 6Cure for four weeks
Model answer

This diagram outlines six stages in making soap. The process begins by dissolving lye in water. The oils are warmed, then combined with the lye solution and stirred. Next, the mixture is poured into moulds and later cut into bars. The final stage is curing for four weeks. Overall, the soap needs several short preparation steps followed by a long wait before it can be used.

Chart 10: Reviewing a new AI tool before a company adopts it (example)

Process diagram: Reviewing a new AI tool before a company adopts it (example). Step 1: Proposal submitted; Step 2: Risk assessment; Step 3: Ethics board review; Step 4: Pilot with staff; Step 5: Feedback and audit; Step 6: Approval or rejection.Reviewing a new AI tool before a company adopts it (example)STEP 1Proposal submittedSTEP 2Risk assessmentSTEP 3Ethics board reviewSTEP 4Pilot with staffSTEP 5Feedback and auditSTEP 6Approval or rejection
Model answer

This flowchart shows how a company reviews a new AI tool in six stages. It starts with a proposal, followed by a risk assessment and a review by an ethics board. The tool is then piloted with staff. After feedback and an audit, the final stage is approval or rejection.

Chart 11: How drinking water is treated

Process diagram: How drinking water is treated. Step 1: Intake from reservoir; Step 2: Screening; Step 3: Coagulation and settling; Step 4: Filtration; Step 5: Disinfection; Step 6: Supply to homes.How drinking water is treatedSTEP 1Intake from reservoirSTEP 2ScreeningSTEP 3Coagulation andsettlingSTEP 4FiltrationSTEP 5DisinfectionSTEP 6Supply to homes
Model answer

This diagram shows how drinking water is treated in six stages. The process begins with intake from a reservoir, and the water is then screened to remove large debris. Next comes coagulation and settling, when small particles clump together and sink. After that the water passes through filtration, and is disinfected to make it safe. Finally, the treated water is supplied to homes.

Chart 12: How a bill becomes law (example process)

Process diagram: How a bill becomes law (example process). Step 1: Bill is drafted; Step 2: Debate in first chamber; Step 3: Committee review; Step 4: Debate in second chamber; Step 5: Head of state signs; Step 6: Law comes into force.How a bill becomes law (example process)STEP 1Bill is draftedSTEP 2Debate in firstchamberSTEP 3Committee reviewSTEP 4Debate in secondchamberSTEP 5Head of state signsSTEP 6Law comes into force
Model answer

This flow chart shows how a bill becomes law in six steps. The process begins when the bill is drafted. It is then debated in the first chamber and goes to a committee for detailed review. After that, the second chamber debates it. Once both chambers have finished, the head of state signs the bill, and finally the law comes into force.

Chart 13: How a robot arm learns a new task

Process diagram: How a robot arm learns a new task. Step 1: Define the task; Step 2: Record human demonstrations; Step 3: Train a control model; Step 4: Test in simulation; Step 5: Trial on the factory floor; Step 6: Monitor and update.How a robot arm learns a new taskSTEP 1Define the taskSTEP 2Record humandemonstrationsSTEP 3Train a control modelSTEP 4Test in simulationSTEP 5Trial on the factoryfloorSTEP 6Monitor and update
Model answer

This diagram explains how a robot arm learns a new task in six steps. First, the task is defined. Humans then record demonstrations, and these are used to train a control model. The model is tested in simulation before it is trialled on the factory floor. Finally, the robot's performance is monitored and the model is updated when necessary.

Chart 14: Stages of forest regrowth after a clearing

Process diagram: Stages of forest regrowth after a clearing. Step 1: Bare cleared ground; Step 2: Grasses and herbs; Step 3: Shrubs and pioneer trees; Step 4: Young fast-growing forest; Step 5: Shade-tolerant trees arrive; Step 6: Mature forest.Stages of forest regrowth after a clearingSTEP 1Bare cleared groundSTEP 2Grasses and herbsSTEP 3Shrubs and pioneertreesSTEP 4Young fast-growingforestSTEP 5Shade-tolerant treesarriveSTEP 6Mature forest
Model answer

This diagram shows the stages of forest regrowth after a clearing. It begins with bare ground, which is first colonised by grasses and herbs. Shrubs and pioneer trees then take over, and a young fast-growing forest develops. Over time, shade-tolerant trees arrive beneath the canopy. Eventually the area becomes a mature forest, so the whole process happens in six gradual stages.

Chart 15: How a heritage building is restored for visitors

Process diagram: How a heritage building is restored for visitors. Step 1: Survey the building's condition; Step 2: Research original materials; Step 3: Stabilise the structure; Step 4: Repair and conserve details; Step 5: Open to visitors; Step 6: Monitor condition over time.How a heritage building is restored for visitorsSTEP 1Survey the building'sconditionSTEP 2Research originalmaterialsSTEP 3Stabilise thestructureSTEP 4Repair and conservedetailsSTEP 5Open to visitorsSTEP 6Monitor condition overtime
Model answer

This flow chart shows how a heritage building is restored for visitors in six steps. First, its condition is surveyed. Experts then research the original materials and stabilise the structure. Details are repaired and conserved, and the building opens to visitors. Finally, its condition is monitored over time. Overall, the work moves from investigation to repair, and carries on after the doors open to visitors.

Chart 16: Organising a community arts festival

Process diagram: Organising a community arts festival. Step 1: Choose theme and date; Step 2: Secure venue; Step 3: Obtain permits; Step 4: Book performers; Step 5: Sell tickets; Step 6: Set up the site; Step 7: Run the festival; Step 8: Review visitor feedback.Organising a community arts festivalSTEP 1Choose theme and dateSTEP 2Secure venueSTEP 3Obtain permitsSTEP 4Book performersSTEP 5Sell ticketsSTEP 6Set up the siteSTEP 7Run the festivalSTEP 8Review visitorfeedback
Model answer

This diagram shows eight steps in organising a community arts festival. The process begins with a theme and date, followed by the venue and permits. Performers are then booked and tickets are sold. After the site is set up, the festival runs. Finally, organisers review visitor feedback. Overall, most of the work happens before the event, and feedback is collected once it has finished.

Chart 17: How steel is made from iron ore

Process diagram: How steel is made from iron ore. Step 1: Iron ore and coke loaded into blast furnace; Step 2: Molten iron is produced; Step 3: Oxygen removes impurities; Step 4: Alloying elements are added; Step 5: Steel is cast into slabs; Step 6: Slabs are rolled into sheets.How steel is made from iron oreSTEP 1Iron ore and cokeloaded into blastfurnaceSTEP 2Molten iron isproducedSTEP 3Oxygen removesimpuritiesSTEP 4Alloying elements areaddedSTEP 5Steel is cast intoslabsSTEP 6Slabs are rolled intosheets
Model answer

This diagram shows how steel is made from iron ore in six steps. First, ore and coke are loaded into a blast furnace, producing molten iron. Oxygen then removes impurities, and alloying elements are added. The steel is cast into slabs, and finally the slabs are rolled into sheets. Overall, the process turns raw iron ore into finished sheets of steel.

Chart 18: Glass manufacturing

Process diagram: Glass manufacturing. Step 1: Mix sand, soda ash and limestone; Step 2: Melt in a furnace; Step 3: Shape the glass; Step 4: Cool slowly (annealing); Step 5: Inspect and cut.Glass manufacturingSTEP 1Mix sand, soda ash andlimestoneSTEP 2Melt in a furnaceSTEP 3Shape the glassSTEP 4Cool slowly(annealing)STEP 5Inspect and cut
Model answer

This flow chart explains glass manufacturing in five stages. The process begins when sand, soda ash and limestone are mixed. The mixture is melted in a furnace, and the glass is shaped. It is then cooled slowly, which is called annealing. Finally, the glass is inspected and cut. Overall, glass starts as a mixture of raw materials and ends as a finished product.

Chart 19: Making a carbon fibre panel

Process diagram: Making a carbon fibre panel. Step 1: Weave carbon fibres into fabric; Step 2: Lay fabric into a mould; Step 3: Add resin; Step 4: Cure under heat and pressure; Step 5: Trim and finish the panel.Making a carbon fibre panelSTEP 1Weave carbon fibresinto fabricSTEP 2Lay fabric into amouldSTEP 3Add resinSTEP 4Cure under heat andpressureSTEP 5Trim and finish thepanel
Model answer

This diagram shows how a carbon fibre panel is made in five steps. First, fibres are woven into fabric. The fabric is laid into a mould, and resin is added. The panel is then cured under heat and pressure. Finally, it is trimmed and finished. Overall, loose fibres become a strong, finished panel through weaving, moulding and curing.

Chart 20: How a DNA molecule is copied

Process diagram: How a DNA molecule is copied. Step 1: Enzyme unwinds the double helix; Step 2: The two strands separate; Step 3: Free bases pair with each strand; Step 4: Two identical DNA molecules form.How a DNA molecule is copiedSTEP 1Enzyme unwinds thedouble helixSTEP 2The two strandsseparateSTEP 3Free bases pair witheach strandSTEP 4Two identical DNAmolecules form
Model answer

This diagram shows how a DNA molecule is copied in four steps. First, an enzyme unwinds the double helix. The two strands then separate, and free bases pair with each strand. Finally, two identical DNA molecules form, each containing one original strand. Overall, the process lets the cell pass on exactly the same genetic information.

Chart 21: How a cell makes a protein

Process diagram: How a cell makes a protein. Step 1: Gene is copied into messenger RNA; Step 2: Messenger RNA leaves the nucleus; Step 3: Ribosome reads the message; Step 4: Amino acids are linked in a chain; Step 5: Chain folds into a protein.How a cell makes a proteinSTEP 1Gene is copied intomessenger RNASTEP 2Messenger RNA leavesthe nucleusSTEP 3Ribosome reads themessageSTEP 4Amino acids are linkedin a chainSTEP 5Chain folds into aprotein
Model answer

This flow chart shows how a cell makes a protein in five steps. A gene is first copied into messenger RNA, which leaves the nucleus. A ribosome reads the message and links amino acids in a chain. Finally, the chain folds into a protein. Overall, the information stored in a gene is turned, step by step, into a working protein.

Chart 22: A laboratory genetic test

Process diagram: A laboratory genetic test. Step 1: Collect a cheek-swab sample; Step 2: Extract DNA; Step 3: Copy the target region; Step 4: Read the DNA sequence; Step 5: Report the result.A laboratory genetic testSTEP 1Collect a cheek-swabsampleSTEP 2Extract DNASTEP 3Copy the target regionSTEP 4Read the DNA sequenceSTEP 5Report the result
Model answer

This diagram shows a laboratory genetic test in five steps. The process begins when a cheek-swab sample is collected. DNA is extracted, and the target region is copied. Its sequence is then read. Finally, the result is reported. Overall, the test moves from collecting a small sample to producing a written result, with the DNA analysed in the laboratory in between.

Chart 23: How a national census is carried out

Process diagram: How a national census is carried out. Step 1: Plan the questions; Step 2: Deliver forms to households; Step 3: Households respond; Step 4: Follow up non-responders; Step 5: Process and check the data; Step 6: Publish the results.How a national census is carried outSTEP 1Plan the questionsSTEP 2Deliver forms tohouseholdsSTEP 3Households respondSTEP 4Follow upnon-respondersSTEP 5Process and check thedataSTEP 6Publish the results
Model answer

This flow chart shows how a national census is carried out in six steps. It begins with planning the questions. Forms are delivered, and households respond. Officials then follow up non-responders. Finally, the data is processed and checked, and the results are published. Overall, the census moves from planning and collection to checking and publication.

Chart 24: Estimating population between censuses

Process diagram: Estimating population between censuses. Step 1: Start from the last census count; Step 2: Add births; Step 3: Subtract deaths; Step 4: Adjust for migration; Step 5: Publish the updated estimate.Estimating population between censusesSTEP 1Start from the lastcensus countSTEP 2Add birthsSTEP 3Subtract deathsSTEP 4Adjust for migrationSTEP 5Publish the updatedestimate
Model answer

This diagram shows how population is estimated between censuses, in five steps. It starts from the last census count. Births are added and deaths are subtracted. The figure is then adjusted for migration. Finally, the updated estimate is published. Overall, the estimate is kept up to date by adding and subtracting population changes from the last census count.

Chart 25: Preparing a presentation

Process diagram: Preparing a presentation. Step 1: Identify the audience; Step 2: Outline the main message; Step 3: Prepare the slides; Step 4: Rehearse aloud; Step 5: Deliver and invite questions; Step 6: Gather feedback.Preparing a presentationSTEP 1Identify the audienceSTEP 2Outline the mainmessageSTEP 3Prepare the slidesSTEP 4Rehearse aloudSTEP 5Deliver and invitequestionsSTEP 6Gather feedback
Model answer

This flow chart shows six steps for preparing a presentation. First, the speaker identifies the audience. Next, the main message is outlined and the slides are prepared. The speaker then rehearses aloud. Finally, the presentation is delivered, questions are invited, and feedback is gathered. Overall, the speaker prepares carefully before the talk and learns from the audience afterwards.

Chart 26: Giving constructive feedback

Process diagram: Giving constructive feedback. Step 1: Describe the specific behaviour; Step 2: Explain its effect; Step 3: Listen to the response; Step 4: Agree next steps; Step 5: Follow up later.Giving constructive feedbackSTEP 1Describe the specificbehaviourSTEP 2Explain its effectSTEP 3Listen to the responseSTEP 4Agree next stepsSTEP 5Follow up later
Model answer

This diagram shows five steps for giving constructive feedback. First, you describe the specific behaviour, and then explain its effect. Next, you listen to the response. After that, both sides agree next steps. Finally, you follow up later. Overall, the process is a two-way conversation rather than one-sided criticism.

Chart 27: Registering for a new semester

Process diagram: Registering for a new semester. Step 1: Meet an academic adviser; Step 2: Select modules; Step 3: Check timetable clashes; Step 4: Submit the registration; Step 5: Pay tuition fees; Step 6: Receive confirmation.Registering for a new semesterSTEP 1Meet an academicadviserSTEP 2Select modulesSTEP 3Check timetableclashesSTEP 4Submit theregistrationSTEP 5Pay tuition feesSTEP 6Receive confirmation
Model answer

This flow chart shows how students register for a new semester in six steps. The process begins with meeting an academic adviser. Students then select modules and check for timetable clashes. They submit the registration and pay tuition fees. Finally, they receive confirmation. Overall, registration is complete only once the student has been advised, enrolled and has paid.

Chart 28: Writing a research essay

Process diagram: Writing a research essay. Step 1: Analyse the question; Step 2: Gather sources; Step 3: Plan the structure; Step 4: Write a first draft; Step 5: Revise and edit; Step 6: Check references and submit.Writing a research essaySTEP 1Analyse the questionSTEP 2Gather sourcesSTEP 3Plan the structureSTEP 4Write a first draftSTEP 5Revise and editSTEP 6Check references andsubmit
Model answer

This diagram shows six steps for writing a research essay. The writer first analyses the question, then gathers sources and plans the structure. A first draft is written, and the writer revises and edits it. Finally, the references are checked and the essay is submitted. Overall, the essay is built up in stages, from understanding the question to a checked final version.

Chart 29: A spaced revision cycle

Process diagram: A spaced revision cycle. Step 1: Learn the material; Step 2: Review after one day; Step 3: Review after one week; Step 4: Test yourself; Step 5: Revisit weak topics.A spaced revision cycleSTEP 1Learn the materialSTEP 2Review after one daySTEP 3Review after one weekSTEP 4Test yourselfSTEP 5Revisit weak topics
Model answer

This flow chart shows a spaced revision cycle with five steps. It begins with learning the material. Students review it after one day and again after one week. They then test themselves. Finally, they revisit the weak topics. Overall, the cycle uses short reviews at widening intervals, followed by testing, to strengthen memory.

Chart 30: Peer review of a journal article

Process diagram: Peer review of a journal article. Step 1: Author submits manuscript; Step 2: Editor screens the paper; Step 3: Experts review anonymously; Step 4: Authors revise the paper; Step 5: Editor makes a decision; Step 6: Accepted paper is published.Peer review of a journal articleSTEP 1Author submitsmanuscriptSTEP 2Editor screens thepaperSTEP 3Experts reviewanonymouslySTEP 4Authors revise thepaperSTEP 5Editor makes adecisionSTEP 6Accepted paper ispublished
Model answer

This diagram shows the peer review of a journal article in six steps. The author submits a manuscript, and the editor screens it. Experts then review it anonymously, and the authors revise the paper. Finally, the editor makes a decision, and an accepted paper is published. Overall, the article is checked by independent experts before it is published.

Chart 31: Hiring a new team member

Process diagram: Hiring a new team member. Step 1: Define the role; Step 2: Write and post the advert; Step 3: Shortlist applicants; Step 4: Interview candidates; Step 5: Check references; Step 6: Make an offer; Step 7: Onboard the new employee.Hiring a new team memberSTEP 1Define the roleSTEP 2Write and post theadvertSTEP 3Shortlist applicantsSTEP 4Interview candidatesSTEP 5Check referencesSTEP 6Make an offerSTEP 7Onboard the newemployee
Model answer

This flow chart shows seven steps for hiring a new team member. First, the role is defined and an advert is posted. Applicants are shortlisted and interviewed. References are then checked and an offer is made. Finally, the new employee is onboarded. Overall, hiring runs from defining the job to welcoming the person who has been chosen.

Chart 32: Handling a customer complaint

Process diagram: Handling a customer complaint. Step 1: Log the complaint; Step 2: Acknowledge receipt; Step 3: Investigate the cause; Step 4: Propose a solution; Step 5: Follow up with the customer; Step 6: Record lessons learned.Handling a customer complaintSTEP 1Log the complaintSTEP 2Acknowledge receiptSTEP 3Investigate the causeSTEP 4Propose a solutionSTEP 5Follow up with thecustomerSTEP 6Record lessons learned
Model answer

This diagram shows how a customer complaint is handled in six steps. It begins when the complaint is logged and acknowledged. The company then investigates the cause and proposes a solution. Finally, staff follow up with the customer and record the lessons learned. Overall, the company not only resolves the complaint but also records what it has learned.

Chart 33: The five phases of a project

Process diagram: The five phases of a project. Step 1: Initiation; Step 2: Planning; Step 3: Execution; Step 4: Monitoring and control; Step 5: Closure.The five phases of a projectSTEP 1InitiationSTEP 2PlanningSTEP 3ExecutionSTEP 4Monitoring and controlSTEP 5Closure
Model answer

This flow chart shows the five phases of a project. It begins with initiation, followed by planning. Next comes execution, when the work is carried out. Monitoring and control then keep the project on track. Finally, the project ends with closure. Overall, the phases show a project moving from an idea to a planned, managed and completed piece of work.

Chart 34: An annual performance review

Process diagram: An annual performance review. Step 1: Set goals; Step 2: Hold check-in meetings; Step 3: Employee writes a self-assessment; Step 4: Manager evaluates performance; Step 5: Review meeting; Step 6: Agree a development plan.An annual performance reviewSTEP 1Set goalsSTEP 2Hold check-in meetingsSTEP 3Employee writes aself-assessmentSTEP 4Manager evaluatesperformanceSTEP 5Review meetingSTEP 6Agree a developmentplan
Model answer

This diagram shows an annual performance review in six steps. It begins with setting goals, followed by regular check-in meetings. The employee writes a self-assessment, and the manager evaluates performance. After a review meeting, they finally agree a development plan. Overall, the review is a cycle of goal setting, regular feedback and agreement on future development.

Chart 35: A typical consumer buying decision

Process diagram: A typical consumer buying decision. Step 1: Recognise a need; Step 2: Search for information; Step 3: Compare alternatives; Step 4: Make the purchase; Step 5: Evaluate after buying.A typical consumer buying decisionSTEP 1Recognise a needSTEP 2Search for informationSTEP 3Compare alternativesSTEP 4Make the purchaseSTEP 5Evaluate after buying
Model answer

This flow chart shows a typical consumer buying decision in five stages. It begins when the buyer recognises a need. The buyer then searches for information and compares alternatives. After the purchase, the buyer finally evaluates the product. Overall, the decision starts with a need and continues even after the purchase has been made.

Chart 36: Processing a product return

Process diagram: Processing a product return. Step 1: Customer requests a return; Step 2: Retailer approves the request; Step 3: Item is sent back; Step 4: Condition is inspected; Step 5: Refund issued or item restocked.Processing a product returnSTEP 1Customer requests areturnSTEP 2Retailer approves therequestSTEP 3Item is sent backSTEP 4Condition is inspectedSTEP 5Refund issued or itemrestocked
Model answer

This flow chart shows how a product return is processed in five steps. It begins when the customer requests a return, and the retailer approves it. The item is sent back and its condition is inspected. Finally, a refund is issued or the item is restocked. Overall, the retailer checks the item before deciding whether to refund or restock.

Chart 37: Running a market research survey

Process diagram: Running a market research survey. Step 1: Define the research question; Step 2: Design the questionnaire; Step 3: Choose a sample; Step 4: Collect responses; Step 5: Analyse the results; Step 6: Present the findings.Running a market research surveySTEP 1Define the researchquestionSTEP 2Design thequestionnaireSTEP 3Choose a sampleSTEP 4Collect responsesSTEP 5Analyse the resultsSTEP 6Present the findings
Model answer

This diagram shows six steps in running a market research survey. The process begins by defining the research question. Researchers design the questionnaire, choose a sample and collect responses. Finally, they analyse the results and present the findings. Overall, the survey moves from a clear question to evidence that can be presented.

Other Describe Image types

For a mixed set of images with timed recording, use the general Describe Image practice page.

Frequently asked questions

What is a process chart in PTE?

It is a Describe Image picture showing the steps of a process or system, usually with boxes and arrows. You describe the stages in order, any decision points, and the outcome.

Is ordering steps the same as Reorder Paragraphs?

The skills overlap, since both rely on sequence signals, but they are different tasks. Reorder Paragraphs asks you to arrange written paragraphs, while Describe Image asks you to speak about a picture. Practise each separately.

What sequence words should I use?

First, then, next, after that, once this is done and finally. Vary them so the answer doesn't sound like a list, and use “if” or “depending on” for decision points.

Do I need to name every box?

Name the start, the end and the stages that change the outcome. You can group simple middle steps, such as “the material is then cleaned and checked”, to save time.

Keep practising