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PTE Table Chart Practice and Template

A PTE table chart in Describe Image presents figures in rows and columns, often comparing several categories across years, places or groups. You get 25 seconds to study it and 40 seconds to speak. Read the headings first so you know which figure belongs to which year or group. Then introduce what the table compares, name the row or column that stands out, give the biggest change or the gap between two columns, and close with an overall pattern.

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Question 1 of 14

Student enrolment by faculty

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 table chart in 40 seconds

  1. Introduce: This table compares [measure] across [categories] for [years or groups].
  2. Highest value: [Category] has the highest [measure] in [column], at [value].
  3. Biggest change: The biggest change is in [category], which [rose / fell] by [difference] to [value].
  4. Contrast: By contrast, [category] [remained stable / declined].
  5. Overall: Overall, [pattern], which suggests [implication].

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

  • Ranking: ranks first, is the highest in both years, comes second, trails the others
  • Change: went up by, dropped by, a gain of, a fall of
  • Comparison: outperformed, in contrast to, the gap between them widened

Common mistakes

  • Reading the table cell by cell. Look for the biggest values, the biggest changes and any exceptions.
  • Mixing up columns. Check the headings before you name a year or group.
  • Using the wrong unit. Check whether the table shows numbers, percentages or money.
  • Ignoring a totals row if the table has one. A total can be the best overall point.

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 table 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: Student enrolment by faculty

Table: Student enrolment by faculty, 2023 and 2024. Columns: 2023, 2024. Engineering: 2023 1200, 2024 1350; Business: 2023 980, 2024 940; Arts: 2023 640, 2024 610; Science: 2023 870, 2024 1010 (number of students).Student enrolment by faculty, 2023 and 202420232024Engineering12001350Business980940Arts640610Science8701010Figures: number of students
Model answer

This table shows student enrolment across four faculties in 2023 and 2024. Engineering had the largest enrolment in both years, rising by 150 students to 1,350 in 2024, which was the biggest increase of any faculty. Science also grew strongly, by 140 students to 1,010, and in 2024 it overtook Business to become the second-largest faculty. Business and Arts both declined, with Business falling by 40 students and Arts by 30. Overall, total enrolment rose by 220 students, driven mainly by Engineering and Science.

Chart 2: Average delivery times by courier

Table: Average delivery time by courier service, 2025. Columns: Domestic, International. Express Post: Domestic 2, International 6; Standard Post: Domestic 5, International 12; Regional Freight: Domestic 4, International 9 (average days).Average delivery time by courier service, 2025DomesticInternationalExpress Post26Standard Post512Regional Freight49Figures: average days
Model answer

This table compares average delivery times for three courier services in 2025, for domestic and international parcels, measured in days. Express Post was the fastest in both categories, taking two days domestically and six internationally. Standard Post was the slowest, at five days domestically and twelve internationally, which is twice as long as Express Post for international deliveries. Regional Freight sat in between, at four and nine days. Overall, international parcels took considerably longer than domestic ones across all three services, and the difference was largest for Standard Post.

Chart 3: Weather summary for four towns, 2025

Table: Weather summary for four towns, 2025. Columns: Rain (mm), Sunny days, Frost days. Aldbury: Rain (mm) 640, Sunny days 180, Frost days 35; Brightmoor: Rain (mm) 1120, Sunny days 120, Frost days 62; Castlebay: Rain (mm) 890, Sunny days 150, Frost days 12; Dunholt: Rain (mm) 520, Sunny days 210, Frost days 28 (as shown in each column heading).Weather summary for four towns, 2025Rain (mm)Sunny daysFrost daysAldbury64018035Brightmoor112012062Castlebay89015012Dunholt52021028Figures: as shown in each column heading
Model answer

This table summarises the weather in four towns in 2025. Brightmoor was the wettest town, with 1,120 millimetres of rain, and it also had the fewest sunny days, at 120, and the most frost days, at 62. In contrast, Dunholt was the driest, with 520 millimetres, and the sunniest, with 210 sunny days. Castlebay had by far the fewest frost days, only 12. Overall, Brightmoor is wet and frosty, whereas Dunholt is dry and sunny.

Chart 4: Freight corridors compared

Table: Freight corridors compared. Columns: Distance (km), Time (hours), Cost per tonne ($). Northern: Distance (km) 420, Time (hours) 6, Cost per tonne ($) 38; Eastern: Distance (km) 310, Time (hours) 5, Cost per tonne ($) 29; Southern: Distance (km) 680, Time (hours) 11, Cost per tonne ($) 52; Western: Distance (km) 250, Time (hours) 3, Cost per tonne ($) 24 (kilometres, hours and dollars).Freight corridors comparedDistance (km)Time (hours)Cost per tonne ($)Northern420638Eastern310529Southern6801152Western250324Figures: kilometres, hours and dollars
Model answer

This table compares four freight corridors by distance, journey time and cost per tonne. The Southern corridor is the longest, at 680 kilometres, and it also takes the most time, at 11 hours, and costs the most, at 52 dollars per tonne. The Western corridor is the shortest, at 250 kilometres, taking only 3 hours and costing 24 dollars. The Northern and Eastern corridors fall in between. Overall, longer corridors take more time and cost more, with the ranking identical on all three measures.

Chart 5: Sleep patterns by age group in a sample survey

Table: Sleep patterns by age group in a sample survey. Columns: Sleep (hours), Minutes to fall asleep, Night wakings. Teenagers: Sleep (hours) 8.6, Minutes to fall asleep 18, Night wakings 1; Young adults: Sleep (hours) 7.8, Minutes to fall asleep 15, Night wakings 1; Middle-aged adults: Sleep (hours) 7.1, Minutes to fall asleep 19, Night wakings 2; Older adults: Sleep (hours) 6.5, Minutes to fall asleep 26, Night wakings 3 (as shown in each column heading).Sleep patterns by age group in a sample surveySleep (hours)Minutes to fall asleepNight wakingsTeenagers8.6181Young adults7.8151Middle-aged adults7.1192Older adults6.5263Figures: as shown in each column heading
Model answer

This table presents the results of a sample sleep survey across four age groups. Teenagers sleep the longest, at 8.6 hours on average, while older adults sleep the least, at 6.5 hours. Older adults also take the longest to fall asleep, at 26 minutes, and wake the most often, three times a night. Young adults fall asleep fastest, in 15 minutes. Overall, sleep becomes shorter and more broken with age, though middle-aged adults take slightly longer than young adults to fall asleep.

Chart 6: Finds by period from the Harrow valley survey

Table: Finds by period from the Harrow valley survey. Columns: Sites, Pottery (kg), Burials. Bronze Age: Sites 14, Pottery (kg) 85, Burials 22; Iron Age: Sites 22, Pottery (kg) 240, Burials 18; Roman: Sites 31, Pottery (kg) 910, Burials 27; Medieval: Sites 38, Pottery (kg) 1350, Burials 64 (as shown in each column heading).Finds by period from the Harrow valley surveySitesPottery (kg)BurialsBronze Age148522Iron Age2224018Roman3191027Medieval38135064Figures: as shown in each column heading
Model answer

This table summarises finds from a valley survey across four periods. The medieval period has the most of everything: 38 sites, 1,350 kilograms of pottery and 64 burials. The Bronze Age has the fewest sites, at 14, and the least pottery, at only 85 kilograms. Pottery increases in every period, reaching 910 kilograms in the Roman period. Burials do not follow the same pattern, since the Iron Age has the fewest, at 18. Overall, the number of sites and the quantity of pottery grow over time, while burials are more irregular.

Chart 7: Entries to the Calder Book Prize by category

Table: Entries to the Calder Book Prize by category. Columns: 2022, 2024. Novel: 2022 310, 2024 355; Poetry: 2022 120, 2024 96; Biography: 2022 85, 2024 102; Children's: 2022 150, 2024 150 (number of entries).Entries to the Calder Book Prize by category20222024Novel310355Poetry12096Biography85102Children's150150Figures: number of entries
Model answer

This table shows entries to a book prize in four categories in 2022 and 2024. Novels are the largest category in both years, rising from 310 to 355, the biggest increase at 45. Biography grew from 85 to 102. Poetry is the only category to fall, from 120 to 96, while children's books stayed at 150.

Chart 8: Training load and injuries in four sports (example data)

Table: Training load and injuries in four sports (example data). Columns: Hours per week, Rest days a month, Injuries per 100. Rowing: Hours per week 18, Rest days a month 4, Injuries per 100 11; Cycling: Hours per week 15, Rest days a month 5, Injuries per 100 14; Gymnastics: Hours per week 24, Rest days a month 3, Injuries per 100 17; Tennis: Hours per week 12, Rest days a month 6, Injuries per 100 8 (as stated in each column heading).Training load and injuries in four sports (example data)Hours per weekRest days a monthInjuries per 100Rowing18411Cycling15514Gymnastics24317Tennis1268Figures: as stated in each column heading
Model answer

This table compares four sports by weekly training hours, monthly rest days and injuries per 100 athletes. Gymnastics has the heaviest load, with 24 hours, only 3 rest days and the most injuries, at 17. Tennis has the lightest schedule, with 12 hours, 6 rest days and just 8 injuries. Overall, the heaviest schedule coincides with the most injuries.

Chart 9: Approximate properties of four common metals

Table: Approximate properties of four common metals. Columns: Melting point (°C), Density (g/cm³). Aluminium: Melting point (°C) 660, Density (g/cm³) 2.7; Copper: Melting point (°C) 1085, Density (g/cm³) 9.0; Iron: Melting point (°C) 1538, Density (g/cm³) 7.9; Lead: Melting point (°C) 327, Density (g/cm³) 11.3 (melting point in degrees Celsius; density in grams per cubic centimetre (rounded)).Approximate properties of four common metalsMelting point (°C)Density (g/cm³)Aluminium6602.7Copper10859.0Iron15387.9Lead32711.3Figures: melting point in degrees Celsius; density in grams per cubic centimetre (rounded)
Model answer

This table gives the approximate melting point and density of four metals. Iron has the highest melting point at 1538 degrees Celsius, while lead has the lowest at 327. Lead is also the densest metal, whereas aluminium is the lightest. Copper lies between them, melting at 1085 degrees with a density of 9 grams per cubic centimetre.

Chart 10: Customer survey results at four shop branches

Table: Customer survey results at four shop branches. Columns: Satisfaction (out of 10), Responses, Repeat customers (%). Harbour: Satisfaction (out of 10) 8, Responses 220, Repeat customers (%) 64; Station: Satisfaction (out of 10) 7, Responses 310, Repeat customers (%) 52; Retail Park: Satisfaction (out of 10) 6, Responses 180, Repeat customers (%) 41; Old Town: Satisfaction (out of 10) 9, Responses 95, Repeat customers (%) 71 (as stated in each column heading).Customer survey results at four shop branchesSatisfaction (out of 10)ResponsesRepeat customers (%)Harbour822064Station731052Retail Park618041Old Town99571Figures: as stated in each column heading
Model answer

This table compares customer survey results at four shop branches. Old Town scores highest, at 9 out of 10, with 71 per cent repeat customers, although it had the fewest responses at 95. Retail Park scores lowest, at 6, with only 41 per cent repeat customers. Station gathered the most responses, at 310.

Chart 11: Four breakfast cereals compared (per 100 g)

Table: Four breakfast cereals compared (per 100 g). Columns: Energy (kcal), Protein (g), Fibre (g), Sugar (g). Cereal A: Energy (kcal) 370, Protein (g) 8, Fibre (g) 4, Sugar (g) 22; Cereal B: Energy (kcal) 350, Protein (g) 11, Fibre (g) 9, Sugar (g) 6; Cereal C: Energy (kcal) 390, Protein (g) 7, Fibre (g) 3, Sugar (g) 30; Cereal D: Energy (kcal) 340, Protein (g) 10, Fibre (g) 8, Sugar (g) 9 (as shown in each column heading).Four breakfast cereals compared (per 100 g)Energy (kcal)Protein (g)Fibre (g)Sugar (g)Cereal A3708422Cereal B3501196Cereal C3907330Cereal D3401089Figures: as shown in each column heading
Model answer

This table compares four breakfast cereals per 100 grams. Cereal C is the highest in energy, at 390 kilocalories, and also in sugar, at 30 grams, while it has the least fibre and protein. Cereal B has the most protein, at 11 grams, and the most fibre, at 9 grams, and it contains the lowest sugar, at only 6 grams. Cereal D has the lowest energy, at 340 kilocalories.

Chart 12: Four bank branches compared, 2025

Table: Four bank branches compared, 2025. Columns: New accounts, Loans approved, Average wait (min). Castleford: New accounts 420, Loans approved 95, Average wait (min) 12; Dunmere: New accounts 310, Loans approved 70, Average wait (min) 8; Eastgate: New accounts 560, Loans approved 130, Average wait (min) 18; Fairhaven: New accounts 240, Loans approved 45, Average wait (min) 6 (accounts, loans and minutes).Four bank branches compared, 2025New accountsLoans approvedAverage wait (min)Castleford4209512Dunmere310708Eastgate56013018Fairhaven240456Figures: accounts, loans and minutes
Model answer

This table compares four bank branches in 2025 by new accounts, loans approved and average waiting time. Eastgate is the busiest, with the highest figures for new accounts, at 560, and loans, at 130, but it also has the longest wait, at 18 minutes. Fairhaven is the smallest on all three measures, with 240 accounts, 45 loans and a six minute wait. Overall, busier branches tend to have longer waits.

Chart 13: Court clerks' office workload, four divisions

Table: Court clerks' office workload, four divisions. Columns: Cases filed, Cases closed, Median days to close. Civil: Cases filed 1850, Cases closed 1720, Median days to close 94; Family: Cases filed 920, Cases closed 950, Median days to close 61; Small claims: Cases filed 2400, Cases closed 2310, Median days to close 38; Appeals: Cases filed 310, Cases closed 260, Median days to close 150 (cases and days).Court clerks' office workload, four divisionsCases filedCases closedMedian days to closeCivil1850172094Family92095061Small claims2400231038Appeals310260150Figures: cases and days
Model answer

This table shows the workload of four divisions in a court clerks' office. Small claims handles the most cases, with 2,400 filed, and is also the quickest, closing cases in a median of 38 days. Appeals has the fewest cases, at 310, and is the slowest, at 150 days. Family is the only division that closed more cases than it received, at 950 against 920. Civil fell furthest behind, with 130 more cases filed than closed.

Chart 14: Four museum galleries compared

Table: Four museum galleries compared. Columns: Works on display, Visitors a year (000s), Entry fee ($). Renaissance Hall: Works on display 140, Visitors a year (000s) 310, Entry fee ($) 12; Impressionist Wing: Works on display 95, Visitors a year (000s) 480, Entry fee ($) 15; Modern Gallery: Works on display 210, Visitors a year (000s) 390, Entry fee ($) 15; Sculpture Court: Works on display 60, Visitors a year (000s) 150, Entry fee ($) 8 (works, visitors and dollars).Four museum galleries comparedWorks on displayVisitors a year (000s)Entry fee ($)Renaissance Hall14031012Impressionist Wing9548015Modern Gallery21039015Sculpture Court601508Figures: works, visitors and dollars
Model answer

This table compares four museum galleries by works on display, annual visitors and entry fee. The Impressionist Wing attracts the most visitors, at 480 thousand, even though it shows only 95 works. The Modern Gallery displays the most works, at 210. The Sculpture Court is the lowest on all three measures, with 60 works, 150 thousand visitors and an eight dollar fee. The Renaissance Hall sits in the middle, with 140 works, 310 thousand visitors and a twelve dollar fee.

Other Describe Image types

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

Frequently asked questions

How do I describe a table chart in PTE?

Introduce what the table compares, find the highest value and the biggest change, mention any exception, then give an overall pattern. Check the column headings before you speak so the years or groups are correct.

Should I calculate the differences?

Simple differences help. Subtracting one value from another is quick for small numbers, and it gives you a concrete change to mention, such as “up by 150 students”.

Is a table chart harder than a graph?

It can feel harder because there are no lines or bars to follow. The method is the same: find the extremes, the biggest change and the overall pattern, and skip the rest.

Can I use a table template for other chart types?

The overall shape carries over, but a table is read by row and column, so your opening should name both the measure and the categories before you give any values.

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