PTE Describe Image map vocabulary can help you describe locations, buildings, roads, directions, changes and relationships between different areas more clearly. In the PTE Speaking test, map and layout images can look complicated at first, but you do not need to describe every detail. The key is to identify the main features and use accurate location words, action verbs and directional phrases.
In this guide, you will learn useful PTE map vocabulary, action verbs, location phrases, direction words and simple templates that can help you organize your response within the speaking time.
Using the right action verbs and location vocabulary can make your PTE Describe Image response clearer and more natural, especially when describing maps, layouts, buildings, and changes.
PTE Describe Image Map: Vocabulary, Action Verbs & Templates
1. PTE Describe Image Map: Location and Position Vocabulary
Use these verbs to describe changes, developments, or movements shown on a map.
- located
- situated
- marked
- positioned
Example:
The car park is located next to the main entrance.
The restaurant is situated in the northern part of the map.
2. PTE Map Action Verbs for Changes and Removal
- removed
- replaced
- demolished
Example:
The old building was demolished and replaced by a new facility.
The parking area was removed to make space for a garden.
3. PTE Map Vocabulary for Construction and Development
- introduced
- built
- constructed
- expanded
- extended
- planted
Example:
A new shopping area was constructed near the entrance.
The road was extended towards the eastern side.
Several trees were planted around the building.
4. PTE Map Vocabulary for Renovation and Redevelopment
- refurbished
- renovated
- redeveloped
Example:
The main building was renovated to provide modern facilities.
The old shopping centre was redeveloped into a larger complex.
5. PTE Map Vocabulary for Arrangement and Boundaries
- divided
- surrounded
Example:
The area is divided into three main sections.
The building is surrounded by a large garden.
PTE Describe Image Map Vocabulary
These words are useful when describing roads, buildings, pathways, areas, and facilities.
1. Roads and Connections
- roundabout
- intersection
- junction
Example:
A roundabout is located near the main entrance.
The two roads meet at an intersection.
2. Paths and Internal Areas
- alley
- crosswalk
- hallway
- main area
- corridor
Example:
A crosswalk connects the parking area with the main building.
The rooms are connected by a long corridor.
3. Buildings and Layout
- floor
- map
- layout
- facility
- structure
- region
Example:
The map shows the layout of a newly developed shopping centre.
The main facility is located in the centre of the area.
4. Facilities and Movement
- amenities
- customer flow
- sections
- area
- route
- flow
Example:
The new amenities are located near the entrance.
The map shows the route from the main road to the facility.
The layout has several sections for different purposes.
Useful Location Verbs and Phrases
These expressions help explain the position and relationship between places.
- flanked by
- attached to
- adjacent to
- next to
- opposite
- between
- near
- in front of
- behind
Sentence Examples
The main building is flanked by two parking areas.
The new room is attached to the main building.
The garden is adjacent to the entrance.
Direction Vocabulary
Use these words to describe the position, direction, and movement of places on a map.
- North (N) – top of the map
- South (S) – bottom of the map
- East (E) – right side of the map
- West (W) – left side of the map
- Northeast (NE) – between north and east
- Northwest (NW) – between north and west
- Southeast (SE) – between south and east
- Southwest (SW) – between south and west
Examples
The car park is located in the northern part of the map.
The main entrance is situated to the east of the building.
The restaurant is located in the south-east corner of the map.
The road extends from the north to the south.
⭐ Simple Structure to Follow
Introduction: Paraphrase the question.
Example The map displays ___________________________.
Body 1: Describe about: Top/ Right Corner/ Present/ Past/ Middle Part/ Indoor Arrangements/ Foreground.
Body 2: Describe about: Bottom/ Left Corner/ Future/ Present/ Outer part/ Outdoor Arrangements/ Background.
Conclusion: Overall, the map/ image/ layout provides useful information about _________________.
Question 1: Layout in PTE Describe Image
In this task, you will see an image such as a graph, chart, map, diagram, or picture. You have 25 seconds to prepare and then 40 seconds to speak about it. Your goal is not to explain everything, but to give a clear and structure description.
PTE Speaking Model Answer
- The given layout represents —– and ——.
- In the upper left, there is a ——– area highlighted in —————-, right next to stairs.
- Moving into the main area, the layout displays ——— 1 with ——- , and a doorway to another room.
- Below this, the layout includes ———- 2, and an orange rectangular block in the bottom ———.
- In conclusion, the floor plan is neat, clear, and well organized for ————-.
Question 2: Map in PTE Describe Image
In this task, you will see an image such as a graph, chart, map, diagram, or picture. You have 25 seconds to prepare and then 40 seconds to speak about it. Your goal is not to explain everything, but to give a clear and structure description.
PTE Speaking Model Answer
- The map —————————— generation across European countries.
- ——- has the highest reliance on nuclear energy, producing about 70% of its electricity from nuclear power. ——— and ——— also generate more than half of their electricity from this source.
- Different shades of blue represent the percentage of total nuclear electricity generation, while colored symbols indicate ———, ——— and ——-.
- In conclusion, ———– plays a significant role in several ————-.
Question 3: Comparison Map in PTE Describe Image
In this task, you will see an image such as a graph, chart, map, diagram, or picture. You have 25 seconds to prepare and then 40 seconds to speak about it. Your goal is not to explain everything, but to give a clear and structure description.
PTE Speaking Model Answer
- The given map illustrates ——————————
- Overall, evergreen forests are mainly located in ——, —–, and —-,
- While deciduous forests are widely found in ——, ——–, ——- and ———–.
- In addition, forest coverage is dense around the Amazon Basin, Central Africa, and East Asia.
- Overall, the map shows that —————- larger areas than ————————.
Question 4: Global Ocean Currents Map
In this task, you will see an image such as a graph, chart, map, diagram, or picture. You have 25 seconds to prepare and then 40 seconds to speak about it. Your goal is not to explain everything, but to give a clear and structure description.
PTE Speaking Model Answer
- The diagram illustrates ——————————–.
- It shows two major currents: the —— —– current and the cold, salty deep current, which circulate across the ——————.
- The diagram also highlights sea-to-air heat transfer and —————————-.
- Overall, ocean currents distribute ——-, support marine ecosystems, and help to maintain balance in global climate.
Question 5: Terminal Layout
In this task, you will see an image such as a graph, chart, map, diagram, or picture. You have 25 seconds to prepare and then 40 seconds to speak about it. Your goal is not to explain everything, but to give a clear and structure description.
PTE Speaking Model Answer
- The layout illustrates an ————– with different facilities and gates.
- The terminal is divided into several main sections.
- At the bottom, there is a ————. In the center, we can see ————, along with ——– and ——–.
- The upper sections contain four groups of boarding gates, numbered — to –, — to –, — to –, and — to –. The boarding zones are located at the outer ends of the terminal.
- Overall, the layout clearly shows how passengers move from ————-.