*The algorithm is set for fluency, fluency, fluency!! Therefore, a person just needs to keep speaking at an even tempo without any hesitation, pausing at the end of each sentence, for 31 seconds, and they will achieve a perfect score of 90. Does pronunciation matter? Yes, but by using the same procedure of 5 sentences over and over again, your pronunciation will improve.

This procedure is the easiest method to pass the test with a high score, usually well above 79. There is a long debate in second language learning between the roles of fluency and coherence and/or comprehension for the listener. A speaker may speak quickly but coherence is lost due to pronunciation or rhythmic intonation for the listener; conversely, a speaker may speak slowly with good pronunciation but then fluency is lost, so it is a tiring experience for the listener. In any event, Pearson decided that Retell Lecture and Describe Image at going to be all about fluency!

**Remember: As I did, always keep speaking at a normal tempo or pace for 30 seconds without any hesitation–even if you do not know what you are talking about – and you will probably score over 79.

**The key to the algorithm is there are a certain number of keywords coded into any analysis of a spoken response, so it is always wise to say a word that is written in the title or on the graph (process images for example) in every sentence you speak to ensure that you will score. However, as a counterpoint, what is coded if you get a picture that has no words?

** The images below were taken from colour charts from a google search of PTE Describe Image. You will have colour images on your PTE Exam; here, as well as the exam, colour doesn’t really matter in the sense that you are going to follow the same procedure as it is the numbers that correspond to superlatives that do matter.

For example, for the image above:

1. This animated picture depicts a woman in a train station.
2. In the foreground, I can see a woman walking on a train platform.
3. In the background, I can see a city landscape of tall and medium-sized buildings.
4. In the middle area, I can a train between two parallel yellow lines.
5. In conclusion, this image is a typical depiction of train stations in big cities.

• Try to use foreground, background, and middle area in all images or pictures – this makes the description easy.
• Try to repeat some of the words you use in your first sentence in the conclusion so as to complete a typical paragraph conclusion.

1. This picture shows an African elephant in a natural landscape.
2. In the foreground, I can see an elephant that seems to be walking along a dirt road.
3. In the background, I can see a steady inclining hill towards a high snow-capped mountain.
4. In the middle area, I can see trees and grasslands and a few clouds in the sky.
5. In conclusion, this landscape picture was undoubtedly taken in Africa (in front of Mount Kilimanjaro).

• As long as you speak fluently through 5 sentences, you can use whichever adjectives and verbs you like.