PTE · Describe Image

Global Greeting Customs and Practices: PTE Describe Image practice questions

4 original Describe Image questions. Question 1 is free to record, play back and compare with a sample answer right here; log in free to practise the rest in the BandLadder app.
  • 4 questions
  • Question 1 free, no login
  • PTE Academic and PTE Core
1

Preferred Greeting Styles by Age

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Look at the image below. You have 25 seconds to study it, then 40 seconds to describe in detail what it shows.

Preferred Daily Greeting Style by Age Group (%). Under 35: Handshake 25, Nod or Bow 20, Verbal Only 45, Cheek Kiss 10. Over 55: Handshake 55, Nod or Bow 15, Verbal Only 15, Cheek Kiss 15.

Preferred Daily Greeting Style by Age Group (%)
020406080100HandshakeNod or BowVerbal OnlyCheek Kiss
  • Under 35
  • Over 55
View the data
HandshakeNod or BowVerbal OnlyCheek Kiss
Under 3525204510
Over 5555151515

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Questions 2–4

Look at the image below. You have 25 seconds to study it, then 40 seconds to describe in detail what it shows.

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2

Shifts in Physical Greetings Over Time

Share of Physical Greetings in Professional Settings (%). Handshakes: 2018 75, 2019 78, 2020 20, 2021 25, 2022 45, 2023 52. Nods or Bows: 2018 15, 2019 14, 2020 65, 2021 60, 2022 40, 2023 32.

Share of Physical Greetings in Professional Settings (%)
020406080100201820192020202120222023
  • Handshakes
  • Nods or Bows
View the data
201820192020202120222023
Handshakes757820254552
Nods or Bows151465604032
3

Social Distance During Formal Greetings

Typical Interpersonal Distance During Formal Greetings. Columns: Region, Average Distance (cm), Dominant Contact Type, Eye Contact Level. Southern Europe, 45, Cheek kiss or clasp, Direct. North America, 85, Firm handshake, Direct. East Asia, 120, Slight bow, Indirect. Middle East, 50, Handshake or embrace, Direct.

Typical Interpersonal Distance During Formal Greetings
RegionAverage Distance (cm)Dominant Contact TypeEye Contact Level
Southern Europe45Cheek kiss or claspDirect
North America85Firm handshakeDirect
East Asia120Slight bowIndirect
Middle East50Handshake or embraceDirect
4

Formal Diplomatic Greeting Protocol

Stages of Formal Diplomatic Greeting Protocol. Stage 1: Arrival at reception threshold. Stage 2: Initial visual acknowledgement. Stage 3: Simultaneous reciprocal bow or handshake. Stage 4: Exchange of formal spoken titles. Stage 5: Transition to official seating area.

Stages of Formal Diplomatic Greeting Protocol
  1. 1.Arrival at reception threshold
  2. 2.Initial visual acknowledgement
  3. 3.Simultaneous reciprocal bow or handshake
  4. 4.Exchange of formal spoken titles
  5. 5.Transition to official seating area

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