Ready to dive into the world of international graduation programs? To make that leap, you’ll need to take an English language proficiency test.
Amidst the sea of options, you’ve likely encountered the dynamic duo: PTE and IELTS. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), tag-teamed by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment English, faces off against the Pearson Test of English (PTE), orchestrated by ETS.
Both evaluate your English skills, but there’s a twist of distinctiveness between them. Let the linguistic adventure unfold!
PTE vs IELTS – An Overview
Both the IELTS and PTE exams are designed to assess a person’s overall proficiency in English. The biggest contrast between the two is that IELTS allows test takers to choose between a traditional paper exam and a computer-based one, while PTE only offers a computer-based test that is graded by a machine.
Additionally, in the IELTS speaking section, candidates interact directly with an examiner, whereas in the PTE, they must communicate with a computer.
Let’s delve deeper into the specifics:
What is the IELTS exam?
IDP India administers the IELTS, an English proficiency examination that holds widespread popularity among governments for academic and migration purposes in numerous countries. Endorsed by over 10,000 international organizations, IELTS is recognized as a crucial language test.
Providing flexibility with both paper and computer-based test options, IELTS comprises four main sections—Listening, Reading, and Writing—conducted in a single sitting. The Speaking test is scheduled on the same day or within seven days before or after the other components.
Results for paper-based tests are typically available within 13 days, ensuring a timely assessment. The Speaking section is evaluated by specialized examiners, while dedicated examiners assess the writing tasks.
Pros and Cons Of IELTS
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Widely recognized and accepted globally | Costly, with exam fees varying by region |
| Measures proficiency in English language | Limited availability of test dates |
| Valid for various purposes (education, work, immigration) | Measures proficiency in the English language |
| Consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking | Stressful for some test-takers |
| Offers both paper-based and computer-based formats | Limited resources for self-study |
| Provides a standardized assessment of language skills | Requires preparation and practice |
| Scores are valid for two years | Difficulty may vary based on personal language proficiency |
Read More – IELTS Online Learning: How To Create A Structured Study Plan
What is the PTE Exam?
Administered by Pearson PLC, a prominent British multinational publishing company, PTE Academic is a computerized test distinguished for its affiliation with esteemed institutions such as Harvard Business School and Yale.
Conducted entirely on a computer, PTE Academic consists of four main sections—Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing—enabling candidates to complete the test in a succinct three-hour duration in a single sitting.
Typically, test results are released within 5 business days, with many students receiving their PTE scores even sooner, often within 3 days.
Read More – How To Crack PTE Exam? PTE Academic Preparation Tips 2023 !!
Pros And Cons Of PTE
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Computer-based test with quick results | Limited availability of test centers |
| Recognized by universities and employers globally | Less well-known compared to IELTS or TOEFL |
| The speaking section recorded and assessed by AI, which some find impersonal | Relatively expensive exam fees |
| Offers flexible test dates and locations | Some test-takers may find the format unfamiliar |
| Consists of three sections: Speaking and Writing, Reading, and Listening | Measures proficiency in the English language |
| Accurate scoring system | Results are typically available within 5 business days |
| The speaking section is recorded and assessed by AI, which some find impersonal | Requires internet access for the computer-based exam |
Key Differences Between IELTS and PTE
Understanding the disparities between IELTS and PTE is crucial when comparing these two English proficiency tests.
In the following sections, we delve into these distinctions in depth:
1. PTE vs IELTS: Test Type & Format
In the IELTS examination, your proficiency in the English language will be evaluated across four distinct sections: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. IELTS is divided into two types – IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The total duration for the IELTS test is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
In contrast, PTE assesses your English language skills through various integrated tasks, including Speaking, Listening-Writing, Reading-Writing, or Writing-Reading. PTE offers two types – PTE and PTE General. The PTE test lasts for a duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes.
| IETS | PTE | |
| Reading | Candidates must respond to 40 questions within a 30-minute timeframe based on three provided long texts in this section. | Students must finish objective exercises, including MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks, and sequencing paragraphs, within a timeframe of 32 to 40 minutes. |
| Listening | Candidates must respond to 40 questions within a 30-minute timeframe based on four provided recordings. | The test duration ranges from 45 to 57 minutes, and candidates answer questions based on audio and video clips. |
| Writing | Complete two writing tasks within 60 minutes. Task 1 involves describing a provided graph, table, or chart. | In PTE, these two sections are merged and executed in 77 to 93 minutes, involving tasks like reading aloud, describing images, summarizing essays, and essay writing. |
| Speaking | Speaking comprises three parts: Introduction and Interview, Individual long-turn test, and Discussion, lasting for 15 minutes. |
2. Format of the Score
IELTS assigns individual scores on a scale of 0 to 9 for each subskill (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), with the overall score calculated as their average.
PTE provides scores ranging from 10 to 90, including separate scores for Pronunciation, Oral Fluency, Grammar, Written Discourse, and Vocabulary, in addition to the overall score.
| IELTS Score | PTE Score |
| 5 | 35-42 |
| 5.5 | 43-50 |
| 6 | 51-58 |
| 6.5 | 59-64 |
| 7 | 65-72 |
| 7.5 | 59-64 |
| 8 | 79-82 |
| 8.5 | 83-85 |
| 9 | 86 and above |
3. Test Versions & Acceptance
IELTS provides two versions: IELTS Academic and IELTS General. Academic is appropriate for student visas, whereas General is preferred for permanent residency, immigration, and various visa categories.
PTE Academic is recognized in diverse visa categories, including those for students and permanent residency, in countries such as Australia and New Zealand.
4. Enrollment for the test
IDP India administers IELTS, and the test centers are overseen by these organizations. Pearson administers PTE, and the test centers are overseen by Pearson and their franchise partners.
IELTS registration can be completed online or offline through IDP and the British Council, whereas PTE registration is exclusively managed through Pearson.
5. Test Results and Validity
IELTS test results are released after 13 days and remain accessible online for 28 days from the declaration date. The validity of your IELTS score is 2 years, regardless of Academic or General Training.
While you can take the test multiple times, it’s advisable to space attempts by a few months for effective preparation.
PTE, being a computerized process, provides results within 5 working days, often delivered in 2 days. PTE scores are valid for 2 years, but they won’t be available on the official website after this period. Both IELTS and PTE scores are accepted for Australian migration.
6. Frequency of the Test
IELTS General Training tests are offered on 24 specific days annually, whereas the IELTS Academic test is scheduled for 48 days per year. IELTS test centers are situated in 140 countries worldwide.
PTE tests are conducted in 50 nations throughout the year, depending on the availability of the selected test centers chosen by candidates.
7. Difficulty Level Of The Test
Both IELTS and PTE present distinct challenges that require different approaches. IELTS can be taken in pen-and-paper or computer format, whereas PTE is exclusively computer-based. IELTS involves longer tasks, while PTE includes 20 shorter tasks.
Success in both tests requires a deep understanding of the format and proficiency in English fundamentals.
Which Test Is Easier?
The ease of either test depends on the test-taker’s personality, English proficiency, and skills. For those comfortable speaking in front of an examiner, IELTS may be preferred.
Conversely, PTE is suitable for those less at ease with oral exams since it involves speaking into a microphone, with the computer capturing the audio. However, factors like a sore throat can affect PTE speaking scores.
Candidates accustomed to pen-and-paper writing may find IELTS more comfortable, matching speed and timing for a good band score. In contrast, individuals preferring computer typing can opt for PTE.
Practicing both IELTS and PTE can help determine the better fit, but consistent practice and strong English language skills are key to better performance.
Conclusion
In the comparison of “PTE vs IELTS,” PTE is a machine-evaluated exam with a minimal margin for error in evaluation. If you excel at quickly solving multiple questions, PTE could be an ideal choice.
Nonetheless, attempting practice tests in both IELTS and PTE is advisable to determine the better fit for you.
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