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Difference Between PTE and IELTS

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Overview

International students and working professionals usually undergo a massive dilemma regarding the choice of the perfect English proficiency test which can provide the much-needed impetus to their careers. However, in order to find the right test, many factors constituting the scoring pattern, test format, acceptance by different countries and institutions, ease of giving the test, number of test centers, etc. need to be taken into account. This blog aims to discuss the difference between PTE and IELTS, the two most important and highly accepted English proficiency tests across the globe. This in turn will help candidates enjoy a smooth ride towards success. 

IELTS

The IELTS is one of the most prestigious and famous English proficiency examinations which tests a candidate on various parameters. In addition to this, its scores are accepted throughout the globe by more than 12,000 organizations. Moreover, it has earned the trust of employers and governments worldwide too. 

IELTS Test Format

The IELTS examination is assessed on four criteria as far as a candidate’s English speaking skills are concerned: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. 

Listening

The listening section is concerned with a 30-minute test where test takers will hear an audio recording and various questions related to multiple choice ones, fill-in-the blanks, summary, maps, etc. In the computer-based test (CBT), once the test is over, candidates are given two extra minutes to check their answers and in the pen and paper-based test (PBT), they are provided 10 extra minutes to write down their answers in the answer sheet. 

Reading

The reading section comprises of a test of an hour which includes 40 questions and three passages. The questions range from match the headings, multiple choice, and fill-in-the-blanks among others. 

Writing

Task one in the writing section in this exam is different for both academic and general training candidates. The overall section is of an hour for both sorts of candidates but whereas the academic ones have to describe a bar graph, chart or diagram in task one, the general training ones need to write a letter. On the contrary, task two is the same for both kinds of candidates as they need to write an essay.

Speaking

In the speaking test, the candidate needs to interact with a certified examiner and continues for nearly 11-14 minutes. This test will consist of many real-life questions and is going to be recorded. It is the same for both academic and general training candidates. 

IELTS Related Links - Best IELTS Coaching Classes

IELTS Score Meaning

IELTS provides scores in the range from 1-9, and 9 is the highest score in this case. Let’s have a look at the overall band score and its implications.

Band Score Skill Level
Band 9 Expert user
Band 8 Very good user
Band 7 Good user
Band 6 Competent user
Band 5 Modest user
Band 4 Limited user
Band 3 Extremely limited user
Band 2 Intermittent user
Band 1 Non user
Band 0 Did not attempt the test

Pros and Cons of Taking IELTS

If a candidate is giving the IELTS exam, he or she needs to be aware of various advantages and disadvantages associated with it. Let us discuss some of the pros and cons related to it.

Pros

  • As discussed earlier, IELTS is a premium English examination which has won the trust of more than 12,000 organisations worldwide. Moreover, with the progress of time its fame has spread among both academic and permanent residency enthusiasts.
  • IELTS can be taken as many times a candidate desires and even if a candidate hasn’t been able to achieve his/her expected score in the first attempt, then the person can give more attempts. Plus, this exam can be booked various times in a month, allowing test takers to schedule it according to their convenience.
  • Moreover, this exam is based on a specific format, and thus candidates get an idea of the sorts of questions appearing in it. As a result, they get enough time and can practice appropriately.
  • IELTS takes care of both academic and general training candidates and has created two sorts of test formats to cater to their varied requirements.
  • The exam can be taken through both pen and paper (PBT) and computer modes (CBT), making it a top choice among candidates from different backgrounds. 

Cons

  • The IELTS exam could actually be very expensive, especially in a situation where a candidate is required to take it various times.
  • The listening test requires one to master various accents of native speakers, which can be a tough task for various non-native examinees.
  • Apart from this, the speaking exam can be a problem, for several candidates, as they have to interact with the examiner in an offline scenario.
  • The writing section becomes quite sophisticated, and as the General training candidates need, 8,7,7,7 - in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking respectively, preparation and implementation are quite hard for them.
  • In addition to this, IELTS centers might not be available in some distant regions and that could create a real headache for test takers in those areas. 

PTE

If you want to study abroad, or are looking to get a work visa and permanent residency, then the Pearson Test of English (PTE) is another examination, which will test your English proficiency standards. In this blog, we will further discuss about this exam, apart from checking IELTS and PTE differences.     

PTE Test Format

PTE is a completely computer-based test which is recognized by universities, governments and professional bodies all across the world. By combining AI and utilisation of human expertise, this test aims to provide a fairer assessment of a candidate’s English language skills. Now, we will discuss different formats of this exam:  

Speaking and Writing

The speaking and writing section of PTE has been designed to access a test taker’s ability to succeed in an English language academic and professional environment. This part is 54-67 minutes for PTE academic and around 50 minutes for PTE core. It contains seven different sorts of questions and is the biggest section of this test.

Reading

The next is reading section of the test which is approximately 30 minutes long for both PTE core and academic apart from constituting of nearly five varied sorts of questions.

Listening

This part of the test goes until 30-43 minutes in PTE academic and contains eight different type of questions. On the contrary, in PTE core, this section is 30 minutes long and includes five different question types. The questions depend upon audio or video clips and you can hear them only once before you answer the questions. 

PTE Related Links - Best PTE Coaching Classes

PTE Score Meaning

So, the blog moves further as we continue to check PTE and IELTS differences and now we are going to check the scoring range in PTE which is from 10-90, and 90 is considered to be the highest score.

Score Skill Level
90 Expert user
80-89 Very good user
70-79 Good user
60-69 Modest user
50-59 Limited user
10-49 Bad user

Pros and Cons of Taking PTE

Various advantages and disadvantages associated with the PTE examination are discussed here:

Pros

  • PTE results are available at a much faster pace than many other English proficiency exams, especially IELTS. This exam’s results are typically out in 2 business days and could be beneficial for those who are working on tight deadlines. It’s one of the major parameters as far as the comparison between IELTS and PTE is concerned.
  • It has an automated system offering a perfect assessment of language abilities and is accepted by many educational institutions worldwide, including universities in Canada, UK, Australia and even the USA.
  • The examination consists of different sorts of questions constituting of listening, reading, writing and speaking and involves recorded responses. Further, as a computer and AI system are utilized to grade the test, chances of potential biasedness are completely eliminated.
  • The PTE examination can be conducted in a day whereas in IELTS academic, the speaking module is conducted on a separate date from the listening,    reading and writing ones. Further, candidates can schedule their exam dates as per their flexibility.

Cons

  • Since the PTE is completely computerized, it acts as a hindrance for those preferring the traditional pen and paper-based option and as a result it poses huge challenges for such examinees.
  • Although the PTE examination has gained instant fame, it might not have the same acceptance compared with IELTS in several reputed institutions or in specific regions.
  • Since the examination is graded via an automated system, it might not be able to accurately capture refined and ingenious voice modulations related to human speech, which in turn can affect the evaluation of a candidate’s language abilities.
  • Apart from this, PTE doesn’t have enough test materials, and most of it is online, creating a huge problem for candidates who aren’t very proficient in preparing via online modes.
  • If that was not enough, test centers of PTE might not be present everywhere and as a result, examinees might face hindrances regarding the exam. 

Differences Between IELTS and PTE

The blog moves forward and now we will indulge in a comprehensive comparison between IELTS and PTE so that candidates can receive deeper insights related to both these language proficiency exams. Apart from this, we will also showcase a comparison between IELTS and PTE scores.

So, let’s first check the differences between the formats of both these tests.

  • IELTS has more than 2000 test centers spread over 130 nations which is way higher than PTE’s 400 + test centers.
  • A major difference is the scoring system in both exams. Whereas band scores range from 0-9 in the IELTS language proficiency test, PTE utilizes a scaled score system where candidates are rated from 0-90 as per their abilities.
  • Although universities and countries worldwide are accepting both these examinations, IELTS has a higher acceptance while PTE is gaining more recognition with the passage of time. As some institutions or organisations give more preference to a specific sort of exam, candidates are advised to undergo thorough research before embarking on the journey towards their desired language test.
  • The content of both the exams have huge difference, especially the speaking section. Moreover, in PTE academic, speaking, and writing skills are quite integrated while it’s not the case with IELTS. Furthermore, academic tests are utilised at a higher scale in IELTS, whereas PTE is more dependent on audio and visual materials.

We are now going to conduct a comparison between IELTS and PTE scores.  

PTE - A Score Range IELTS Band Score
86 and above 9
83-85 8.5
79-82 8
73-78 7.5
65-72 7
59-64 6.5
51-58 6
43-50 5.5
35-42 5
30-34 4.5

Test Preparation Tips

Candidates who are preparing for either IELTS or PTE to fulfill their educational or professional ambitions, need to take care of various factors. There are four major skills constituting of reading, listening, writing and speaking which examinees have to master and we will discuss some points related to the same:

  • Preparing a proper time table in order to give importance to all four aforementioned segments is highly necessary.
  • It's highly important to listen to videos, news channels, and movies of native speakers, especially, the British, Americans, Canadians, Australians, and New Zealanders. The audio sections of both exams can be countered if we can catch different accents of native speakers.
  • It's important to consistently conduct practice tests and speak in English with other test takers, friends, and family members apart from hearing podcasts to improve language skills.
  • The most important thing is getting thorough feedback from tutors who have expertise with both IELTS and PTE. A specialist can actually help candidates overcome their flaws in a professional manner.
  • As far as conquering the reading and writing sections is concerned, it’s highly important to focus on grammar, lexical resources, and vocabulary. Plus, consistent reading of newspapers is a healthy habit that gives us enough information as far as preparation of essays is concerned.

Which Test is Right for You?

As far as considering the right test is concerned, it depends upon the examinees’ requirements as far as their professional and academic requirements are fulfilled. It’s also important to play to one’s strengths as a person comfortable with the traditional pen-and-paper format needs to book the pen-and-paper-based IELTS test. He/she should also be able to wait for at least 13 days as his results will be provided within this duration.

On the other hand, someone who is looking for faster results can book the PTE or the computer-based IELTS test. While the PTE scores will appear in 2 business days, the CBT IELTS test results will be provided within 3-5 business days. 

It’s also important for candidates to research which test their institution or employer is going to prefer and plan accordingly.

Conclusion

As a conclusion, the writer would like to reiterate the fact that although both IELTS and PTE are highly cherished by various candidates and working professionals, there are several differences between both of them constituting of their formats, scoring system and numerous other aforementioned issues. 

That is why it becomes doubly necessary for test takers to choose the right examination according to their strengths, preferences, and target institutions among others. Moreover, it’s highly important to take the guidance of renowned professionals and mentors in order to achieve a splendid score in these examinations. 

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