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PTE vs. IELTS - Which Exam Should You Choose?
When deciding to migrate or pursue a degree overseas, a person must pass a few internationally recognized language exams. IELTS and PTE are two available options. Many candidates need clarification on IELTS vs. PTE.
One should know the difference between IELTS and PTE in detail to choose what suits the circumstances best.
What is IELTS Test?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a test designed to assess the English-speaking proficiency of non-native English speakers. It meets the criteria of the examination of the international standardized English language.
The British Council, IDP, IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English collaborated on the IELTS project. As a result, a broader range of international schools, universities, and employers accept IELTS. A strong IELTS score might pave the way for a promising future of job or education in Australia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or New Zealand.
What is PTE Test?
The Pearson Test of English is another international standardized test that is taken to assess the English language proficiency of a non-native speaker. It consists of three parts: speaking and writing, reading and listening. As it employs AI to evaluate the test and produce the results, the results are fair and processed quickly.
A Comparative Study: PTE vs. IELTS
PTE and IELTS seem to be the same types of tests. But the candidate may feel the difference when he knows the details. The top difference between IELTS and PTE is their mode of conducting trials.
PTE is entirely computerized, whereas IELTS can be either online or a traditional exam style using pen and paper.
PTE (Pearson test of English) |
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) |
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Tests include three segments comprising speaking and writing, listening and reading. |
The IELTS includes listening, speaking, and two different categories of reading and writing. |
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The test score consists of the overall score from 10 to 90. It shows the proficiency of the candidate’s Communicative skills. |
The test score consists of an IELTS band from 0-9 for each test segment. The score reflects the English communicative proficiency of the scorer. |
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The overall score of PTE is not the average of all four scores. |
The overall score in IELTS is the average of all four scores. |
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Writing scoring is comparatively precise as scoring is done by artificial intelligence. However, the speaking scoring section needs to be more accurate. |
Humans do the assessment, and manual scoring is subject to errors. However, it involves stable scrutiny, and the option of reassessment is available for the candidates who are not satisfied with their results. |
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Test fairness is high. |
Test fairness in IELTS is medium to high. |
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As results are processed by artificial intelligence, the result development is quick. For example, one can obtain a result within five business days. |
In the case of a paper test, the test report form is available after 13 days of the test. However, in the case of computer tests, one can obtain test results in 3 to 5 days after the test. |
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The speaking test is done via microphone. |
Speaking test in IELTS is taken face to face. |
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he testing authority of PTE is Pearson PLC. |
The testing authority of IELTS is the British council, IDP, Cambridge Assessment English, and IELTS Australia. |
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PTE is accepted in more than 3000 universities around the world. |
IELTS’s global acceptance is wider. More universities and governments recognize IELTS. |
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Speaking and writing tests are taken at the same time. |
All four communicative skills are tested separately. |
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The duration for speaking and writing tests is almost 77-93 minutes. Speaking and writing tests may include picture description, retelling, summarizing, essay, sentence repetition, and short question answers. |
The time given for the writing test is 6o minutes. The test includes essay writing, identifying trends and information in charts/graphs, and their explanation. |
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For the reading assessment, the candidate is given a time duration of almost 32-40 minutes. During this duration, he has to fill in the blanks, MCQs, and sequencing. |
For the reading comprehension assessment, the candidates are given three reading passages. The candidate is required to read the passage and solve the paper, which may include questions like MCQs, matching headings and features, information identification, identifying the writer’s claims, labeling, short question answers, summary, sentence completion, and data completion. In IELTS, candidates have 60 minutes for a reading test. |
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The listening proficiency is tested in 45-57 minutes via MCQs, fill in the blanks summarizing spoken text, selecting missing words, dictation, and marking incorrect words. |
The listening tests consist of four recordings. The listener has to solve MCQs, labeling activities, sentence completion, short question answers, matching activities, and data completion activities. |
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The PTE test is to be taken in one sitting. |
The IELTS test can be scheduled within seven days. |
PTE Vs. IELTS Comparison Of Scores:
In the IELTS test, the scoring bar is called the IELTS band. It ranges from 1 to 9. The higher the number, the higher the score.
In the case of PTE, the scoring bar is called the PTE score range. Here the marks are given out of a total of 90 marks. Similar to IELTS, high marks means good score.
Conclusion:
PTE and IELTS are both well-recognized tests. Even the prices of both tests are slightly different. The test selection depends on the candidates and what suits them best. For example, if a candidate wants to showcase his linguistic skills and considers himself good enough to communicate with native speakers, IELTS is a better option. Also, IELTS is a better choice if the candidate is a slow typist.
However, if the candidate thinks he/she will feel stressed while communicating with humans or feels judged, he should opt for PTE. Also, there will be no stress of messy handwriting and work presentation while giving tests online.
Regardless of a candidate's choice, scoring well in any of them can open many doors of opportunities for study and work abroad. The scorer would be highly acceptable in almost every university and many countries.
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