In the quest for higher education abroad, testing for English language proficiency is a key qualifier for candidates. IELTS Academic and TOEFL® iBT have been the go-to examinations for study-abroad aspirants. The IELTS is jointly administered by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment English. Whereas the TOEFL is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS),. But, lately, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) has also gained popularity for showcasing English proficiency for overseas admission.
When deciding on English language tests, one of the key questions that aspirants struggle with is: Which test to go for between IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL? But don’t worry; you are in the right place. Explore Yocket Premium today to get complete personalized guidance on the admissions process at universities abroad! By becoming a Premium Yocketer, you get expert guidance and counseling in finding the top universities for your requirements.
Read ahead to learn more about the IELTS and PTE exams. It compares IELTS and PTE along all the significant aspects like pattern, structure, score comparison, etc.Thereby helping you answer the question—which test would be the best fit based on your skills and requirements?
| Table of Contents |
PTE vs IELTS: An Overview
Even though IELTS and PTE are both tests used for evaluating a candidate’s English proficiency and skills, here are some differences between them:
- IELTS has the option of a classical pen and paper test and a computer-based test, available in different slots. Thus, a test-taker can choose the mode of examination that they are comfortable with. In comparison, PTE offers only the computer-based test.
- Both the PTE and IELTS exams test the same fundamental language skills, viz., speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Neither of the tests is easier than the other, except for the differences in the mode of examination and the pattern.
- The total time for both exams is 3 hours. The IELTS comprises four sections with comparatively longer tasks, while the PTE comprises numerous short tasks across three sections. PTE, compared to IELTS, has a heavier emphasis on speaking and writing.
What is the Difference?
The main difference between IELTS and PTE is that IELTS offers a choice between a paper-based exam and a computer-delivered exam, whereas the PTE test is all computer-based and marked by a machine. Also, with IELTS, the speaking section is conducted in the form of a face-to-face talk with an examiner, but with PTE, a candidate has to speak to the computer.
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Next, let’s check the PTE vs IELTS pattern.
PTE vs IELTS: Exam Pattern & Structure
While preparing for language examinations, understanding the nuances of the examination pattern, its sections, structure, and the time requirement is critical when planning for success. This section is focused on providing exactly that information.
In the IELTS exam, four test sections are sequenced in the following order:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
In the PTE exam, there are three test sections, which are sequenced as follows:
- Speaking and Writing (Combined Section)
- Reading
- Listening
The details of the various sections for PTE vs. IELTS are summarized in the table below:
|
Exam Section |
PTE |
IELTS |
|---|---|---|
|
Listening |
In a section that varies between 45 and 57 minutes, answer a series of questions that are based on audio and video clips. |
Students need to answer 40 questions in 30 minutes across four recordings |
|
Reading |
In 32 to 40 minutes, complete objective exercises such as MCQs, filling up blanks and sequencing paragraphs of texts |
Students have to answer 40 questions in 30 minutes across three texts |
|
Writing |
These two sections are merged in the PTE throughout 77 to 93 minutes. Students must complete diverse tasks, such as introducing themselves, reading aloud, describing images, summarising texts, and writing essays. |
There are two essays to be written in 60 minutes. The first is analysing a visual graph/data, while the second is an argumentative task to discuss a point of view. |
|
Speaking |
This task requires students to speak to the examiner about themselves, give an opinion about a topic, or finally discuss abstract concepts |
With this, the difference in the PTE vs. IELTS pattern is clear. Next, let’s explore the score comparison between the two.
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PTE vs IELTS: Score Comparison
IELTS is graded on a scale of 0 to 9, with a gap of 0.5 for each section, and then averaged for the four sections where universities accept minimum scores of 6.0 and 6.5. Candidates are awarded a band score for each section and an average score based on the band score of each of the sections.
PTE scores candidates on a scale of 10 to 90 using a global scale of English, where universities prefer a minimum of 55 to 60. Like in IELTS, candidates who give the PTE get a detailed section-wise breakdown.
The table below compares PTE and IELTS scores:
|
PTE Score |
IELTS Score |
|---|---|
|
30 |
4.5 |
|
36 |
5.0 |
|
42 |
5.5 |
|
50 |
6 |
|
58 |
6.5 |
|
65 |
€7 |
|
73 |
7.5 |
|
79 |
8.0 |
|
83 |
8.5 |
|
86 |
9.0 |
You may ask, “What is the validity of the IELTS and PTE scores?” Well, both IELTS and PTE scores remain valid for two (2) years.
Now you know the comparison between PTE vs IELTS scores. Overall, the PTE is a machine-evaluated examination, and the margin for error in the evaluation is almost negligible. Next, let’s check out the PTE vs IELTS difference based on cost, academic criteria, etc.
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IELTS vs PTE: Exam Cost and Acceptance
Both the IELTS and PTE tests’ differences based on cost and acceptance are:
- PTE vs. IELTS Price: Both IELTS and PTE costs are almost equal for an examination. The IELTS costs INR 17,000, while the PTE costs INR 15,900, including GST.
- PTE vs. IELTS Acceptance: IELTS is still far more universally applicable, with acceptance across 10,000 universities spanning 140 countries. The PTE has been gaining popularity since it was introduced in 2009. The trends indicate that PTE is gaining more acceptance in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.
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Difference Between IELTS & PTE Academic Criteria
Every candidate wants to find out which test would be the best fit for them. We urge candidates to take at least one mock test in each before and note their PTE scores compared to IELTS scores, deciding finally which is the best fit.
The primary factor is the acceptance of the test score by the targeted university or country. Some universities only accept specific test scores for language proficiency. Also, the language proficiency test score plays a vital role during the student visa process. The immigration departments of different countries specifically mention the accepted test scores.
There are a few nuanced differences between IELTS and PTE based on academics. Academically, there are four key criteria for you to keep in mind when choosing between the two:
- Comfort with Examination Type: If you are familiar with the written examination format, then IELTS would be comfortable, while if you are sure you have the agility to manipulate a digital UI, then PTE would be preferred.
- Agility in Solving: If you are capable of solving a lot of questions quickly, then PTE, compared with IELTS, would be the examination to choose.
- Comfort with Writing: IELTS would be a good bet if you can manage writing analytically very quickly, given the heavy focus it places on this skill.
- Your Speaking Accent: The PTE evaluates the speaking section with pronunciation as the prime criterion. Hence, if you speak with a thick accent, then IELTS would be the preferred option.
The overall suggestion is that based on your evaluation of the above four criteria and the results of the mock test, you can choose which examination would be ideal for you.
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The Administrative Factors Difference Between IELTS and PTE:
In addition to the above academic factors, there are certain administrative or operational advantages to taking the PTE, especially if you need to take the test within a few days and report scores to a university within a week. The super short booking time for PTE and the average result delivery within two days could provide the edge over IELTS, especially when you have deadlines to meet. Furthermore, the PTE can be retaken within five days of the previous attempt, which is something to think about if you're especially nervous about taking the examination for the first time.
However, the availability of test centers is higher for IELTS and can be a crucial factor if you’re taking the examination in a gap of a few days and need to travel to a nearby city for the test.
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From the desk of Yocket
Even if you can answer the question, which is easier? IELTS or PTE. Either way, you must remember that each examination requires students to prepare to take on the pattern and structure posed for each, which requires intensive practice over some time, even if the score in the mock tests is pretty high.
Once you make your decision and achieve a desired IELTS or PTE score, connect with professional counselors, To begin with the other steps in your study abroad journey, explore Yocket Premium to get help for filling out university applications, scholarship/loan applications, visa applications, profile building, etc. Make your study abroad journey a smooth and fruitful ride!
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