The proper English proficiency test is vital in your professional or academic journey. PTE is the Pearson Test of English, and IELTS is the International English Language Testing System, and these are among the most popular options. Whether you want to pursue higher education, migrate, or seek career advancement, learning about the nuances of each test is vital.
PTE VS. IELTS, which one’s better? This has become a common question. This blog will take you through comprehensive details, aiming to dissect both exams’ key differences and patterns, helping you understand which test best aligns with your goals. Let’s dive into this detailed guide, offering a clear comparison to discover which test might be the right one to take you on the path to success.
PTE vs. IELTS: Key Differences
Here are the major differences between PTE vs. IELTS:
| PTE Academic | IELTS | |
| Test type | PTE Academic test: One test with three sections: reading, listening, speaking, and writing together. | IELTS General Training and Academic. comprises speaking, writing, listening, academic writing, general training reading, academic writing, and general training. |
| Score report | Consists of an overall score (10 to 90 points), scores for each enabling skill, and scores for each communicative skill (10 to 90 points for speaking, listening, and writing). | The average scores given to the hearing, reading, writing, and speaking components determine the total band score (0–9). |
| Overall score | The communicative scores are not averaged to determine the total score. | Total score for all four sections, rounded to the closest full or half band. |
| Speaking test | Speaking into a microphone. | A speech exam is conducted in person with an examiner. |
| Result | Accessible in five working days. | Test Report Form for the IELTS Paper Exam is accessible 13 days following the test. The IELTS computer exam results are available |
| Global acceptance | Some governments and colleges are widely accepted in many nations worldwide. | A greater variety of approval. This language test can be found on the websites of many governments and colleges worldwide. |
PTE Exam Pattern
Part 1: Speaking and Writing – This test section lasts between 54 and 67 minutes and consists of seven different kinds of questions. Your ability to write and speak in English, which one may hear in an academic setting, will be assessed.
You can familiarise yourself with PTE exam technology and practice speaking and listening during the Personal Introduction section. After reading the prompt and getting ready to respond, you will have 25 seconds to record your response. You can only record one response at a time.
Part 2: Reading – This portion of the exam lasts for 29 to 30 minutes and consists of five different kinds of questions. One item type (‘Reading and Writing: Fill in the blanks’) on the PTE Academic tests writing abilities since it is an integrated skills test.
Part 3: Listening – You have ten minutes to write your summary and listen. The soundtrack starts playing on its own. The audio recording can only be listened to once. The Word Count counts the number of words you write at the bottom of the screen. Ensure that you write at least 50 words but no more than 70.
IELTS Exam Pattern
Part 1: Listening – After hearing four recordings of fluent English speakers, you will respond in writing to a series of questions.
- Recording 1: A dialogue between two individuals in a typical social setting.
- Recording 2: A monologue delivered in a social setting, like a speech discussing nearby amenities.
- Recording 3: A discussion on an assignment between a student and a university tutor.
- Recording 4: A monologue about an intellectual topic, such as a lecture at a university.
Part 2: Reading – Three lengthy pieces ranging from factual and descriptive to analytical and discursive. These are excerpted from newspapers, periodicals, books, and journals. Although they are meant for a general audience rather than experts, they are suitable for those starting college courses or applying for professional registration.
Part 3: Writing – You will be given a graph, table, chart, or diagram in Task.
It will be up to you to provide an explanation, synopsis, or description of the material in your own words. This could entail characterising and elucidating data, outlining the steps of a procedure or its operation, or characterising an item or occurrence. You must compose an essay in Task 2 responding to an issue, argument, or point of view.
Part 4: Speaking –
- The examiner will identify themselves, ask you to identify yourself and request identity verification. The examiner will ask generic questions about well-known subjects, including your home, family, job, studies, and interests.
- You will receive a task card from the examiner that asks you to discuss a specific topic and provides you with talking points for your discussion. One minute is allotted to you to get ready and take notes. After that, you will get one to two minutes to discuss the subject. You must continue speaking during this period because you won’t be interrupted. After that, you will answer one or two questions from the examiner on the same topic.
- You will be asked additional questions by the examiner that relate to the subject of Part 2. The purpose of these questions is to allow you to talk about more conceptual and abstract topics.
Conclusion
Your preferences and ambitions will determine which test you should take between PTE vs. IELTS. Both tests have distinct formats suited to various objectives. While the IELTS may be more appropriate for people who feel more at ease with in-person speaking assessments, the PTE is best for individuals who want a computer-based exam with quicker results. In the end, the decision you make should help you achieve success.
