PTE vs. IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic are the two most used English language exams globally. Both examinations test the English language, with some similarities and other differences.
In this article, we shall provide an overview of the differences between PTE and IELTS, the similarities between the two tests, and the metrics of difference such as scoring, format, duration, and more.
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Differences between PTE and IELTS
| Difference | IELTS | PTE |
| Test Format | Paper-based | Computer-based |
| Speaking Assessment | Face-to-face interview with examiner | Recorded spoken prompts |
| Scoring System | Band score (0-9) for each skill | Overall scaled score (10-90) |
| Test Availability | Specific dates at test centers | Flexible scheduling throughout the year |
| Speaking Prompt | Examiner-led discussion | Responding to pre-recorded prompts |
| Test Delivery | Handwritten answers | Typing answers on a computer |
| Re-evaluation Process | Limited re-evaluation options | Easier and quicker review process |
| Speaking Duration | 11-14 minutes | 5-6 minutes |
| Reading Question Types | Multiple choice, True/False/Not Given | Fill in the blanks, Multiple choice |
| Listening Accent Variation | Mostly British, some American | Global accents including Australian |
| Speaking Evaluation Criteria | Pronunciation, Fluency, Vocabulary | Oral Fluency, Pronunciation, Content |
| Test Taker Identity Check | Handwritten signature verification | Biometric identity verification |
| Speaking Task Sequence | First task is usually an interview | Speaking tasks integrated throughout |
| Speaking Feedback | Immediate feedback from examiner | Automated scoring with detailed report |
| Writing Task Structure | 2 tasks: Task 1 (150 words) and Task 2 (250 words) | Integrated tasks with shorter time duration |
Similarities between PTE and IELTS
The similarities between PTE and IELTS are as follows:
- Assess English language proficiency for academic, professional, and immigration purposes.
- Evaluate listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.
- Widely recognized by universities, employers, and immigration authorities
- Include distinct sections for each of the four language skills.
- Accepted by a significant number of institutions and organizations globally.
- Extensive preparation materials and practice tests are available.
- Similar overall test duration (around 2–3 hours)
- Offered multiple times a year for flexible scheduling
- Aim to provide an objective assessment of English language proficiency.
- The online registration process for both exams
PTE vs. IELTS scoring
PTE Academic has a computerized scoring system ranging from 10-90 in the Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Listening sections. The algorithm is designed to evaluate the test-takers responses throughout the language for objective assessment.
IELTS follows a band score system for scoring in listening, reading, writing, and speaking, where the sections are graded separately. The test-taker receives a band score ranging from 0 to 9 for each section thereafter, and the scores are averaged to calculate the overall band score.
PTE vs. IELTS Format
IELTS Format
Listening Section:
- In the listening section, test-takers listen to recordings of native English speakers and answer a series of questions.
- The recordings include conversations, monologues, and discussions, typically related to everyday social situations or academic topics.
- Question types may include multiple choice, matching, labeling diagrams or maps, and completing sentences or summaries based on the information heard.
Reading Section:
- The reading section assesses the test-taker’s ability to understand written English texts.
- It includes a variety of text types, such as newspaper articles, magazine excerpts, advertisements, and academic texts.
- Test-takers are required to answer questions based on the information presented in the passages. Question types may include multiple choice, True/False/Not Given, matching headings, completing sentences, and identifying information.
Writing Section:
- The writing section consists of two tasks, each assessing different writing skills.
- Task 1 requires test-takers to describe, summarize, or explain visual information, such as graphs, charts, tables, or diagrams.
- Task 2 is an essay task where test-takers are presented with a statement or question on a particular topic and asked to express their opinion, provide arguments, or discuss both sides of the issue.
Speaking Section:
- The Speaking section evaluates the test-taker’s ability to communicate effectively in spoken English.
- It is a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner and is divided into three parts.
- Part 1 involves introductions and general questions about familiar topics, such as hobbies, work, studies, and interests.
- Part 2 requires test-takers to speak about a given topic for two minutes after one minute of preparation.
- Part 3 involves a discussion with the examiner on abstract topics related to the theme introduced in Part 2.
PTE Format
Speaking and writing
- Personal Introduction
- Read Aloud
- Repeat Sentence
- Describe Image
- Re-Tell Lecture
- Answer a short question.
- Summarize Written Text
- Essay
Reading
- Multiple-Choice Questions
- Re-Order Paragraphs
- Reading Fill in the Blanks
- Reading and Writing Fill in the Blanks
Listening
- Summarize Spoken Text
- Multiple-Choice
- Fill in the blanks.
- Highlight the correct summary.
- Select Missing Word
- Highlight incorrect words.
- Write from Dictation
PTE vs. IELTS Test Duration
The PTE Academic is approximately 2 hours (114–141 minutes).. Speaking and writing take 54–67 minutes; reading takes 30 minutes; and listening takes 30-43 minutes.
For the IELTS Academic Test, the total duration is about 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Speaking Section, usually conducted separately on a different day, lasts for 11–14 minutes; the Listening Section lasts for 30 minutes; the Reading Section lasts for 60 minutes; and the Writing Section lasts for 60 minutes.
Which is more accepted, PTE or IELTS?
IELTS is more accepted than PTE, as 11,500 organizations across 140 countries have utilized the test. PTE, on the other hand, is accepted by 3300+ institutions worldwide in 40+ countries.
What is the cost of PTE vs. IELTS?
The fees for both the IELTS Academic and PTE Academic are A$ 445 in Australia.
PTE vs. IELTS preparation time?
The preparation time for both PTE and IELTS depends on the ability of the student and how confident they are. Students can expect to prepare for 15 days to 1 month and gain enough knowledge of the English language so as to ace the test.
PTE vs. IELTS exam content?
PTE Academic:
- PTE Academic evaluates speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills.
- Speaking: Test-takers respond to recorded prompts, engage in spoken responses, and describe images. The responses are recorded and assessed by AI technology.
- Writing: Test-takers summarize written text, write essays based on given topics, and respond to prompts. The writing tasks are completed on a computer.
- Reading: Test-takers encounter various text types, such as multiple-choice questions, reordered paragraphs, and fill-in-the-blank tasks. They answer questions based on comprehension.
- Listening: Test-takers listen to audio recordings, such as lectures or conversations, and answer questions based on the information they hear.
IELTS:
- IELTS assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.
- Listening: Test-takers listen to recordings of conversations, monologues, and presentations, then answer questions in various formats like multiple choice and matching.
- Reading: Test-takers read passages from newspapers, books, and journals and answer questions, which include multiple-choice, true/false/Not given, and matching headings.
- Writing: Task 1 requires describing data, charts, graphs, or diagrams in their own words, while Task 2 involves writing an essay in response to a prompt.
- Speaking: A face-to-face interview with an examiner, divided into three parts: general questions, a short speech, and a discussion.
Which is faster, PTE or IELTS?
The PTE Academic Test requires 2 hours of examination, whereas the IELTS requires 2 hours and 45 minutes on two different days.
Conclusion
The IELTS Test and PTE Academic are the two English language testing options with different formats, scoring systems, and content. IELTS, conducted in a paper-based format, evaluates proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking through face-to-face interviews. PTE Academic uses computer-based tests to assess language skills like speaking and writing through AI technology. PTE scores range from 10 to 90, while IELTS employs a band system from 0 to 9. Both exams measure English language proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Comparing IELTS and PTE, the test-taker can choose either the computer-based or traditional format for assessing their English language.
