IELTS vs PTE:
IELTS features monologues and discussions that are situated in social settings. The PTE recordings, however, come exclusively from reliable academic sources. IELTS features more questions and fewer recordings, similar to the Reading portion, which can be difficult for test takers.
Also, the task types are very varied. IELTS tests candidates' ability to correctly finish sentences, name maps, and diagrams, and match answers. PTE encourages pupils to write from dictation and identify inaccurate words and summaries.
You will be acquiring skills that are mostly the same whether you are preparing for the PTE or the IELTS. You must have the ability to listen for both gist and detail in order to perform well on the listening portion. As a learner, you must recognize the phrases and words that are appropriate for the situation. Success also involves having good note-taking techniques. As a result, it's crucial to make sure you have a lot of practice taking thorough notes.
The IELTS and PTE tests are the main topics of this article. It contrasts the IELTS with PTE in all the key areas, including pattern, structure, score comparison, etc. so assisting you in determining which test, given your qualifications and talents, would be the most appropriate.
SCORE DIFFERENCE:
IELTS scores are presented on a 9-band scale. They are made to be clear and straightforward to grasp. IELTS gives results as band scores ranging from 1 (the lowest) to 9. (the highest). In contrast, PTE Academic (PTE-A) results are compared to their own "Global Scale of English". Scores on this scale range from 10 to 90.
It might be tough to compare results from several exams. That's because test goods' designs, functions, and formats vary. Also, the activity becomes more challenging the more significant the design difference. Yet, those that employ test scores (such as academic institutions, governmental agencies, and professional associations) frequently want to know how, in real-world scenarios, the outcomes of two different tests could compare.
To demonstrate the score development, we have gathered the test results from PTE to IELTS into a chart.
IELTS |
5 |
5.5 |
6 |
6.5 |
7 |
7.5 |
8 |
8.5 |
PTE |
40.8 |
45.4 |
51.6 |
58.5 |
66.3 |
74.6 |
82.3 |
88.1 |
PTE or IELTS may be preferred by many colleges according to their regulations. The decision to accept a converted score was made by test organizations, nonetheless, to assist students who had spent a lot of time and money preparing for one type of exam. Moreover, most colleges held that the two tests' formats and marking procedures differed while measuring the same proficiency (knowledge of the English language). Accepting converted PTE to IELTS results would be in the best interests of the students.
VARIANTS:
The way the two examinations are judged is where the biggest distinction between them resides. IELTS is graded manually for both the paper-and-pencil and computer-based editions, whereas PTE Academic is graded entirely by an artificially intelligent (AI) scoring system. As a result, there is no tolerance for mistakes in the PTE Academic results.
IELTS Academic and IELTS General are the two available exam alternatives. IELTS Academic is frequently required for student visas, but IELTS General is required for other visa types, including those for permanent residence. PTE Academic, however, is accepted for a variety of visa types, including student and permanent residency, throughout Australia and New Zealand.
13 days following the exam, the results for the IELTS on paper are made accessible. Within 5 to 7 days, the IELTS computer-delivered score is accessible. Given that 80% of test results are made available within two days following the exam, PTE succeeds in this area. The PTE test results are made publicly available by Pearson within five business days, at the latest. A candidate may transmit their PTE exam results for free to any number of colleges.
In addition to an overall score on a scale from 0 to 9, IELTS provides individual scores for each of the four sections—Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. The PTE score scale, in contrast, ranges from 10 to 90, with 90 being the highest possible score and 10 being the equivalent of a perfect score. Similar to IELTS, PTE provides overall and skill-based results. Pronunciation, oral fluency, grammar, written discourse, vocabulary, and spelling are among the enabling abilities for which the PTE also offers scaled scores.
PTE is a better test to take than IELTS if you have the ability to swiftly solve a number of problems.
With the strong emphasis, it focuses on this talent, IELTS would be a suitable choice if you can handle writing analytically rapidly.
DURATION:
The PTE has several brief activities spread over three sections, whereas the IELTS has four sections with relatively lengthier assignments. Speaking and writing are given more weight in PTE than in IELTS. Also, the entire exam may be finished in a single day because the PTE Academic Speaking component is computer-based. IELTS requires that the speaking portion be finished on a different day, often up to a week later. The IELTS Exam is roughly for a duration of 170 minutes or 2 hours and 45 minutes. PTE can be completed in 2 hours in 1 sitting. With the exception of the speaking test, which may take between 11 and 15 minutes, the major components of the IELTS test are separated into predetermined time slots. The PTE test, however, might take anywhere from 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
SCORING RANGE:
The IELTS vs. PTE scoring pattern will now be discussed. IELTS ratings vary from 0 to 9, with 9 being the highest score one might get. The majority of educational institutions, universities, governmental agencies, and business offices set a maximum score of 6.5 to 7.5 to determine eligibility. Similar to this, the PTE exam uses a scoring system of points between 10 and 90. A maximum of 90 points can be earned by the contestant. 65 to 73 is often the minimum score required for qualifying by businesses, institutions, etc.
Understanding the complexities of the test pattern, its parts, its organization, and the time limit is essential when building a success plan for language exams. Providing that information is the main goal of this section.
Four test components comprise the IELTS exam, and they are administered in the following order:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
There are three test portions in the PTE exam, and they are organized as follows:
- Writing and Speaking (Combined Section)
- Reading
- Listening
The table below provides a summary of the details of the various parts of PTE and IELTS.
PTE | IELTS | |
Listening | Answering a series of questions based on audio and video materials in a portion that lasts somewhere between 45 and 57 minutes | Students must respond to 40 questions across four recordings in 30 minutes. |
Reading |
Complete objective activities in 32 to 40 minutes, such as MCQs, fill-ins, and text-paragraph sequencing. |
Students have 30 minutes to respond to 40 questions across 3 readings. |
Writing |
In the PTE, these two pieces are combined across 77 to 93 minutes. Pupils are required to perform a variety of assignments, including self-introductions, reading aloud, describing pictures, summarising texts, and essay writing. |
In 60 minutes, two articles must be written. The first assignment involves analyzing a visual graph or set of facts, whereas the second involves arguing for or against a position |
Speaking | In the PTE, these two pieces are combined across 77 to 93 minutes. Pupils are required to perform a variety of assignments, including self-introductions, reading aloud, describing pictures, summarising texts, and essay writing. | Students get 15 minutes to talk to the examiner about themselves, express their opinions on a subject, or ultimately, explore abstract concepts |
RESULTS:
Within five business days of the exam date, Pearson VUE provides the PTE Academic exam results. Within two days after the test, the PTE test results are often accessible online. The PTE academic results are first made available to candidates through email on their registered accounts, after which the candidates may see the results by logging into their accounts. The PTE Academic test has four portions that are all scored automatically. There is an automated scoring system for the PTE Academic. There will be 20 different sorts of questions; some sections' results are determined only by accuracy, while others are determined by correctness, formal elements, and response quality.
And in the case of IELTS, 13 days after the IELTS paper test date and five to seven days after an IELTS computer test, results will be mailed to you, known as the Test Report Form (TRF).
For delivery, you have to allow at least seven working days. On the first Wednesday after the test date, the TRF for the Living Skills version will be mailed.
Results for the IELTS will not be shared through email or phone.
CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULING:
14 calendar days before the test date, you may request a refund if you decide not to take the PTE Academic exam. You can postpone or cancel the PTE Academic test on the PTE website. Candidates can alter the date of the PTE exam 2023 over the phone online. When scheduling their exam online, candidates have up to 14 calendar days before their test date to change their minds and get a complete refund. A partial refund of 50% of the PTE test cost paid will be given to candidates who cancel their test fewer than 14 calendar days, but at least seven calendar days, before their test date. Candidates who postpone their exam for fewer than seven calendar days would not be eligible for reimbursement. Applicants should be aware that their PTE test date is not covered by the cancellation and rescheduling policy.
In the case of IELTS, Only if the test date is at least 15 days out from the day you are requesting for transfer may you reschedule your IELTS exam. You may reschedule for 34 days or more without providing a reason. Candidates may only seek cancellation by submitting supporting documentation if the test date is between 15 and 34 days away or if payment is being made using an offline method. Cancellation will only take place once the request has been granted. If the cancellation is completed or accepted, the refund will be handled within 8 to 10 business days, less administrative fees.
PTE or IELTS… WHICH IS EASIER?
Your English proficiency will be measured against a recognized scale by either the PTE or the IELTS tests. Universities, institutions, and government agencies (including the Ministry of Home Affairs) utilize this for immigration or course admission purposes. IELTS and PTE give you a score for each of the four abilities they assess: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
There actually isn't an "easier" choice, which is poor news for students searching for the quickest way to reach their language objectives! Several students mistakenly think that PTE yields better outcomes than IELTS since they first took IELTS and switched to PTE only after doing more research. The results on the two exams actually don't differ all that much, as studies have repeatedly demonstrated.
It actually depends on your personal preferences as a test taker and which exam you should take. IELTS is given by people, but your PTE exam is never seen by human eyes or heard by human ears. The key difference between the two exams is this. Some students more enjoy dealing with their examiners "in person," while others find it far less stressful to do the full exam on a computer.
COMMON TIPS:
Take a lot of practice exams before the final exam. You should be familiar with the format and pattern of the test to prevent any misunderstandings or delays.
Keep an eye on the time restriction for each section. You must effectively manage your time as you tackle each segment to prevent missing any questions.
When writing, we may get confused between American and British English. Recognize the differences between the two and stick to one English throughout the exam. Make sure your spelling and punctuation are accurate as well.
While completing the hearing and reading parts, watch and listen to several English-language movies and recordings to hone your listening abilities. Read the suggested English novels every day to expand your vocabulary.