Wondering Whether to give IELTS or PTE in 2024? Both the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and PTE (Pearson Test of English) are popular English proficiency tests recognized globally and are popular among students who want to study abroad, but they have some differences that could impact your decision.
IELTS is widely accepted by universities and governments and offers both paper-based and computer-based formats. However, PTE, known for its quick results and entirely computer-based test, is favored for its convenience and accuracy in assessing real-life English skills.
This comprehensive comparison of IELTS vs PTE 2024 will help you understand their differences in test structure, scoring, preparation, and acceptance, ensuring you make the right choice based on your specific needs and goals.
Table of Content
IELTS vs PTE : An Overview
While both IELTS and PTE assess English proficiency, they differ in several key aspects:
- Test Format: IELTS offers both pen-and-paper and computer-based tests, providing flexibility for test-takers. In contrast, PTE is exclusively computer-based.
- Exam Structure: Both exams evaluate speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. IELTS consists of four sections with longer tasks, whereas PTE features numerous short tasks across three sections. PTE places a stronger emphasis on speaking and writing compared to IELTS.
- Speaking Evaluation: IELTS involves a face-to-face interaction with an examiner, while PTE requires candidates to speak to a computer for assessment.
In summary, the primary distinction between IELTS and PTE lies in their test delivery methods and speaking evaluation processes. IELTS offers more flexibility with its test formats, whereas PTE is entirely computer-based and machine-assessed.
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For a thorough comparison of the PTE and IELTS exams, see the table below:
Factor | IELTS | PTE |
|---|---|---|
Type of Exam | Academic & General Training. Test Components:- a) Listening b) Reading (General Training/ Academic) c) Writing (General Training/ Academic) d) Speaking | Academic Only – Only Single Test containing 3 parts – a) Speaking and writing b) Reading c) Listening |
Mode of Examination | Both classical pen-and-paper test and a computer-delivered test | Only computer-based test |
Exam Duration | 170 minutes (approx.) | 120 minutes (approx.) |
Cost | INR 16,250 (approx.) | INR 13,300 (approx.) |
Score Pattern | The overall band score (0-9) is the total average of listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. | Candidates get an overall score (10 to 90 points) plus a score for each of listening, reading, and writing skills. |
Accuracy of Scores | Human assessment based – chances of manual errors | Automated machine scoring system based on the Global Scale of English (known as Thermometer-style scale) |
Result Declaration | IELTS Paper test – Available within 13 days after the test IELTS Computer test – Results available in 3 to 5 days after the test | Available within five days after the test |
Speaking Test | Face-to-face speaking test with the human examiner | Speaking test on a microphone |
Test Conducting Authority | British Council, Cambridge Assessment English & IDP | Pearson PLC |
Global Acceptance rate | More than 10,000+ universities across the globe | More than 6,000+ universities across the globe |
IELTS vs PTE: Structure of the tests
The format of PTE Academic and IELTS Academic shares many similarities. Both evaluations cover all four language competencies: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. However, there are distinctions in the sequence of skill assessment, as well as in how tasks are timed and arranged.
| Aspect | PTE Academic | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 - 43 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Reading | 29 - 30 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Speaking & Writing | 54 - 67 minutes (tested together) | Writing: 60 minutes |
| Speaking: 11 - 14 minutes | ||
| Test duration | Approximately 2 hours | Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes |
The speaking components of PTE Academic and IELTS Academic differ significantly. Firstly, PTE Academic evaluates integrated speaking and writing skills, while IELTS Academic assesses these skills separately.
Secondly, PTE Academic's speaking section is conducted on a computer and scored by a machine, whereas IELTS Academic's speaking section involves face-to-face interaction with a human examiner. Many PTE Academic test-takers feel less anxious about the computer-based format, as they believe only their English proficiency is being assessed.
Moreover, because PTE Academic's speaking section is computer-based, the entire test can be completed in a single session on the same day. Conversely, in IELTS Academic, students might have to return on a different day, potentially up to a week later, to complete the speaking section.
IELTS vs PTE: Types of Task
Let us discuss the types of tasks in both IELTS vs PTE:
1. IELTS vs PTE: Writing
In both PTE Academic and IELTS Academic, the 'Essay' assignments share substantial similarities, requiring little adjustment to your preparation strategies.
However, in the alternate writing task, the key distinction lies in the requirement. PTE Academic necessitates summarizing a written text into a single sentence, while IELTS Academic expects test-takers to provide a description or summary of a chart or graph.
| Writing Task | PTE Academic | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking & Writing | 54 - 67 minutes | Writing: 60 minutes |
| Task 1 | Summarize Written Text - up to 75 words. | Written description or summary of a chart or |
| Summarize a passage of text in one single | graph - 150 words. | |
| sentence. Testing reading and writing. | ||
| Task 2 | Essay - 20 - 40 minutes - 200 - 300 words. | Essay - 250 words. Point of view, argument or |
| Argumentative or persuasive essay. | problem response. |
Both tests assess similar skills, requiring candidates to:
- Arrange sentences and paragraphs logically.
- Synthesize information to compose a summary.
- Substantiate opinions with relevant details, examples, and explanations.
- Demonstrate proficiency in grammar, spelling, and mechanics.
- Utilize suitable language for the given context of their writing.
2. IELTS vs PTE : Speaking
The 'Describe Image' task in PTE Academic and the initial writing task in IELTS Academic, involving describing a graph or chart, evaluate similar language proficiencies. Therefore, adjusting your preparation approach for this task should be straightforward. Many students find practicing the 'Describe Image' task beneficial as it helps them become proficient in this skill.
| Speaking Task | PTE Academic | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Speaking & Writing | 54 - 67 minutes | Speaking: 11 - 14 minutes |
| Multiple input texts | Integrated tasks and skills tested | - |
| 5 item types - 25 - 33 questions: | ||
| Read Aloud | Read Aloud | - |
| Repeat Sentence | Repeat Sentence | - |
| Describe Image | Describe Image | - |
| Retell Lecture | Retell Lecture | - |
| Answer Short Question | Answer Short Question | - |
| Interview style in 3 parts. | - | Task 1: Introduction and interview |
| Number of questions may vary. | Task 2: Long turn - speaking about a topic for 2 minutes | |
| Task 3: Discussion about task 2 topic, where examiner will ask questions related to the topic. |
3.IELTS vs PTE: Reading
The reading sections of IELTS Academic and PTE Academic differ notably in structure and timing. In PTE Academic, students tackle fewer questions in a much shorter duration. While there are more individual texts, they tend to be shorter. Additionally, test-takers face only one question per text, allowing them to move on if uncertain about a particular text's meaning, presenting more opportunities to showcase their proficiency. Unlike IELTS, where multiple questions might relate to a single text, in PTE, this is not the case.
To excel in this section, learners must focus on grasping the text's meaning and identifying its main theme, purpose, and tone. Skills such as skimming and scanning for information, as well as the ability to infer meaning, are crucial. Regular and extensive reading practice is recommended to ensure success in this aspect of the test.
| Reading Task | PTE Academic | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Time | 29 - 30 minutes | Reading: 60 minutes |
| Multiple Input Texts | Yes | Yes |
| Number of Questions | 13 - 18 questions | 40 questions |
| One Reading Text per Question | Yes | One reading text, multiple questions |
| Task Types | Multiple Choice (single and multiple | Multiple choice |
| answer), Fill in the Blanks (two | Identifying information or writers' | |
| different types), Reorder Paragraphs | views or claims, Matching information | |
| or headings, features or sentence | ||
| endings, Sentence completion or | ||
| summary completion, Note or table, | ||
| flow chart or diagram completion, | ||
| Short answer |
4. IELTS vs PTE : Listening
The Listening sections in IELTS Academic and PTE Academic are significantly different.
| Listening Task | PTE Academic | IELTS Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Listening Time | 30 - 43 minutes | 30 minutes + 10 minutes |
| Number of Item Types | 8 item types - 12 - 20 questions | 4 recordings - 40 questions |
| Task Types | Summarize Spoken Text | Multiple choice |
| Multiple Choice (single and multiple | Matching | |
| answers), Fill in the Blanks, | Plan, map or diagram labelling | |
| Highlight Correct Summary, | Form, note, table, flow chart or | |
| Select Missing Word, Highlight | summary completion | |
| Incorrect Word, Write from Dictation | Sentence completion | |
| Short answer questions | ||
| Recording Types | All from authentic academic sources | R1 - a conversation - two people set in |
| an everyday social context | ||
| R2 - a monologue set in an everyday | ||
| social context | ||
| R3 - a conversation between up to four | ||
| people set in an educational or | ||
| training context | ||
| R4 - a monologue on an academic subject |
In IELTS Academic, conversations and monologues are situated within social contexts, whereas seven of the eight recordings in PTE Academic are sourced from authentic academic materials. While IELTS Academic includes fewer recordings but more questions per recording, the task types also differ significantly.
IELTS Academic tasks may involve completing sentences, labeling maps or diagrams, and matching answers, whereas PTE Academic tasks could require highlighting correct or incorrect summaries, or writing from dictation.
Despite the differences, teaching strategies for both exams focus on similar skills. To excel in the Listening section, learners must effectively grasp the main ideas and details, identify context-appropriate words and phrases, and employ note-taking techniques. It's essential to provide ample practice opportunities for students to hone their note-taking abilities while enhancing their overall comprehension skills.
IELTS Vs PTE : Main Differences
| Aspect | IELTS | PTE Academic |
|---|---|---|
| Test Versions & Acceptance | Two versions: Academic and General | Accepted across various visa categories |
| Academic for student visas | ||
| General for permanent residency, immigration, etc. | ||
| Accepted by over 10,000 universities | Accepted by 6,000+ universities | |
| Test Registration | Conducted by IDP India | Conducted by Pearson |
| Test centres managed by organizations like IDP and British Council | Test centres managed by Pearson and franchise partners | |
| Registration online and offline through IDP and British Council | Registration through Pearson | |
| Availability of Scores | Scores available 13 days after pen-and-paper test, 3 to 5 days for computer-based test | Scores available within two days of the test, officially declared by Pearson within five business days at the latest |
| Format of the Score | Scores on a scale from 0 to 9, with separate scores for listening, speaking, reading, and writing | Scores range from 10 to 90, with separate scores for various subskills |
| Overall score calculated as the average of individual subskill scores | ||
| Simplified Score Conversion | Refer to provided PTE score bands | |
| Chances of Scoring | IELTS perceived as more challenging, requiring deeper understanding of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation | PTE Academic perceived as comparatively easier, focusing on practical aspects of communicative English |
IELTS vs PTE : Calculation of scores
Both tests IELTS and PTE have different format of test and they also vary in the way the final scores are calculated. The IELTS scores are based on a 9-band scale, with 1 being the lowest band score and 9 being the highest band score.
Meanwhile, PTE uses a more diverse score system with the scale ranging from 10 to 90 using their own unique Global Scale of English. Where 10 is the lowest score while 90 is the highest score .
Here’s a simple overview of how both scoring systems compare against each other:
IELTS Score | PTE Score |
|---|---|
5 | 40.8 |
5.5 | 45.4 |
6 | 51.6 |
6.5 | 58.5 |
7 | 66.3 |
7.5 | 74.6 |
8 | 82.3 |
8.5 | 88.1 |
IELTS vs PTE Academic - Which is easier?
Both PTE and IELTS assess the same core English language skills, including speaking, writing, listening, and reading, so neither test is inherently easier than the other. However, differences lie in their examination modes and formats. PTE offers a computer-based test, while IELTS provides options for both paper and computer-based exams.
The choice between the two tests depends on factors such as the test taker's comfort level, English proficiency, and other skills. For instance, if a candidate feels at ease speaking in front of an examiner, IELTS might be a suitable option. Conversely, if speaking in a microphone is preferable, PTE might be more suitable. However, it's worth considering potential factors like health issues that could affect a PTE speaking score, such as a sore throat or common cold.
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Conclusion
Whether you choose IELTS or PTE in 2024 largely depends on your personal preferences, comfort level, and specific goals. Both tests are widely recognized and accepted by institutions and governments worldwide, but they cater to different types of test-takers. IELTS offers more flexibility with its pen-and-paper and computer-based formats, making it a good choice for those who prefer a more traditional testing environment or face-to-face speaking evaluation. On the other hand, PTE's entirely computer-based format and quick results appeal to those who value convenience and are comfortable with a fully digital experience.