English language proficiency tests such as Ielts, TOEFL, or PTE are often a prerequisite for non-native English speakers to study abroad or migrate to English-speaking countries for work. While TOEFL ibT and IELTS Academic have been the most preferred choices for students aspiring to study in international universities, PTE has also become a popular choice lately.
The availability of these options has given rise to several questions such as IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE, which is easier, or IELTS vs PTE, which is better!
In this blog, we will be discussing IELTS and PTE exams in detail, learn about the various aspects including exam pattern, structure, scoring system, etc., and understand the key differences. By the end of this blog, you will be able to figure out which of these tests is the most suitable fit, depending on your abilities and requirements.
Understanding IELTS in brief
IELTS aka the International English Language Testing System is a standardized English language proficiency test designed to assess the language competence of non-native English speakers. This exam is particularly important for individuals aiming to pursue international education or people looking forward to migrating to English-speaking countries such as the UK, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada for better work opportunities.
IELTS, jointly owned by the British Council, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, and IDP IELTS, aims to assess the test taker’s ability to read, write, listen, and speak in English. The exam is available as a pen and paper format as well as a computer-based test and is graded on a scale of 0-9.
IELTS score scale interpretation
| Band score | Skill level | Description |
| 0 | Didn’t attempt the test | The test taker has not attempted the exam. |
| 1 | Non-user | The test taker shows no ability to use the English language, besides a few isolated words. |
| 2 | Intermittent user | The test taker has significant difficulty understanding written as well as spoken English. |
| 3 | Extremely limited user | The test taker understands and conveys only general meaning that too in very familiar situations. There are recurring breakdowns in communication. |
| 4 | Limited user | The test taker’s basic English language competence is restricted to familiar situations. They are likely to show problems in understanding and expression frequently and are not able to use complex language. |
| 5 | Modest user | The test taker can be said to have a partial command of the English language. They cope with overall meaning in most situations, however, they are likely to make several mistakes. |
| 6 | Competent user | The test taker can be said to have an effective command of the language irrespective of some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, or misunderstandings. They can understand and use fairly complex language, especially in familiar situations. |
| 7 | Good user | The test taker can be said to have operational command of the language, with random inaccuracies, or inappropriate usage due to misunderstandings in certain situations. However, they usually deal with complex language well and interpret detailed reasoning. |
| 8 | Very good user | The test taker has mastery of the English language with rare unsystematic inaccuracies and improper usage. They tackle complex and detailed argumentation pretty well, but they might misunderstand certain things in unfamiliar situations. |
| 9 | Expert user | The test taker has mastery of the English language. Their use of English is accurate, appropriate, and fluent, and it shows complete understanding. |
Understanding PTE in brief
PTE aka. Pearson Test of English is a computer-based English proficiency test designed to measure the test taker’s English reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
PTE Academic is a two-hour English test accepted worldwide for study, work, or migration. The test is now recognized for Canada’s work, immigration, and SDS study applications as well.
PTE Academic gives a score in the range of 10-90 on the Global Scale of English to help students measure their English proficiency with accuracy.
PTE Academic score interpretation
| PTE Academic score range | CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) Equivalent | Interpretation |
| 85-90 | C2 | The score implies that the test taker is extremely comfortable engaging in academic as well as work activities at all levels. |
| 76–84 | C1 | The score implies that the test taker demonstrates a high level of English language proficiency. |
| 59-75 | B2 | The score range implies that the test taker demonstrates a decent level of English proficiency with a limited vocabulary range and some obvious grammar errors.
Typically, this is the level required for undergraduate and postgraduate entry into international institutions. This level is also required for employment, professional registration, and also for Australian skilled migration visas. |
| 43-58 | B1 | This scoring range implies that the test taker has basic English language proficiency, with non-native-like pronunciation, limited control of grammar structures, and numerous hesitations.
This level of competency might be acceptable for undergraduate-level study. |
| 30-42 | A2 | This scoring range indicates that the test taker’s level is too low to manage academic coursework.
Nonetheless, this level may be set for Foundation Year courses. |
| 10-29 | A1 | This score range indicates that the test taker’s level is too low to manage academic coursework, and is not enough for Foundation Year courses as well. |
PTE vs IELTS: Key differences
The following table lists the key differences between IELTS and PTE. Skim through the table content carefully to understand how both globally-accepted exams differ on various parameters.
| PTE | IELTS | |
| Variants | PTE General and PTE Academic | IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic |
| Format | Computer-based test | Computer-based test as well as pen and paper test |
| Length of test | 2 hours and 15 minutes | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| Speaking test | Microphone based | Face-to-face |
| Marking system | All parts of the test are examined using an automated scoring system | Speaking and Writing sections are assessed by experts while Listening and Reading are marked automatically by the computer |
| Navigation through questions | Test takers can navigate only forward through questions and they must rectify their mistakes before moving ahead to the next question | Test takers can skip difficult questions and come back to them later |
| Registration fee | INR 15,900/- | INR 16,250/- |
| Result time period | 2-5 working days | Within 5 working days |
IELTS vs PTE: Test structure
Before deciding on which exam to appear for, it is essential to understand the exam structure entailing the sections, question pattern, difficulty level, and the time allotted for the test.
So, here’s discussing the key aspects of both exams to draw an appropriate conclusion on the debate, PTE vs IELTS, which is easy!
IELTS entails four exam sections sequenced as follows:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
The Listening and Speaking tests are the same in both Academic and General training modules, but the Writing and Reading tests differ in these two modules.
IELTS Test pattern:
| Test section | Test content | Format | Question types | Marks | Time for each section |
| Listening | 40 questions | The test taker has to listen to four recordings of native English speakers and then write answers to a sequence of questions |
|
Each question carries one mark.
Scores received out of 40 are then converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. |
30 minutes approx. (+ 10 minutes transfer time) |
| Reading | 40 questions | The test taker needs to read three different passages and respond to related questions |
|
Each question carries one mark.
Scores received out of 40 are then converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. |
60 minutes |
| Writing | 2 tasks | Task 1: The test taker will be presented with a graph, chart, table, or diagram, which they will need to describe or summarize in their own words.
Task 2: The test taker will need to write an essay in response to an argument, point of view, or problem. |
The test taker will need to write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2 | Task 2 carries twice the weightage as compared to Task 1 | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | 3 parts | The test taker will need to talk to a certified examiner in this test.
The Speaking test is interactive and similar to a real-life situation. Different types of accents might be used, and the test will be recorded. |
|
Examiners will give marks based on fluency and coherence, grammatical range and accuracy, lexical resource, and, pronunciation | 11-14 minutes |
PTE entails three exam sections sequenced as follows:
- Speaking and Writing (Integrated section)
- Reading
- Listening
PTE Test pattern:
| Test section | Question types (Total: 20) | Tasks | Time for each section |
| Speaking and Writing | 7 | – Personal introduction
– Read aloud – Repeat sentence – Describe image – Retell lecture – Answer short question – Summarize written text – Write essay |
54-67 minutes |
| Reading | 5 | – Multiple-choice questions
– Re-order paragraphs – Fill in the blanks |
29-30 minutes |
| Listening | 8 | – Summarize spoken test
– Multiple choice, multiple answers – Fill in the blanks – Highlight the correct summary – Multiple-choice, single answer – Select the missing word – Highlight incorrect words – Write from dictation |
30-43 minutes |
PTE scoring system:
The PTE scoring system makes use of automated scoring technologies, in which some answers are rated based on their correctness and incorrectness, while others are based on the quality of response (e.g. pronunciation and fluency, and other formal aspects (e.g. word limit).
There are mainly two methods of scoring adopted by the PTE scoring calculator as mentioned below.
- Correct/incorrect: The test taker gets one point for every correct answer. There is no negative deduction for an incorrect answer.
- Partial credit: Tasks under this method are scored as correct, incorrect, or partially correct. For example, if the candidate’s response to a task is correct, full points are given. If the answer is partly correct, some points are given, and if the answer is incorrect, no score points are given.
In the case of short-answer questions and multiple-choice questions with the option of giving a single answer, the correct/incorrect scoring system is used. For other question types, the scoring system is based on partial credit.
PTE vs IELTS score comparison
Many universities either prefer IELTS or PTE or use PTE to IELTS score conversion as per their admission policies.
So, here’s a table with the PTE score vs IELTS band to help you understand how the conversions are done. Comparing the PTE vs IELTS score will help you comprehend where you stand in case you appear for PTE only.
| PTE – Academic score range | IELTS band score |
| 86 and above | 9 |
| 83-85 | 8.5 |
| 79-82 | 8 |
| 73-78 | 7.5 |
| 65-72 | 7 |
| 59-64 | 6.5 |
| 51-58 | 6 |
| 43-50 | 5.5 |
| 35-42 | 5 |
| 30-34 | 4.5 |
Also, here’s the official concordance table between PTE and IELTS which was updated in 2021. The table will help you understand the section-wise correlation of PTE scores with the IELTS band score.
| TS Band Score | PTE-A (overall) | PTE-A (listening) | PTE-A (reading) | PTE-A (writing) | PTE-A (speaking) |
| 8.5 | 88.1 | 84.7 | 83.7 | 89.5 | 85.5 |
| 8 | 82.3 | 79.4 | 78.4 | 89.4 | 80.9 |
| 7.5 | 74.6 | 73.9 | 73.7 | 87.5 | 75.3 |
| 7 | 66.3 | 66.2 | 67.6 | 82.3 | 65.3 |
| 6.5 | 58.5 | 56.8 | 60.6 | 74.1 | 53.5 |
| 6 | 51.6 | 48.1 | 53.5 | 62.2 | 46.2 |
| 5.5 | 45.4 | 42.7 | 47.9 | 51 | 42.2 |
| 5 | 40.8 | 40.2 | 43 | 43.1 | 40.2 |
PTE vs IELTS, which is better?
After discussing all key aspects regarding IELTS and PTE, it is time to conclude which English test you should prefer out of the two. Both these tests are globally accepted, and the test scores for both IELTS and PTE are valid for two years.
So, here are some essential factors for you to consider before choosing one out of these two tests under discussion.
- If you are more comfortable using pen and paper, then the obvious choice is IELTS and not PTE.
- If you feel you have a heavy regional pronunciation (thick accent), it is better to prefer IELTS over PTE, as PTE evaluates the candidate’s pronunciation strictly.
- If you have the ability to solve questions quickly in a computer-based test, you may prefer PTE over IELTS.
- Although PTE is quickly gaining popularity, IELTS test centers are easier to find. So, check for test centers in your vicinity, and then make a choice.
- You may choose PTE over IELTS if you want to eliminate the possibility of human bias in your test results. (PTE results are computer-evaluated)
Wrapping up, it is advisable to attempt mock tests for both IELTS and PTE and assess your scores and comfort with both exam patterns. Choose the one that is most suitable for you!
Please note: Coming to PTE vs IELTS for Canada, earlier, IELTS was the only choice. But, now note that PTE Academic scores are also accepted by Canada. In the case of IELTS vs PTE for Australia, both PTE and IELTS are acceptable for academic and immigration purposes.
The bottom line
In this blog, we have done a detailed analysis of both PTE as well as IELTS, and we can infer that both exams have been uniquely designed to serve a common purpose- determining the English language proficiency of the candidate. Furthermore, both exams are globally accepted.
Thereby, it is important to understand the nuances of both these exams in detail and then make a choice. If you are still confused or want to evaluate your decision regarding PTE vs IELTS vs TOEFL, or if you have any other career-related query, feel free to reach out to MSM Unify.
MSM Unify is the most trusted student marketplace where we help connect students with reputed international institutions for higher studies or credible agents for career guidance.
At MSM Unify, you can get end-to-end career guidance, right from determining your career objective to university and course selection to fulfilling the admission requirements and making it to the dream college.
So, contact MSM Unify today and give wings to your career dreams!
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