If studying or getting a job in an English speaking country is your dream, you must be aware about the popular exams known as IELTS and PTE. These exams are similar, but do not mistake them to be totally same. Here, we have listed all the major differences between IELTS and PTE you should be aware about.
What is IELTS?
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It is a standard test that is conducted collaboratively by British Council, Cambridge English Language Assessment and IDP Education. This test was made official in 1989. The major reason behind this test is to testify the level of proficiency of the English speakers who are not native.
What is PTE?
PTE stands for Pearson Test of English. It was established in 2009. Therefore, it is a latest addition to the system of testifying and certifying the proficiency of English speakers who are not native. The QCA, which runs with association of Edexcel, is one of the largest examination body of UK. This body accredits this English proficiency test known as PTE.
Significance of IELTS and PTE
IELTS is one of the most popular proficiency tests for English language. This test is accepted by all Australian and European universities. Now, most of the universities in America accept this test too. On the other hand, PTE by Pearson is getting great recognition in all the regions and their universities too. The number of people taking this test per year is only increasing with every coming year.
Which of the Two Exams You Should Take?
IELTS is similar to another test called TOEFL in several aspects. However, there are some significant differences in the two of them. It is important for one to analyse their plus points as well as negative points when it comes to perceiving English language. If you will know your strengths and weaknesses better, you will be able to choose which test to take with ease. Plus, there are chances that you will score higher.
Test Versions of IELTS and PTE
Both these tests have two same versions, that are, General and Academic training. However, PTE has an additional version to it, which is known as viz. Young Learners Test.
The General version of IELTS and PTE testify the realistic English communication skills of the attendees. The Academic version of both the tests are majorly concerned with the people who are planning to take admission in any university abroad. The PTE’s Young Learner test is meant to measure the communication skills of children, specifically in English language.
Test Structure of IELTS and PTE
When it comes to the sections of tests, IELTS and PTE, both have similar sections. To be precise, each test has sections concerned with reading, speaking, listening, and writing. However, there are specific features in the pattern of content that are unique in each test.
The examiners of IELTS generally evaluate the speaking ability of the students by having a live conversation with them. This conversation is meant to be recorded for further examination. However, in PTE, no live conversation is held. In place of that, the students have to speak in a microphone to get recorded in a computerised system. Then, a computer program is used to evaluate and rate the performance of the speaker.
For the writing section, IELTS is totally paper based. That is, diagrams, graphs, and charts are used for it. Whereas, PTE is completely based on computer. Therefore, several modern techniques are used to test the abilities of the candidates.
One major unique feature of IELTS is that time is fixed for exam and attendees have the option to move their paper forward and backward. On the other hand, in PTE, the time is set for each section of the exam and attendees can only move forward.
Grading Pattern of IELTS and PTE
PTE is completely based on automated grading. The attendees are provided with their scores in the band of 10-90. However, for IELTS, a band between 0-9 is given based on a manual grading pattern.
The test report form of IELTS is posted online after 13 days of taking the test. When it comes to the availability of academic scores of PTE, they are made available on the internet in five working days.
Exam Dates and Centres for IELTS and PTE
Each year, the conduction of IELTS Academic takes place on pre-set dates. There are more than 900 centers for this test that are spread in 130 different countries. On contrary, IELTS General can be given on 24 pre-fixed days of each year.
The centers for PTE Academic are located worldwide, in more than 50 countries. One can take this test on any date of the year. However, the seats for the same should be available in the centre you desire to take test in. In India, there are centers for conduction of PTE in more than 15 cities.
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