IELTS Vs PTE – All You Need To Know

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson’s Test of English (PTE) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are the widely accepted English proficiency tests across several reputed universities around the world.

The immigration authorities accept IELTS and PTE scores for immigration applicants. Let us learn about these two examinations and the differences between them.

Permanent Residence and Mandatory English Proficiency

Permanent Residence (PR) Visa is a special type of Visa offered by the governments of certain countries to skilled workers. The PR Visa comes with benefits that a candidate will enjoy, just as a citizen of the respective country does.

The PR Visa also permits the candidate to stay in the country for a long term (5 Years). Upon consecutive stay for 3 years, the candidate can also apply for citizenship and live in the country indefinitely. However, to live and work in an English-speaking country, one requires competent English skills.

IELTS – The International English Language Testing System

IELTS is a popular English proficiency test. A candidate who passes an IELTS test steps into a world of new opportunities where they can live, work, and study in foreign countries. Moreover, many countries have made English proficiency tests mandatory for professional candidates before inviting them to live and work there.

Students who wish to study in top-notch universities are often required to clear the IELTS to be eligible for admission. IELTS assesses a candidate’s English skills, encompassing listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Candidates seeking opportunities in countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand will need to pass the IELTS and score a minimum of 6 bands in each module. There are four English skill assessments: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Sometimes the professional body of a specific country might demand more bands. This depends upon the occupation and job duties that the candidate may perform in the country.

IELTS – Study Material, Test, Scores, and Difficulty

The famous and widely used study material for IELTS exams by students and professionals include the ‘Cambridge IELTS 4 Audio CD Set’, ‘Cambridge IELTS 4 Student’s Book with Answers’, ‘IELTS Tutor’, ‘Step Up to IELTS self-study Pack’ and ‘Cambridge Practice Tests for IELTS 1 Self-Study student’s book’.

The Listening assessment of IELTS requires the candidates to listen to conversations between two people. Based on the conversation, questions are posed to the candidates, which they must answer on an answer sheet.

A total of 40 questions appear, and candidates should answer these questions within 40 minutes. Additionally, the penalty is levied for grammatical mistakes and poor spelling.

The Reading Assessment of IELTS requires the candidates to study three different passages. Varieties of questions emerge from the passages. A total of 40 questions appear in this test, and candidates must write down the answers on an answer sheet. Each correct answer earns the candidate one mark.

The Writing Assessment of IELTS consists of two tasks that candidates must complete. The tasks include formal and informal/neutral writing styles. The examiner checks for quality in writing style, clarity, relevance, language accuracy, etc. Two questions appear in this module, and candidates must answer at least one of them within 60 minutes.

The Speaking Assessment of the IELTS lasts approximately 15 minutes, consisting of three rounds. The candidate has to face an interview with the examiner. He shall then discuss a given topic and also address a topic with the examiner.

The scores of each module translate into the IELTS 9-band scale. To qualify as a student or immigrant, the candidate must secure a score of 6 in each band. However, some organisations, government bodies, and universities may require more IELTS bands for a qualifying candidate.

The IELTS test is not difficult if a candidate analyses previous test papers. The pattern remains similar for most years. That is why preparation and proper study material are necessary.

PTE – Pearson’s Test of English

The Pearson’s Test of English was introduced in 2009. Candidates take the PTE exam online, which saves a significant amount of time. A computer AI examines the tests and declares results within a few hours. Something worth noting about the PTE is that the exam focuses more on day-to-day English usage rather than high-level English skills, unlike the IELTS.

It should sound a lot like a relief to many migrating aspirants. Australian and New Zealand immigration authorities are readily accepting PTE pass-out candidates. Thus, PTE has become the first choice for candidates when it comes to clearing an English proficiency test.

One should also be aware that the Canadian immigration authority does not accept PTE scores. To pass the PTE exam, a candidate must score a minimum of 51 points, which is equivalent to 7 bands in IELTS. Securing 79 points is considered equivalent to 8 bands in IELTS.

PTE – Study Material, Test, Scores, and Difficulty

The PTE website offers free sample courseware to interested candidates. The recommended books for the preparation of PTE are ‘The Official Guide to PTE Academic’, ‘Practice Tests Plus’ and ‘Expert PTE Academic course book’. All three books are available online on Amazon.com.

The PTE exam takes approximately 2 hours. Speaking, writing, reading, and listening are a part of the PTE assessment. Speaking and writing tests include a personal introduction, answering short questions and writing essays.

The reading tests include fill-in-the-blanks, multiple-choice questions, and reordering paragraphs. Finally, listening tests involve listening to missing words, listening to music, and writing from dictation.

Pearson’s computer-judged scoring system evaluates the answers and awards 1 point for correct answers. The scoring system also awards partial points for partial answers. These partial points can add up to the main score that the candidate ultimately secures.

Though considered the easiest English competency exam, candidates still need to have decent English skills to crack the PTE exam. Given that, good preparation can help candidates score well above 70 points in the PTE exam.