When choosing between English language proficiency tests, such as the PTE vs IELTS , it is important to understand their differences. Both tests provide opportunities for students to study, migrate, or work in countries where English is a native language, but they have unique characteristics.
The PTE Academic (PTE-A) is a computer-based exam lasting two hours that assesses your speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities. In contrast, the IELTS exam evaluates similar skills but can be taken in person at a test centre, with both paper-based and computer-based options available.
To help you decide which test is right for you, we outline the key differences:
Differences Between IELTS and PTE
When deciding between IELTS vs PTE it is essential to understand their differences to determine which test best suits your goals. This section addresses whether is PTE easier than IELTS, so read carefully.
Exam Pattern and Structure
Understanding the exam pattern and time requirements is crucial for successful preparation. The structure of the PTE or IELTS exams differs significantly:
IELTS Structure:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
PTE Structure:
- Speaking and Writing (Combined Section)
- Reading
- Listening
Below is a summary of the details for each section of the PTE and IELTS:
Listening:
PTE: This section lasts between 45 to 57 minutes, where you will answer questions based on audio and video clips.
IELTS: You must answer 40 questions in 30 minutes based on four recordings.
Reading:
PTE: This section requires 32-40 minutes to complete objective exercises, such as multiple-choice questions and fill-in-the-blanks.
IELTS: You will answer 40 questions in 30 minutes using the provided passages.
Writing:
The Writing and Speaking sections are combined, lasting 77 to 93 minutes, and require a variety of tasks, such as introducing yourself and reading aloud.
IELTS: You have 60 minutes to write two essays; the first analyses visual data, and the second presents an argument on a given topic.
Speaking:
IELTS: In this section, you will speak to an examiner about yourself, express opinions on issues, and discuss abstract concepts.
Duration & Availability
Here’s a comparison of the PTE vs IELTS test duration and availability:
PTE: The exam typically lasts for 2 hours and 15 minutes. Test dates are available almost daily, allowing you to register as little as 24 hours before the exam. The PTE offers greater flexibility since it can also be taken from the comfort of your home.
IELTS: The total exam duration is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, with varying lengths for each section. Test dates are offered regularly, but you must register at least a month in advance.
World Recognition
In terms of global recognition, the IELTS has a significant advantage over the PTE. It is accepted by over 11,500 organisations and institutions across 140 countries, providing greater reach for applicants.
Conversely, the PTE is a more recent entrant into the market, having launched in 2009. It is accepted by over 3,000 institutions in countries such as the United States, New Zealand, Ireland, and France.
Task Type Difference
While some tasks may seem quite different between PTE vs IELTS, they often test the same skills. Let’s take a closer look:
Reading
The reading sections of the IELTS and PTE differ in structure and timing. In the PTE, students answer fewer questions in a significantly shorter amount of time. The texts are shorter, and students are only required to answer one question per text. This means that if they are unsure about the meaning of a text, they can move on, allowing for more opportunities to demonstrate their skills. In contrast, IELTS requires students to answer multiple questions about a single text. Thus, students should take an IELTS mock test for better preparation.
Listening
The listening sections of IELTS and PTE are significantly different. The IELTS exam features conversations and monologues set in social contexts, while seven out of the eight PTE recordings come from authentic academic sources. Similar to the reading section, IELTS has fewer recordings but requires more questions. Regardless of whether students are preparing for IELTS or PTE, they will be taught broadly similar skills.
To score well in the listening section, learners need to be able to listen for the main ideas and specific phrases. They must identify words and phrases relevant to the context. Note-taking skills also contribute to student success. To improve these skills, students should regularly take IELTS and PTE mock test as part of their preparation.
Speaking and Writing
A major difference between IELTS and PTE is that the speaking and writing sections are separate in IELTS but combined in PTE. Below are the distinctions between the two:
Writing: In both the IELTS and PTE exams, the essay tasks are very similar. This means you won’t need to adapt your preparation strategies much. For the other writing tasks, the main difference is that the PTE requires students to summarise a written text in a single sentence, while IELTS asks them to write a description or summary of a chart or graph.
Speaking: The “Describe Image” task in the PTE exam tests the same language abilities as the first writing task in IELTS, where students are asked to describe a graph or chart. Therefore, you can easily adapt your preparation techniques for this task. Students often find it helpful to practice the “Describe Image” task to become comfortable with the required skills.
Conclusion
In summary, while one could argue that PTE to IELTS, it is important to remember that each examination requires preparation that aligns with the specific syllabus, pattern, and structure. Intensive practice over time is necessary, even if students achieve high scores in mock tests. We recommend taking our online IELTS coaching for better preparation and improved results. Further, connect with Gradding.com’s professional experts, who can help you achieve your desired scores.
