IELTS vs PTE has been a strong debate among the students preparing for admission to foreign colleges. With the help of these tests, candidates provide proof of their understanding and knowledge of the English language. Both these tests are among the most known and famous tests. Qualification in these exams is proof of the caliber of the candidate in English. But, both the exams have several differences which confuses the students about choosing one among both.
Also, you will find out the meaning of your PTE score in bands of IELTS through the comparison table in the next section. Go through this article and know which exam is best for you.
Difference Between IELTS and PTE
Both IELTS and PTE are among the most known and accepted tests. They are useful for either long-term or short-term courses. So, choosing the right one according to your suitability and needs is important. Thus, given below are some of the differences you need to know before you start your preparations. This will end the debate of IELTS vs PTE in your mind and give you the better option. You may then continue your study abroad journey without any confusion.
Test Format
- There are four sections in IELTS, i.e., reading, writing, speaking, and listening. But in PTE, there are 3 sections, reading and writing, speaking, and listening.
- Reading, listening, and writing fall on the same day in a single sitting. Speaking occurs on the next day in IELTS. On the other hand, in PTE, a candidate appears for all the sections on the same day.
- In IELTS, the candidate gets a choice of a paper-based or computer-based exam. However, in PTE, exams are computer-based only.
Syllabus
IELTS and PTE have 4 skills, i.e. Reading, speaking, writing, and listening. The difference is that IELTS considers all the sections differently but PTE has merged reading and speaking. This makes 4 sections in IELTS while PTE has 3 sections. Other differences in the syllabus of both the tests are:
- Time Duration: There is a huge difference between the timings of both sections. For listening, PTE provides 30 to 43 minutes. Whereas, IELTS provides 30 minutes only. For the reading section, PTE offers around 30 minutes. On the other hand, IELTS provides 60 minutes. For the speaking and writing section, PTE gives 54 to 67 minutes together. IELTS, both the sections are different, It consists of 60 minutes for writing and around 15 minutes for speaking.
- Writing Section: PTE comprises two tasks, summarize written text for up to 75 words and an essay of 200 to 300 words. In IELTS, the first task is to write a description or summary of a graph or chart in 150 words and then essay writing of 250 words.
- Speaking Section: PTE comprises of 5 tasks. These are, reading aloud, repeating the sentence, describing the image, retelling the lecture, and answering short questions. Whereas, in IELTS they have 3 tasks. Introduction and interview, long run, and discussion of the long run. The long run comprises a topic that is of 2 minutes.
- Reading Section: In this section, PTE asks one question per text. But, in IELTS, there are multiple questions per text. PTE consists of multiple choice, fill-in-the-blanks, and reorder paragraphs. Whereas, IELTS has multiple choice, identifying information or writers’ views or claims, matching information or headings, features or sentence endings, sentence completion or summary completion, note or table, flow chart or diagram completion, and short answers.
- Listening Section: The PTE exam consists of
- Summarize Spoken Text
- Multiple Choice (single and multiple answers)
- Fill in the Blanks
- Highlight Correct Summary
- Select Missing Word
- Highlight Incorrect Word
- Write from Dictation
The IELTS test comprises 4 recordings and several tasks. The tasks are:
- Multiple choice
- Matching
- Plan, map, or diagram labeling
- Form, note, table, flow chart, or summary completion
- Sentence completion
- Short answer questions
Availability
There are 48 annual dates available for the IELTS paper-based exam. Candidates can apply for a computer-based exam according to their convenience. The dates for this exam are present almost every day. Likely, for PTE also, there are dates open every day.
Registrations in IELTS: At least three days before the exam date
Registration in PTE: 24 Hours before the exam.
Fees Structure
The price of the exam is a factor that every candidate takes into consideration. But, fees for both the exams is same, i.e., Rs.17000/-
So, the price of the exam is not the factor companion in the IELTS Exam or PTE test. It depends upon the quality and eligibility of the tests and not the fee structure as both are the same.
Scoring
- In IELTS, the band scale comprises of scoring 1 to 9 band. 1 is the lowest, and 9 is the highest band. Candidates get scores for each section. The average of all sections becomes the total score band. Likely in the PTE Exam also, the same scoring concept occurs. Then, an average score comes out. The scores here fall on a scale of 10 to 90.
- Humans evaluate the IELTS exam and give scores. On the other hand, in PTE, artificial intelligence examines the scores.
- In IELTS, 6.5+ bands is a good score. And in PTE, 65 to 75 is a good and considerable score.
Now, let us discuss PTE score in bands of IELTS: Go through the table below to understand the score comparison.
| IELTS | PTE |
| 5 | 41 |
| 5.5 | 46 |
| 6 | 52 |
| 6.5 | 59 |
| 7 | 66 |
| 7.5 | 75 |
| 8 | 82 |
| 8.5 | 88 |
Conclusion
Almost all the necessary differences and details about both exams are present in this article. Now, the candidate has to choose one which suits best as per their needs and requirements. However, PTE is considered an easier test than IELTS. Its syllabus is short as compared to IELTS and the parts under the sections are less and easy. You can go through the PTE exam format and compare it with IELTS and you are independent to choose one which suits you the most. Go through all the details and end the debate of IELTS vs PTE. Choose the one which suits your requirements.
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