IELTS stands for International English Language Test System and PTE stands for Pearson Test of English Academics.
Both of these tests were created to testify the proficiency of non-native English speakers, however, IELTS has been around since 1989 and was created by the British Council and Cambridge English Language Assessment whereas PTE was created in 2009 and was launched by Pearson.
Both of these tests have completely different tasks to determine the test takers’ and their skills regarding the English language but the modules are respectively the same which are speaking, writing, reading and listening.
A lot of people want to know whether IELTS is the right choice for them to go with or PTE. But in order to make a decision, you must know the differences between both the tests and then decide what suits you best. Following are the differences between IELTS and PTE tests module-wise.
Difference Between PTE Speaking & IELTS Speaking:
The PTE test is basically taken on a computer.
Having many benefits one of which is for the writing module is that you do not have to write with a pencil, instead, you get to type whereas, in IELTS, you have to write and then also move your answer on a separate answer sheet.
For the speaking module, in a PTE test, you do not have to face a person but rather talk to the computer through a microphone.
In an IELTS test, you have to converse with the examiner as they take your interview which is far more intimidating as compared to PTE test.
Now comparing the sections of speaking modules for both the tests.
In PTE test, you have to read aloud, repeat a sentence, describe a graph, retell a lecture and at last, answer a short question.
Now, in IELTS, there are three sections, first is the proper introduction of yourself, secondly, you have to give your opinions on a subject and then lastly, you get into a discussion with the examiner.
Which One Is Easier?
For a speaking module, IELTS is much easier to go with as you are not asked to explain a graph or explain a lecture academically.
All there is to it is to talk to another person just like you would in real life and indulge in a conversation with them but in PTE test, you are engaged with a machine that is your computer and it is not as realistic as it should be.
The nervousness you feel in front of your examiner in IELTS is important because it gains you confidence that you can use later when you encounter native English speakers.
Difference Between PTE Writing & IELTS Writing:
In the PTE writing module, you have to summarize a long text into only one sentence, you have to summarize a text that is spoken to you into 70 words and then you have to write an essay, that is three sections.
In the IELTS writing module, you have to describe a graph and then write an essay i.e. two sections.
Comparing the essay section of both the tests; in IELTS, you have to write an essay for 250 words in 40 minutes but in PTE test, you have to write an essay in 200 to 300-word count in 20 minutes.
Now even though you have more time for IELTS essay section, you have to use a pencil to write whereas in PTE writing, you have a keyboard over which you can type which is a lot easier as you have the advantage of deleting or adding text in between whenever you like.
For the other sections, describing a graph in IELTS can be a little difficult but it is equivalent to the other two sections of the PTE writing which are summarizing the text into a sentence and summarizing a text lecture into 70 words.
Which One Is Easier?
For the writing module, IELTS is a bit trickier to complete even though you have an hour but PTE writing is a lot easier and quicker as the essay is always the same prompt i.e. an argumentative essay.
In IELTS writing, the essay prompt changes a lot so you cannot be fully prepared but for PTE essay, it is very predictable which gains PTE writing more points when it comes to easiness level of comparison.
Difference Between PTE Reading & IELTS Reading:
In IELTS reading, you have different question types that are not as academic as various PTE reading tasks such as reordering a paragraph, multiple choice (single choice and multiple choice), fill in the blanks (reading and writing), that are very academic.
In IELTS, the reading questions are much simpler and easier as compared to the PTE reading module as there is no academic text such as, multiple choice question, information identification, writer’s claim identification, matching information, features, headings, sentence endings, summary completion, sentence completion, table and note completion, flowchart completion, short question answers, etc.
Which One Is Easier?
For the reading module, IELTS and PTE reading module as about the same.
There are not much pros or cons to both of them. You could go with either.
In terms of time, you get an hour for IELTS whereas you get half an hour or so for PTE test reading module.
However, if you practice and learn both of the modules for IELTS and PTE, you will clear both the modules.
In the end, it is all about how much hard work and effort you put into any of the tests in order to clear them with great marks.
Difference Between PTE Listening & IELTS Listening:
In PTE listening you have several tasks such as summarizing an audio text, multiple choice questions, fill in the blanks, highlighting the summary, guessing the right missing word, highlighting incorrect words, and dictation.
For IELTS listening, you get to hear 4 different recordings and the task types are, multiple choice, matching, completing sentences, completing summaries and flowcharts, labelling a map or a diagram or a plan etc.
However, there is not much difference both the modules except that IELTS listening module is non-academic and PTE listening module is academic.
Which One Is Easier?
For the listening module, it is now known that since there is not much difference between both the listening module except for the academic text and non-academic text you get to hear and another difference is of time.
For IELTS listening, you get 30 minutes but for PTE listening, you have approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
However, if you practice and are good at listening, you can clear both of the tests with ease. Practice is all that matters after all.
Which One You Should Choose For Australian, Canadian, U.S., & England Immigration?
It is known that both the tests; IELTS and PTE are widely popular not just in Australia but in Canada, U.S and U.K. as well which makes a lot of students decide which one to go for depending on their ability and skills.
Since both the tests have a balance between all four of the modules, a student must assess their own marks in order to decide which one are they comfortable with.
For example, in PTE writing section, you get to type your answers. So if you are good at typing as compared to writing with a pencil which is something you have to do in IELTS writing, choose wisely.
For speaking section, you get to talk to a person i.e. your examiner in IELTS which is a much more realistic experience despite your nervousness that can be helpful for you in gaining confidence whereas in PTE speaking, you practically talk to a computer which does not gain you as much exposure.
You can decide for yourself which one is better for you if you compare all the modules for both the tests side by side to get a better understanding before you make a move and choose one unprepared.
Is PTE Easier or IELTS?
There is only one answer to this question that gets asked too often, it depends.
What exactly does this depend on if you may ask, well again the same answer, your own skills, and proficiency.
You are the better judge of yourself in knowing which one is easier, however, the majority of the people who have taken both the tests preferred PTE.
The reason for this is that in PTE, you do not have to use your hands to write with a pencil, the computer sometimes lets go of the small errors you make.
PTE is less time consuming i.e. only three hours, PTE also gets you your results within a week whereas IELTS takes at least 14 days before you get your results and the best advantage of the PTE test is that the computer lets you know in the test report where you went wrong and what mistakes you made during the test which makes it easier for you to practice harder the next time, improve your weaknesses and give the test again just to get a higher score.
Is PTE Cheaper than IELTS?
No, prices are relatively similar at about $340 per test.
Are Both The Test Available In All The Countries?
IELTS test is known to be available in more than 9,000 institutions worldwide as it is very popular among non-native English speakers however PTE test is available in approximately 50 countries worldwide.
You can completely choose one of both the tests you are comfortable in taking on the basis of your ability, skills, affordability, and value of each test in your country.
Or this decision could entirely be based upon the preference of the institute you wish to study in abroad or what your workplace requires.
How Is IELTS Scored?
The IELTS test is scored and marked in the form of bands that range from 1 to 9.
- 5 or 6 is considered an average band score for IELTS.
- 8 or 9 is considered the expert level which is quite difficult to gain as a non-native English speaker whereas, for countries like the U.S, Canada, U.K, Australia and New Zealand require approximately 7 bands as the average IELTS score according to the year 2016.
How Is PTE Scored?
The PTE test is scored in numbers ranging from 1 to 90 as compared to IELTS which is scored in bands.
These number scored are sometimes marked on partial credit and sometimes the tasks of the test are marked as straight up correct or incorrect, this varies from task to task, however, 79 score is considered a great score for PTE.
