IELTS Or PTE – Which Exam To Appear For?

IELTS and PTE are two English language examinations that are similar in many aspects, but are yet different from each other. You need to be able to identify which exam is more suitable for you by analyzing the strengths and weaknesses so that you can get a better score.

IELTS Or PTE – Which Exam To Appear For?

What is IELTS?

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System, which is a standardized test jointly conducted by the British Council, Cambridge English Language Assessment, and IDP Education. Established in 1989, it has been the most popular exam taken to test and certify the proficiency of non-native English speakers. It is accepted by European, Australian, and American universities for candidates looking to work or study further abroad.

What is PTE?

PTE is the Pearson Test of English, which was launched in 2009 by Pearson. It has become another preferred English language examination across the globe which tests entrants and certifies their English language proficiency. The PTE is now accepted across various universities throughout the world including UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. In fact, Australia accepts the PTE for immigration purpose as well.

IELTS and PTE – The Similarities

Firstly, both IELTS and PTE are exams taken to test the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. Both the exams also have similar test sections of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. But, the content pattern and grading systems differ for both the examinations.

IELTS and PTE – The Dissimilarities
  • An IELTS examiner evaluates the speaking abilities of the candidates by making a live conversation with them, which is recorded in a recording device. But, in PTE, there is no live conversation. Instead, the candidate has to speak into a microphone; the voice getting recorded in a computerized system. The computer program then evaluates the speaking, and rates the test taker. Thus, IELTS is a human-based examination, while PTE is computer-based.
  • IELTS is completely paper-based which uses diagrams, charts, and graphs for the writing section; while PTE is completely computer-based, using many innovative techniques to test the writing capabilities of the candidate.
  • IELTS has a set time for the entire paper, where the candidates can move forwards and backwards to solve the questions as and when they like. But, PTE has a set time for each section, and because it is completely computer-based, the candidate cannot move backwards; he must only progress forward, leaving behind whatever he doesn’t know, without having the chance to return back to answer it.
Now that you know the differences between the two examinations, you can better if IELTS is better or PTE. But, one advantage that you can have with PTE is that PTE examinations are available all round the year. It can be taken on any date of the year, once you feel you are ready for it. IELTS, on the other hand, is available on only 24 fixed days of an year; you miss one date, and you have to wait for the next date that has been given to you. Thus, it is better to get ready and prepared for the PTE. But, how would you know if you are ready? The best way is to enroll at Avigna Learning Academy for the best coaching for PTE in Chennai, wherein your mentors will evaluate your skills and coach you accordingly. And, only when they feel that you are ready for the test, will they ask you to sit for it.

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