When it comes to proving English language proficiency for academic purposes, two widely recognized and accepted tests in the International English Language Testing System IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic and PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic. Both are the widely recognized English language proficiency tests that are commonly accepted by universities, colleges, and immigration authorities. While they share similarities, such as assessing listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, there are several differences between the two exams in terms of format, scoring, and test administration. Below is a detailed overview of the key differences between IELTS Academic and PTE Academic.

1. Listening Module:

           IELTS Academic

• Time: 30 minutes
• Format: Four sections with 40 questions in total. The audio recordings are played only once, and there are a variety of question types, including multiple-choice, matching, and sentence completion.
• Scoring: The listening module contributes to your overall band score on a scale of 0-9.

          PTE Academic

• Time: 45-57 minutes
• Format: Eight sections with 40-47 questions in total. The audio recordings are played only once, and the question types include multiple-choice, fill in the blanks, and highlight correct summary.
• Scoring: The listening module contributes to your overall score on a scale of 10-90.

2. Reading Module:

           IELTS Academic

• Time: 60 minutes
• Format: Three long passages with a variety of question types, including multiple-choice, matching, and true/false/not given. The passages are taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers.
• Scoring: The reading module contributes to your overall band score on a scale of 0-9.

           PTE Academic

• Time: 32-40 minutes
• Format: Five or six passages with a total of 15-20 questions. The question types include multiple-choice, re-order paragraphs, and fill in the blanks. The passages are academic in nature.
• Scoring: The reading module contributes to your overall score on a scale of 10-90.

3. Writing Module: 

           IELTS Academic

• Time: 60 minutes
• Format: Two tasks. Task 1 requires you to describe, summarize, or explain visual information (e.g., graphs, charts, diagrams), while Task 2 is an essay on a given topic.
• Scoring: The writing module contributes to your overall band score on a scale of 0-9.

           PTE Academic

• Time: 77-93 minutes
• Format: Two tasks. Task 1 is a summarization task where you need to write a summary of a given text in one sentence. Task 2 is an essay on a given topic.
• Scoring: The writing module contributes to your overall score on a scale of 10-90. 

4. Speaking Module:

           IELTS Academic

• Time: 11-14 minutes
• Format: Face-to-face interview with an examiner. The speaking test consists of three parts: an introduction and interview, a short speech, and a discussion on a particular topic.
• Scoring: The speaking module contributes to your overall band score on a scale of 0-9.

           PTE Academic

• Time: 30-35 minutes
• Format: Computer-based speaking test. The speaking module consists of five sections: personal introduction, reading aloud, repeat sentence, describe image, and answer short questions.
• Scoring: The speaking module contributes to your overall score on a scale of 10-90.

5. Test Availability and Results:

           IELTS Academic

• IELTS tests are available on fixed dates throughout the year. Results are typically released within 13 days after the test date and can be accessed online or through a Test Report Form (TRF) sent by mail.

           PTE Academic

• PTE Academic offers flexible test dates, and exams can be scheduled as little as 24 hours in advance. Results are typically available within 48 hours and can be accessed online.

6. Test Content:

           IELTS Academic

• The content of the IELTS Academic test is generally considered more traditional and focused on British and international English usage.

           PTE Academic

• PTE Academic includes a range of contemporary and academic English language tasks, utilizing real-life scenarios and authentic materials.

7. Time Management:

           IELTS Academic

• IELTS Academic requires effective time management skills, as test takers need to monitor the time themselves for each section.

           PTE Academic

• PTE Academic is more structured, with fixed time limits for each task, displayed on-screen during the test.

8. Scoring:

Here's a table comparing the scoring levels for the IELTS and PTE exams:

Scoring Level	IELTS	PTE
Expert	9.0	90-100
Very Good	8.5	83-89
Very Good	8.0	79-82
Very Good	7.5	73-78
Good	7.0	65-72
Good	6.5	58-64
Competent	6.0	50-57
Competent	5.5	42-49
Modest	5.0	36-41
Modest	4.5	30-35

 

Before we conclude this blog, let’s have a quick look on few tips to make your results better.

• Understand the exam format.
• Take practice tests under timed conditions.
• Identify your weaknesses and focus on improving them.
• Expand your vocabulary and practice using new words.
• Brush up on grammar rules and sentence structure.
• Develop time management skills for each section.
• Improve reading comprehension by reading extensively.
• Enhance listening skills by practicing with audio materials.
• Practice speaking English with partners or tutors.
• Consider professional guidance or preparation courses.
• Be consistent, set goals, and maintain a positive mindset throughout your preparation.

Ultimately, the choice between IELTS Academic and PTE Academic depends on your personal preferences, requirements of your target institution or organization, and familiarity with the exam format. Whether you choose IELTS Academic or PTE Academic, thorough preparation and practice will increase your chances of achieving your desired score. Ultimately, your dedication and commitment to improving your English language skills will play a significant role in your success. Good luck with your language proficiency journey!