Are you planning to prove your English language proficiency for immigration, study, or employment purposes? If so, you might have come across two popular options: the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). Both tests serve as internationally recognized measures of English language skills, but they have distinct test formats. In this blog post, we’ll provide a comprehensive comparison of the test format for IELTS and PTE Academic, helping you make an informed choice. In this blog we will compare the test format for IELTS vs PTE exam.
Also read: IELTS Or PTE? Which Is Better?
IELTS Test Format
Listening
– In IELTS, the listening section lasts for 30 minutes.
– You will listen to four recordings featuring different speakers and accents, often involving conversations, lectures, and monologues.
Reading
– The reading section spans 60 minutes in IELTS.
– You will encounter three passages, which can be academic or of general interest.
Writing
– The writing component of IELTS includes two tasks. Task 1 involves describing visual information, while Task 2 is an essay. You have 60 minutes for both tasks.
Speaking
– The speaking section in IELTS is a one-on-one interview with an examiner, taking approximately 11-14 minutes. You’ll be asked questions about yourself, your interests, and your experiences.
IELTS offers both paper-based and computer-based formats, catering to a range of preferences.
Also read: IELTS Speaking Test: What To Do When You Get Stuck?
PTE Academic Test Format
Speaking
– The PTE Academic starts with a speaking section lasting 30-35 minutes.
– It comprises seven tasks, including describing images, answering questions about a short text, and delivering a presentation.
Also read: IELTS Speaking Test vs. PTE Speaking Test
Writing
– PTE Academic includes two writing tasks: a summarizing task (Task 1) and an essay (Task 2). You have 54-60 minutes for these tasks.
Reading
– The reading section of PTE Academic consists of five tasks, such as multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blank, and summarizing. You’ll have 32-41 minutes to complete this section.
Listening
– The listening section in PTE Academic includes eight tasks, including multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and summarizing. This section takes 45-57 minutes.
Unlike IELTS, PTE Academic is exclusively available in a computer-based format.
Test Duration
Both IELTS and PTE Academic have a total test duration of three hours, but the time allocated for each section differs. Here’s the breakdown:
IELTS
– Listening: 30 minutes
– Reading: 60 minutes
– Writing: 60 minutes
– Speaking: 11-14 minutes
PTE Academic
– Speaking: 30-35 minutes
– Writing: 54-60 minutes
– Reading: 32-41 minutes
– Listening: 45-57 minutes
Score Reporting
Both IELTS and PTE Academic employ a nine-band scoring system, ranging from 0 (no discernible English) to 9 (expert user). The turnaround time for score reporting varies:
– IELTS scores are typically reported within 13 calendar days of the test date.
– PTE Academic scores are typically reported within five business days of the test date.
Choosing the Right Test – IELTS vs PTE
The decision between IELTS and PTE Academic should align with your specific needs and preferences. If you prefer the flexibility of both paper-based and computer-based testing, IELTS is a suitable option. However, if you place more emphasis on speaking and writing skills, PTE Academic might be the better choice for you.
Keep in mind the requirements of the institutions and organizations you’re applying to, as some may favor one test over the other. Additionally, personalized guidance can be invaluable when preparing for these tests. For instance, if you’re in Delhi, you can consider Plutus Academy, known as the best IELTS coaching institute in Delhi. They maintain small batch sizes to ensure that each student receives individualized attention. The experienced teaching staff at Plutus Academy is committed to assisting students in achieving success in their IELTS exams.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you found the blog helpful now that we have discussed the test format for IELTS vs PTE extensively. Remember, your choice between IELTS and PTE Academic should align with your test format preferences and the requirements of your desired institutions. With the right preparation and guidance, you can excel in either of these widely recognized English proficiency tests.