What Are IELTS, TOEFL and PTE?
It will be quite beneficial to grasp the significance of every test before delving into the distinctions between them. IELTS IELTS is one of the prominent tests that is taken to measure the fluency of English as a foreign language. This is recognized by schools, colleges, universities, employers and other immigration departments all over the world. The test covers listening, reading, writing and speaking functionalities of the individuals being tested. TOEFL The TOEFL is chiefly employed by colleges and universities in North America, although its administration is increasing on an international scale. It assesses your reception and production of the English language for university purposes, targeting the academic context. PTE Students complete the Pearson Test of English (PTE), which is a computer-based test that measures your English. PTE is well famous for its fast results and it is compatible with being used by universities, governments and organizations all over the world. Read More: Things to Keep in Mind While Taking Your First Study Abroad Entrance ExamKey Differences Between IELTS, TOEFL and PTE
To make the right decision, one must compare the main distinctions of IELTS, TOEFL and PTE. Here are the main aspects where they differ: Test Format| Exam | Types | Sections | Duration | Mode | Speaking Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | 2 hours and 45 minutes | Paper-based or Computer-based | Face-to-face interview |
| TOEFL | TOEFL iBT, TOEFL PBT | Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | 3 hours and 30 minutes | Internet-based | Recorded responses |
| PTE | PTE Academic | Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening | 3 hours | Computer-based | Recorded responses |
| Test | Scoring Scale | Individual Scores |
|---|
| IELTS | 0-9 band scale | Each part is also given an individual band score and the final average score is obtained from the entire examination. |
| TOEFL | 0-120 points | Each section is scored out of 30 points. |
| PTE | 10-90 points | Scores for each communicative skill and enabling skill. |
Test Features and Content
Listening Section- IELTS: Features conversations, monologues, and academic lectures.
- TOEFL: Includes academic lectures and conversations with note-taking allowed.
- PTE: Consists of academic lectures, and audio clips with a variety of accents.
- IELTS: Academic and general training texts, including articles and extracts.
- TOEFL: Academic texts and excerpts.
- PTE: Includes multiple-choice, re-order paragraphs, and fill-in-the-blanks.
- IELTS: Task 1 (descriptive/letter) and Task 2 (essay).
- TOEFL: Integrated task (reading/listening/writing) and independent task (essay).
- PTE: The summarization of written text and essay writing.
- IELTS: Involves a face-to-face interview with an examiner.
- TOEFL: Recorded responses to six tasks.
- PTE: Recorded responses including reading aloud, repeating sentences, and describing images.
Acceptance and Recognition
- IELTS: This option is adopted by more than 10,000 prestigious academic institutions all over the world, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the United States of America.
- TOEFL: Endorsed by most institutions in the USA, currently, it is used by over 11,000 universities and organizations around the world.
- PTE: more widely acknowledged, officially admitted by the rising number of universities and governments for immigration status.
Test Preparation and Materials
- IELTS: Offers official practice materials, online courses, and face-to-face classes.
- TOEFL: Provides official practice tests, online courses, and preparation books.
- PTE: Includes official practice tests, preparation courses, and study guides.
Test Frequency and Availability
- IELTS: Available multiple times a month, paper-based tests may have fewer dates.
- TOEFL: Available more than 50 times a year at authorized test centres.
- PTE: Flexible dates throughout the year, with frequent availability.
Choosing the Right Test for You
When comparing IELTS, TOEFL and PTE, consider the following factors to determine which test suits you best:| Factors | IELTS | TOEFL | PTE |
|---|
| Academic or Professional Goals | Ideal for those aiming for education or migration to the UK, Australia, or Canada. | Best for students targeting universities in the US. | Suitable for both academic and migration purposes, recognized globally. |
| Test Format Preference | Face-to-Face Interaction: If you prefer a face-to-face speaking test, IELTS is the best choice. | Computer-based Format: For those comfortable with a fully computer-based test. | Computer-based Format: For those comfortable with a fully computer-based test. |
| Time Constraints | Quick Results: PTE provides results within 48 hours, which is faster than IELTS and TOEFL. | Test Duration: IELTS is the shortest test, while TOEFL and PTE are longer. | Test Duration: IELTS is the shortest test, while TOEFL and PTE are longer. |
- IELTS: Approximately $215-$240, depending on the country.
- TOEFL: Around $180-$200, depending on the country.
- PTE: About $150-$210, depending on the country.
- IELTS: Cancellation or rescheduling must be done more than five weeks before the test date to receive a partial refund.
- TOEFL: Can be rescheduled or cancelled up to four days before the test date, with a fee.
- PTE: Rescheduling or cancellation allowed up to 14 calendar days before the test.
- IELTS: Utilize official practice materials, attend preparation courses, and practice with sample tests.
- TOEFL: Make use of official practice tests, study guides, and the products on the web.
- PTE: Practice with resources that are released by the test makers; books, exams, and classes.
