PTE Academic vs IELTS: Differences and Similarities in Reading Sections
The reading sections of Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) share some similarities but also exhibit significant differences. Understanding these nuances can help test-takers choose the most suitable test for their academic and professional goals.
Format
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) comes in a computer-based format that includes a variety of question types such as multiple choice, re-order paragraphs, and fill in the blanks. The reading material presented in PTE Academic often includes academic texts along with graphs, charts, and diagrams, making it slightly more focused on academic English. The reading section lasts approximately 32-41 minutes, depending on the specific test version.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS), available in both paper-based and computer-based formats, consists of three sections with a total of 40 questions. These questions include multiple choice, short answer, and matching headings. IELTS texts are sourced from books, magazines, and newspapers, designed to assess a broad range of reading skills. The reading section lasts for a fixed 60 minutes in IELTS.
Timing
The time allocation is another key difference between PTE Academic and IELTS. PTE Academic's reading section is allotted between 32-41 minutes, whereas IELTS reserves a full 60 minutes for its reading section. This difference can affect the pacing and time management strategies of test-takers.
Scoring
Both tests score reading sections, but the methods and scales differ. PTE Academic scores are automatically calculated and range from 10 to 90 based on performance across different question types. On the other hand, IELTS scores use a band scale from 0 to 9, with scores allocated to each section individually, making it easier to pinpoint areas of strength and improvement.
Purpose
PTE Academic and IELTS both aim to assess English language proficiency for academic purposes, but there are subtle differences in their focus. PTE Academic is more specialized for academic English, while IELTS includes a broader spectrum of texts. This means that PTE Academic is often preferable for students planning to study in English-speaking countries, requiring academic English proficiency.
Conclusion
While both tests evaluate reading skills, their differences in format, question types, and scoring methods underscore the importance of choosing the right test based on personal preferences and specific testing requirements. Understanding these distinctions can help test-takers make an informed decision and perform better on the chosen test.
The Structure of Exams
Both PTE Academic and IELTS share a broad structure, testing students on all four language skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. However, the order and timing of these skills, as well as the nature of the tasks, differ significantly between the two exams.
Speaking Section
The speaking section in PTE Academic is notably different from that in IELTS. PTE Academic does not differentiate between speaking and writing; it integrates these skills through computer-based tasks that are assessed by artificial intelligence. This approach mirrors real-world communication and can reduce test-takers' anxiety. In contrast, IELTS employs a human examiner for the speaking section, which is conducted face-to-face and can be more intimidating for some test-takers.
Another advantage of the PTE Academic speaking section is that the entire test can be completed on the same day, as the speaking section is also conducted on a computer. In IELTS, the speaking section is usually scheduled separately, up to a week after the other sections, making it more challenging to maintain consistency and preparation.
Summary
Both PTE Academic and IELTS evaluate reading skills, but they do so in unique ways. PTE Academic is more focused on academic materials and uses a computer-based, AI-graded system, while IELTS covers a broader range of texts and uses a human examiner for the speaking section. Understanding these differences can help test-takers choose the exam that best aligns with their goals and objectives.