IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and More - Which one is right for you?

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE - When it comes to pursuing higher education abroad, one of the important steps in your application process is demonstrating your English language proficiency. It is often a prerequisite for admission into universities and colleges in English-speaking countries.

Three of the most widely recognised English language proficiency tests are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic). These three are widely accepted English language tests abroad. Now, Duolingo (DET) has also gained ground as an English language test. In this article, we will inform you which English test is best as per your requirements and how you can prepare for it with the best tools and expert teachers.

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This Story also Contains

1. IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Major Highlights
2. IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Understand The Exam
3. IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Which is Easier?
4. IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Global Recognition

Check complete details on the comparison of these tests, IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE Academic, helping you make the right choice to fulfil your higher education goals abroad.

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Major Highlights

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Understand The Exam

IELTS: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most popular and widely accepted English language proficiency tests globally. It is known for its balanced evaluation of a test taker's language skills, covering listening, reading, writing, and speaking. IELTS is available in two formats: Academic and General Training. The Academic version is required for higher education purposes, and it assesses your ability to handle academic coursework.

If you're planning to take the IELTS exam and are determined to achieve your target score, look no further than the British Council's expert IELTS Coach. With a comprehensive and flexible approach to IELTS preparation, the British Council's 24 x 7 IELTS Coach is your ultimate partner on your journey to success.

TOEFL: The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is another prominent English language proficiency test, primarily recognised in North America. Like IELTS, TOEFL evaluates all four language skills but places a strong emphasis on academic English. TOEFL is available in two main formats: TOEFL iBT (internet-based test) and TOEFL PBT (paper-based test).

PTE Academic: Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) is a newcomer compared to IELTS and TOEFL but has gained popularity, especially among institutions that appreciate a computer-based evaluation. PTE Academic focuses on assessing language skills in an academic context through tasks that require test-takers to listen, read, write, and speak.

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Which is Easier?

Know the factors that will help you make an informed decision in choosing which is best among IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE:

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Test Format

• IELTS offers both paper-based and computer-based modes, providing flexibility to choose the format that suits your preferences.

• TOEFL is primarily administered as an internet-based test (iBT) but may still be available in some regions as a paper-based test (PBT).

• PTE Academic is exclusively computer-based, and the entire test is conducted on a computer.

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Scoring System

One of the most crucial aspects of choosing between IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE is the scoring system. Each test employs a unique scoring scale to evaluate your English language proficiency. Understanding how these scores translate to your proficiency level can help you make an informed decision based on your academic or immigration requirements.

IELTS

• IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to assess your language skills.

• The scores are reported for each section (listening, reading, writing, speaking) and overall.

IELTS Score Comparison

TOEFL iBT

• TOEFL iBT employs a scoring system with a maximum score of 120.

• It is divided into four sections: listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

TOEFL iBT Score Comparison

PTE Academic

• PTE Academic uses a scoring scale that ranges from 10 to 90 for overall scores.

• It also provides individual scores for Communicative Skills and Enabling Skills.

PTE Academic Score Comparison

Those who are planning to give any of the English language exams and need to work on their English can look at the British Council's English online subscription courses. Those who are planning to give any of the English language exams and need to work on their English can look at the British Council's English online subscription courses. The courses are offered by leading English experts, and you can take live online one-on-one sessions. Live sessions help you in clearing your doubts while attending the class. Moreover, you can attend the class as per your convenience, as these are available 24 x 7. Currently, the British Council is offering a discount up to 30% off if you will register for the course by tomorrow.

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Test Content and Structure

• IELTS includes face-to-face speaking assessments, allowing you to interact with a trained examiner. This can be particularly advantageous if you are comfortable with real-time interactions and need the opportunity to ask for clarification.

• TOEFL iBT's speaking section requires you to speak into a microphone, which might be less comfortable for some test-takers.

• PTE Academic incorporates automated speaking and writing assessments, providing consistency and objectivity in scoring.

IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE: Global Recognition

• IELTS is recognised by a vast number of academic institutions, professional bodies, and immigration departments worldwide, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand.

• TOEFL is more commonly accepted in North America but is less recognised in some other countries, especially for immigration purposes.

• PTE Academic has gained recognition from numerous institutions, particularly those appreciating the objectivity of computer-based assessment.

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