Which test would be easier: IELTS exam or PTE exam?
The answer to this question depends on the individuals, as there are some factors to be considered when deciding whether student will find PTE easier than the IELTS.
There are few reasons to take into account before concluding that PTE to be easier than IELTS. Firstly, PTE is new to market compared to IELTS. People who have switched to PTE they have previously taken IELTS one or more times before taking the PTE and have given their opinion.
PTE is often considered to be easier because the test contains several questions that a lot of people find them easy, for example describe image and answer short question etc. PTE is 100% machine-scored it removes human error and moderator bias, but on the other hand, some people are of the opinion that computer-bias may be an issue.
In the IELTS exam, the speaking module is conducted face to face. However, in the PTE exam, the speaking module is done via online. For a lot of people, they find this to be a less stressful option.
In order to answer the question: ‘Is PTE easier than IELTS?’ we are going to take a more in-depth look at the type of questions used to assess each skill. Both test assess four English skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
The reading section in PTE lasts for between 31-41 mins compared to IELTS reading section which is for 60mins and have around 40 questions. The PTE speaking module is combined with the reading and listening assessment. The IELTS writing is of 60 minutes and consists of two question types, essay-writing and summarizing written text. Which is generally considered to be tougher than PTE. Similarly, there is difference in every module when we compare the IELTS exam and the PTE exam.
The IELTS test can be either paper-based or computer-based, on the other hand PTE exam is computer-based. Overall, the best way to decide on which test to take is to know more about the type of questions these exams consist of. Explore the online learning materials and take mock tests to decide which one students find easier.
Refer to the below table for more info:
| IELTS | PTE |
| This test is conducted by British, IDP: Australia and Cambridge assessment. | Pearson Test of English Academic: British company which is a publishing and education company headquartered in London. |
| This test is accepted by universities and governments worldwide. IELTS is accepted for both study and migration by governments such as UK, Canada, Australia etc. | This test is accepted by most of the universities and governments. PTE test is accepted for immigration visa purposes by the Australian and New Zealand governments. |
| IELTS is paper based and computer based. | PTE is computer based. |
| The Duration of the exam is 2.45mins and speaking session is done on a same day or different day.
IELTS has four components:
|
The duration of the exam is 3hrs and all the 4 modules is done on the same day.
PTE Academic has three main parts: A short optional break 10-minute break is included as well. |
| IELTS results are available 13 days after taking the test | PTE results are typically published within 5 business days. |
| IELTS test results are valid for 2-3yrs | PTE test results are valid for 2-3yrs. |
|
IELTS assessment is done manually. |
PTE assessment is Automated as its computer-based exam. |
Please contact us if any more information is required to make a decision.
Top 10 Mistakes to avoid, for getting a higher score in NAATI CCL Test
Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid, for Getting a higher score in NAATI CCL (Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, and Telugu) Exam?
NAATI CCL Test clearly mentions the mistakes made by the students when they give the results. Below are the points to take care of when doing the preparation.
1. Omitting information:
Omitting information means missing any content which is in the dialogue, such as a word or a phase. These words or phrases can be important and provide the actual context to the dialogue. This can deduct the marks based on the words missed. To avoid such mistakes, it’s important to practice and take at least 2 mocks before the exam. To experience the exam environment and if you want to get mocks, please contact us.
2. Addition of information:
Omitting information is a common error many students make, also it is common that candidates also often include additional information which is not there in the dialogue. This means adding information which is not there in the dialogue. This could alter the meaning of the segment and will result in the deduction of marks. To avoid this, it is important that notetaking is done properly.
3. Distortion of information:
Distortion of information means altering the meaning of the dialogue. This mistake can happen when candidates confuse themselves between two words that could be similar sounding or have similar spellings, but the meaning changes based on the context it is used. Students can avoid this mistake by making sure that the meaning of the segment is understood and having good vocabulary knowledge.
4. Lack of accuracy:
Accuracy is particularly important in this exam. Lack of accuracy means the candidate is not sure of the segment in the dialogue or the dialogue. Candidates usually commit this error when candidates do not understand the context and the dialogue itself due to which the translation itself is wrong. Sometimes students do not hear a particular segment properly, this may lead to incorrect interpretation and translation.
5. The too-literal interpretation of information:
NAATI CCL test requires you to translate the meaning of the segments rather than translate every single word to your respective languages. The student needs to understand the overall meaning of the dialogue and translate the context, which means in a few of the segment’s words have a metaphorical meaning, in this case, the meaning is lost if the student tries to translate word to word. To avoid this mistake, look for the intended meaning of the dialogue.
6. Excessive focus on notetaking:
During the examination it is important that notes should be taken, however, it is not necessary that all the time is spent on notetaking. It’s important to listen to the dialogue, understand the meaning of the segment, and take notes of the important key information by using short forms, shortcuts, and symbols. For example, today can be taken notes in 2D. NAATI CCL test tests you for an overall understanding of the dialogue and effective communication of the meaning.
7. Grammatical errors:
It is important that students translate the information into a grammatically correct sentence for English and LOTE languages. The grammatically correct sentences should be of the correct tense, focus on the order of the words, singular-plural forms, word cluster, verbs, and usage of vowels. These are applicable in both languages. To avoid this proper understanding of the language is required and training is important.
8. Not maintaining language register
Language register is the level of formality used in terms of tone of voice and word choice. Different contexts have several types of registers like formal, informal, or semi-formal. For example, If the conversation is with a police officer, a formal register should be used. To use the correct registered candidate, one need to know the context of the dialogue. To avoid making this mistake it is important to know the context of the dialogue to know what register to use.
9. Not using repeats and corrections
NAATI CCL test allows candidates to use one free repeat per dialogue without penalty. If students have not taken proper notes or listened to the segment properly, in this case one free repeat can be used once the segment is finished playing. However, if the student takes more than one repeat mark will be deducted.
Taking a repeat can help overcome errors such as fluency, omission, and insertion. It can also help to understand the overall context and make better notes for the second time.
10. Exceeding time limit
Focus on the time limit the exam has, spend time on the sentences which you know rather than what you don’t know. Students can always go back to it if they have time at the end of the segment. Focus on finishing both dialogues in 20 minutes’ time. If the student cannot finish the exam on time, the exam will close automatically, and the test will be submitted. So, it’s important to use the time efficiently instead of taking long pauses.
The above points will help you avoid unnecessary mistakes and achieve your desired score. Do reach out to us if you require any training or material and would like to clear the exam on the first attempt.
