Comparison of PTE and Other English Proficiency Exams: Scoring and Key Differences

English proficiency exams are crucial for non-native speakers seeking to live, work, or study in English-speaking countries. Tests like the Pearson Test of English (PTE), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and Occupational English Test (OET) are widely recognized, but each has distinct characteristics.

Understanding the scoring systems of these exams is very important to achieve success. This blog will provide information about the scoring criteria of PTE, IELTS, TOEFL, and OET, highlighting key differences like marking criteria, format and result availability. By knowing these details, we will empower candidates to choose the exam that best aligns with their goals.

PTE Scoring Criteria

The PTE exam uses a combination of human expertise and machine learning to score your test. Human scorers train the scoring engine by rating speaking and writing samples. The machine then replicates these ratings to analyze your responses.

Moreover, the scoring of the PTE test varies by each task type. Some tasks are simply marked as correct or incorrect. Other tasks, like speaking about a lecture, consider both correctness and quality. Here, you can receive full and partial credit based on factors like fluency and pronunciation.

Content and form play an important role. Content assesses how relevant your response is to the prompt, while form considers aspects like word count. In addition, scoring poorly in content or form can lead to a zero score on the entire response. For instance, an essay completely off-topic or under the minimum word count would receive no points.

Communicative Skills

PTE (Pearson Test of English) integrates speaking, listening, reading, and writing, providing a holistic assessment of communicative skills. This approach offers a more accurate measure of proficiency compared to other English proficiency exams like IELTS and TOEFL.

Listening

Firstly, the PTE listening section gauges your ability to understand spoken English in various contexts, from everyday conversations to academic lectures. Secondly, it takes approximately 45–57 minutes to complete, with the exact time depending on the specific tasks you attempt. Lastly, Be prepared to answer roughly 15-20 questions based on what you hear.

Reading

The PTE Reading section challenges you to tackle  13 to 18  reading comprehension questions within a timeframe of  29-30 minutes.  This means you’ll need to pace yourself effectively to analyze the passages and answer the questions accurately.

Speaking & Writing

The PTE exam starts with the speaking and writing section, which assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. This integrated section combines speaking, listening, and writing skills.  Expect to spend between 54 and 67 minutes on this task. You’ll answer 15-20 questions that test your spoken English proficiency.

Enabling Skills

PTE (Pearson Test of English) uniquely focuses on enabling skills like grammar and vocabulary, offering a comprehensive evaluation that distinguishes it from other English proficiency exams.

Grammar

Strong grammar in PTE is key for two reasons. The first reason is the  Accuracy. It ensures your message is clear and scores points for proper language use. The second reason is the grammar plays an important role in your Overall Score. Grammar contributes to other sections like reading and writing, boosting your overall PTE performance.

Oral Fluency

PTE rewards smooth, effortless speaking. Oral fluency shows you can think and speak in English naturally, making you a strong communicator and boosting your overall score.

Pronunciation

Clear pronunciation is key in PTE because it makes sure the scoring engine can understand you. The pronunciation can directly impact your speaking score.

Spelling

While minor spelling errors won’t significantly deduct points in the PTE writing section, strong spelling showcases your overall English proficiency and can contribute to a positive impression for the scoring system.

Vocabulary

Strong vocabulary is key in PTE because it unlocks both understanding (listening & reading) and clear expression (speaking & writing).

Written Discourse

Written Discourse is key in PTE because it shows your ability to organize and express ideas in writing, a vital skill for academic success. These skills are not reported separately but these skills play a crucial role in determining your overall communicative skills performance. 

IELTS Scoring Criteria

The IELTS exam, one of the prominent English proficiency exams, relies on human examiners who use a band system (0-9) to assess proficiency across four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The final score is an average of these individual band scores, rounded to the nearest half-band.

Listening and Reading

In the IELTS listening and reading test, you get 1 point per correct answer (out of 40). Your score is converted to a band (1-9) based on how many you get right. The exact number needed for each band can vary slightly between tests, but these are general guidelines: 16-22 correct for a band 5, 23-29 for a band 6, 30-34 for a band 7, and 35 or more for a band 8.

Writing

The IELTS writing section is one of the most crucial section, and it is marked on these factors below: 

Task Achievement

Task Achievement is the foundation of your IELTS writing score. Firstly, it assesses how well you answer the prompt, accurately report information, and address all aspects of the writing task. After that, it measures if you have delivered an answer to the question.

Coherence and Cohesion

It refers to how well your writing flows and connects ideas. Coherence is the overall logical structure, while cohesion is the use of linking words and phrases to create smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs. Both are key for a high score in IELTS writing.

Lexical Resource

Lexical Resource, or simply vocabulary, is a key part of your IELTS writing score. Furthermore, it assesses how well you use a range of words accurately and avoid repetition to express your ideas clearly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Grammatical Range and Accuracy” assesses your grammar skills in the writing test. It looks for both variety (complex and simple sentences) and correctness (a few mistakes that don’t hinder understanding). Aim for clear communication with a mix of structures.

Speaking

The IELTS speaking section assesses your ability to communicate in English through a variety of criteria, including Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and pronunciation.

Fluency and Coherence

Fluency and coherence in the IELTS speaking test assess how smoothly and logically you express yourself. Moreover, it looks at your ability to speak without hesitation, connect ideas clearly, and develop your thoughts in a way that’s easy for the examiner to follow.

Lexical Resource

Lexical Resource, simply put, is your vocabulary range in the IELTS speaking test. Moreover, it assesses how well you choose and use words to express yourself clearly and accurately. Lastly, a wider range of words shows stronger communication skills and earns a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Grammatical Range and Accuracy test your sentence structures and how well you avoid mistakes. Examiners look for a variety of tenses and complex forms, along with clear and error-free communication.

Pronunciation

Pronunciation in the IELTS speaking test goes beyond just accent. It’s about clarity, with examiners focusing on how well you’re understood, not a perfect British or American sound. However, they also assess individual sounds, stress placement, and overall flow of your speech.

OET Scoring Criteria

It is designed specifically for healthcare professionals, the OET utilizes a grading scale of A (highest) to E to evaluate English proficiency in a medical context.  It assesses all four core language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, but tailors the content to real-world healthcare scenarios.

PTE vs. IELTS: Score Comparison

Understanding the equivalency between PTE scores and IELTS bands can empower candidates to make an informed decision. Moreover, this knowledge allows them to choose the test that best reflects their strengths and aligns with the specific requirements of their program or immigration application.

Exam Format and Duration

PTE

The PTE exam offers a streamlined testing experience delivered entirely by computer.  This format ensures consistency and eliminates potential variability from human examiners. Moreover, the entire test typically takes around 135 minutes and is divided into three core sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. 

IELTS

The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, offers test-takers the flexibility of choosing between paper-based and computer-delivered formats.  However, both options require approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete.

Moreover, the test itself is divided into four distinct sections, each focusing on a core English language skill: Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes), and Speaking (lasting between 11 and 14 minutes). This structure ensures a well-rounded assessment of your English proficiency.

OET

The OET stands out for its unique format, specifically designed for healthcare professionals. Unlike the computer-based PTE and IELTS, the OET is a paper-based exam, lasting approximately 3 hours. More importantly, the OET content directly reflects real-life healthcare scenarios. 

However, each section is tailored to the specific profession of the candidate, ensuring the tasks and language used directly correspond to their working environment.

TOEFL

This test is very similar to the PTE and IELTS, it assesses all four core language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Moreover, this is a computer based test that takes roughly four hours, including the check-in process.

Test Availability and Results

PTE

PTE stands out for its flexibility and speed. The test offers frequent testing dates throughout the year, allowing you to schedule your exam at a time that best suits your needs. Additionally, PTE boasts some of the fastest turnaround times for results. You can expect to receive your score report within 48 hours, significantly reducing the waiting period compared to other tests. 

IELTS

Fixed test dates are available multiple times a month, allowing you to choose a time that works best for you. Results are also delivered relatively quickly, with paper-based tests taking 13 days and computer-based tests returning results in just 3-5 days.

OET

OET offers monthly testing opportunities. This allows healthcare professionals to find a test date that aligns best with their schedule. While the wait for results isn’t quite as swift as the other tests, OET results are typically released within 2-3 weeks. 

TOEFL

The test is administered frequently throughout the year, meaning you can find a date that conveniently fits your schedule. Additionally, TOEFL has a fast turnaround time for results.  You can expect to see your scores  within approximately 6 days of your test date. 

Acceptance and Recognition

PTE

PTE is widely accepted by universities, colleges, and governments worldwide, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.

IELTS

IELTS is accepted globally by educational institutions, employers, and immigration authorities, with high recognition in the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

OET

It is Recognized primarily by healthcare regulatory bodies and employers, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.

TOEFL

TOEFL has a very Strong presence in the USA and is widely accepted by universities and institutions worldwide.

Pros and Cons of English Proficiency Test

Conclusion

Choosing the right English proficiency exams depends on individual needs, career goals, and the specific requirements of the institutions or employers. However, PTE offers quick results and objective scoring, making it an excellent choice for those needing swift feedback. Moreover, IELTS provides a more traditional approach with human examiners, which might be preferable for those who value detailed feedback on speaking and writing. Lastly, OET is ideal for healthcare professionals due to its specialized content. Understanding differences in English proficiency exams will help candidates make an informed decision and better prepare for their chosen exam.

FAQs

How is the PTE scored, and what constitutes a good score?

The PTE is scored on a scale of 10-90, with higher scores indicating greater English proficiency. Your performance is judged across speaking, writing, reading, and listening. However, a good score depends on the institution or country’s requirements, but scores around 65 are generally considered proficient.

How long does the PTE exam take to complete?

The PTE exam takes approximately 2 hours & 15  minutes to complete.

Can you outline the structure of the PTE exam?

The PTE exam assesses your English skills across four key areas: Speaking & Writing, Reading, a nd Listening. Moreover, this section is the longest, taking between 54 and 67 minutes. While, reading section is shorter, takes around 30 minutes. Finally, the Listening section also lasts approximately 30 minutes and tests your understanding of spoken English through audio recordings.

Which skills are assessed in the PTE exam?

The PTE focuses on core communication skills: speaking fluency, writing ability, reading comprehension, and listening understanding. 

How frequently can I retake the PTE?

You can retake the PTE as often as needed to achieve your desired score. There’s no limit on attempts, but you must wait to receive your results (usually it takes 24-48 hours) before booking another test. This allows you to review your performance and focus on improvement areas.

Which English Proficiency Exam is the easiest and best suited for me?

PTE and IELTS are popular choices among English proficiency exams, with PTE possibly easier due to its computer format. However, choose based on your preference and the institution’s requirements.

How to convert PTE score to IELTS?

We have demonstrated the information in the tabular form below so, you can convert your scores from PTE to IELTS very easily.

Is PTE harder than IELTS?

Neither PTE nor IELTS is inherently harder.  Both assess similar skills, but PTE leans on computer delivery and shorter tasks, while IELTS offers a paper option and longer tasks. Choose based on your strengths and test format preference.