IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System, a global English language test to test the overall English speaking and writing skills of non-native speakers who plan to move to a place where English is a language of communication.
The following is the latest pattern of IELTS test –
1. Reading test – In the reading test, there are a total of 40 questions assigned divided over 3 sections, and there is one correct answer for each question. Also, you get one mark for each correct answer.
Time – 60 minutes
Question types: The test comprises of a variety of questions including multiple choice questions (MCQs), short answers, sentence completion, matching, identifying information and completion tasks.
2. Listening test – The listening test is divided into 4 sections comprising of 10 questions in each section. The difficulty level increases with each section and at the end 10 minutes are given to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
Type of questions: You will get to listen a mix of monologues and conversations and each recording will be played just once.
Time – 30 minutes
3. Writing – The writing test consists of 2 tasks and both are to be completed to pass the test. In task one, you are asked to describe the visual information in your own words and write over 150 words about it in 20 minutes.
In the other task, you are given a problem or an argument that you need to discuss.
Timing – 60 minutes
4. Speaking – It is a face-to-face test that test your English speaking abilities. The test involves conversations designed very close to real life conversations and conducted by a certified IELTS examiner. The exam consists of 3 parts.
Timing – 11-14 minutes
Cost of IELTS Coaching –
There are various coaching institutes providing coaching for the IELTS test. The cost of the course depends on various factors like –
1. Location – The course fee is usually higher in bigger in bigger cities than local towns.
2. Institute – The type of institute and its reputation also plays a very major role in the fee structure. Establishes institutes with proven results may charge higher than the smaller ones
3. Course type and duration – There are various types of courses, from basic to comprehensive, that decide the fee for the respected course. The following is an idea of the type and pricing of courses:
i. Basic course (1-2 months) – Around 10 – 15K
ii. Standard course (2-3 months) – Around 15-20K
iii. Comprehensive course (4-6 months) – 25-35K
In Canadian IELTS you will get this course in just Rs. 8000 monthly
4. Group vs individual course – Individual courses usually cost higher than the group ones ranging around 1200/hour.On the other hand, group trainings may cost between 7200 to 9000 for the whole course.
5. Mode of coaching- The mode of coaching, weather online or offline also determines the fee. On one hand online courses usually cost around INR 6000 to 12000 for a basic course, offline courses may charge more.
PTE Exam
PTA stands for Pearson Test of English Academic, and it is a computer-based, two-hour test used for assessing English language proficiency for non-native speakers who aim to move to Australia, New Zealand, the UK, etc., for studies or jobs.
It has the following parts –
Part I (Speaking) – Comprises four sections: reading aloud, repeating the sentences, describing the images, retelling the lecture, and answering short questions.
Part II (Writing) – Comprises two sections: summarise written test and essay writing.
Part III (Reading) – Comprises of five sections that include: MCQ (single answer), MCQ (multiple answer), re orderingparagraphs, Reading, and Reading and writing section.
Part IV (Listening) – There are a total of eight sections that include: Summarise the spoken text, fill in the blanks, choose missing words, MCQ (single answer), MCQ (multiple answer), highlight correct words, highlight incorrect words, and write from dictation.
The PTE test thus comprises 20 sections of questions, divided over four parts.
The major difference between the exams is the choice of mode of exam. The PTE test is a computer-based exam while the speaking part of the IELTS is a face-to-face test with an examiner. In PTE speaking test, you need to converse with the computer for the speaking test.
This makes the IELTS test fairer an unbiased.
Also, IELTS exam results are accepted by over 12,000 organisations, whereas PTE Test scores can only be used by a few organisations, which is one of the major advantages of the IELTS Test.
In addition to this, on comparing the marking scheme of both the tests one need to score higher in PTE test to get an equivalent score in IELTS.
Although the difficulty of both the tests are do not differ much and none of the two are “easier” it is considered that the PTE test is a bit more difficult due to the type of questions it comprises and the time allotted for each section.
IELTS to PTE Score
The PTE Score is calculated based on one’s performance in all the 20 tasks and questions. The PTE Exam score ranges from 0 to 90 while the IELTS test score ranges from 1.0 to 9.0.
Here is a score comparison of IELTS to PTE Test –
| IELTS English level | IELTS Score (1.0 – 9.0) | PTE Score (0-90) |
| Expert | 9 | 86-90 |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 83-86 |
| Very Good | 8 | 79-83 |
| Good | 7.5 | 73-79 |
| Good | 7 | 65-73 |
| Competent | 6.5 | 58-65 |
| Competent | 6 | 50-58 |
| Moderate | 5.5 | 43-50 |
| Moderate | 5 | 36-43 |
| Limited | 4.5 | 30-36 |
While both IELTS and PTE are valuable English mastery tests, IELTS offers a wider recognition globally, making it the favoured choice for students and professionals. With its fair and transparent evaluation process, including a face-to-face speaking test, IELTS guarantees accurate assessment of real-world English skills.
At Canadian IELTS, we provide expert coaching, tailored courses, and proven strategies from the industry experts to help you achieve your desired scores, whether you aim to study, work, or settle abroad. Our comprehensive approach ensures success in IELTS, empowering you to reach your global goals.
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