The effort required to pursue a course in a foreign nation starts as soon as you begin thinking about your alternatives. However, you must pass the English language proficiency test before you can begin applying. Candidates from non-English speaking nations must provide evidence of their ability to speak, write, hear, and comprehend English in order to be admitted to foreign colleges.
The TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE are the three most well-known exams in the field.
For non-native English speakers who want to enroll in colleges with English-focused programs, the TOEFL is a graded test. Conversely, IELTS is the most widely used English language competency exam for international migration, education, and employment. Finally, the PTE is a computer-based English language exam that assesses a candidate’s proficiency in the language.
What is TOEFL?
The “Test of English as a Foreign Language,” or TOEFL, was created by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), a global non-profit organization.
Results from the TOEFL are approved by more than 12,500 universities and institutions and are valid in more than 160 countries in the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK. You may use the internet or pen and paper to complete it. Because of its speedy processing, the TOEFL iBT is a popular online test. You may choose your exam date and venue on the ETS website. The TOEFL is administered more than 170 times annually.
What is IELTS?
The “International English Language Testing System,” or IELTS, is a test that can be taken in academic and professional settings where English is the main medium of communication. There are two versions of it: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
IELTS General Training is used by people who want to apply for immigration into nations including the UK, Canada, Australia, the United States of America, and New Zealand, while the latter is used by those who want to pursue further education or who need a professional registration.
What is PTE?
Reading, listening, writing, and speaking are all included in the computer-based Pearson Test of English, or PTE. In a similar vein to IELTS, PTE also provides PTE Core and PTE Academic, the former of which is used for immigration and the latter for school entrance.
In addition to being recognized by institutions in Australia, the UK, Europe, and the USA, PTE is also a requirement for immigration to Canada and Australia.
Differences Between TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE
Although the three examinations have the same objective, they range somewhat in duration, cost, degree of difficulty, and presentation. Let’s examine each of them separately.
1. Differences in Cost
Only debit or credit card payments are permitted, and the costs of the three exams are essentially the same. For IELTS it is INR 17,000; for TOEFL INR 17,117 approximate; lastly INR 17,000 for PTE academic.
2. Differences in the Difficulty Level of Examinations
There are differing opinions on each test, but it is unclear which is simpler or more challenging to assess.
PTE is seen as easy since it is a computer-based test that is rated by a computer program, making it impartial. Furthermore, PTE is quicker and uses less time because there is no waiting period in between portions. It doesn’t allow you as much time to contemplate, though, for the same reason.
IELTS, on the other hand, allows you to compose your essay, but because it is a human grading system, the results may differ due to prejudice. The multiple-choice TOEFL exam is regarded as having an average degree of difficulty.
3. Differences in the Availability of Score Reports
The amount of time that passes between the three tests before the results are released varies as well. The scorecard for the TOEFL is given out four to eight days after the test date. The official IELTS score report is released 13 days after the exam is administered in pen and paper format and 1–5 days after the exam is administered online. In this sense, the PTE exam is the quickest; candidates can have their results in as little as 48 hours.
4. Differences in Examinations Format
Although the three exams have distinct forms, they all evaluate your ability to speak, read, listen, and write in English.
The TOEFL exam consists of three to four reading passages with multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions, four to six short lectures and lengthy discussions, and a brand-new assignment termed “writing for an academic discussion.” A similar pattern is used in the IELTS, which consists of multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions, an essay that requires you to summarize facts from visual material, and a spoken interview that tests your speaking and listening skills and may involve organized talks on well-known subjects.
The format of the PTE, the most recent of the three examinations, is a little different. Following a required essay, some many assignments and quizzes assess your speaking, listening, grammar, and general understanding.
5. Differences in Acceptability in Different Countries
The TOEFL and PTE are more oriented toward American English, whereas IELTS leans more toward British or Australian English. While the TOEFL is more well-received by American colleges, the IELTS score has a higher chance of being recognized in Europe and Australia. Despite being relatively new to the field, PTE is recognized in Europe, Australia, and certain Ivy League universities, including Yale and Harvard.
Conclusion
The university where you wish to apply may restrict your options. Some schools only take the TOEFL or IELTS, or even only one of the three English language assessments.
You should first find out what test dates and locations are available in your area, even if you have a choice between these examinations. While traveling to a different city is a possibility, you could be more likely to select a center that is closer to you if the distance is too great. You could also explore free internet resources to find out if one exam looks simpler than the others. This is a simple method of decision-making.
In general, there is little difference if you select PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or IELTS Academic. All of them are excellent tests that let pupils travel and realize their aspirations. You can ace any English proficiency test and get off to a great start in your overseas studies if you have the will and determination to put in the necessary effort and study. Connect with EnrichMyCareer counselors to know what’s better for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do colleges prefer IELTS or TOEFL examinations?
In South Africa, Australia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom, IELTS is particularly well-liked. In more than 160 countries, approximately 11,500 institutions and other organizations recognize the TOEFL. Universities in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Germany often prefer students who take the TOEFL.
2. Which English proficiency examination is the easiest?
The IELTS and PTE tests are not inherently “easier.” In the end, it all depends on your preferences, what you’re searching for, and the credentials that your preferred university recognizes. We offer everything you need if you have made the decision to take the IELTS.
3. Which is better for Indian students IELTS or TOEFL?
Although they have different formats and difficulties, both examinations evaluate English competence. IELTS covers a wider spectrum of English, whereas TOEFL leans more toward academic English. While IELTS provides a combination of British and American English, the TOEFL may be more difficult for Indians because of its structure.
Nishant is an Internationally Certified Career Coach, a Career Counsellor, an Education Consultant, a Soft Skills Trainer, and an ardent advocate of youth empowerment through personalized guidance, mentoring, and developmental interventions. He is also an International Economic Development and Business Consultant. Over the years, he has helped many students of different age groups and working professionals in discovering their true selves, setting appropriate career goals, and walking the right career paths.
Nishant is a mechanical engineering alumnus from R.V. College of Engineering, Bangalore. He has been widely featured in top media and also delivered talks at Cambridge University-UK and IIT-Guwahati among others. He has also delivered workshops at many reputed schools and colleges on various careers and skills-related topics.
