What Are the Pros and Cons of Taking IELTS and PTE Test?

As you know, many students want to improve their English speaking skills. For that, some of them enhance after taking language proficiency tests. In this, IELTS and PTE test are some of the best chosen by candidates. However, every learner has a different purpose for taking these exams. Some believe that the PTE exam pattern is easier than IELTS. However, others may consider PTE tougher than IELTS. There are different pros and cons of both exams. This article will explore some benefits and drawbacks of these two popular tests. Moving on, read the details about the PTE for better clarity.

Advantages and Disadvantages of PTE Exam

Students must know that the syllabus of the IELTS and PTE exam pattern are not the same. Both are well-known English language proficiency tests but, the formats are still different. Going ahead, explore the advantages and disadvantages of PTE.

Advantages of the PTE Exam

There are several benefits of taking the PTE over other English language tests. Here are a few of them listed below:

• Speed of Results

The first advantage of taking the PTE test is that you get your results early. This means after giving the test, you only need to wait for 48 hours. Within 2 days, you can get the PTE results. Now, this is the case in most of the scenarios. Yet, sometimes, it can take up to 5 days to declare the results.

• AI Scoring Mechanism

Secondly, PTE test candidates often repeat how they feel assured of having minimum human interference during the test. This means the entire assessment of all the sections is done by an AI model. It reduces the possibility of human error and makes even the most introverted student relaxed.

• Availability of Test Dates

Last but not least, there are several PTE test centers across nations. Also, they conduct the PTE on several days within a month. Thus, the official website of Pearson PTE mentions all the available dates to the students for each test center.

Disadvantages of the PTE Exam

Yes, there are cons of taking the PTE exam as well! Let us explore the challenges that PTE candidates might face:

• Recognition Limitations

The AI used in the PTE for assessing human speech has its limitations. However, there are several reasons for distrust among students about this. The tone, context, and pronunciation are some of the areas that concern the test takers. Although the AI is unbiased and well-trained, many tend to trust a human examiner more.

• Automated Scoring System

The scoring system is also conducted through relies. As per the official website, there are 20 auto-scored question types. Moreover, they also mention that questions like MCQs are assessed by the AI. However, questions like essay writing get mixed assessments and in some cases, human involvement is there.

• No Option for Paper-based Exam

Students might face issues with the PTE exam being only possible on a computer. This can drive students away due to their lack of practice on a computer system. Also, students can not bring their laptops, headphones, or even paper.

Now, moving ahead, let us explore the benefits and drawbacks of IELTS as you have read about PTE.

Advantages and Disadvantages of IELTS Exam

Maybe you have an idea that and IELTS and PTE exam pattern are different. Now you should also be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of the PTE. Moving ahead, observe the following for better clarity.

Advantages of the IELTS Exam

Gaining high band scores on IELTS is a dream for many test takers. But you must be aware of the benefits of taking this exam.

• Widely Accepted

The popularity of the IELTS exam is high. Moreover, across the world, over 10000 institutions have recognized it. Several organizations, immigration authorities, and universities accept your scores. In simple words, candidates can appear for this test if they are planning to study, migrate, or work abroad.

• Accurate Assessment

One of the major benefits of taking the IELTS test is the accurate assessment of your skills. That means students can be confident that their scores reflect their actual ability of excellence. If you are well prepared for it, you can request admission to various colleges.

• Different Test Formats

In the IELTS exam, students have two choices. This means this test has two different formats; the first is Academic, and the second is General Training. The Academic is for learners who want to go abroad for further studies. While General Training is suitable for work or immigrants to English-speaking countries.

Disadvantages of IELTS Exam

There are many cons of the IELTS exam. Some of the most are below.

• Time-consuming

One of the biggest cons of the IELTS is that it is the most time-consuming test system. It takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. However, for some candidates, it can be challenging if they are busy with school commitments and work as well.

• Limited Test Dates

For this exam, a minimum number of test dates you will find. However, like other proficiency tests, it does not offer as frequent options for appearing. This means if you want to take this test, you need to wait for the confirmation for several weeks or months which can be frustrating.

• Stressful Experience

Taking the IELTS test can be a stressful exposure for a few candidates. However, the reason can be, the pressure of performance and lack of familiarity with the format. Besides, when students have these kinds of issues, their scores can affect them negatively.

Conclusion

To conclude, from the above information, you have gone through both PTE and IELTS exam’s pros and cons. Now, maybe it is clear to you take both are good at their places. You can take anyone of the tests according to your choice. But before appearing, you must ensure what is your purpose and where your scores will be accepted. Moreover, the rules for these tests are different in every country. Besides, you can perform well if you practice with the IELTS and PTE mock test to improve your scores.