How are PTE and IELTS different? Here’s what you need to know

PTE Author
PTE Author
Image, teaching, 800px

Read Time: 6 minutes

PTE Academic is a real-world English test. This means it uses authentic source materials and a range of accents to assess natural real-world English proficiency. The test format is clearly structured, but students still need to understand the tasks in each section and know what they have to do to succeed on test day. 

The good news is that if you’re already used to preparing candidates for IELTS Academic, you’ll easily be able to adapt to help prepare them for their PTE Academic test. 

Let’s have a look at the similarities and differences between both tests and explore how you can adapt your test preparation classes for success in PTE Academic. 

The structure of the tests

The structure of PTE Academic and IELTS Academic is broadly similar. Both tests assess students on all four language skills: speaking, writing, reading and listening. The biggest difference in structure is that for PTE Academic there is just one two-hour computed-based test for all four skills. Whereas with IELTS Academic you need to book a separate face-to-face speaking test. More on that below. The order that skills are tested in, and the way the tasks are timed and organized, is also different:

Overall test structure

PTE Academic IELTS Academic
Listening: 30 - 43 minutes Listening: 30 minutes
Reading: 29 - 30 minutes Reading: 60 minutes
Speaking and Writing: 54 - 67 minutes (tested together) Writing: 60 minutes
  Speaking: 11 - 14 minutes
Test duration: Approximately 2 hours Test duration: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes

The speaking sections of PTE Academic and IELTS Academic are quite different. Firstly, PTE Academic tests the integrated skills of speaking and writing, whereas with IELTS Academic these skills are tested separately.  

Secondly, the PTE Academic speaking section is completed on a computer (and is machine scored). This is in contrast to the IELTS Academic speaking section, which is done face to face with a human examiner. Many students taking PTE Academic report feeling less nervous about completing the speaking section on a computer. This is because they feel confident that it is their English skills that are being scored, and nothing else.

What’s more, because the PTE Academic speaking section is computer-based, the whole test can be completed on the same day in a single test session. In IELTS Academic, students may have to complete the speaking section on a different day – up to a week later.

Task types 

While some of the tasks within the tests might seem quite different, they often test the same skills. Let’s take a look:  

1. Writing 

In both PTE Academic and IELTS Academic, the 'Essay' tasks are very similar. This means you won’t need to adapt your preparation techniques much at all.

For the other writing task, the main point of difference between the tests is that PTE Academic asks students to summarize a written text, using a single sentence. For IELTS Academic, test takers must write a description/summary of a chart or graph: 

Writing

PTE Academic IELTS Academic
Speaking and Writing: 54 - 67 minutes Writing: 60 minutes
  • Task 1: Summarize Written Text - up to 75 words. Summarize a passage of text in one single sentence. Testing reading and writing.
  • Task 2: Essay - 20 - 40 minutes - 200- 300 words. Argumentative or persuasive essay.
  • Task 1: Written description or summary of a chart or graph - 150 words.
  • Task 2: Essay - 250 words. Point of view, argument or problem response.

There is also a great deal of overlap in the skills tested here. In order to score well in either test, students will need to: 

  • organize their sentences and paragraphs in a logical way

  • synthesize information for writing a summary

  • support an opinion with details, examples, and explanations

  • use correct grammar, spelling, and mechanics

  • use appropriate language for the context of their writing. 

2. Speaking  

The 'Describe Image' task in PTE Academic tests the same language abilities as the first writing task in IELTS Academic, where students are asked to describe a graph or chart. So you’ll be able to adapt your preparation technique for this task very easily. Students find it helpful to practise the 'Describe Image' task, so that they can become comfortable with the skill.

Speaking

PTE Academic IELTS Academic
Speaking and Writing: 54 - 67 minutes Speaking: 60 minutes

Multiple input texts - integrated tasks and skills tested.

5 item types - 25 - 33 questions:

  • Read Aloud
  • Repeat Sentence
  • Describe Image
  • Retell Lecture
  • Answer Short Question
Interview style in 3 parts. Number of questions may vary.
  • Task 1 - Introduction and interview
  • Task 2 - Long turn - speaking about a topic for 2 minutes
  • Task 3 - Discussion about task 2 topic, where examiner will ask questions related to the topic.

Both tests require students to speak fluently and use correct pronunciation, stress, and intonation. They’ll need to be capable of organizing an oral presentation in a logical way, and supporting their analysis of the image with details, examples, and explanations.

3. Reading 

The reading sections of IELTS Academic and PTE Academic differ in terms of structure and timing. In PTE Academic, students answer fewer questions over a significantly shorter time. There are more individual texts, but they’re shorter. Moreover, test takers are only asked one question per text. So, if they aren’t sure about the meaning of a text, they can move on to the next one, with more opportunities to demonstrate their proficiency. They won’t be asked five questions about one single text.

Learners will need to focus on the meaning of the text and be able to identify the main theme, purpose, and tone of the text. Skimming and scanning for information are also important skills, as is the ability to infer meaning. The best way to ensure success in this section is to make sure your students are reading widely and regularly.

Reading

PTE Academic IELTS Academic
Reading: 29 - 30 minutes Reading: 60 minutes

Multiple input texts - 13 - 18 questions

One reading text per question

Task types:

  • Multiple Choice (single and multiple answer)
  • Fill in the Blanks (two different types)
  • Reorder Paragraphs

3 input texts - 40 questions

One reading text, multiple questions

Task types:

  • Multiple choiceIdentifying information or writers' views or claims
  • Matching information or headings, features or sentence endings
  • Sentence completion or summary completion
  • Note or table, flow chart or diagram completion
  • Short answer

4. Listening  

The Listening sections in IELTS Academic and PTE Academic are significantly different. 

Listening

PTE Academic IELTS Academic
Listening: 30 - 43 minutes Listening: 30 minutes + 10 minutes

8 item types - 12 - 20 questionsIntegrated tasks (multiple skills tested).Recordings all from authentic academic sources.

Task types:

  • Summarize Spoken 
  • TextMultiple Choice (single and multiple answers)
  • Fill in the Blanks
  • Highlight Correct Summary
  • Select Missing Word
  • Highlight Incorrect Word
  • Write from Dictation

4 recordings - 40 questions

  • R1 - a conversation - two people set in an everyday social context
  • R2 - a monologue set in an everyday social context
  • R3 - a conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context
  • R4 - a monologue on an academic subject

Task types include:

  • Multiple choice
  • MatchingPlan, map or diagram labelling
  • Form, note, table, flow chart or summary completion
  • Sentence completion
  • Short answer questions

IELTS Academic has conversations and monologues set in social contexts. In contrast, seven out of the eight PTE Academic recordings are from authentic academic sources. Similar to the Reading section, IELTS Academic has fewer recordings but more questions.

What’s more, the task types are quite different. Some of the IELTS Academic tasks require students to complete the sentence, label a map or diagram, and match answers. Some of the PTE Academic tasks ask students to highlight correct summaries, highlight incorrect words, and write from dictation.

Whether your students are working towards PTE Academic or IELTS Academic, you’ll be teaching them broadly similar skills. To score well in the Listening section, your learners will have to be able to listen for gist and for detail. They’ll need to identify words and phrases appropriate to the context. Note-taking skills can also contribute towards a student’s success. Therefore it’s important to make sure your learners are getting plenty of practice at taking notes of key, relevant information, while also listening for overall comprehension.

Smart Preparation resources

Smart Prep is a one-stop preparation portal where you can find everything you need to be confident and test ready for PTE Academic, PTE Core and PTE Home tests.

For PTE Academic this includes more information and links to:

  • Scored Practice Tests ($35.99 USD) — the closest you can get to the real test and scored in the same way, these five scored practice tests are perfect for giving an accurate indication of how you'll perform in the test.

  • Question Bank ($19.99 USD) — the Question Bank features 300 test questions, split by task type, as well as sample answers for the Speaking and Writing sections of the test.

  • The Official Guide to PTE Academic ($39.99 USD) — your official guide to PTE Academic with in-depth information and robust, practical advice on sitting each part of the test, along with an online practice bank of questions and additional online resources.

View our full range of free and paid preparation materials for PTE Academic.

Teacher resources

We also offer a huge number of helpful resources for teachers who are preparing students for the PTE Academic test. These include:

  • Our Teacher Preparation Pathway - A guide to all of our resources and a way for you to become more familiar with the test.

  • Classroom resources - Official coursebooks, free lesson plans, and our free PTE Academic preparation course outline are just some of the resources available to support your planning and teaching.

  • Teacher courses - We offer six, self-paced courses which can be accessed across devices, to support you anytime, anywhere.

View all PTE resources for teachers.

Ready to book?

Find a date and test center to suit you.

Book PTE Academic now

 

Related Content

  • Image- Asian student group, 800px x 451px
    Study in Malaysia with PTE Academic
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Do you want to study in Malaysia?

    If you are an international student wanting to study in Malaysia, you may need to take an English test.

    International students are required to meet the English language competency requirements set by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

    Do you need to take an English test?

    If you are an international student who meets all academic qualifications but have not met the English language requirement for admission you may receive a conditional offer.

    You will then need to complete an English language preparation program within 12 months at the respective private college or university and pass the language test requirement. Only then will you will be able to commence your course.

    Who is exempt?

    You do not need to prove your English language skills if you are an international student that:

    • is from an English-speaking country

    • has an academic qualification from an institution that uses English as the medium of instruction

    • has completed their education in Malaysia and has decided to further their studies to a higher level

    Where is PTE Academic accepted?

    Since April 2016, the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education has accepted PTE Academic as proof of the English language skills for international students wanting to study at a private higher educational institution in Malaysia.

    There are a growing number of Malaysian Universities that now recognize PTE Academic such as:

    • Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT)

    • Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

    • Asia School of Business

    • Asia e University

    • Berjaya University College

    • Curtin University (Sarawak)

    • Cyberlynx International College

    • Disted College

    • Education Malaysia Global Services

    • Despark College

    • First City University College

    • HELP University College

    • Heriot Watt University Malaysia

    • Inti International College Subang

    • Malaysia University of Science and Technology

    • Monash University Malaysia

    • Multimedia University

    • MAHSA University

    • Pintar College

    • Segi University

    • Sunway College

    • Sunway University

    • Swinburne University of Technology (Sarawak)

    • Taylor’s University

    • The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus

    • UCSI University

    • University of Reading Malaysia

    • University of Southampton Malaysia Campus

    • Xiamen University (Malaysia Campus)

    We are constantly expanding the number of Malaysian Universities that accept our scores, explore our full list of institutions in Malaysia who accept PTE.

    You can take PTE Academic at test centers around the world and at 6 locations in Malaysia. Ready to take PTE Academic? Book now!

  • Image- KL twin tower, 624px
    How to study in Malaysia
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    With high-quality universities, more affordable tuition, and the fastest growing regional economy in the world, Asia has become a popular destination for international students. This includes students from within the region itself.

    Western countries still attract a large number of students each year. “But the idea that a Western degree is automatically better and more advantageous than one obtained in Asia is losing ground.” states by ICEF Monitor.

    In fact, countries like China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia have all been competing to attract more international students in recent years. As a result, Asian students now have the opportunity to receive a world-class education and international study experience much closer to home. This is especially important for many families today, as uncertainty surrounding the pandemic is expected to continue.

    Now, let’s take a look at what one Asian country – Malaysia – has to offer international students. We’ll also go into what students should keep in mind as they plans their studies:

    Malaysia at a glance

    Malaysia boasts innovative universities and excellent intra-regional mobility, making it a great place for students to consider. The country has worked to put itself on the map as a destination for international learners. It hopes to welcome 250,000 students from abroad by 2025. Students come from a variety of countries including Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Yemen, and Nigeria.

    Bahasa Malaysia is the country’s official language. However many university courses are taught in English.

    Universities in Malaysia

    Malaysia boasts more than 100 higher education institutions. Many universities here are also ranked amongst the top in the world by the QS World University Rankings. Included in the ranking are: 

    • University of Malaya (UM): Ranked 60th globally. 

    • Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM): Ranked 148th globally. 

    • Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM): Ranked 138th globally. 

    • Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM): Ranked 146th globally. 

    A number of international universities have also opened branches in Malaysia. These include the University of Nottingham, Heriot Watt University, Monash University, Xiamen University, and Newcastle University, to name a few. They provide students with the chance to earn a degree from Western universities without having to leave the region.

    If you're looking to explore your study options, the government has a great tool for students to find the program that suits them best. You can also learn more about diploma studies with this useful guide.

    In order to study in Malaysia, students will need to prove they are proficient in English and PTE Academic is the ready choice for you to do so. PTE Academic is a computer-based language test that provides unbiased and secure proof of a candidate’s English skills for study, professional, and migration purposes.

    According to language requirements set by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), students who plan to undertake a Bachelor’s degree and above at university or college must score a minimum of 47 for PTE Academic, which is equivalent to CEFR High B1 level.

    Students who wish to undertake a diploma course will need to have a minimum PTE Academic score of 36, which is equivalent to CEFR Low B1 level. However, students should always check with their respective university or college to confirm their language score requirements.

    Getting your visa

    Applying for a Student Pass to study in Malaysia is relatively simple and can be done online. Before starting your application, you must have a letter of acceptance from your university. The whole visa process takes about one month. You’ll find out how to apply on the Education Malaysia website.

    With a Student Pass you can work up to 20 hours a week, but only during school breaks that last longer than 8 days.

    Cost of living

    Malaysia draws the attention of students all around the world because it offers an affordable, yet still top class education. A bachelor degree, for example, costs between $10,000-20,000 USD. This is a lot less than in the United States or the U.K. In fact, Malaysia’s booming capital city Kuala Lumpur was named the second most affordable city in the world for students by the QS Best Student Cities ranking.

    Financial aid

    International students in Malaysia can apply for financial aid. Universities offer scholarships directly to students. To get an idea of what these might be like, you can take a look at the scholarships offered by University of Malaya.

    The Malaysian government also provides scholarships to international students. The Malaysia International Scholarship – which offers air tickets, tuition, and a monthly allowance, among other benefits – is one scholarship to look into. The Malaysian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan also offers international students some generous financial support.

    Want an international study experience in Malaysia?

    PTE Academic – a fast, flexible, fair, and secure English assessment can help you get there. Book the test now and get the result within 2 days.

    View prices in your country and find your local test center.

    Last updated 20 December 2024.

  • A man using a laptop
    Prepare online with E2Language
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 1 minute

    Are you preparing to take PTE Academic?

    Good news! We have added a new test preparation company to our existing list of providers. This will give you even more options and support in your test preparation.

    Try E2Language with a free trial

    E2Language is a global online tutorial and test preparation provider. They offer good quality practice services and materials for PTE Academic. E2Language offers online tuition through group and 1-1 learning, supported by a range of YouTube videos that share tips and advice. They offer a set of online preparation materials.

    We are always looking to expand and enhance the services we offer our test takers and we believe the addition of E2Language helps us achieve this goal.

    Give yourself the best chance of performing well on the day with E2Language – try for free.