What makes a great English test?

Abi Fordham
Reading time: 5 minutes

A great English test should do more than produce a score. It should measure how people use English in the real world and provide a result that helps them move forward with confidence.

Key takeaways

  • A great English test should measure real communication, not isolated language knowledge alone.
  • A meaningful score should be clear, useful and connected to real-world English ability.
  • Good English assessment helps test takers, institutions and partners make better decisions.

A great English test measures how well someone can use English in real communication. It should assess a range of skills, be built on fair scoring principles and provide a result that test takers, institutions and organisations can understand and use with confidence.

What is an English test really trying to measure?

Short answer: It should measure whether someone can use English effectively in situations that matter. 

If we were to ask ten people what makes a great English test, we would probably get ten different answers. 

Some people might say speed. Some might say fairness. Some might say convenience. And many would say, very reasonably, that the score needs to be accepted where they want to study, work or move. 

All of these things matter. But from an assessment perspective, there is an even bigger question: does the test produce a score that meaningfully reflects someone’s ability to use English? 

That is where great assessment begins.

Why should a test reflect real-life communication?

Short answer: Because English is not used in neat, separate boxes in real life. 

In real life, English is rarely just grammar, vocabulary, listening or speaking on its own. 

A student might listen to a lecture, read supporting materials and write an assignment. A professional might receive an email, discuss it in a meeting and explain the next steps to someone else. 

A great English test should be built around that reality. It should recognise that communication often involves understanding information, organising ideas and responding clearly. 

This is why tests with integrated skills can be so valuable. They are closer to the way English language is actually used. 

Why does fairness matter in language assessment?

Short answer: Because a score can support important decisions about study, work and migration. 

A language test is not just an academic exercise. For many people, it is connected to a real goal: getting into a university, applying for a visa, moving into a profession or starting a life in a new country. 

That means the assessment has to be designed carefully. It should give test takers a consistent opportunity to demonstrate their ability and give institutions a score they can interpret with confidence. 

Fairness in assessment does not mean making the test easy. It means making the result meaningful, consistent and appropriate for the decisions it supports. 

What makes a score meaningful?

Short answer: A meaningful score tells you more than whether you reached a number.

A meaningful score should give useful information about ability.

It should help answer questions like: ‘What can this person do in English?’, ‘How strong is their communication across different skills?’ and ‘What does this result suggest about readiness for the next step?’.

That is why a Score Report matters. The result should not feel like a mystery. It should help test takers understand what was measured and how they can use that information.

This is the kind of thinking behind our You Know the Score series: not simply explaining scores, but helping people understand why those scores matter.

Why is a great English test more than a test format?

Short answer: Because format is only one part of the assessment experience.

Test format matters. Speed, availability and ease of booking matter too.

But none of these things replace the deeper question of what the test is actually measuring.

A good format can make the experience smoother. Great assessment makes the result valuable. 

For test takers, the best outcome is both: a test that is practical to take and a score that gives meaningful information about English ability.

How does good assessment help test takers move forward?

Short answer: It gives them clearer information and greater confidence in their next steps.

The best English tests do more than measure performance. They provide meaningful insights that help people make informed decisions about their next steps.

For some, that means achieving the score they need. For others, it might mean using detailed skill scores to focus their preparation. It can also help teachers, agents and institutions explain results clearly and confidently.

Good assessment is useful because it gives people information they can act on.

And when so much depends on a test result, people deserve more than just a score. They deserve information that helps them make confident decisions about what comes next.

Related Content

  • Image- Australia, 609px
    The benefits of studying in Australia
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    Do you dream of studying in Australia? In 2020, more than 878,000 international students enrolled in courses in Australia – with 45% of students coming from China and India alone.

    The country offers a range of benefits for international students, including prestigious universities, multicultural cities, beautiful landscapes to explore, and more.

    Let’s delve into everything that makes Australia a great study abroad destination:

    Quality education

    Did you know that Australia has one of the best education systems in the world? Australian universities and educational institutions have a great reputation, and are looked upon favorably by international students and employers alike. In fact, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025, a number of Australian universities are ranked among the best in the world, including: 

    • The University of Melbourne ranked at 13 

    • The University of Sydney ranked at 18 

    • The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) ranked at 19 

    • And the Australian National University at 30 

    The global university rankings take into account things like quality of education, fees, faculty and employer reputation – all important things to consider when deciding on a place to study.

    Cost of living

    Compared to other study abroad destinations, like the UK or the US, the cost of living in Australia is relatively affordable. The Australian Dollar is the currency in Australia. Keep in mind that $1 AUD is equivalent to about $0.64 USD, so your money is likely to go further here. 

    The cost of living varies depending on the city you live and the lifestyle you pursue. You can use the Course Search Tool to find out detailed tuition fee for your dream course and the Cost of Living Calculator to estimate the living cost.  

    Use of English

    If you’re looking to master English, Australia is a great place to put your language skills to the test. About 73% of the population in Australia only speak English at home.

    Australian slang – which many people consider part of their national identity – can be difficult for international students to grasp. But, learning the slang is all part of studying in Australia, mate.

    A multicultural lifestyle

    Australia is diverse and multicultural, which makes studying here a truly unique experience. Roughly 30% of the population is made up of immigrants; in 2019, people from every single country in the world lived in Australia! You can learn more about immigration trends in the country.

    Beautiful landscapes

    Australia boasts stunning cities, beautiful beaches and arid deserts. Students who study here have the opportunity to places like the Great Barrier Reef, the 12 Apostles, the famous Sydney Opera House – and so much more. What’s not to love?

    Job opportunities before and after graduation

    Most student visas in Australia allow you to work up to 48 hours every two weeks while studying and unlimited hours during study breaks on an Australian student visa. Better yet, the minimum wage is $24.10 per hour or $915.90 per week. This is a huge plus for people studying in Australia. 

    For students that want to work in Australia full time after graduation, the Australian government also offers temporary graduate visas. These allow students to remain in Australia to live and work temporarily – as well as bring their families with them. 

    Don’t forget to read our Australian student visa application guide.

    Feeling excited?

    PTE Academic can help you achieve your Australian study dreams. Our English language tests are fast, flexible, secure, and accepted by all universities in Australia. 

    Learn more about PTE Academic in Australia or book your test today.

    Last updated 20 December 2024.

  • Image- Visa, 1080px
    How to apply for permanent residence in the UK
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Do you want to settle in the UK? With great healthcare, world-class education, and lots of art, history, and culture, it’s an excellent place to call home.

    In this guide, we’ll explore how to take up permanent residence in the UK. We’ll delve into who can apply, and the online resources you’ll need to start your application.  

    Why Live in the UK 

    The UK is very multicultural. In fact, about 14% of the population in the UK was born abroad, according to the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford.  About 35% of the immigrant population lives in London.  

    The UK has an excellent healthcare system, too. The National Health Service (NHS) is free for residents and has been ranked among the best in the world for its affordability, safety, and efficiency. UK countries also boast world-class research facilities, universities, and a strong education system in general. 

    How to apply for permanent residence in the UK  

    Permanent residence in the UK is also known as Indefinite Leave To Remain (ILR). With this, you can live and work in the UK permanently. You may also be able to apply for British citizenship after 12 months.

    There are different ways to apply to live permanently in the UK, depending on your situation. For example, you might be able to apply for ILR if: 

    You’ve lived in the UK for 5 years or more 

    If you have lived in the UK for 5 or more years, you should be able to apply for permanent residence in the UK. There are exceptions, though. For example, you won’t be able to apply for ILR if you’ve lived in the UK on a Tier 2 ICT work visa – given to people who’ve transferred to a UK company branch from abroad to work on a specific project.  

    You’re a family member of a UK citizen or permanent resident  

    If you’re the spouse, parent, or dependent relative to a UK citizen or permanent resident, you might also be eligible for ILR. Depending on the type of visa you’ve been living in the UK on, you might be able to apply for permanent residence as soon as 2 years.

    Check if you can get indefinite leave to remain and learn about the financial requirements needed to apply.   

    You have a work visa  

    You can apply for ILR if you’ve had a Tier 2 (General) work visa for five years. Your employer will need to sponsor you. You’ll also likely have to prove you earn at least £25,600 per year unless you work in healthcare or in a profession that’s in short supply in the UK.  

    Learn more about how to apply through ILR through your work visa. 

    Fees and processing times 

    According to UK Visas and Immigration, ILR takes about 6 months to process. The application for ILR costs £2,389. But keep in mind that many categories have financial requirements, which can make applying much for expensive. 

    English requirements 

    To apply for ILR, you might have to demonstrate your English skills are at least a B1 level. And, our PTE Academic UKVI secure English language test is recognized by the UK Home Office for all UK visas. The test is computer-based to reduce human bias, fast, and convenient – you get your results within 48 hours.  

    Discover how PTE Academic UKVI can help.  

    The EU Settlement Scheme  

    If you’re an EU citizen – and don’t have IRL – you can apply for the EU Settlement Scheme.  

    Applying for the scheme is free, and with it, you’re granted either “settled” or “pre-settled status.” With settled status, you can stay in the UK indefinitely. With pre-settled status, you can stay for another 5 years – but can always apply for settled status later.  

    With both, you’ll get the right to work and study in the UK, access NHS, access public benefits and pensions, leave the UK to travel – and apply for British citizenship after 12 months.  

    Read our article about applying for the EU Settlement Scheme. 

    Ready to apply for permanent residence? 

    At PTE Academic, we’re here to help make your dream come true.

    Prepare for – and book – your approved English language test for permanent residence in the UK today.

  • Image- student, 1080px
    Scholarships for international students in Australia
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Dreaming of studying in Australia? It’s never too early to start planning financially. Tuition fees for international undergraduate students typically range from AUD 35,000 to AUD 55,000 per year, depending on the university, course of study, and location. For example, STEM and medical programs are generally more expensive than humanities or social sciences​. However, there are lots of scholarships available to help pay for your studies. 

    In this article, we’ll look at what funding is available for international students in Australia. By the end, you’ll have a list of resources to explore to find the scholarship that’s right for you.  

    Are you eligible for a scholarship? 

    Australia offers grants, bursaries, and scholarships to people from around the world – including undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, and vocational students. They’re funded by the government, universities, and private entities.  

    The Australian Government has an excellent scholarship search tool on its website. With it, you can search for funding opportunities based on a whole range of factors – like what country you come from, what university you’re attending, and your area and level of study. You’ll see how much each scholarship is worth, who it’s made for, and of course, whether you might be eligible.  

    Australian scholarship opportunities  

    Now, let’s cover a few scholarship opportunities for international students in Australia. 

    Australia Awards Scholarships 

    Australia Awards scholarships are offered to global student leaders from developing countries. They’re awarded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and support students with full tuition, airfare, living costs, and more. In 2021, 818 Australia Awards were given to students from 20 countries worldwide.  

    Destination Australia Awards  

    The Australian government introduced the Destination Australia program to provide both local and international students with the opportunity to study in more regional and remote areas of Australia – towns such as Ballarat (Victoria), Gatton (Queensland), and Lismore (New South Wales). The scholarships are given out through Australian universities and provide students with up to $15,000 AUD each year.  

    University-specific scholarships 

    In addition to government-provided scholarships, universities also offer their own scholarships to qualifying international students. There’s the James Rice Postgraduate Award at The Australian National University (ANU); International Stand Out Scholarship at Bond University, and the Adelaide Refugee & Humanitarian Postgraduate Coursework Scholarship at University of Adelaide.

    The point is, universities offer lots of scholarships for international students based on a long list of eligibility factors – like home country, area of study, and academic merit. 

    To search for funding opportunities at your own institution, use the search tool on the Australian Government website.

    A case study: Monash University scholarships 

    To get an idea of all the different scholarships that can be offered by Australian universities, we’ll take a closer look at one popular institution for international students: Monash University.  

    Monash University is recognized for its research and teaching, and offer more than 80 scholarships to international students, including:   

    Universities throughout Australia offer similar scholarships.  

    To apply for any scholarship or funding opportunity, you’ll need to contact the scholarship provider.  

    Other ways to fund your studies 

    As an international student, there are other options to pay for your studies in Australia.   

    One of the biggest perks of studying in Australia is that international students can work up to 48 hours every two weeks while studying and unlimited hours during study breaks on an Australian student visa. The minimum wage is $24.10 per hour or $915.90 per week,  meaning you’ll be able to put some money aside to help fund your education.

     Depending on where you are from, you might also be able to get a student loan or scholarship from your own country to study overseas.  

    Last updated 20 December 2024.

    PTE Academic can support you on your journey abroad. Our computer-based, bias-free English language proficiency test is accepted by all universities in Australia – as well as by the Department of Home Affairs for all visa categories. 

    Learn more about PTE Academic in Australia.