IELTS vs. PTE vs. TOEFL: What's the Difference?

If you are planning to study abroad, especially in one of the three top student destinations, that include the US, the UK, and Australia, then it is imperative for you to take an IELTS, TOEFL or PTE exam.

These exams test your proficiency in English that range from your writing skills to your reading skills. If you don’t belong to an English speaking nation, then taking any of the three exams is mandatory to get admission in any university in the US, the UK, and Australia.

In this article, we understand the format of IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE and compare the three in terms of difficulty and acceptability. Take a look:

What Is IELTS, TOEFL, PTE And What Is The Difference Between Them?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and Pearson Test of English (PTE) are the three major English proficiency tests that students can take in 2017. All the three exams rate exam takers on four basic criteria: writing, reading, listening, and speaking. The PTE started in 2009 and is the newest English language proficiency exam.

However, the three tests have a number of differences in their structure, and difficulty. If you want to study in the US, then it would be best for you to take IELTS or TOEFL; but, which one in particular? Let’s find out.

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IELTS Or TOEFL For USA?

When you take the IELTS test, you generally have to report to a person who will assess your reading and speaking skills. However, the TOEFL is a computer based test, and you have to speak to a computer instead of a person. The accents of the two tests differ as IELTS generally features an English accent, whereas the TOEFL follows the US accent. So, if you wish to study in the US, then TOEFL would be the best exam for you to take.

However, one shouldn’t forget that most colleges in the US do accept an IELTS score.

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TOEFL Or IELTS: Which Exam Should You Take?

Now that we know that both of the exams are widely accepted, it all comes down to your personal preference. In general, exam takers will tell you that IELTS is a slightly difficult exam to score in. Also, the fact that you will be interviewed in person in an IELTS test makes many people nervous. Most exam takers prefer talking to the computer as that makes them feel less anxious. But then again, this is quite subjective and might vary from person to person.

One thing that might actually decide which exam is the best for you is the accent that the two tests follow. IELTS follows the English diction whereas TOEFL prefers the US accent. So, you can choose between the two exams according to the accent that you feel more comfortable in understanding.

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Is PTE Easier Than IELTS?

PTE was started by one of the most prominent educational companies in the US and has quickly escalated to a widely accepted test of English proficiency. However, test takers will tell you that PTE is not as tough as IELTS and neither does it have stringent checking measures. Add to that, the fact that your PTE test is evaluated completely by a computer program.

However, one thing that you do have to remember before taking a PTE exam is if your desired university accepts it. PTE is a relatively new proficiency test and is not as widely accepted as IELTS or even TOEFL.

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So, there you have it. Which do you think is easier: IELTS, TOEFL or PTE? Let us know in the comments below.