An exclusive to help you decide which test to choose; its tasks and the appropriate scores, The IELTS or the International English Language Testing System test is perhaps the most popular international English language test worldwide. This exam assesses participants in four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
International English Language Tests
An exclusive guide to help you decide which test to choose; its tasks and the appropriate scores
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The international English language testing system has been designed so that you can achieve a certain degree of proficiency in English. However, the scores for these tests can decide your life’s path. These tests have different patterns for testing your hold over English, and Edulyte’s blog offers to improve your understanding of the international English language testing system and score.
So you are reading this blog, which means you are probably aiming to study or work in an English-speaking country. Migration to such countries means you must submit proof of your proficiency in the English language. IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL are some international English language tests, conducted online and offline, whose results are valid evidence of your prowess in English.
Types Of English Language Proficiency Tests
With several international English language testing systems, it can be overwhelming to figure out their components and which one might be ideal for you. Below are important points regarding the international English language tests and test scores.
IELTS
The IELTS or the International English Language Testing System test is perhaps the most popular international English language test worldwide. This exam assesses participants in four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Types of IELTS
There are two IELTS exams to choose from: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Each of the tests has a specific purpose. Therefore, you can select the test depending on your aim.
Types of Questions
The IELTS online/offline also has more diverse question formats, including matching, short answers, sentence completion, multiple-choiceand , diagram labelling.
IELTS Score
In IELTS, you are graded on a 9-band scale. Therefore, you will receive a score from 1 to 9 for each section. The average of these scores will be your overall IELTS score. To get into a reputed university, you must get a band of 6.5 and above. You can choose an IELTS paper or an IELTS computer/online format. Unlike the TOEFL or PTE, the speaking portion of the IELTS is done in person. It is conducted on the same day as the other test sections or up to three days before or after.
| Length | Two hours and 45 minutes |
| Sections | ● Reading (60 minutes) ● Listening (30 ) minutes ● Writing (60 minutes) ● Speaking (11-14 minutes) |
TOEFL
The TOEFL or the Test of English as a Foreign Language is another leading international English language test worldwide. Universities and professional organisations accept its scores in English-speaking countries. TOEFL is conducted online. You must answer this exam’s questions using computers and headsets available at test centres.
Format
There are currently three format options for the TOEFL iBT: the traditional testing centre format, the home edition, or a paper edition. Except for the paper edition, the TOEFL is done entirely on a computer at home or a testing centre. For the Speaking segment of the test, your answers are recorded and then sent to graders for assessment. TOEFL scores are good for two years.
| Length | Three hours |
| Sections | ● Reading ● Listening ● Writing ● Speaking |
| Scoring | Each section is of 30 points. |
Commonly Required Score
Do note that many universities require scores of 90-100. This score is equivalent to B2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) proficiency levels. But some universities will also demand a minimum score in each section and a minimum overall score.
PTE
The PTE or the Pearson Test of English Academic is a standardised international English language test that evaluates your English language skills if you want to study or work abroad in an English-speaking country. It is also a computer-based test.
Scoring
The PTE also offers an Academic test, but there are some differences between IELTS Academic and PTE Academic. The principle difference between the two is that IELTS offers a choice between a paper-based test or an online exam, but the PTE test is entirely computer-based and marked by a machine. IELTS’s Speaking part is face-to-face with an examiner, but you speak to the computer in the PTE exam.
| Length | Two hours and 15 minutes |
| Sections | ● Reading ● Listening ● Speaking & Writing |
| Scoring | PTE Academic gives you a score from 10–90 on the Global Scale of English |
Cambridge English
Cambridge English is an international English language testing system recognised by universities, professional workplaces and government institutions worldwide. But it is not as popular as the IELTS or PTE. C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency are the tests under Cambridge English that you should attempt.
C1 Advanced Test
You can opt for the computer-based or paper-based test. A statement of performance and a certificate will be issued, the latter only if you reach a score of 45 or higher. The score range of C1 is from 0 to 100 and is produced based on the cumulative marks scored over the five papers on a scale.
| Length | Four hours |
| Sections | ● Reading & Use of English (1 hour and 30 minutes) ● Writing (1 hour and 30 minutes) ● Listening (40 minutes) ● Speaking ( 15 minutes per pair of candidates) |
Format
The test is either paper-based or computer-based, though not all test centres offer both versions. The questions mix multiple-choice, matching exercises and fill-in-the-blank. The Speaking test is done in person. There will be another test taker with you and two examiners. While one examiner will conduct the test, the other will evaluate your speaking ability.
Scoring
Test takers should earn B2, C, B, or A grades. The C grade is the lowest passing grade. If you get a C or B, you will earn a Certificate in Advanced English at Level C1. You will be awarded a Certificate in Proficiency if you score an A. It highlights that you have the ability of the C2 level. Your certificate and score do not expire, unlike in other tests.
C2 Proficiency Test
This international English language test is paper-based or computer-based, though not all test centres offer both versions. The questions mix multiple-choice, matching exercises and fill-in-the-blank. The Speaking test is done in person. There will be another test taker with you and two examiners. While one examiner will conduct the test, the other will evaluate your speaking ability.
| Length | Four hours |
| Sections | ● Reading & Use of English (1 hour and 30 minutes) ● Writing (1 hour and 30 minutes) ● Listening (40 minutes) ● Speaking ( 15 minutes per pair of candidates) |
Scoring
You can get grades of C1, C, B, or A. The C grade is the lowest passing grade. If you score a C, B, or A, you will earn a C2 Proficiency certificate. This certificate and score do not expire, unlike in other tests. 200–212 is the minimum Cambridge English Scale Score for C2. It proves you have a high proficiency for a doctorate, research level.
Note
We advise you to check the minimum English requirements for your preferred program for the university where you intend to study. The British Council jointly owns Language Testing Organisations IELTS IELTS, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English. They conduct the test directly or through local partners in countries across the world.
- PTE: exam is officially conducted by Pearson VUE (Virtual User Environment). The exam is accepted mainly across Australia and New Zealand for immigration purposes.
- TOEFL: The TOEFL is conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), a private non-profit organisation that designs and administers the tests.
- Cambridge English Test: Cambridge English is a not-for-profit unit of the prestigious University of Cambridge and a division of the Cambridge Assessment group.
Why do you need to take an English Test?
A reasonable question that has a practical answer.
- To study in the best universities: If you plan to study in an English-speaking country, the universities demand a certain English proficiency level. It is to ensure that you have the skills to handle English as a medium of instruction without facing any difficulties. However, they do not recognise that you have studied in an English medium educational institution in your home country. To ensure this, universities expect you to submit results of standardised international English language proficiency tests. Therefore, they have a blanket score or a minimum level which you should be able to show if you wish to study in those prestigious universities.
- To avail exciting job opportunities: English is the business language as well as the language of the internet. And with over 1.7 billion people speaking English, you are expected to have it as part of your skill set if you aim to work in foreign countries. And to get into reputable firms, corporations or even government organisations, you must submit your international English language proficiency test scores. Even in countries where English is not the official language, people with good English proficiency get lucrative work positions.
Popular Books to Improve Your Score
Several support materials in the form of books prepare you for the international English language tests in a productive manner. Our experts have created a list of books specific to each international English language testing system.
Barron’s IELTS Superpack
The ‘Barron’s IELTS Superpack’ is one of the best books to prepare for IELTS. This comprehensive four-book set includes all the IELTS materials you need to crack this exam
Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic
This excellent IELTS book offers four authentic examination papers composed by Cambridge Assessment English- the standard IELTS papers developer. So, by referring to this book, you get to learn about the actual exam paper pattern and the difficulty level of IELTS. A comprehensive section within the book provides detailed answers to each question in these four exam papers.
Everyday English for Grown-Ups
The book contains simple examples and helps you brush up on your basics in English. You get terrific tips regarding the use of English in all walks of life: business and personal.
The Official Guide to the TOEFL iBT Test, 6th Edition
Created by ETS —this book gives in-depth guidance to students regarding combining their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to score well in TOEFL.
Barron’s “TOEFL iBT, 17th Edition”
This comprehensive TOEFL prep book features strategies and tips to help students master the skills needed to pass the exam. In addition, students can learn the fundamental concepts behind each test section, watch expert-led video lessons, and study with over 200 digital flashcards.
The Princeton Review’s “TOEFL iBT Prep, 2021”
This TOEFL prep book offers helpful practice drills for the four sections. The students can easily review grammar basics, build their vocabulary, and get a hang of writing effective essays in English.
The Official Guide to PTE Academic
This comes in e-book and print versions. You get access to questions and answers, information about the test, and digital resources.
Practice Tests Plus
With this you get to attempt tests, get guidance, and become aware of strategies needed for each test segment.
Expert PTE Academic Coursebook B1
It discusses how to deal with speaking and writing tasks in depth.
Expert PTE Academic Coursebook B2
This book comes with advanced-level texts and passages to work on your speech.
Cambridge English Compact Advanced
Compact Advanced offers C1-level test takers comprehensive preparation for grammar, vocabulary and other language skills to achieve an excellent grade in the Cambridge English: Advanced exam.
Cambridge English Objective Advanced
The Objective Advanced book combines thorough and systematic exam preparation with language work designed to improve students’ overall English level.
Cambridge English Exam Booster for Advanced
Suitable for Cambridge English: Advanced. Exam tips are provided regarding each segment of the test. Common errors made by candidates are highlighted.
Conclusion
The Chinese proverb is not wrong when it conveys that “to learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.” And English as an international language does just that. It opens up avenues to explore the world and all that it has to offer.
But to do that, you must have an excellent grasp of the language. Therefore, International English language tests become necessary. Their preparation gives you an edge over others, and a great score on these tests assists you in achieving your goals.
So get in touch with us to help you with your English language prep. With our trained faculty for IELTS and PTE, we have been mentoring students and professionals to become confident with the language and get their desired scores in the language tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
If education in the US or Canada is on your mind, then TOEFL is the most logical test for you to take. Most universities and grad schools in these countries recognise it as the standard test of English ability.
If getting educated in the UK excites you, you should go for IELTS Academic. On the other hand, choose IELTS General Training in case you intend to work there.
Students intending to study in Australia or New Zealand choose PTE or IELTS.
Your choice might be limited by the university where you want to apply, the cost of preparation for the test and the cost of taking the test. You should refer to the available exam dates and test centres near you to make a decision regarding which international English language exam would be ideal for you.
As said above, it depends on where you are headed. TOEFL is the right choice if you are moving to study in a US or Canadian university. However, IELTS is an excellent choice for studying or working in countries like the UK, Australia or New Zealand. Most of the universities across the globe today accept IELTS and TOEFL scores.
A common perception is that IELTS is more manageable than TOEFL. The IELTS Reading section is less strenuous than the TOEFL’s. The essay in TOEFL also expects more words.
An International English standardised language test is a test that will assess a person’s efficiency in the four language skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will be scored against benchmarks in each section and then provided with an aggregate score. That score will be the valid proof of your proficiency in the English language.
Please note that the English language test score requirements vary depending on the academic institution or the company you have applied to in an English-speaking country.
The table below will give you a general idea about the range accepted:
Minimum IELTS Academic scores range from 5.0 – 7.0
Minimum PTE Academic scores range from 50 – 65
Minimum TOEFL® iBT scores range from 65 – 90
C1 Advanced scores: A, B, or C
You will have to register for a Pearson account on pearsonpte.com website. Once the account is created, you can schedule your test.
Of course! English-speaking countries like Canada, the UK, Australia expect you to show a good proficiency in the English language. Educational institutions, professional bodies, and companies in such countries will ask you to furnish details about your IELTS score. IELTS certificate is required to study/work/live in English-speaking countries and many non- English speaking countries.
Yes! Edulyte has trained people to clear these language proficiency tests with great scores. Our highly qualified faculty can craft courses and methodologies that cater to your specific needs. For more information regarding our coaching for IELTS/PTE, click on
You are expected to have good English language capabilities if you intend to be in Australia to study or work. All professional bodies and universities accept IELTS. It is also integrated into its point-based immigration program.
For education purposes, registering with professional bodies, and attaining a permanent residency in Australia, it is better to take the IELTS Academic test.
Enrolling in our classes would not take you more than a few minutes. Log in on our website edulyte.com Check the courses catering to your requirements. Go through our Tutors list. Select the class timings that are suitable for you, and in a few clicks, your language learning begins!
Of course! Our tutors have created classes that cater to the specific needs of the learners. Check our PTE Classes and find the one that is suitable for you. In case you are not able to, contact us
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