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IELTS, OET, PTE, Study Abroad

COMPARITIVE STUDY OF IELTS, OET, PTE, TOEFL and DTE

January 9, 2022

English language proficiency is one of the significant criteria for students who wish to pursue their studies in universities where medium of education is English, especially in English speaking countries. For aspirants from countries where English is a second language, qualifying the English language test is very much essential. While IELTS is the most popular one and is accepted widely by universities across the globe, various other tests are also accepted by different universities. With so many options, students often end up being confused about which one to choose? Therefore, to help the candidates analyze different test options, we have done this comparative study of the different language tests.

What is IELTS?

IELTS is an International English Language Test for international education and global migration. It is a standardised and widely recognised test that evaluates the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. The test is designed to analyse the English skills in listening, reading, writing and speaking. IELTS is more popular than all other international English tests across the globe. It is recognised by more than 10,000 organisations internationally. The tests are available throughout the year, in over 900 centres across the world.

IELTS exam score is recognised by over 140 countries that include the UK, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada. The exams are conducted by IDP (International Development Program). IDP is an Australian company and is a global leader in international educational services. There are different categories to IELTS like the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Yet another category is IELTS for UKVI. The IELTS for UKVI is a government approved secure test for English language. This certification can be used to prove the candidate’s English Proficiency for the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) purposes. IELTS UKVI follows the same pattern as that of IELTS.

The exam is offered in two modes: computer-based (online) and Pen & Paper. The registration fee is 14700 (Since 1^st of April 2020). There is also fee for cancellation and rescheduling. For more information on the cancellation and transfer of date, please refer the IDP website. Link: https://www.ieltsidpindia.com/information/transfer-cancellation

The band score ranges from 1 (lowest) to 9 (highest). Select universities and colleges offer IELTS scholarships for Indian students, based on the candidate’s academic record.

What is OET?

Occupational English Test (OET) is an English Language Test for healthcare professionals. This is recognised by various regulatory healthcare bodies. The language skills of the health care professionals who wish to practice in an English-speaking country are being assessed using this test. With an emphasis on communication in a healthcare environment, OET covers the significant language skills that include listening, reading, writing and speaking.

The exam is offered in three modes. OET on paper, OET on computer and OET at home. However, OET at home is available only to candidates who reside in countries where there is no test venue. For more information on OET test at home refer the link: https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/test-information/delivery-modes/oet-at-home/

Including the UK, the USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, OET results are accepted world-wide. However, some countries accept only test on paper. For more information on countries that accept the OET grades please refer: https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/test-information/who-recognises-oet/

The score on all sub-modules together ranges from 0 to 500, where 0-90 is E, 100-190 od D, 200-290 is C, 300-340 is C+, 350-440 is B and 450-500 is A. A is equivalent to 8.0 – 9.0 of IELTS band score. The fee for OET exams is 587 Australian Dollars (Approximately rupees 32,000). This can only be paid through credit or debit card.

What is PTE?

Pearson Test of English (PTE) is accepted to gain admission in universities and for immigration purposes in countries like Australia, USA, UK, Ireland, Singapore, Canada and New Zealand. PTE scores are also accepted to obtain permanent residence in Australia and New Zealand. PTE is trusted by many colleges, institutions and professional bodies (more than 3,000 in number) to verify the English skills of the student who wish to apply with them.

PTE is now reduced to a two-hour test (since 16^th Nov 2021). PTE Academic is a test in 2 hours that measures English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Part 1: Speaking and writing. Part 2: Reading, Part 3: Listening.

There are around 35 test centres in India. The fee is 13700 INR for both PTE Academic and PTE Academic Online (Prices are inclusive of 18% GST) as of Jan 2022. For more information on the above, refer https://www.pearsonpte.com/test-centers-and-fees

For a period of two years (from the date of exam), the PTE Academic scores are valid. Upon expiry, the PTE score is removed from the site in default, and will not be visible anymore. On the Global Scale of English, PTE Academic gives you a score from 10–90. PTE academic score 10-29 (A1), 30-42 (A2), 43-58 (B1, IELTS equivalent band 4-5), 59-75 (B2, IELTS equivalent 5.5-6.5), 76-84 (C1, IELTS equivalent band 7-8), 85-90 (C2, IELTS Equivalent band 9)

What is TOEFL?

TOEFL is a Test of English as a Foreign Language and is accepted by more than 11,500 universities and other institutions in over 160 countries. The test measures the prominent English skills — reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Please refer the link to check for the countries where TOEFL test is available. https://www.ets.org/toefl/score-users/about/country-list

TOEFL is a three-hour test. The total score possible is 0–120. 0-31 (IELTS band equivalent 0-4), 32-34 (IELTS band equivalent 4.5),
35-45 (IELTS band equivalent 5), 46-59 (IELTS band equivalent 5.5),
60-78 (IELTS band equivalent 6), 79-93 (IELTS band equivalent 6.5),
94-101 (IELTS band equivalent 7), 102-109 (IELTS band equivalent 7.5),
110-114 (IELTS band equivalent 8), 115-117 (IELTS band equivalent 8.5),
118-120 (IELTS band equivalent 9)

The charges for this test are 12,750 INR. Charges shall be applicable for cancellation and rescheduling. Refer the link for information on fees https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/take/fees/

What is DET?

DET is the Duolingo English Test that comprises of the 4 sections- Reading, Speaking, Listening and Writing and takes about 45-mins to complete. It is accepted by thousands of institutions across the globe. Please check the below link to know the universities that accept DET. https://englishtest.duolingo.com/institutions

The Duolingo scores are marked on a scale of 10 – 160.
55-60 (IELTS band equivalent 4), 65-70 (IELTS band equivalent 4.5),
75-80 (IELTS band equivalent 5), 85-90 (IELTS band equivalent 5.5),
95-100 (IELTS band equivalent 6), 105-110 (IELTS band equivalent 6.5),
115-120 (IELTS band equivalent 7), 125-130 (IELTS band equivalent 7.5),
135-140 (IELTS band equivalent 8), 145-150 (IELTS band equivalent 8.5),
155-160 (IELTS band equivalent 9).

The exam fee is USD 49. The Duolingo accepts the exam fee payments through the PayPal and major credit cards.

Which one should I choose?

It is a challenge to assess which English test is more difficult. IELTS assess all the four skills like listening, reading, writing and speaking separately. This means that when you take the reading test, only the reading skills are tested, they are not integrated. IELTS offers you two modes of exam: pen & paper and

computer based. With IELTS, we need to do the speaking test, face-to-face with a human. There are detailed set of parameters for evaluating performance in each module in IETS. For example, writing module has parameters like Task response, coherence and cohesion, Lexical Resources, Grammatical range and accuracy. This makes it harder to score high, unless you have deeper language capabilities.

In PTE, on the contrary, the content and fluency are the major parameters that are taken into consideration and not so much of importance to Lexical Resources and Grammar. Therefore, people who are very fluent is speaking tend to score high in PTE. To quote an example, one of our students who scored overall 8 Band in IELTS in two consecutive attempts, could score only bank6.5 for writing, while her required score to secure admission to her choice of course was Band 7 or above on all modules. Thereafter, she wrote PTE and scored an overall score of 88 and scored 90 for writing and obtained admission to the same college. The exam is offered only on a computer-based model. TOEFL, will again be completely computer-based where you will not have to interact with a human For listening subtests, in both PTE & TOEFL, you will have to listen and take notes on lectures or on-campus conversations. You will need to answer the multiple choice-based questions based on the conversations you listened to. However, in IELTS, you will need to listen and write the answers as you go, over a different type of questions.

Conclusion

In Summary, first of all, you need to determine, which test shall be accepted by the university you wish to apply for. If you are not constrained, decide which fits you the best. You can choose to try out the free materials offered by IELTS, PTE and TOEFL in their own websites. The way you prepare for the test matters more than how difficult it is or what others say about the test. These tests are never obstacles, but are an opportunity to prove that you have all required skills to live and communicate conformably in a foreign country.

Authored By :

Manju Mahadevan

IELTS, PTE, Study Abroad

Top 10 Reasons to Study Abroad

September 18, 2021

Studying abroad shall be one of the most benefitting experience in a student’s life. When you study abroad, you have the opportunity to study in a new country and experience the culture of a new terrain. Here are the top ten reasons to study abroad

1. Explore the world

The substantial reason, one should choose a study abroad program is, the OPPORTUNITY to SEE the WORLD around. You will then have the option to experience a new country with magnificent outlooks, activities and traditions. Additionally, this will include the opportunity to see new lands, natural wonders, arts, archeology, museum and the landmark of the host nation. Besides this, when you are abroad you have the opportunity to see the neighboring countries as well.

2. Education

Another important reason you need to consider studying abroad is to grab the chance to experience the different styles of education. You’ll have the option to see a side of your major subject that you might have not been exposed to at the home country after you enroll for a study program abroad. Immersing yourself completely into the education system of the host country is a distinguished method to understand the people, traditions and its culture. As education is the main feature for the study abroad program, choosing the right school is an important element.

3. Encompass new culture

Once you choose to study abroad, for many, it would be the first time they are leaving home. When you acquire education abroad you will find amazing new foods, customs, traditions and social atmosphere. Therefore, you can then witness a completely new way of life.

4. Whet your Language Skills

One of the considerable draws is the opportunity to study a foreign language. Studying abroad, totally helps you plunge into a new language. There is no better way to learn a language than diving into it. Of course, passing IELTS, PTE or OET before moving to any English speaking country would be of great help.

5. Career Opportunities

Many students identify that they love their host country so much that in future, they decide to work there. Once you complete your study abroad you will have a new perspective on culture, language skills, eminent education and enthusiasm to learn. Needless to say, these are all the important attributes an employer would look for!

6. Find new interest

If you still question the idea of studying abroad, understand that studying in a different country offers many activities/interested which you would never have discovered in your home country. Most importantly, you might find that you will have talents hidden in you for hiking, water sports, snow skiing, golf, or various other new sports you may never have tried back home.

7. Improves confidence and personality

Studying abroad brings out your independent nature. Students who study abroad eventually explore their new nation and discover the curio and excitement. Above all, you will get the opportunity to discover yourself while being a part of the new culture.

8. Graduate Admissions

Students who study abroad demonstrate diversity and exhibit the fact that they aren’t afraid to seek out new challenges or find solutions for any difficult situation they need to encounter. Eventually, students who study abroad display curiosity and educational insight to be a leader in graduate schools.

9. Experience in Life

For many, this may be the one-time opportunity they ever get to travel or explore for a longer period of time. Utilize the option to travel around the globe without commitments but with your focus only on studies and exploration. Studying abroad is unlike any other opportunities you will get to experience, is very unique.

10 Experience a different style of teaching

The benefits of studying abroad are immense at any stage in your education. However, for those students who are planning to study abroad, identifying the right study program to fit their requirements can be exigent. Hence, it’s equally important to find a program that will help you meet your objectives.

Studying abroad will help you gel into various educational settings and expand your horizon in academics. Developing the capability to adapt to different educational settings will make you more versatile in your workplace. Besides that, opportunity to learn from other students from different countries would be an awesome experience.

When it comes to foreign education, lots of false information reach potential students, which projects an alternate reality, which eventually make them take life changing decisions. We attempt to break few myths and lay out the true information to the possible extent.

a. Studying abroad is very expensive.

The cost of studying abroad is predominantly higher than in India, no doubt. The total cost involved in the program will depend upon many factors like the university, location and duration of the course. If you plan your finances effectively, your education will never seem a burden. Also, the finances need to be looked at a different perspective. Therefore, it is important to focus on, not the expense point of view, but the long term benefits you reap out of it. Moreover, you have the option to take up part time jobs to meet your daily expenses

b. Difficulty in getting scholarships

When it comes to scholarship for international students, there are two types. Merit based and need based. Besides this, you can avail scholarship programs sponsored by few global, national and regional organisations. You can be in touch with the international student’s community to gain better understanding on your specific eligibility criteria.

c. Employers do not give importance to candidates who studied abroad.

Like we discussed before, employers associate study abroad candidates with skills like international exposure, social skills, strong problem-solving skills, language proficiency, self -reliance, risk taking, cross culture dynamics, flexibility, global networks.

d. There will be problems communicating with foreigners

In most foreign colleges/schools, English is the spoken language and also the medium of instruction. Take this as an opportunity to improve your linguistic proficiency. Furthermore, you will gain the near-native fluency in English that would add to your skills in communication.

e. Indian students face neglection

Media, to a greater extent creates a wrong impression about Indians. A distorted image of the reality is being portrayed by the media. Professors are more like mentors than teachers and are very much approachable. They believe that, to achieve the effective means of learning, students should never feel threatened.

f. Studying abroad is not safe anymore

There is a zero-tolerance policy towards the harassment of international students in colleges. Staff and students need to adhere to all rules and obligations. However, safety measures you need to take care of while studying abroad is no different. In conclusion, though there are some challenges that are to be dealt with, Study abroad is definitely worthwhile in terms of the learning experience, broadening of mindset as well the career opportunities it offers

Manju Mahadevan

SkillUp Global

Note: A separate article covering the options that are available for study abroad will be released soon. Keep visiting!