Fiona Aish and Jo Tomlinson

Target English
Preparing students for IELTS and
PTE Academic: A comparison


Overview of Tests
IELTS Academic PTE Academic
3 hours (approx) 3 hours (approx)
4 parts: listening, reading speaking,
writing
3 parts: speaking and writing, reading
listening
Two sessions One session
Paper-based Computer-based
Examiner graded Computer graded
Results in 2 weeks Results in 5 days
Paper certification Online certification
Not randomised Randomised
Test Structure
1. Listening
30 minutes + 10 minutes, 4 recordings
40 questions
2. Reading
60 minutes, 3 texts
40 questions
3. Writing
60 minutes
2 tasks
4. Speaking
11-14 minutes
3 parts
IELTS PTE Academic
1. Speaking and Writing
77-93 minutes, multiple recordings
approx 40 questions
2. Reading
32-41 minutes, 1 text per question
approx 18 questions
3. Listening
45-57 minutes, 1 listening per question
approx 20 questions
Test Similarities and Differences
All the papers are very different.
Academic English functions:
- paraphrasing, summarising, note-taking, writing, presenting information,
reading complex texts, skimming and scanning
Question type similarities:
- essay writing task 2 writing/ write essay
- processing and describing visual information
writing task 1/ describe image
- listening and reading for main ideas/ detail
multiple choice,
sentence or summary completion/ fill in the blanks
T F NG/ multiple choice, multiple answers


Test Similarities and Differences
Question type differences:
- reorder paragraphs, summaries, dictation, reading aloud etc are PTE
specific
- table/form completions, labelling a diagram, matching headings etc are
IELTS specific

Speaking:
IELTS is based on an interactive format, whereas PTE Academic involves
short spoken responses

Time and test management:
IELTS has set times for each paper, and candidates can move
forwards/backwards. PTE has section timing and candidates can only
move forwards.
Number of birds, butterflies and insects in UK city gardens


















Source: Aish and Tomlinson (2012) Collins Grammar for IELTS HarperCollins: London, p.32

0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
Birds
Butterflies
Insects


Preparation Overlaps
Visual material can be used for both tests, exploiting
different skills.

Some question types can be adapted for both exams.

Academic lectures can be used for IELTS practice and PTE
practice.

There is a marking criteria overlap which needs to be
addressed at a systems level, e.g. pronunciation, spelling
and grammar


Teacher Preparation Challenges
Main preparation challenges:

1. Teacher test knowledge

2. Teacher language knowledge

3. Materials available


Preparation - PTE
When this bank was founded in 1695, Scots coinage
was in short supply and of uncertain value, compared
with English, Dutch, Flemish or French coin.

To face growth of trade it was deemed necessary to
remedy this lack of an adequate currency.

The rst Scottish bank to do this was the Bank of
Scotland.

In most countries it is only the government, through
their central banks, who are permitted to issue
currency.

But in Scotland three banks are still allowed to issue
banknotes.
What is this?
What is it?
What is this?
What is it?
What is but?
Source: http://www.pearsonpte.com/TestMe/Preparing/Documents/10_Re-order_paragraphs_PTEA_Strategies.pdf
Academic Connections 3 P.76 ex 1 & 2, Williams and Hill (2010) Pearson Longman: New York
Preparation PTE
Adapt EAP materials


Read the text aloud
Choose the
summary
Focus on the
features
e.g. Highlight correct summary


Course Considerations
o Timetable: number of hours per week & homework
o Teacher preparation time: mix of published and own materials
o Technology: for PTE Academic it may be important to offer students blended
learning solutions
o Test practice: IELTS practice material is readily available. PTE Academic has limited
items at the moment
o Teacher and student test knowledge: time needed to develop
o Language Ability: difficulty varies within items
o Academic Awareness: students understanding of university skills & relationship to
both tests
o Student motivation: self motivation or extrinsic motivation

Thank you!


Ask your questions now or alternatively contact us:
jo@target-english.co.uk
fiona@target-english.co.uk

Target English is an English language consultancy
specialising in academic and exam support for
students and learning providers. Find us:


fiandjo
www.target-english.co.uk