Posted by Making plans for overseas studies often poses an awkward dilemma: which English test do I need to choose? The first thought that may occur in your mind is IELTS, but it is certainly not the only possibility. There are other examinations, including TOEFL, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English, and there may be others accepted in various countries and universities, with regard to various formats and exam characteristics as well. This is where the difficulty appears. Some kinds of tests may be acceptable for people who speak well but do not really write well, whereas others would prefer taking a computer test. Instead of opting for the test which is taken by the majority of people, it is a good idea to first check the requirements of the place of education and country to which you want to go. After that, comparing the tests will not be a big problem, and you will be able to make the right choice.
Why Is an English Proficiency Exam Necessary?
a. If you’re not a native speaker of English and you want to go study abroad, in short, you are going to have to demonstrate that you are proficient in lectures, writing, debate and, simply, in many of the most common academic situations.
b. That’s where an English language test comes in. The test provides a concrete comparison for what the universities deem an appropriate score when you have not previously completed a comparable curriculum or studied English at school.
c. Remember the important part: not all universities are willing to accept all tests of this nature.
d. This simple fact alone can cost, or rather save, money.
e. Think about preparing for tests for two months, traveling the country, submitting this fee and receiving a qualifying test score, but then finding that one particular institution does not allow that particular test for your chosen degree.
f. This would, indeed, be quite a disappointing turn of events.
Pro-Tip: Make a shortlist of your target universities and see which tests they recognize before you book anything. If several universities accept the same test, then opting for that one can dramatically facilitate your application process.
IELTS: The Familiar Favourite
a. IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is probably the first test most Indians hear of.
b. It tests 4 areas:
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
c. The Academic format is typically used for university admissions, while the General Training format is usually used for other areas like work or immigration.
d. The fact that the format is fairly understandable, after having practiced it enough, is one of the reasons IELTS is so popular.
e. The Speaking test is also a distinct benefit since students speak to a trained examiner, rather than just into a microphone.
f. If students find conversing with a person one of their strengths, this is great news for them. However, if they get too jittery when faced with such close proximity to a conversational partner, it might not be a good format for them.
g. There are several variations of how IELTS might be presented depending on location of the location and, of course, the test centre, so students are supposed to clarify test delivery with the one they booked for in their locality.
Why Indian students prefer IELTS:
Familiarity! A big factor- almost all coaching centres provide training for IELTS. A multitude of study materials are readily available, plus almost everybody you know have taken IELTS. Moreover, it will appear less scary, as the format is familiar.
The Potential Negative:
The writing section may not work out for those with decent English Skills-Some have strong vocabulary but lack structure, and some lack coherence or time. Speaking might prove extremely daunting if you are unaccustomed to producing spontaneous responses.
Pro-Tip: Don’t take the IELTS just because all your friends are taking the exam; do it for the test module suits and has an understanding with your target colleges.
TOEFL: A Strong Option for Academic English
a. TOEFL refers to the Test of English as a Foreign Language and is yet another widespread English proficiency exam.
b. It tends to be used in English for academic purposes and has also traditionally been favoured in university admissions, especially in the USA.
c. The test is split into reading, listening, speaking and writing, with assignments designed around university settings.
d. This makes TOEFL beneficial to those students who are confident with the formal setting of the university classroom.
e. When it comes to the speaking parts, the exam differs from IELTS because TOEFL responses are recorded, unlike in IELTS where a conversation with an examiner takes place.
f. This distinction may not seem substantial but may actually affect the choice of an exam.
g. Some people may find it too tough to speak to an examiner but would probably find talking to a computer much easier.
h. At the same time, people who are good at talking especially feel at home with an examiner.
Pro-Tip: To understand this difference better, try a practice speaking section using IELTS and another one using TOEFL.
PTE Academic: A Computer-First Approach
a. PTE Academic has attracted many learners who like a test that is fully computerized.
b. This test provides the opportunity to check the skills in the four components of language- speaking, writing, reading and listening- but it exists in a tailor-made form due to the high level of computerization.
c. One of the things that makes the exam appealing is that students’ responses go on record digitally and the traditional face-to-face interview is omitted.
d. For those students who feel relaxed working on computers and typing quickly, it is seamless.
e. There are many individuals who prefer a more technological test.
f. But there is one condition. “Comfortable using a computer” and “Good use of English” aren’t the same, though.
g. You may know very well what to write, but you are still consuming time if you’re slow at typing or bad at using the interface.
The Biggest Advantage:
The format is very computer-centric and consistent.
The Biggest Challenge:
You need to familiarize yourself with the software, question types and timing of tasks.
Pro-Tip: Practice at least two full mock tests on a computer, not just individual questions. PTE is also about understanding the mechanics of the test.
Cambridge English: A Different Kind of Qualification
a. There’s a third group- the Cambridge English Qualifications; this is very similar to the above except that they function slightly differently from tests such as IELTS and TOEFL.
b. Examinations in the Cambridge family include B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency among others.
c. The key advantage of these exams is that the outcome represents what level of English you possess, not just your score relative to how well you did on one particular day of the examination.
d. This would appeal to a student who might desire a qualification that holds some value beyond a one-off application for higher education.
e. Acceptance can vary between different institutions and courses and doesn’t automatically occur across the board just because one institution has accepted IELTS, for example.
Pro-Tip: Don’t ever assume that “accepted English tests” translates to any Cambridge exam being accepted. Always check the exact test name and the minimum score or grade that an institution is looking for.
Duolingo English Test: Convenient, But Check Carefully
a. Another online choice which is relatively popular due to its accessibility is the Duolingo English Test.
b. As this is an online test, this also means you may take the test from your home if you are not located near any conventional test centres, which may significantly enhance the ease with which a student may sit this particular test.
c. In addition to this, Duolingo is a quick test.
d. For a student simultaneously managing applications, a job, and university life, it may well be the prospect of saving time which appeals.
e. Although accepting, acceptance may not be universal.
f. Just because one institution may accept the Duolingo test does not guarantee that a second institution will, or even that one department of a particular university will; there may be stricter entry requirements for a course than generally provided at the university.
Pro-Tip: Just because one test is easier to take than another does not mean it will be a better test to take; always confirm whether the particular course- not just the institution- accepts the Duolingo English Test.
IELTS vs TOEFL vs PTE vs Cambridge vs Duolingo:
a. At first look, the various assessments appear to be similar because they seem to pose the same inquiry:
“Are you able to communicate in English?”
b. The actual experience can be different from evaluation to evaluation.
c. IELTS offers an appropriate compromise for individuals looking for a level playing field involving speaking.
d. TOEFL is appropriate for people who feel at ease using their English in an academic setting.
e. PTE Academic caters to students who want technology in an examination setting and like scenarios that are fast-paced.
f. Cambridge English is a viable option for those interested in pursuing a language option for the longer term and for whom its validity is recognized in their chosen host.
g. Duolingo English Test carries weight for those who want a quick and easy solution without losing any effectiveness, as long as the accepting institution also endorses it.
No exam wins all.
Which is the Easiest Exam?
1. This inquiry is often pondered by many students.
2. Sadly, there is no definitive “easiest” English test available.
3. What may be the easiest examination for one student may not be the same for another due to that person’s individual skills.
4. For example, a student who has good speaking abilities but slow typing skills may perform perfectly well if they choose IELTS.
5. On the contrary, a student who is stressed out during live interviews may fare better with PTE or TOEFL.
6. Also, if a student is fast at typing and is interested in computer-related tasks, he might choose PTE.
7. Also, if a student wants a qualification related to the CEFR level, Cambridge English may appeal to him.
8. Instead of asking the question “Which exam is easiest?” students may ask: Which exam suits me? This is a much smarter question.
Pro-Tip: Before taking any exams, consider checking a free or inexpensive diagnostic test for several exams first.
Which Exam Is Best for the UK?
a. There are various English language tests accepted in the UK for different academic and immigration reasons, but the minimum requirements can differ from university to university and also from visa route to visa route.
b. IELTS is very prevalent. IELTS for UKVI may be preferred for some immigration route applications, whereas the university would normally accept the use of other tests for admission.
c. This explains why words such as ‘IELTS accepted in the UK’ are not sufficient.
d. The visa requirement for a specific visa route and course is crucial.
Pro-Tip: In your notes, keep the university’s admission requirements and visa requirements separate. The test accepted by universities may not automatically work for a specific visa.
FAQs:
1. Which exam is the best for Indian students planning to pursue studies abroad?
No single examination is better than another. Each university may accept one or another of IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge English and the Duolingo English Test. It all depends on your target institutions’ entry requirements and the examination on which you perform best.
2. Is IELTS more difficult than TOEFL or PTE?
Not really. The question of difficulty seems to be subjective. An exam may seem simple to a candidate who finds it easy to speak, whereas other exams may be more suitable for candidates who prefer to take a computer-based test. Candidates can gain an insight into this process by taking sample tests of the various examinations being considered.
3. Is it possible to study abroad without taking an English proficiency exam?
Yes, sometimes. Many universities may offer waivers or may accept other evidence of English proficiency based on prior qualifications and the course of study. However, it is important to confirm with the university.