According to experts, there are 7139 languages all over the world. The most spoken languages are English, Hindi, Mandarin, Spanish, French, Arabic, Bengali, Russian etc. So the fact is English is not our first language, so it would be quite difficult to qualify you to pass the English language proficiency test if you want to study abroad.
But the question is, What are these English language Tests? So let us tell you about all these tests in short (IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL vs DUOLINGO).
IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL vs Duolingo: An Overview
All English language tests (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, DUOLINGO) are almost the same in structure, cost and duration. In this, we can explain to you the structure of the English test, score comparison, your grades or scores, which country accepts the test and further some questions related to IELTS, PTE, TOEFL and DUOLINGO.
POPULARITY GRAPH: IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL vs DUOLINGO
So today we will tell you about the popularity graph. In this graph, we will tell you whose popularity is more in comparison to other graphs.
Therefore, we have four English language tests such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, and DUOLINGO and also we have four colours in the popular chart. Firstly we have a blue colour; secondly, we have a red colour, thirdly yellow and also green.
So today we will tell you about the popularity graph. In this graph, we will tell you whose popularity is more in comparison to other graphs.
Therefore, we have four English language tests such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, and DUOLINGO and also we have four colours in the popular chart. Firstly we have a blue colour; secondly, we have a red colour, thirdly yellow and also green.
So in this, you will see: that the colour of the IELTS graph line is blue, the red for PTE, the yellow for Toefl and the green for Duolingo.
Point 1: In 2017, the popularity of the IELTS is more than others.
But in 2020, Duolongo’s popularity was very high among all other competitors and IELTS also.
Point 2: In March 2020, the popularity of IELTS was greatly reduced. It took a huge drop. But within a short span of time, he regained his popularity again.
And since then till now, the popularity of IELTS has not diminished. Duolingo is also among her companions but less so in the IELTS comparison.
There is no major difference between the popularity of TOEFL and PTE. The popularity of TOEFL and PTE neither dropped nor gained.
Let’s have a look at the differences between IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL vs DUOLINGO-
IELTS | PTE | TOEFL | DUOLINGO | |
Full-Form | International English Language Testing Standard | Pearson Test of English | Test of English as a Foreign Language | American language-learning website and mobile app |
Organisation | British Council/IDP | Pearson | Educational Testing Service (ETS) | Luis von Ahn, Severin Hacker(Founders ) |
Format | Paper-based/ computer delivered/ face to face for speaking test | Computer based | Internet-based | Internet based(online) |
Duration | 161-164 mins | 154-191 mins | 200-250 mins | 60 mins |
Fee | $245–255 USD | $240–255 USD | US$190 | $49 USD |
Sections | Reading ListeningWritingSpeaking | Reading ListeningWritingSpeaking | Reading ListeningWritingSpeaking | Adaptive Test-Reading ListeningWritingSpeakingVideo Interview |
Established | 1980 | 2009 | 1964 | 2011 |
validity | Valid for two years | It is also valid for two years. | Also valid for two years | two years |
Where is it accepted | IELTS is accepted by more than 9,000 universities throughout the world. For instance – Harvard University, California Institute of TechnologyFor Example: King’s College London and also the University of Manchester etc. | PTE is accepted by 3,000+ institutions worldwide. For instance, Oxford University and also Harvard Business School, and Yale. | 10,000 universities in 130 countries accept the TOEFL testincluding the University of Windsor in Canada and also the University of Canberra in Australia | 3000+ universities across the globe, such as Algoma University, Concordia University etc. |
So this is the difference between IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL vs DUOLINGO.
Structure of English language tests
IELTS Academic-
The IELTS Academic exam structure is divided into four parts:
- Listening:
- Time: 30 minutes.
- Firstly, Listen to 4 recordings of domestic speakers. Further, you must answer 40 questions.
- Reading:
- Time: 60 minutes.
- Firstly, you will read three paragraphs, and secondly, you will have the answer to 40 questions.
- Speaking:
- Time: 11-14 minutes.
- There are three tasks. Firstly, Personal Introduction.
- Secondly, express your opinion also about a specific topic.
- Thirdly, and most importantly, Discuss more ideas or concepts.
- Writing:
- The duration of Writing is 60 minutes.
- There are two tasks. Firstly, you have to describe a graph, table and also the charts etc.
- Secondly, you need to write an essay from your point of view.
- On the other hand, for both tasks, you also need to write in a formal style.
TOEFL-
The TOEFL exam has four sections:
- Reading:
- The duration of the reading is 54 – 72 minutes.
- Read 3 or 4 paragraphs from passages.
- Afterwards, you will need to answer 30-40 questions.
- Listening:
- The time for Listening is 41-57 minutes.
- You will listen to four recordings of domestic speakers. Afterwards, give the answers to 28-39 questions.
- Speaking:
- The time for Speaking is 17 minutes.
- Firstly, express your point of view on a topic, and secondly give answers, based on reading and listening tasks.
- Writing:
- The time for Writing is 50 minutes for two tasks.
- You need to write an essay reply and also support your opinions.
PTE Academic-
The PTE Academic or Pearson Test of English has three parts:
- Speaking & Writing:
- The time is 54 – 67 minutes.
- You will have to do various tasks like firstly introducing yourself, secondly summing up the text, Thirdly, and most importantly writing an essay, moreover reading aloud, describing images etc.
- Reading:
- The time for Reading is 29 – 30 minutes.
- You will do tasks like fill in the blanks, answer multiple-choice questions and moreover reorder paragraphs.
- Listening:
- The time for Listening is 30 – 43 minutes.
- Give the answer to questions after listening to audio or watching the video clips.
DUOLINGO-
The DUOLINGO Test of English has two parts:
- Adaptive Test–
- 4-5 minutes.
- This contains exercises of reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
- Video Interview–
- 10 minutes.
- Video interview with a writing sample.
IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL vs DUOLINGO – Score comparison
They all use different types of scales for measuring the scores. So, firstly the scale for measuring the scores of IELTS uses a 9-band scale in each of its sections. Secondly, for communicative and enabling skills, PTE uses a scale of 10 to 90 to give all the scores, also the individual scores. Moreover, TOEFL has 30 marks of its four sections for each and scores out of 120 marks.
The below table gives a scores comparison between IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL vs DUOLINGO-
DUOLINGO | IELTS | TOEFL | PTE | PROFICIENCY LEVEL |
155-160 | 9 | 118-120 | 89-90 | EXPERT |
145-150 | 8.5 | 115-117 | 83-85 | VERY GOOD |
135-140 | 8 | 110-114 | 78-82 | VERY GOOD |
125-130 | 7.5 | 102-109 | 73-77 | GOOD |
115-120 | 7 | 94-101 | 64-72 | GOOD |
105-110 | 6.5 | 79-93 | 58-63 | COMPETENT |
95-100 | 6 | 60-78 | 50-57 | COMPETENT |
85-90 | 5.5 | 46-59 | 42-49 | MODEST |
75-80 | 5 | 35-45 | 35-41 | MODEST |
65-70 | 4.5 | 32-34 | 30-34 | LIMITED |
55-60 | 0-4 | 0-31 | 0-30 | EXTREMELY LIMITED |
This is the comparison between the score of IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL vs DUOLINGO.
For admission to the university -Test results and least grades
Every university or college is free to establish the lowest grade you must be admitted to. Most educational institutions need:
- IELTS– The least score of 6.0 or 6.5 for IELTS Academic. Also, some universities accept scores as low as 5.0 – 5.5.
- TOEFL–A least score of 70 – 80 for TOEFL. Moreover, some universities accept scores as low as 65.
- PTE – The least score of 55 – 60 for PTE Academic. Some universities accept scores as low as 50.
- DUOLINGO– Least score required: 95 for DUOLINGO.
Which country accepts the English language tests?
All English language tests are popular and accepted by thousands of universities worldwide:
- IELTS- 10,000 universities in over 140 countries accept IELTS. It is popular in the UK, Ireland, and South Africa, Australia. For instance- Harvard University, Yale University, California Institute of Technology.
- TOEFL- 11,500 universities and other organisations in over 160 countries accept TOEFL. It is popular in Australia, France, and also in Germany, the US, Canada, New Zealand, France. For instance – Harvard University, MIT, Princeton University.
- PTE- In many countries, thousands of universities accept PTE. It is popular in Australia, New Zealand, and also in Ireland. For instance -Columbia University, Chicago State University, California State University.
- DUOLINGO- 3000+ universities across the globe accept DUOLINGO.For Example- Algoma University, Concordia University etc.
But most universities accept all of these tests.
Which English language test should I take?
- Firstly, If you expect us to say this or that test, you should take it? It is pretty hard to say which would be the best for you.
- Secondly, you can set your mind by looking at the online material that the cones will be easy for you. For example- Speed, Global Exam, Test DEN etc. This is the easy way to make up your mind.
- Moreover, You can also follow the advice of the experts.
- In addition, some universities accept all English tests; others only accept IELTS or TOEFL, or maybe one of them.
Crucial point– The validity of the result
- Cambridge certificate is valid for the rest of your life.
- Moreover, PTE, IELTS, DUOLINGO and TOEFL are valid for a similar time (2 years)
Conclusion
To sum up, if you choose IELTS Academic, TOEFL, PTE Academic or DUOLINGO, it doesn’t matter. They are all good tests which allow students to go abroad and also give wings to their dreams.
Lastly, if you have the ambition and willpower to work hard and prepare yourself, then you can start any English skill test right now! Also, start studying by today to get prepared for your tests!
FAQs-
Q1. Is PTE harder than IELTS?
Ans- The answer is NO. The difficulty of IELTS compared to PTE is the same. Not any test is easier than the other. They are both demanding, and require fundamental skill-building and knowledge of the test format.
Q2.Which is easier, TOEFL or IELTS or PTE or Duolingo?
Ans-The biggest differences between IELTS and PTE are their scores. Understanding TOEFL scores is easy but it has four sections, and each section is divided into equal parts. But, PTE and IELTS give consolidated scores for the entire test, including all sections. It is a myth that Duolingo is easier than IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.