Alternatives to IELTS: TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, and More
While IELTS is a popular choice for language proficiency assessments, it’s essential to consider other options that may better suit your individual needs and aspirations.This blog post will help you understand the details of the IELTS exam and explore various alternatives to IELTS exam comparing their formats, scoring methods, global acceptance, and unique strengths.
TOEFL
The TOEFL, or Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test, is a globally recognised English language proficiency test and is one of the top alternatives to IELTS exam. It’s widely accepted by 11,500 universities and institutions worldwide, including those in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries.
Test Format and Pattern
| Sections | Questions/Task | Time Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 20 questions | 35 minutes | Reading passages and responding to questions |
| Listening | 28 questions | 36 minutes | Q/A session based on classroom lectures and discussions |
| Speaking | 4 tasks | 16 minutes | Talk about a general and familiar topic |
| Writing | 2 tasks | 29 minutes | Stating the opinion or answer in written form based on classroom discussion |
Syllabus
The test content of the TOEFL derives from the following subjects/streams:
- Agriculture Sciences
- General Knowledge & Current Affairs
- Science & Technology
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
Fees
The exact fee for the TOEFL iBT is INR 16,900 (USD 198.94)
PTE
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) is a computer-based English language test designed to assess the language abilities of non-native English speakers. PTE is also one of the alternatives to the IELTS exam. It’s widely accepted by universities and institutions worldwide, including those in the UK, Australia, Canada, and the US.
Test Format and Pattern
| Number of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|
| 28-36 | 54-67 minutes |
| 13-18 | 32-41 minutes |
| 12-20 | 30-43 minutes |
Syllabus
Speaking & Writing Section
- Personal Introduction
- Read Aloud
- Repeat Sentence
- Describe Image
- Re-tell Lecture
- Answer Short Questions
- Summarise Spoken Text
- Summarise Written Text
- Essay Writing
Reading Section
- Multiple-Choice Questions
- Re-order Paragraphs
- Fill in the Blanks
- Read, Write, and Fill in the Blanks
Listening Section
- Summarise Spoken Text
- Multiple-Choice Questions
- Fill in the Blanks
- Highlight Incorrect Words
- Select Missing Word
- Write from Dictation
Fees
The exact fee for the PTE Academic test is INR 17,000 (USD 200.11)
Duolingo
The Duolingo English Test is a computer-adaptive language proficiency test that can be taken online from the comfort of your home. It’s designed to assess your English language skills quickly and efficiently. Duolingo is often considered the best alternative to the IELTS exam after TOEFL and PTE.
Test Format and Pattern
The Duolingo English Test is relatively short language test for international students, typically taking around an hour to complete. It combines various task types, including:
| Sections | Time Duration |
|---|---|
| Introduction | 5 mins |
| Adaptive Test | 45 mins |
| Video Interaction | 10 mins |
Syllabus
Reading
- Read and Complete
- Read and Select
Listening
- Listen and Select
- Listen and Type
Speaking
- Read Aloud
- Speak About a Photo
- Listen and Speak
Writing
- Write About a Photo
- Read and Write
Fees
The fee for Duolingo test is INR 5,428 (USD 63.89)
Cambridge English: C1 Advanced
What is C1 Advanced?Â
C1 Advanced (formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced or CAE) is a high-level English language qualification. It assesses your ability to use English at an advanced level, suitable for academic and professional purposes. This is also one of the tests similar to IELTS.
Test Format and Pattern: C1 Advanced is a paper-based exam that tests your skills in:
- Reading and Use of English
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
Syllabus: The C1 Advanced syllabus covers a wide range of topics, including current affairs, culture, technology, and academic subjects.
Fees: The exact fee for the C1 Advanced exam is INR 3,500 (USD 41.20)
Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency
What is C2 Proficiency?Â
C2 Proficiency (formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency or CPE) is the highest level of English language qualification. It certifies that you have mastered English to a near-native level.
Test Format and Pattern: Similar to C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency is a paper-based exam that assesses your skills in:
- Reading and Use of English
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
Syllabus: The C2 Proficiency syllabus is demanding and requires a high level of language proficiency. It covers a wide range of topics, including abstract concepts, complex arguments, and sophisticated language.
Key Takeaways By AdmitX
There are various alternatives to IELTS exam such as TOEFL, PTE, PTE, Duolingo, etc. Understand the specific program requirements and plan your preparation accordingly. Most language tests assess Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening skills. Choose a suitable test and prepare thoroughly. You can contact our experts at AdmitX for
IELTS preparation through free IELTS Bootcamp.
FAQs
What are the most popular alternatives to IELTS?
The most popular alternatives to IELTS are TOEFL, PTE Academic, and Duolingo English Test.
Which test is easier, IELTS or TOEFL?
Both tests have different formats and difficulty levels. Some students find IELTS easier, while others prefer TOEFL. It depends on your individual strengths and weaknesses.
Is Duolingo English Test accepted by universities?
Yes, around 5,500 universities around the world accept the Duolingo English Test as proof of English language proficiency.
How long does it take to get results for PTE Academic?
PTE Academic results are typically available within 5 business days.
Can I take multiple language proficiency tests?
Yes, you can take multiple language proficiency tests to improve your chances of admission to your desired program.
