
Learning PTE Essay Writing: 30+ Topics to Improve Your Craft
1 December 2025




Both tests are accepted by a number of institutions and countries.
PTE is accepted by more than 3,300 organisations globally, including academic, professional and governmental organisations. It is accepted in countries such as Australia, Canada, USA, New Zealand and the UK.
IELTS is accepted by more than 11,500 organisations globally, including academic, professional and governmental organisations. All immigration departments that require an English Language test for English-speaking countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand accept IELTS.
PTE relies entirely on computers.
IELTS can be taken on paper or on a computer in a test centre.
This means you can choose the solution that suits you best.
The Speaking portion is presented in a very different way:
PTE
Everything in PTE is entirely computer-based. This implies that your speaking test will be conducted in front of a computer.
IELTS
An experienced official IELTS Speaking Examiner will administer the Speaking portion of the test in person.
The Speaking test is administered by video conference with an official IELTS Speaking Examiner in some nations where IELTS Online is accessible.
For those who took the IELTS computer test, it is the only exam that allows for a One Skill Retake.
This implies that you can retry the skill (speaking, listening, reading, or writing) if you don’t receive the required score in one of the test portions.
In contrast, you will have to retake the entire PTE if you fail to receive the required score in any one of the sections.
The order of the three test portions is as follows:
Writing and Speaking: 54–67 minutes
Reading: 30 minutes
Listening: 30 to 43 minutes
Thus, the duration of the PTE ranges from slightly less than two hours to two hours and twenty minutes.
PTE and IELTS have different formats.
The four portions of the IELTS test must be finished in the following order:
Writing – 60 minutes
Listening – 30 minutes
Reading – 60 minutes
Speaking – 11–14 minutes
Speaking can be conducted before or after the exam day, and in some countries on the same day.
PTE assigns points to applicants.
There are 10-point increments between 10 and 90 points.
A minimum score of 55 to 60 is preferred by universities for admission.
PTE scores are determined on your overall performance, enabling skills, and communication abilities.
A thorough analysis of your performance in each area is provided to you.
The band score system used by IELTS ranges from 0 to 9, with a 0.5 gap between each segment.
Every segment has its own markings.
The average of the four sections is then used to get your overall band score.