A comparative study of writing scores in IELTS and PTE: An investigation into the factors leading to disparity in scores

Oct 15, 2026

This study investigates writing-score differences between IELTS and PTE, focusing on the reasons behind score disparities. Comparative analysis examines scoring patterns, criteria, and score distributions in both tests’ writing sections, covering factors such as task design, rating criteria, and test administration. Interviews are used as the primary data-collection instrument, enabling an integrated view of how automated scoring, assessment nuances, task types, and test takers’ perspectives shape outcomes.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages15

Reading Time38 min

AccessFree to download

INTRODUCTION

LITERATURE REVIEW

IELTS exam

African Educational Research Journal Vol. 12(1), pp. 6-20, January 2024 DOI: 10. 30918/AERJ.121.24.006 ISSN: 2354-2160 Full Length Research Paper A comparative study of writing scores in IELTS and PTE: An investigation into the factors leading to disparity in scores Hamed Ghaemi1* and Zahra Khorsand2 Bahar Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran. Accepted 23 January, 2024 | ABSTRACT
This study delves into writing scores in both tests, aiming to uncover the reasons behind score differences. Through comprehensive comparative analysis, this research explores scoring patterns, criteria, and score distributions in IELTS and PTE writing sections. It investigates sources of score variation, including task design, rating criteria, and test administration. This study utilizes interviews as the primary instruments for data collection. The combination of these instruments allows for a comprehensive exploration of the factors leading to disparity scores in writing between the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Pearson Test of English (PTE) . The culmination of this journey traverses the intricate pathways of language proficiency assessment, revealing that the writing score differences between PTE and IELTS are not mere numerical variations. They encapsulate a lot of factors, from automated scoring intricacies and assessment criteria nuances to task types and test takers' perspectives. These differences, rather than being divisive, reflect the diverse dimensions of linguistic communication and evaluation. These findings serve as guideposts. They illuminate the nuanced forces that shape candidates' performance, perceptions, and trajectories in these assessments.
Keywords: IELTS exam, language assessment, PTE exam, writing scores. | | --- | | *Corresponding author. E-mail: [ghaemiacademy@gmail.com. Tel:](ghaemiacademy@gmail.com. Tel:) +989155066687 . | INTRODUCTION English language proficiency plays a pivotal role in today's globalized world, enabling individuals to effectively communicate, succeed academically, and pursue professional opportunities in an increasingly interconnected and multicultural society. As a result, standardized tests have emerged as essential tools for assessing English language skills, facilitating educational opportunities, professional registration, and migration to English-speaking countries (Weigle, 2002) . Among the prominent language proficiency tests, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Pearson Test of English (PTE) hold significant recognition worldwide. These tests are widely accepted by universities, employers, and immigration authorities, making them crucial gateways for individuals seeking to prove their English language proficiency. White et al. (2021) state within the context of these language assessments, the writing section is of particular interest and importance. Proficiency in writing is highly valued in academic and professional environments, as it reflects one's ability to articulate ideas, construct arguments, and communicate effectively through written means. However, it has been observed that there are variations in writing scores between the IELTS and PTE tests, warranting a closer investigation into the factors contributing to these score disparities. Writing skills are vital in academic and professional settings, where clear and coherent written communication is essential. A disparity in writing scores between IELTS and PTE could have significant consequences for test takers, impacting their opportunities for educational advancement, professional registration, or migration to Ghaemi and Khorsand 7 English-speaking countries. Thus, understanding the factors underlying the score differences is crucial for ensuring fair and reliable assessment practices (Smith et al. , 2020) . While previous research has investigated various aspects of language testing and explored differences between IELTS and PT

FAQs

What is the main aim of the study on IELTS and PTE writing scores?

The study aims to uncover the factors leading to differences in writing scores between IELTS and PTE through comparative analysis of scoring patterns, criteria, and distributions.

Which instruments are used for data collection?

Interviews are used as the primary instruments for data collection to explore the factors behind score disparities.

What research questions does the study address?

It tests whether writing scores differ significantly for the same individuals and examines the impact of automated scoring, assessment criteria, task types, test takers’ attitudes, and instructors’ opinions on the writing sections.

Oct 15, 2026

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