International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) has been the only two assessment tests available so far. We now have one more entrant in this segment.
Pearson Test of English (PTE), the new kid on the block, was launched in October 2009. PLT is the new, international, computer-based academic English language test. The test accurately measures the listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills of test takers who are non-native speakers of English. Pearson is an offshoot of the U.K.-based Pearson PLC, one of the world's leading publishers of educational textbooks and test preparation materials (Longman, Penguin) in addition to being a media group (Financial Times, Economist).
Second biggest market
"PTE is the result of extensive research taken up by our group of language experts for over three years. With our experience, expertise, knowledge and technology, we have entered the field and India is our second biggest market next to China," says Joseph Rospars, vice-president, business development, EMEA and India.
PTE delivers a real-life measure of test takers' language ability to universities, higher education institutions, government departments and other organisations requiring academic English. PTE is endorsed by the Graduate Management Admission Council.
PTE has a few advantages compared to the other English language tests. "Students can receive the PTE score result in just two days. Sometimes, but rarely, the results takes 4 to 5 working days. PTE can be scheduled at a time convenient to the students and that can again be rescheduled (before seven days only). In other words PTE offers test on demand."
Apart from this, the PTE has the added advantage of having developed an additional test called enabling skills. This section provides an assessment of the test taker's skills in grammar, oral fluency, pronunciation, spelling, vocabulary and written discourse and a separate score on this is given in the score report, Mr. Rospars said.
"And yet another important service that PTE provides is score report forwarding to various universities, institutions and organisations chosen by the test takers free of cost."
The PTE score reports are digitally signed and is tamper proof and the score is valid for two years.
The testing method of PTE is designed in such a manner that all the integrated skills of the test taker is assessed thoroughly.
"Ours is not just a series of multiple choice questions. Here, candidates write essays, response and analysis. The first segment of the test is self-introduction of the test taker for one minute which will be recorded and taken for assessment."
Registration
PTE is fully automated and aspirants can register online just 24 hours prior to the test and it can be completed in a single sitting, the duration of the test being three hours.
The PTE has been recognised by top universities and B-schools (Harvard, Yale, Stanford and also ISB in Hyderabad).
To know more about PTE, you can buy their official guide book and audio CD online at www.pearsonpte.com. The fee for PTE test in India is $160.
CHITRADEEPA A.
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