IELTS vs GRE: what to choose?
GRE and IELTS are two extremely distinct examinations with separate curriculums to study for and very different goals, but the controversy over “GRE vs IELTS” continues. However, given the flood of exam names that a student towards the conclusion of their 12th grade is blasted with, becoming confused between GRE and IELTS or any other exam is not unusual. All of the friends, family, and counselors show off their wisdom, leaving the youngsters more confused than enlightened. Now we are here to help you out with understanding both the exams
Both the GRE and the IELTS are intended to satisfy the prerequisites of a foreign institute or organization. The main distinction between GRE and IELTS is that GRE is for getting a Masters Degree, whereas IELTS is an English proficiency test that validates one’s English language skills. A table will assist us in better understanding.
Acronym forGeneral Records ExaminationsInternational English Language Testing System
| Basis | GRE | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Acronym for | General Records Examinations | International English Language Testing System |
| Knowledge / Skills Tested | Admission to master’s and doctorate degree programmes at institutions across the world. | Listening, Reading,writing and speaking |
| Purpose | Admissions to master’s and doctoral degree programs in various universities outside of India. | To assess the English language ability of non-native English speakers, which is necessary in some countries for work or education outside of India. |
| Intended for | Graduates with a bachelor’s degree and undergraduate students preparing to graduate. English fluency is expected. | Non-native English speakers |
| Duration | 3 hours and 45 minutes | Listening time: 40 minutes; reading time: 60 minutes; writing time: 60 minutes; speaking time: 11-14 minutes; total time: 2 hours, 55 minutes. |
| Score / Grade Validity | 5 years | 2 years |
| Score Accepted by | Many graduate schools (mainly ones from the USA) | Over 10,000 colleges, institutes and organizations |
| Registration Fees for Indians | US $228 (18,863.31 INR) | INR 15,500 |
Which one is tougher?
According to the comparison, IELTS is exclusively used to measure English competence, whereas GRE assumes proficiency and is not the only segment on which the candidate is expected to be examined. As a result, applicants for both exams will have quite different reasons for taking the test. So, if the same individual is preparing for both examinations, the GRE will provide more obstacles than the IELTS, but if the same person is already strong with mathematics and analysis but not so good with languages, the IELTS will present more challenges.However, English must not be overlooked in the GRE, and some themes that are similar to both papers (such as issue assignment or opinion questions) are more difficult in the GRE.
Which is better, the GRE or the IELTS?
Which is superior, the GRE or the IELTS? The solution is dependent on two things. Specifically, ‘where are you?’ and ‘where do you wish to be?’ When you know the answers to both, you will be able to make this decision with confidence.
Where have you gone? – If you are a graduate, the GRE makes more sense and is typically taken immediately after graduation. However, IELTS is used by people from many walks of life, whether they are students, graduates, post-graduates, or working professionals.
What do you want to do? – If your ideal institution or school requires a qualifying GRE score, GRE is the way to go. If your institute or organization demands a certain IELTS band, then use that. Some institutions may even need both, in which case you must attempt both. Essentially, you must choose where you want to go and what the qualifying conditions are for that location before selecting a paper. There is no one-size-fits-all response as to why this specific document is beneficial to you.
The GRE contains two types of exams: general and subject, with separate deadlines. GRE normally takes place on multiple days throughout the year, and one may reserve a slot at their favorite center based on their needs. A candidate may take the test five times in a 12-month period, with at least a 21-day interval between each attempt. However, due to the pandemic scenario, the frequency of tests is reduced. GRE topics, on the other hand, are offered three times a year, and the candidate may take the test as many times as he or she likes. It should be noted that exam slots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, regardless of how many other applicants have previously tried the exam.
“Is GRE preparation adequate for IELTS?” one might wonder. and the response is that it is sufficient, but only to a point. You must still prepare for the overlapping portions and the entire segment that does not come within the overlap according to the IELTS framework. However, there are a few things you should bear in mind while you prepare for the two exams:
Keep your cool and relax. Nervousness, tension, and rush in tests, as well as during preparation, will reduce your efficiency.
Determine which exam is more important to you and ensure that you are not prepared for the other exam at the expense of the one you are studying for.
Practicing the concepts and attempting to incorporate the language into your daily activities can assist you in gaining a better understanding of the practical application
Plan your whole study schedule as well as the dates of your tests, bearing in mind when you will need it and whether you are ready and able to offer extra efforts.
Regular Mock Tests are an excellent way to monitor your progress and become aware of any shortcomings in your existing approach to giving the paper.
Lastly we want to conclude saying,
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are two different tests that serve different purposes. Here are the main differences between the two:
Purpose: The GRE is a standardized test that is required for admission to many graduate and business school programs, while the IELTS is an English language proficiency test that is required by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in many countries to assess the language ability of non-native English speakers.
Test format: The GRE is a computer-based exam that consists of six sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing, and three unscored sections (which may be any combination of Verbal, Quantitative, or Experimental). The IELTS is a paper-based or computer-delivered exam that consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Scores: The GRE is scored on a scale of 130-170 in one-point increments for the Verbal and Quantitative sections, and on a scale of 0-6 in half-point increments for the Analytical Writing section. The IELTS is scored on a scale of 0-9 in half-point increments for each of the four sections.
Acceptance: The GRE is accepted by many graduate and business school programs around the world, while the IELTS is accepted by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in many countries as a measure of English language proficiency.
Preparation: Both the GRE and IELTS exams require preparation, but the content and focus of the two tests are quite different. The GRE tests verbal and quantitative reasoning skills, while the IELTS tests English language proficiency in the areas of listening, reading, writing, and speaking.