Sunday Times 2
PTE Academic: Improving lives through learning
View(s):PTE Academic, launched in Sri Lanka last week hoping to expand their vision of helping their learners improve their lives through learning. A leading education company, Pearson offers a range of education products and services in over 80 countries, conducting examinations for over 14 million people in the world every year.
PTE Academic is a computer based test for English similar to popular English exams such as IELTS and TOEFL. A computer-based examination of English for studying abroad and immigration, the minds behind PTE Academic have formulated the exam structure so as to incorporate an efficiency and practical knowledge of English also taking into consideration the aptitude of non- native speakers of English.
British High Commissioner in Sri Lanka James Dauris was present at the launch. Speaking at the launch, Regional Director, Asia for Pearson, Premila Paulraj explained the effectiveness of PTE Academic. “You can book an exam 24 hours before” she said. Results of the three hour exam arrive within five business days; a reason why many universities and government institutions prefer PTE.
The results of the test are not limited to band scale such as that of their counterpart exams. Instead PTE Academic releases a detailed breakdown of performance; a result sheet that is approved by thousands of institutions in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
With their company branching their way through Asia, Pearson is flexible towards their learners who are non-native English speakers. “We need to leave room for people whose speaking is influenced by their mother tongue,” adds Premila. It’s why their system is trained to understand over 126 accents.