The PET ( Preliminary English Test ) and the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) English sections are both standardized tests designed to assess English language proficiency, but they differ significantly in difficulty. Generally, the SAT English section is considered harder.

The SAT English section tests a broader range of skills, including reading comprehension, grammar, and writing. It requires test-takers to analyze and interpret a variety of texts, often with complex sentence structures and nuanced language. According to the College Board, the SAT English section includes approximately 49 questions, with a focus on understanding the meaning of words in context, recognizing the author's purpose, and analyzing the effectiveness of the author's argument.

On the other hand, the PET is a level 3 English language qualification offered by the Cambridge English Language Assessment. It is designed for students who have studied English for at least 900 hours and are typically in their final year of secondary education. The PET assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. While it does require a solid understanding of English grammar and vocabulary, it tends to be more straightforward and less complex than the SAT English section.

Data from the Cambridge English Language Assessment indicates that the PET is generally considered to be a level 3 qualification, which is equivalent to an IELTS band score of 4.5-5.5 or a TOEFL score of 450-490. In contrast, the SAT English section is designed to assess the skills needed for college-level work, which typically requires a higher level of English proficiency.

Additionally, the SAT English section includes a writing component that requires test-takers to write an essay in response to a prompt. This writing task demands not only a strong command of the English language but also the ability to organize thoughts logically and effectively communicate ideas. The SAT essay is scored on a scale of 2-8, with a higher score indicating a greater level of proficiency.

In conclusion, the SAT English section is generally considered harder than the PET due to its broader range of skills assessed, the complexity of the texts, and the inclusion of a writing component. While both exams are important for assessing English language proficiency, the SAT English section presents a greater challenge for test-takers.