The debate over TOEFL vs IELTS is gaining traction among students considering studying abroad. If you want to study abroad, you’re probably wondering what kind of English-language examinations you’ll need to get into a foreign university. This article talks about two major English language tests that are accepted by universities globally; IELTS and TOEFL.
If you’re undecided, read our guide to learn the differences and pick the best option.
Table of contents
What Is IELTS?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an exam that evaluates a candidate’s ability to communicate in English. Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking are the four parts of the exam that are considered.
The British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English jointly administer the exam, which was first introduced in 1989. The exam can be taken in two ways: on paper or on a computer.
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What Is TOEFL?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardized test accepted worldwide and in most foreign universities where the language of instruction is English. The exam is structured and designed in a way to effectively assesses a student’s command of the English language.
TOEFL is conducted by Education Testing Service (ETS), a US-based private non-profit organization. The exam has two modes: Internet-Based Test (iBT) and Paper-Delivered Test.
This language test evaluates your ability to speak and understand English in areas like reading, speaking, listening, and writing.
It assesses your ability to both speak and understand English by analyzing your English ability in terms of reading, speaking, listening, and writing. These English language skills are needed to study in any English-speaking country. TOEFL is usually conducted online.
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What Are The Differences Between IELTS and TOEFL?: 9 Ways in Which the Exams Differ
Let’s look at the main differences between the IELTS and TOEFL:
1. Scope
While both tests aim to evaluate a person’s English language skills, the scope of the two exams differs. When compared to TOEFL, IELTS has a wider reach. It’s utilized as an English proficiency test for people who want to study abroad, work in an English-speaking country, or immigrate to one
The TOEFL is only used in the classroom. Students who want to attend an English-speaking university must take this course.
2. Types
Academic and General Training are the two main variants of the IELTS exam. While students seeking to pursue higher education, such as undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral degrees, should take the IELTS Academic test, the IELTS General Training exam is for those planning to pursue a vocational training program or to immigrate professionally.
However, as previously said, TOEFL is solely used for academic purposes, so there are no significant differences.
3. Locations Available
The exams are commonly available, however, their availability varies. Students can take the IELTS exam in over 140 countries at over 1,600 sites. On the other hand, the TOEFL exam can be taken practically anywhere in the world with over 4,500 testing sites located in more than 165 countries.
4. Popularity
When it comes to the number of students who take the tests each year, both are extremely popular. According to data from British Council, over 3.5 million candidates take the IELTS yearly making it the most popular English language proficiency exam for higher institutions.
Every year, about 2.3 million candidates are projected to take the TOEFL exam.
5. Interaction With the Examiner
Another distinction between the IELTS and TOEFL is the manner in which the exam is administered. For the IELTS speaking part of the test, students are required to communicate directly with the examiner.
The TOEFL exam is entirely computer-based. As a result, pupils do not communicate with the examiners on a personal level. Students who are taking the TOEFL speaking section must record and submit their speech for review.
6. Scoring
One of the most significant distinctions between IELTS and TOEFL is how they are assessed. IELTS is scored on a scale of 1 to 9, with 1 being the lowest and 9 being the highest (the highest). Overall and section-by-section, the IELTS exam is graded on a scale of 0-9.
The TOEFL, on the other hand, is graded on a scale of 120 points. Each section is graded on a scale of 0 to 30.
7. Exam Duration
The IELTS exam lasts for 2 hours and 45 minutes. The internet-based TOEFL lasts for three hours while the paper-based exam lasts for two hours and 30 minutes.
8. Frequency
In terms of the frequency of exams, the TOEFL iBT is offered at certified test centers around the world. The new TOEFL iBT home edition exam is available four times per week. You can take the IELTS exam once a week. It is scheduled for 48 days of testing per year.
9. Result
Students receive their TOEFL scores ranging from 6 to 10 days after the test date. The IELTS test results are available a week (online) or 13 days (offline) after the exam is completed.
Comparing the TOEFL Vs IELTS Exams
The core mechanism of measuring English language skills is the same for both TOEFL and IELTS, however, the testing approach differs. Let’s take a deeper look at the two language tests:
IELTS Vs TOEFL: Exam Pattern & Syllabus
A student must pass four areas of both exams: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. There are, however, differences in how the exam is done.
Reading Section
TOEFL
The TOEFL reading section assesses a student’s ability to read and comprehend university-level instructional material. You will be expected to read three to four passages. You will be required to complete around 10 questions based on each of these passages.
IELTS
A student is usually given three passages to read in the IELTS reading section. Students are asked to respond to several types of questions based on the passages. The section’s major goal is to evaluate the student’s ability to comprehend and identify the author’s key concepts, as well as locate specific facts.
| TOEFL | IELTS | |
| Total Questions | 40 | 40 |
| Time | 54-72 minutes | 60 minutes |
Listening Section
TOEFL
The TOEFL listening section is used to determine how well a student can listen to lectures and conversations in the classroom. Students will be required to respond to questions based on three to four lectures and two to three dialogues. Each lecture is followed by six questions, while each dialogue is followed by around five questions.
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IELTS
The IELTS listening section is used to assess a student’s ability to follow a conversation and listen for significant and specific information. Four recorded monologues or talks will be supplied to students, separated into four pieces. The first two monologues/conversations are about social demands, while the final two are about education. Questions are based on the audio, which can only be listened to once.
| TOEFL | IELTS | |
| Total Questions | 40 | 40 |
| Time | 41-57 minutes | 30 minutes |
Writing Section
TOEFL
The TOEFL writing section is intended to assess students’ ability to present and write their thoughts in a coherent and organized manner. Students will be given two tasks: an integrated task that requires them to read for three minutes, listen for two minutes, and then write for fifteen minutes; and an autonomous essay writing job.
IELTS
The IELTS writing section assesses your ability to compose a well-organized, coherent, and rational essay on a given topic. Students must submit two essays, one brief, and the other longer.
| TOEFL | IELTS | |
| Total Questions | 2 | |
| Time | 50 minutes | 60 minutes |
Speaking Section
TOEFL
The TOEFL speaking part is intended to assess a student’s ability to communicate effectively in English. An examiner scores the results of four tasks presented to the student. A pupil is obliged to speak on a familiar topic in one work. Students are required to read, listen, or both in the other three integrated Speaking Tasks before speaking on the provided topic.
IELTS
The major goal of the IELTS speaking part is to evaluate a candidate’s ability to articulate their ideas and opinions in English. A face-to-face interview with the appointed examiner is required of the student.
| TOEFL | IELTS | |
| Total Questions | 4 | 4 |
| Time | 17 minutes | 10-15 minutes |
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TOEFL Vs IELTS: Mode of Exam
TOEFL: The TOEFL exam is conducted in two modes:
- Paper-based Test (PBT): It is done without using the internet in places where the internet is unavailable. The test is divided into three sections; reading, writing, and listening.
- Internet-based Test (iBT): In 2006, the Computer-based test started. It is divided into four different parts; reading, listening, speaking, and writing. It is one of the most popular kinds of TOEFL exams.
IELTS: The IELTS exam is conducted in two modes:
IELTS is divided into two categories: Academic and General Training. IELTS Academic may now be taken online from home or any private place with a stable internet connection, as well as in a test center on paper or on a computer. IELTS General Training may only be taken on paper or on a computer in a test center.
IELTS Vs TOEFL: Result and Acceptance
TOEFL and IELTS results are widely recognized worldwide as proof of English competence.
- Over 9000 institutions in over 140 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand recognize the IELTS exam scores.
- More than 11,000 universities in 150 countries recognize TOEFL scores, including The United States, The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Germany.
The TOEFL is recommended in the United States, while IELTS is preferred in other nations.
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TOEFL Vs. IELTS: Which One Should I Take?
When comparing the two exams, the question of which is more straightforward, and which one should you take comes up. The choice between the two tests, as well as their ease level, is very subjective. It is determined by a number of factors, including:
Score Accepted by your University/ School: Although both scores are recognized for entrance to undergraduate and graduate schools all around the world, you should double-check. Always inquire about the university’s or school’s preferences for accepting English language competency tests.
Preferred Choice of Question Type: Reading, hearing, speaking, and writing are all tested in the IELTS and TOEFL. However, they go about it in a very different way. Before making a decision, familiarize yourself with the exam format and the types of questions that will be asked on both exams. For example, if you like to answer multiple-choice questions, the TOEFL exam may be preferable to IELTS.
Your Comfort Level with the Exam Pattern: The pattern of the Speaking part differs significantly between the two tests. The IELTS speaking examination is taken in front of an examiner, who will assess your speaking score. In addition, the IELTS speaking test may not take place on the same day as the other parts of the exam.
In the case of the TOEFL, you must use a microphone to respond to the questions. After that, these are recorded and given to the reviewers. As a result, select the exam type and pattern that you are most familiar with..
Cost of the Exam: The cost of choosing between IELTS and TOEFL might also be a decisive factor. The cost of both tests is typically between $200 and $250 USD. These expenses, however, differ depending on which country you take the exam in. So, if cost is a key concern for you, verify the cost of the tests in your country before making a decision.
Availability: The exam you choose is also determined by the test center’s proximity to you. You can select a test for which the exam center is conveniently accessible and for which dates are readily available.
Conclusion
When you compare IELTS and TOEFL, you’ll notice that, while both exams have the same goal, they differ in many ways. If you’re considering taking one of these examinations, make sure you’re aware of the distinctions before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
All the world’s best universities recognize the TOEFL exam as the major English proficiency test. Over 8,500 institutions in 130 countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Australia, recognize it.
Yes, IELTS scores are accepted in the United States as proof of English language proficiency. IELTS is recognized by major universities across the United States as an accurate indicator of your ability to understand, read, write, and speak English.
Most universities throughout the world accept both TOEFL and IELTS.
Yes, TOEFL is recognized by all UK universities.
References
- Hotcoursesabroad.com – IELTS VS. TOEFL: WHICH SHOULD YOU TAKE?
- Armacad.info – TOEFL vs. IELTS | Which one should you pass?
- yocket.com – IELTS vs TOEFL: Learn the Complete Differences Between IELTS & TOEFL
