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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re undecided, read our guide to learn the differences and pick the best option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The International English Language Testing System<\/a> (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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The British Council<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n READ ALSO: How To Prepare For IELTS Speaking Test | Easy Steps<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Test of English as a Foreign Language<\/a> (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\u2019s command of the English language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n TOEFL\u00a0 is conducted by Education Testing Service<\/a> (ETS), a US-based private non-profit organization. The exam has two modes:\u00a0 Internet-Based Test (iBT) and Paper-Delivered Test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This language test evaluates your ability to speak and understand English in areas like reading, speaking, listening, and writing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may want to see How To Prepare For IELTS Exam At Home | Expert Advice<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Let’s look at the main differences between the IELTS and TOEFL:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/p>\n\n\n\n The TOEFL is only used in the classroom. Students who want to attend an English-speaking university must take this course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, as previously said, TOEFL is solely used for academic purposes, so there are no significant differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to the number of students who take the tests each year, both are extremely popular. According to data from British Council<\/a><\/strong>, over 3.5 million candidates take the IELTS yearly making it the most popular English language proficiency exam for higher institutions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Every year, about 2.3 million candidates are projected to take the TOEFL exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A student must pass four areas of both exams: reading, listening, speaking, and writing. There are, however, differences in how the exam is done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The TOEFL reading section<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A student is usually given three passages to read in the IELTS reading section<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is TOEFL?<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Are The Differences Between IELTS and TOEFL?: 9 Ways in Which the Exams Differ<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>1. Scope<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>2. Types<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>3. Locations Available<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>4. Popularity<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Interaction With the Examiner<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>6. Scoring<\/strong> <\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Exam Duration<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Frequency<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Result<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Comparing the TOEFL Vs IELTS Exams<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>IELTS Vs TOEFL: Exam Pattern & Syllabus<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Reading Section<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>TOEFL<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>IELTS<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n