IELTS vs TOEFL: Difference and Best for Students, The Global Exposure helps you to find the difference between IELTS vs TOEFL and you can choose what is Best for you.
IELTS VS TOEFL: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
While thinking of applying for admission to a foreign university, the first eligibility testing criteria of every aspirant is none other than the linguistic proficiency, an IELTS vs TOEFL test score.
Let us have a broader look at the major differences between the two.
Basically, both these tests help the university to determine/assess your English level by analyzing levels of a student’s reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
It is well worth remembering that both the tests differ a lot in their testing formats, scoring methodology, etc.
The main issue is to decide upon a right linguistic test which is befitting to his eligibility criteria.
If need be, one can seek for expert education advisors to guide the student as to which test must be preferred depending on the university chosen for admission.
Both these tests basically demonstrate whether the student will be in a position to understand the course material or not.
Please note that both IELTS and TOEFL tests are two of the most accepted English proficiency exams all over the world.
They are however different in their examination structure, approach, and teaching methodology. So it is very important to understand how the two exams differ before the student selects which test out of the two, one should study for and thus finally decide to go through comprehensively.
Please also read our latest blog posts about the same topic:
- https://theglobalexposure.com/best-ielts-coaching-institute-west-delhi/
- https://theglobalexposure.com/best-ielts-coaching-institute-punjabi-bagh-west/
- https://theglobalexposure.com/why-choose-us-the-global-exposure/
Let us now first see what exactly is the International English Language Testing System or IELTS in brief.
It is available in two types of formats.
The former is for students planning to go for higher education abroad.
The later focuses on various social skills and workplace-related contexts.
IELTS reading practice test for academic Let us turn our attention to IELTS Academic. It uses British English and has four parts: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. It takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete the entire modules. As far as its global accreditation is concerned, it is accepted by more than 9,000 institutions. Once a student takes the test, he/she can select up to five universities where their IELTS results will be sent free of cost.
Basically there are 2 methods of taking the test. It can be either a Paper-Based Test (TOEFL PBT) or an Internet-Based Test (TOEFL IBT). TOEFL IBT is more popular.
One can register and take the TOEFL IBT at various designated centers in almost all countries and it takes about four hours to complete.
Let us now try to compare IELTS and TOEFL. Please note that in the UK, only the IELTS UKVI, used to support a student’s UK Visa and Immigration Application, is accepted. However, in Canada and the US, either TOEFL vs IELTS is acceptable. To help one find a test location for IELTS, one has to go to the IELTS website.
The cost of both tests is similar, about USD 200-300 depending on the place of the test.
As far as TOEFL is concerned, it is entirely multiple choices, while the IELTS has a mixture of short answers and essay questions.
The IELTS exam is available only as a paper-based test. It may take more than one day because extra time is required for the speaking test with the instructor.
The following brief chart compares the major aspects of both tests:
IELTS vs TOEFL
The cost of IELTS varies by country. In the U.S., the test costs nearly $215-$245. TOEFL varies by country approximately $165-$300, with most countries under $200.
IELTS exam fee Cost for IELTS varies by country. In the U.S., the test costs nearly $215-$245. TOEFL varies by country approximately $165-$300, with most countries under $200.
Test duration
IELTS test lasts for 2 hours and 45 minutes whereas TOEFL is for 4 hours.
Test modules (in order): IELTS Listening: 30 minutes along with 10 minutes additional for transferring the answer to the answer sheet. Reading: 60 minutes, Writing: 60 minutes, speaking: 11-14 minutes.
TOEFL: Reading: 60-80 minutes, Listening: 60-90 minutes, Speaking: 20 minutes, Writing: 50 minutes.
Accents one might hear in IELTS–Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, and the US. TOEFL–Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the US
Where is the test offered?
IELTS—is held in more than 1,100 locations in some 140 countries globally. TOEFL–Offered around the world
How frequently is the test offered?
IELTS–48 test dates in a year
TOEFL –More than 50 test dates in a year
Scoring pattern
IELTS –Zero to 9 TOEFL–Zero to 120
The average minimum score required by well-accredited US universities
the validity of the IELTS exam for Canada
IELTS—6.3 TOEFL —7.8
A note on speaking part of the tests that keeps you in good stead:
If a student feels more comfortable speaking English with a person on face to face basis instead of a microphone, then IELTS is more suited.
As said before the IELTS speaking section takes around 11 to 14 minutes and is conducted as a normal conversation. The student will be alone with the instructor, and you will be recorded on a tape. They generally ask some questions about a student’s home, family, studies, etc. Next, the student is shown a card with a specified topic and he/she gets about two minutes to prepare. Then the examiner discusses the topic.
TOEFL speaking test has 6 sections and lasts around 20 minutes. 2 sections generally ask your opinion on everyday topics. The remaining 4 sections focus on Integrated speaking i.e. the student will have to listen to or read something and then give some response to a recording or a passage. For each section, the student is given some preparation time before giving answers on a microphone.
Here is a tip: Please practice speaking and voicing your opinions clearly and loudly.
IELTS—one has to answer 10 questions while the audio plays. Questions will cover everyday topics.
The question format includes fill in the blanks, completing sentences, and replying either true or false.
- Note: IELTS uses different accents. TOEFL uses only American English.
TOEFL speaking test takes 1 hour, while IELTS is only for 30 minutes.
In the listening section of TOEFL, you have to listen to 4 to 6 recordings and then answer questions based on what you have heard. Questions will show one’s ability to understand content shared, and one’s ability to understand a speaker’s emotions/ motivations. Generally, one hears 2 types of recordings: conversation and lecture recordings.
Here is another Tip:
While preparing for IELTS take time to listen to different accents to avoid confusion– as this test assesses
One’s international English. Further, for both exams, please do forget to take notes while listening.
- A note on writing section
Both tests consist of two parts that require a student to write a short essay.
IELTS–a graph or chart is given in the first part, and in 20 minutes student has to write an essay of 150 words based on the information given.
In IELTS second part, an argument or a point of view island student has to write a 200- to 250-word response in 40 minutes.
TOEFL— First part requires reading some text about a certain topic and then listen to a two-minute lecture on it. Thereafter, one has to write 300 to 350 words in response to a question about this topic.
TOEFL–Second part requires writing another short essay.
One obvious difference between the two tests is that for TOEFL, the essay has to be typed on a computer, while in the IELTS essay has to be written by hand on paper.
It is wise to ascertain what you excel in; if you are not used to working on a computer keyboard then you should take IELTS.
On the other hand, if you have a flawless typing speed, then you will love taking the TOEFL.
Also, note that your handwriting must be legible lest the examiner should deduct points.
Another Tip:
Try listening to podcasts and reading articles and summarizing what you have heard or read.
IELTS
Read the texts provided and then answer questions on it so that the examiner can assess how well you have understood the texts.
There will be 40 questions in 3 parts. One has to give short answers and fill in the blanks. This will help the examiner to know if you have understood the writer’s views, opinions, and arguments, etc.
TOEFL
There will be multiple choice questions in 3 to 5 parts.
The student has to read the passages before answering around 12 to 14 questions.
Questions may include vocabulary tests, understanding test, and comprehension test.20 minutes will be allowed to complete each part.
Here is one more tip:
Do read some pieces of literature and ask yourself questions on it.
IELTS—all tests are checked manually and there are separate scores for each section from 1 to 9, and a final score of all the sections. If one doesn’t perform well in one section, the average score will come down. Try to improve your English proficiency level.
TOEFL tests are graded by humans as well as by an automated scoring system where the score is structured differently with 1 point for each question and a final score out of 120. You will receive a score from 0 to 30 for each section. You will also receive a performance feedback report on your exam compared to the average.
Note: You will have to wait for around 10 days to receive your report and the final printed score report will come in around 13 days after the test date.
Conclusion about IELTS vs TOEFL for Students
Finally, if a student is still not sure which test to go for then search for a team of experts to help him/her determine the right one based on the university he/she would love to join.
Contact us for FREE Consulting about IELTS vs TOEFL:
[caldera_form id=”CF5c41658b54bf0″]
