Difference Between IELTS VS TOEFL

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are the two most important standardised tests to measure the ability of non-native speakers of English to use or understand the language. IELTS and TOEFL are both extensive and ongoing efforts of modern dialects and are designed to assess the level of English proficiency in non-native speakers. Both tests evaluate reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills separately.

IELTS Vs TOEFL is the two most common and widely accepted tests for university admission abroad. It is mandatory to provide scores on an English language proficiency test. While these tests have the same goal, they differ in crucial ways. So, unless you are sure which one to take, read our guide to learn the differences between IELTS VS TOEFL and pick the best option to fulfil your study abroad dreams.

What is IELTS vs TOEFL?

Let's quickly review the two tests before going into the head-on collision between them.

What is IELTS? 

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an exam that assesses a candidate's ability to communicate in English. The test assesses a person's English language abilities in four areas: reading, listening, writing, and speaking.

The British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English jointly administered the exam created in 1989. There are two types of exams: paper-based and computer-based.

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What is TOEFL?

The TOEFL (Test of English as an Overseas Language) is a standardised test accepted by most foreign colleges where English is the language of instruction. The exam is planned and designed to measure a student's mastery of the English language successfully.

Education Testing Service (ETS), a private non-profit organisation based in the United States, administers the exam. There are two test modes: Paper-Delivered Test (PDT) and Internet-Based test (IBT).

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IELTS VS TOEFL Factors Highlights

Are you wondering why you should take the IELTS instead of the TOEFL or vice versa? If so, check out this helpful guide on IELTS vs TOEFL!

IELTS vs TOEFL: Detailed and Section-Wise Comparison

IELTS has 48 exam dates per year, whereas TOEFL has more than 50 test dates per year. The following table clearly illustrates the distinction:

IELTS vs TOEFL Test Format

The main difference is in the format of the questions: the TOEFL uses multiple-choice questions, whereas the IELTS uses a variety of formats such as fill in the blanks, short answers, and so on. In addition, one significant difference is the length of the exams. The IELTS exam must be finished in 2 hours and 45 minutes, while the TOEFL exam will take 4 hours.

IELTS Test Format

QUICK READ: IELTS Test Pattern

TOEFL Test Format

QUICK READ: TOEFL Test Pattern

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.

Listening Section

TOEFL

The TOEFL listening section determines how well a student can listen to lectures and conversations in the classroom. Students will be required to answer questions based on 3 - 4 lectures and 2 - 3 dialogues. Each lecture is followed by six questions, while approximately five questions follow each dialogue.

IELTS 

The IELTS listening section assesses a student's ability to follow a conversation and listen for important and specific information. Four recorded speeches or discussions will be distributed to students in four portions. The first two monologues/conversations are on social demands, while the final two are about education. Questions are based on the audio, which can only be listened to once.

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 a series of 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 ideas and locate specific facts.

Speaking Section

TOEFL

The TOEFL speaking component is intended to assess a student's ability to communicate in English. An examiner scores the results of four tasks presented to the student. A pupil is asked to speak on a familiar topic in one work. Before speaking on the topic, students must read, listen, or do both in the other three integrated Speaking Tasks.

IELTS

The primary 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.

Writing Section

TOEFL

The TOEFL writing section is intended to assess a student's ability to present and communicate their ideas. 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 evaluates your ability to write a well-structured, coherent, and rational essay on the given topic. Students were required to submit two essays, one brief and the other longer.

TOEFL Score vs IELTS Score

Both the TOEFL and IELTS exams have different scoring systems. While IELTS uses a 0-9 band system, TOEFL scores vary from 0-120. With the help of the list given below about the TOEFL to IELTS score conversion table published by ETS, you may roughly predict how well you might fare on the other exam if you have taken practise tests for one.

Which Universities Accept IELTS vs TOEFL?

IELTS, TOEFL, or both are accepted by over 9000 universities worldwide. IELTS is more generally accepted by universities in the United Kingdom and Australia. USA universities widely accept the TOEFL.

1. IELTS 6 Band Universities in UK
2. IELTS 6 Band Colleges in Canada
3. IELTS 6 Band Universities in Ireland

IELTS vs TOEFL - What to Choose?

Although both examinations have outstanding reputations and are highly regarded, their methodologies, structure, and substance differ. As a result, you need carefully consider the path you will pursue.

To begin with, both the TOEFL and the IELTS test all aspects of the language.

TOEFL Exam

• Listening to a vocal recording on the computer constitutes the speaking portion.
• The writing portion entails using a computer to answer questions.
• Four tests for every four parts, such as speaking, writing, listening, and reading.
• 3-hour duration.
• A 120-point scale.
• The difficulty is average.

IELTS Exam

• An examiner is present for the speaking portion.
• The writing portion is done on a sheet with document analysis.
• 1 test for each of the four components.
• 245 minutes and 2 hours.
• A 0-to-9-point scale.
• Extremely challenging.

The TOEFL exam costs between $200 and CAD 325, whereas the IELTS exam costs $260 and CAD 390. If you're on a tight budget, this could be a problem. Finally, the best exam for you is a matter of personal preference. Hundreds of institutions worldwide have accepted each exam, and test dates are available throughout the year. Check the requirements of your university preference. Then choose which path to follow.

Moreover, when we compare IELTS and TOEFL, we can see that they differ in many ways while both exams have the same goal. If you're considering taking one of these examinations, make sure you know the differences before deciding. If you are still unsure about choosing the exam for your study abroad career, contact AECC experts. We will help the Indian students to clear the English proficiency exams to study abroad destinations like Australia, Canada, UK, USA and much more. Register now with us for more detailed pieces of information.

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