IELTS vs TOEFL: A Guide For You
If you are planning to study abroad, you must prove your English language proficiency. To fulfill this requirement, students can appear for Language proficiency tests, IELTS, or TOEFL. Are you a study abroad aspirant and confused between IELTS and TOEFL? Here is how you can decide smartly with the information given in this article.
There are many factors that will help you determine whether to take IELTS or TOEFL. These are language proficiency tests and have a similar format that involves listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It is difficult to say which one is easier than the other. Hence, the following criteria will help you figure out the pros and cons of each test. If you’re comparing IELTS vs TOEFL, consider the following:
IELTS vs TOEFL: Quick Comparison Overview
| Criteria | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of Test | Both paper-based and computer-based | Completely online-based (TOEFL iBT) |
| Accent | British & other international accents | Mostly American accent |
| Test Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes (can be split across 2 days) | 4 hours (all sections on the same day) |
| Speaking Test | Face-to-face with an examiner | Recorded answers via microphone |
| Choice of Universities | Preferred in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe | Preferred in the USA (widely accepted with GRE) |
| Writing Topics | More analytical & brainstorming required; handwritten if paper test | Simpler essay topics; typed on a computer |
| Listening Section | 30 minutes; write answers while listening | 60 minutes; longer audios, only MCQs |
| Reading Section | Multiple question types: fill-in-the-blanks, match headings, T/F/NG | Only multiple-choice questions |
| Scoring System | Band score scale: 0–9 | Score scale: 0–120 |
| Score Validity | Valid for 2 years | Valid for 2 years |
Detailed Breakdown Between IELTS and TOEFL
1- Key Differences in Test Format and Structure
- Nature of the test– IELTS is a paper-based test, while TOEFL is completely online-based. If you are more inclined towards the traditional paper-pen pattern of learning, IELTS will be good to go with. If you are techno-savvy and find no difficulties reading passages and typing online, then the TOEFL should be good for you.
- Accent– You’ll find IELTS easier, especially with the listening section, if you are comfortable with the British accent or if you are more at ease with the American accent. Hence, decide accordingly. This is one of the key differentiators in the IELTS vs TOEFL comparison.
- Test Duration– IELTS takes place on two different days. The first day of the exam requires about 2 hours and 45 minutes of time. Comparatively, TOEFL takes about 4 hours to complete, as all four sections of the exam are held on the very same day. So, if you want to give a shorter exam, then go for IELTS.
2- Comparison of Sections and Acceptance
- Speaking Test– In the IELTS test, you have a 1-1 session between the examiner and the candidate for the speaking test. If you are good with your command of the language and can express yourself freely, IELTS is the right choice for you. On the other hand, TOEFL requires you to record all your answers online through a microphone for the speaking test. For people who are bad at giving interviews, TOEFL might be easy as you’ll be answering a machine rather than a person.
- Choice of universities– If you are applying for an institution in the US, then consider taking the TOEFL since it is more widely accepted in the US, along with the GRE. For countries in Europe, IELTS is the most preferred choice. So, depending on the region, your IELTS vs TOEFL decision might shift.
- Writing Topics– The essay topic for TOEFL is very simple and hardly requires brainstorming as compared to the topic asked in the IELTS essay writing section. Also, if you do not have good handwriting, then typing an essay online for the TOEFL test should fit your bill.
- Listening section– The TOEFL listening test is 60 minutes long, and the IELTS listening test is 30 minutes. In terms of concentration, most students find the TOEFL listening test very long, and this results in them losing concentration and missing out on answers. In comparison, the IELTS listening test involves listening as well as writing down answers simultaneously, which is an exciting and easy task.
- Reading section– The TOEFL reading test has multiple-choice questions only. On the other hand, IELTS has a range of different questions, including fill-in-the-blanks, matching the headings, and True, False, or Not Given.
How to Choose Between IELTS and TOEFL
It is highly recommended that you take a diagnostic test for both exams and then decide on the basis of your adaptability and scores.
Top Countries and Universities Accepting IELTS/TOEFL
If you are planning to study in the USA, UK, Germany, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or Canada, then a language proficiency test is a mandatory requirement for admission to almost all universities.
The TOEFL score is accepted by all countries, but is popular in universities in the USA, Canada, and some universities in the UK, Ireland. IELTS is widely accepted by all the universities in all the countries, and therefore, students mostly prefer to take IELTS.
How to Decide Which Test is Right for You?
Both tests have their own standards and acceptance ratios. However, the selection of the test depends on which format you are comfortable with, the country that you are applying to, the time, and the duration.
IELTS has paper-based as well as computer-based test options. Its speaking test is conducted face-to-face, and questions are based on real-time human interactions. Whereas TOEFL is a computer-based and MCQ-based examination, comfortable for those who are tech-savvy.
Choose for IELTS – if you are comfortable with the pen and paper pattern, face-to-face interactive speaking.
Choose for TOEFL – if you are comfortable with computer-based exam, multiple-choice questions, and if you are applying to USA or Canada Universities, and appearing for GRE.
Expert Tips to Prepare for IELTS and TOEFL
If you want to grab the excellent scores in the Language test, you must select the test format that you are comfortable with, understand its assessment patterns, and rules carefully. Understand the modules of writing, reading, listening, and speaking. Study each module properly and take the sample tests or official practice tests available on the official websites to understand your strengths and loopholes.
You can also take up the official courses, study guides, or materials, or even personal coaching/tutors, for improving your results.
How Education Street helps you prepare for IELTS and TOEFL
At Education Street, we provide coaching for both IELTS and TOEFL. We have well-experienced faculty, having more than 20 years of experience in language coaching. They prepare the students to enhance their proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Our Coaching service includes –
- Free Demo lecture
- 30 live interactive classes for IELTS
- 15 live interactive classes for TOEFL
- 4 mock tests
- Study material
- Early morning and late batches are also available
Some Frequently Asked Questions About IELTS & TOEFL
- What are the full forms of IELTS and TOEFL?
IELTS stands as the International English Language Testing System, whereas TOEFL stands as the Test of English as a Foreign Language
- How to prepare for IELTS and TOEFL?
You can take up the official courses, study guides, or materials, or even personal coaching/tutors, for improving your results. Appear for the practice tests to know your strengths and weaknesses.
- Are IELTS and TOEFL same?
IELTS and TOEFL are both language proficiency tests that assess the reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. But they have a different pattern of exams, question types, different times and durations, and scoring systems.
- What are the IELTS and IELTS fees?
IELTS Stands for the International English Language Testing System. It is a language test used as a tool by universities to assess the language proficiency of applicants. IELTS exam fees are INR 18000.
- Which is easier between IELTS or TOEFL?
TOEFL is a computer-based and MCQ-based exam. So if a student is comfortable with typing and the Multiple-choice pattern, they may find this exam easier. Whereas it offers both paper-based and computer-based exams, and face-to-face speaking, an academic-based pattern. So if the student is comfortable with this pattern may find IELTS easier than TOEFL.
- Which countries allow students to study without IELTS or TOEFL?
IELTS and TOEFL are not compulsory requirements in French universities. However, it is recommended to take IELTS to prove your efficiency to the Embassy at the time of the visa.
Some UK Universities offer an English Language Test waiver based on the Medium of Instruction letter or 12th standard English Scores.
- How can I study abroad without IELTS or TOEFL?
Some UK Universities offer an English Language Test waiver based on the Medium of Instruction letter or 12th standard English Scores.
- What are the benefits of IELTS and TOEFL?
Good Scores on IELTS or TOEFL can help you get admitted to your preferred universities and study at your dream destination. It also increases the chances of scholarships.
Author Name: Ankita Thakker
Designation: Founder & CEO of Education Street
