IELTS vs TOEFL

The TOEFL (Test of English as a foreign language) and IELTS (International English Language testing system) are two of the most popular English proficiency test that is widely accepted across the globe. Due to their undeniable popularity, concluding IELTS VS TOEFL is no more left an easy task. So, the decision will ultimately depend on the number of factors.

But before that maybe you all are wondering or in the greatest dilemma that, What actually is TOEFL test? Or What is the IELTS test?

Let’s start with a brief introduction of two of them I.e. TOEFL and IELTS.

Introduction to TOEFL

TOEFL(Test of English as a foreign language) as per its name suggests, is outlined to evaluate the linguistic ability of non-native speakers who dream to study overseas mainly in the USA.

This TOEFL test was first conducted in 1964. Since then it works as a sole evidence of English language in more than 5,200 colleges and universities across the globe.

Depending upon the other factors  this TOEFL test  is further categorized into two types:

TOEFL IBT (Internet Based Test) and TOEFL PBT (Paper Based Test)

Its 4 hrs long test which evaluates not only your Reading and Listening skills but also Writing and Speaking too.

Later this TOEFL test is scored on a scale of 0-120 points.

Each of the four testing skills I.e. Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking receives an individual score ranges from 0-30.

Later, the scaled score from the four sections is added together to determine the final score of this TOEFL test.

Now after getting familiar with the TOEFL test, its time to move towards our next station I.e IELTS test.

IELTS test

IELTS, the International English Language Testing System is outlined to evaluate the language ability of the candidates who are either ambitious to study and work overseas or are the global migrants.

It was first conducted in 1989. Since then this test is effectively taken and jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment.

Types of IELTS test

Depending upon the purpose of interest to take IELTS test, the exam is further categorized into IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

IELTS Academic Test

This exam is suitable for students who want to pursue a bachelor or postgraduate degree programme or the ones who are seeking professional registration in the UK.

IELTS General Training

This exam is taken by ones who are either planning to study, work or train in an English native land like Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the U.K.

Regardless of any of the two types of IELTS, the time duration of the IELTS test is 2 hours 45 minutes.

IELTS is a task-based test which not only analyses your reading or writing skills but listening and speaking too.

Later, four of the testing skills are scored on the basis of 9-Band Scoring which ranges between 0-9 (Nonuser-Expert)

Each of the four testing skills gets their individual Band score and later, the arithmetic mean is taken to get an overall score.

With the proposition of both the tests along with the prior agenda of TOEFL VS IELTS let’s consolidate the factors of contrast.

IELTS VS TOEFL

	IELTS	TOEFL
Time Duration	2 hours 45 minutes	4 hours
Test Centres	1,200 test centres in over 140 countries.	4,500 test centres in 165 countries
Scoring	On a sliding scale from 0-120 points	Follows a 9-Band Scoring.

After knowing about both of the tests; TOEFL and IELTS, the question that frequently crossed your mind is ‘Should I take IELTS or Should I go with TOEFL?’

The fight between IELTS VS TOEFL, and last, Which of the two is the easiest; TOEFL or IELTS?

By giving a break to your inner turmoil, see the main similarities & differences between the two tests that will apparently direct you to choose the better and cherish the best.

IELTS VS TOEFL: Obtainability

This is the foremost criteria to move further, at first place you need to check that the university/school you are willing to enrol whether accepts TOEFL or IELTS.

You can check some top-notch universities which accept IELTS and the band score they need here.

Whereas if you want to check about TOEFL, you can check here

IELTS VS TOEFL: Similarities

Both IELTS and TOEFL evaluates you on the basis of four testing skills I.e. Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.

Two of them are globally accepted and taken as an evidence of the English language in a wide range of universities/ schools and organizations.

When it comes to the fees for the exam, there is not much difference as well. With both costing between $150 and $250 depending upon the place where you give.

With this, the similarities between the two test end right here, leaving behind the lot more differences which we are going to discuss right here and right now.

Though four of the testing skills are the same in both, the criterion of evaluation is different in both.

IELTS VS TOEFL Differences: Speaking Skill

This is most probably the major difference in both of the test.

In the IELTS Speaking module, there is a one to one interview between the candidate and evaluator I.e. real person, whereas in TOEFL test you will speak to a computer.

TOEFL Speaking test is 20 minutes evaluation in which you will be asked 6 questions.

Out of 6, two questions will be based on familiar topics such as your family, hobbies or about your hometown.

Then you will be asked to give an opinion on a certain conversation. At the time of wrapping up this TOEFL Speaking section, you will be asked to summarise information from a short conversation.

Whereas the IELTS Speaking module is 11-14 minutes evaluation, it is a one to one interview between the candidate and evaluator.

This task has three sections. The first section(4-5 minutes) is just like a casual conversation about familiar topics like family, hobby etc.

Then here comes a Section 2(3-4 minutes) which is more likely of an extempore where you will be provided with a topic to speak followed by Section 3 (4-5 minutes) where you will be asked questions by the evaluator on the same topic.

After doing the IELTS Speaking Module VS TOEFL Speaking test,  the one who is going to decide which one of both test was better is ‘you’.

As some of us, who has a shy nature and are not comfortable while making a conversation with a stranger might find TOEFL a better option.

Whereas some of us feel very unnatural talking to a computer adding to the advantage of asking the evaluator to clarify information will find IELTS a better option.

IELTS VS TOEFL Differences: Writing Skills

The biggest difference between the two test here is the way of putting down your words.

As the TOEFL IBT is a computer-based exam, you will be asked to type everything on a keyboard.

Whereas in IELTS you will be asked to write it down on paper.

Now let me show you how the difference of opinion will be arises here.

Some of us who has very bad handwriting will actually like TOEFL here while many of us want to make our pen as a sword resulting in writing an IELTS test.

IELTS VS TOEFL Differences: Listening Skills

Coming to the IELTS Vs TOEFL for listening test, the major difference that arises on the part of both the test is based on length, context, and accent.

The TOEFL listening test is 60 minutes long evaluation whereas IELTS listening test is 30 minutes evaluation.

Many of the students, who are still not habitual of English language find the TOEFL test very long, and often lose their concentration and miss their answers.

This makes them make their path towards the IELTS test.

TOEFL test is fully based on the academic context whereas IELTS test is half academic and half social.

The TOEFL test is purely based on multiple choice questions whereas the IELTS test has a diversity of questions.

So, some candidates find multiple choice questions easier and this becomes the reason for them to make their way towards the TOEFL test.

IELTS VS TOEFL Differences: Reading Skill

The major difference between the two test arises on the basis of question types and context.

The TOEFL test has multiple choice questions only and the IELTS test has a wide range of question types.

Many of the candidates like multiple choice questions so they move towards TOEFL whereas many of the students don’t like them and make their way towards IELTS.

They usually think that a wide range of questions will provide them with the greater opportunity to score higher or we can say score well.

The other reason because of which many of the test takers make their shift towards IELTS is that they find TOEFL a quiet longer exam than IELTS and they think that TOEFL requires a greater level of concentration and mental stamina.

Hope you have gone through the similarities and differences, from the pros and cons of both the exams quite well.

As the one who is going to be the judge, as well as referee of IELTS Vs TOEFL, is “you”

Nobody except you knows your strength as well as weaknesses well.  While moving at the stronger end, it will be you who is going to declare the winner of IELTS Vs TOEFL.

Good luck in order to choose best in already better choices!