IELTS vs. TOEFL: What Makes Them Unique?
TOEFL and IELTS are two different exams that prove your English language skills and proficiency. The two are basically popular and alike, which is why many find it difficult to determine which is most preferred in terms of schools and scores.
So, if you’re among the folks that ask questions like, TOEFL and IELTS, which should I go for? What is the nature of the Exams? Which is easier? And which has a higher score? This article is specifically designed for you.
In this article, I’ve made a review of TOEFL vs. IELTS, doing justice to all the above mentions that you might have in mind in regard to TOEFL and IELTS.
Carefully follow me closely!
Table of Contents
What is IELTS?
The IELTS is an English language test that assesses your ability to read, write, listen to, and speak the English language.
It’s utilized for a variety of reasons, including education, immigration, and employment. It is accepted by over 10,000 institutions in dozens of countries throughout the world.
Despite the fact that IELTS is based on British English, test takers have the option of using either British or American spellings in their answers. Academic and General Training versions of the test are available.
What IELTS exams comprise:
Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking are the four sections. Both examinations have the same Listening and speaking portions.
Depending on which test you take, the Reading and Writing parts have different topics. For example, in the Academic version, you write an academic essay, but in the General Training edition, you produce a business letter. Both versions of the IELTS test have the Listening, Reading, and Writing portions completed on the same day. There are no interruptions.
The Speaking section, on the other hand, can be taken up to a week before or after the other examinations. A face-to-face interview with an examiner is part of this section.
What is the TOEFL?
The TOEFL is a test that measures your ability to speak in English in a classroom setting. It’s a test run by Americans.
As a result, students seeking admission to US colleges are more likely to accept it. It employs American spellings and vocabulary, but you won’t be punished if you sound British in the speaking sections or use British spellings in the writing sections. It is accepted by over 8,500 institutions in dozens of countries throughout the world.
What TOEFL comprises:
Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking are the four sections. It takes four hours to finish the entire test. You complete assignments that need you to use your English communication abilities.
In answer to a question, you will read, listen, and then speak. The reading and listening components are given precedence.
After then, there is a ten-minute break. Following that are the parts on speaking and writing. The entire test is conducted on a computer.
What Are The Differences Between IELTS and TOEFL
Yes, there are many differences between the two exams. Now, aside from spelling and vocabulary differences, TOEFL questions are primarily multiple-choice, while IELTS challenges test takers to reply to a variety of question formats, including short response, gap-filling, and short essay projects.
Furthermore, the IELTS exam is far shorter than the TOEFL IBT exam: 2 hours and 40 minutes versus 4 hours and 40 minutes, respectively.
Both feature a speaking session, however, the IELTS speaking test is done in front of an examiner. There are no physical humans to analyze this component of the TOEFL exam.
Your responses will be recorded and then evaluated. English speakers with various accents appear on the IELTS exam. The TOEFL test is only for people who speak with an American accent.
The TOEFL exam’s writing components are typed, as opposed to the IELTS exam’s written responses. Two tasks must be completed for each test. The TOEFL essay is nearly 300 words long, whereas the IELTS essay is only 250 words long.
The amount of time spent listening varies greatly between tests. The TOEFL listening test lasts 40-60 minutes and consists of you listening to extracts from university lectures or interactions on campus.
As you listen, you must take notes and then complete a series of multiple-choice questions. Students can answer questions while listening to the recordings for the IELTS listening test. The test-takers will react to a variety of question kinds.
IELTS VS TOEFL: Which Should I go For?
To begin, figure out which test(s) the schools you’re interested in will allow. If you’re not restricted, think about which test is ideal for you.
The TOEFL is longer, but it’s all done on a computer, so if you’re worried about your penmanship — or your English while speaking with a native speaker — it could be a good choice.
IELTS is a shorter, arguably more intense test that includes a greater range of questions and assignments, as well as the opportunity to interact directly with an examiner.
The TOEFL exam costs between $200 and $325 CAD, whereas the IELTS exam costs between $260 and $390 CAD. This could be a factor if you’re on a tight budget.
In the end, your choices will determine which test is best for you. Thousands of universities around the world accept each test, and there are test dates available throughout the year.
If both are accepted by the institutions you’re interested in, you’re free to select. It’s time to study once you’ve made your decision.
- What is IELTS
Ans: The IELTS is an English language test that assesses your ability to read, write, listen to, and speak the English language.
- What is TOEFL
Ans: The TOEFL is a test that measures your ability to speak in English in a classroom setting
Both IELTS and TOEFL are standard English programs that reflect your knowledge and mastery of the English Language. They are both accepted by many universities as they form their entry requirements.
However, it’s always better to know the one between the two your university would prefer as many universities only accept one out of the two exams.