Which test should I take for studying in the United States?

Both IELTS and TOEFL are widely accepted in the United States, but TOEFL is more commonly preferred by many American universities, especially for graduate programs.

Which test is better for studying in the UK or Australia?

IELTS is the preferred test for studying in the UK, Australia, and other countries in the Commonwealth.

Can I take the IELTS or TOEFL online?

Yes, both tests offer online options

2024-11-28 |

Tests

IELTS vs. TOEFL: Which Test Should You Take for Studying Abroad?

IELTS vs TOEFL: Understanding the Test Format and Scoring

By Grad-Dreams

IELTS

TOEFL

IELTS vs. TOEFL: Which Test Should You Take for Studying Abroad?

Demonstrating your English language skills is a crucial step in the study abroad preparation process. Standardized English language proficiency exams, such as the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System), are frequently required for admission to universities and colleges across the world for non-native English speakers. As each exam meets distinct needs and preferences, choosing between the two can be difficult. To assist you in selecting the test that is most appropriate for your study abroad experience, this article explores the main distinctions, parallels, and influencing elements.

#Knowing basic principles:

IELTS: What is it?

The British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English collaborate to provide the internationally recognized IELTS English language competency exam. It assesses four abilities: speaking, writing, reading, and listening. IELTS has two test formats:

Academic IELTS: For applicants to professional registration or higher education institutions.
IELTS General Training: For students wishing to relocate or obtain job experience in English-speaking nations.
Scoring: An IELTS score of 9 indicates expert-level English ability; scores range from 0 to 9.

What is the TOEFL?

Another frequently employed test of English ability is the TOEFL, which is given by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The most popular format is TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test), however TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test) is still available in select areas. The TOEFL is a popular option for university admissions since it primarily evaluates English in a learning environment.

Scores on the TOEFL iBT range from 0 to 120, with a maximum of 30 points awarded for each section.

#Important Particularities Between the TOEFL and IELTS:

1. Format of the Test:

The four main linguistic skills assessed by the IELTS exam are speaking, writing, listening, and reading. Candidates hear four different accented audio segments in the listening portion, each of which is played just once. Three passages with a variety of question styles, such as multiple-choice, matching, and gap-fill questions, make up the reading portion. Candidates must finish two assignments for writing: one is to write an essay, and the other is to analyze and interpret a graph, chart, or diagram. The speaking portion consists of an in-person interview with an examiner, providing a customized and engaging method of assessment.
Speaking, writing, hearing, and reading are all evaluated on the TOEFL exam, however in a slightly different way. Students participate in university-style lectures and discussions in the listening phase, where taking notes is permitted. Only multiple-choice questions follow the passages in the reading section. There are two tasks in the writing section: an independent work that calls for an essay on a specific topic and an integrated task that requires a response based on a reading and listening exercise. Unlike IELTS, the speaking portion consists of six recorded responses to tasks involving any face-to-face interaction with an examiner.

2. Accent and Word Choice:

IELTS is an adaptable choice for students who want to study in different English-speaking nations because it combines American, British, and Australian accents throughout the exam. This variety guarantees a wide exposure to English usage around the world. However, the TOEFL primarily uses American English, which makes it especially appropriate for individuals who are already familiar with American language and dialects or who are applying to schools in the United States.

3. Length of Test:

Each of the four IELTS sections—speaking, reading, writing, and listening—has a set amount of time, and the test itself lasts roughly two hours and forty-five minutes. A targeted but controllable test experience is guaranteed by this succinct format. The TOEFL iBT, in contrast, offers a longer test duration with short intervals between sections, typically requiring 3 to 4 hours which can be beneficial to students.

4. Types of Questions

IELTS offers a wide range of question formats, from multiple-choice and short response questions to exercises involving diagram labeling and matching. This variability makes the assessment interesting and thorough by embracing various learning and thought processes. On the other hand, the majority of the TOEFL's sections are composed of multiple-choice questions, which some students may find easier to understand but which are less varied in their evaluation of their capacity for problem-solving.

5. The Speaking Part

Candidates engage directly with an examiner during the in-person IELTS speaking exam. Students may interact naturally in this format, which aids in the successful delivery of their ideas. Although it can be frightening for people who are uneasy with in-person interviews, many test-takers value the chance for an authentic dialogue. On the other hand, the speaking portion of the TOEFL requires computerized recording of answers to six problems. Although it might not feel as natural to certain pupils, this method relieves the strain of immediate engagement, which some find less stressful.

6. Availability of Tests

IELTS is easily accessible with more than 1,600 testing locations across the globe. It is available to a wide range of users because it provides both computer-delivered and paper-based solutions. However, because the TOEFL is mostly administered online and has fewer venues, it may not be as accessible in areas with less dependable internet service. However, people who are proficient in technology would find its online version intriguing.

#Differences among scores:

IELTS Band	TOEFL iBT Score
9	118-120
8.5	115-117
8	110-114
7.5	102-109
7	94-101
6.5	79-93
6	60-78
5.5	46-59

#Which Exam Is Recommended by Universities?

Because of its academic focus and usage of American English, US universities are more likely to accept the TOEFL. IELTS is accepted by the majority of universities, nonetheless.

UK:

Although it conforms to British English standards, IELTS is the test of choice for UK universities. Although less frequently selected, the TOEFL is still widely accepted.

New Zealand, Canada, and Australia:

In these areas, IELTS is frequently used, particularly for immigration. But a lot of colleges also accept the TOEFL.

Other Nations:

Both tests are frequently equally recognized in nations like Singapore, Germany, and France. Always confirm the requirements of the university.

#Comparing Prices:

The price of the TOEFL and IELTS exams can differ according on the nation in which they are administered. IELTS typically costs between $215 and $250, and the TOEFL costs between $185 and $300. The small price difference could affect a student's decision, especially if they are on a tight budget or live in an area where one exam is substantially less expensive than the other.

#IELTS benefits and drawbacks:

Benefits:

The IELTS face-to-face speaking exam gives students a chance to show off their natural communication abilities, which many find useful for clearly conveying their opinions.
With tasks like essay writing, matching, and multiple-choice, the question styles are well-known and simple, which helps students get ready.
In the Commonwealth countries including the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, IELTS is frequently chosen because it meets the admission standards of these universities.

Drawbacks:

Students who struggle with spelling and grammar may find it difficult to meet the test's requirements for written responses.
Students who are not accustomed to different pronunciations may find the listening segment challenging because it contains a variety of accents, such as American, British, and Australian.

Benefits and Drawbacks of the TOEFL

Benefits:

Students that are acquainted using digital interfaces and are tech-savvy will find the computer-based curriculum appealing.
The TOEFL places a strong emphasis on academic English, which helps students get ready for communication and coursework at the university level.
Subjective bias is less likely with automated scoring, which guarantees objectivity, especially for the speaking and writing sections.

Drawbacks:

Students who want to study in areas where British or other varieties of English are widely spoken may find the TOEFL's emphasis on American English inappropriate.
Some students may find the recorded speaking exercises strange since they are responding to a computer screen rather than a real person, which can restrict the spontaneity and flow of the debate.

#How to Pick the Best Test for Yourself:

Here are some important things to think about:

Verify what is needed for both your intended colleges and your visa applications.
Comfort with Test Formats: IELTS may be a better option if you prefer writing by hand. The TOEFL is the best option for people who are computer literate.
Focus on Geography: Think about the nation of study—TOEFL for the United States, IELTS for the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Budget: Make your decision based on price and your ability to pay.

Achieve Your Study Abroad Goals with Grad-Dreams

#In conclusion:

The TOEFL and IELTS are two well-respected and commonly used assessments of English ability. Your study location, personal tastes, and level of comfort with test formats will all influence your decision between the two. Make sure you select the test that best suits your academic objectives and skills by taking the time to study and get ready. Keep in mind that preparation is the key to success on either test, so concentrate on developing your English language proficiency. I hope your study abroad experience goes well!