IELTS vs. TOEFL: Everything You Need to Know to Make an Informed Decision

English language ability is now essential for success in both the classroom and the workplace in today's worldwide society. Standardized examinations like the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are frequently used by non-native English speakers to demonstrate their language proficiency. Test-takers must be aware of these distinctions to select the appropriate test for their objectives, even if both exams measure English language ability. These differences include format, content, scoring, and regional preferences.?

Exam Structure and Format

There are two versions of the IELTS available: Academic and General Training. While the General Training version is utilized for migration purposes and in certain vocational training programs, the Academic version is normally required for professional registration and university admissions. The four components of the IELTS exam are Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. The exam lasts for about two hours and forty-five minutes in total. Notably, the Speaking portion offers a more intimate exchange as it entails a face-to-face conversation with an examiner.

Conversely, There are two ways to take the TOEFL: online (TOEFL iBT) or paper-based (TOEFL PBT). But TOEFL iBT is the most widely used.?

However, keep in mind that the speaking module cannot be completed for the exam on paper. As a result, the TOEFL PBT is a little bit shorter than the iBT. For the reading and listening sections, there might also be one fewer reading passage and one fewer lecture and conversation.

The test includes certain integrated sections, as you can see from the outline below, which combine multiple skills into one section. For example, you may be required to base a portion of your writing on a text you have read.

Nature of questions and tasks

Reading

IELTS: 40 questions from 4 long passages

TOEFL: 20 questions; You must read passages and answer questions

Listening

IELTS: You are given four recorded texts and are required to respond to a series of questions that evaluate your understanding of the speaker's main points, specific details, viewpoints, and attitudes.

TOEFL: You have to respond to questions concerning quick lectures or class discussions, totaling 28 questions.

Writing

IELTS: Two activities require test takers to describe or summarise data that is displayed to them in the form of graphs, diagrams, etc.

TOEFL: There are two assignments that need you to read a passage, play a recording, and type your answer.

Additionally, you will be required to express and defend a viewpoint in an online course discussion.

Speaking

IELTS: One test with three sections and questions covering general subjects is given.

TOEFL: Four assignments will require you to discuss readings and listening, as well as to speak on a topic you are familiar with.

Scoring Systems

IELTS: Each segment of the IELTS is given a band score ranging from 1 to 9, and the total band score is the mean of the four sections. The results are given in full and half bands (6.5, 7.0, for example). Usually, colleges and other organizations determine the minimum band scores needed for entry or other uses.

TOEFL: The TOEFL iBT is worth 120 points, with 30 points awarded for each of the four sections (reading, listening, speaking, and writing). The sum of the scores from each of the four sections equals the overall score. Schools frequently have minimum overall score criteria, occasionally together with certain sectional score limitations.

Acceptance and Preferences in Regions

IELTS: In Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, the IELTS is more commonly accepted. Numerous US and Canadian institutions also acknowledge it.

TOEFL: Although the TOEFL is acknowledged everywhere, it is especially well-liked in the US and Canada, where many US colleges even require or even prefer TOEFL results.

Test Availability and Accessibility

While both examinations are widely accessible globally, there are differences in their accessibility. The TOEFL iBT is available more regularly, sometimes multiple times a week, depending on the region, but the IELTS is only offered at various test centers up to four times a month. In addition, the COVID-19 epidemic has increased interest in the TOEFL's new TOEFL iBT Home Edition, which enables test-takers to take the exam remotely.?

In summary, choosing the appropriate test for your objectives requires an awareness of the distinctions between the TOEFL and IELTS. We at La Foret provide thorough preparation programs that are specifically designed to help you reach your academic and professional goals by offering individualized tactics, professional coaching, and practice materials for both the TOEFL and the IELTS.