The international English Language Testing System (IELTS) test your capacity to read, write, listen to, and speak English. IELTS is based in the United Kingdom, you can use either British or American spellings. There are basically 02 main strands:
- General: This is primarily for students at the high school level or lower, as well as people migrating to work in an English- speaking country.
- Academic- This strand is basically for those studying at the college or university level in an English- speaking country, or pursuing a professional career in the field like engineering and healthcare.
The academic track is more valuable. It includes more graphs, diagrams and illustrations that the General Test, but it still has an emphasis on real-world communication skills. Listening, reading and writing are all done on the same day , as a part of the same testing sessions, with no breaks.
TOELF: Is an acronym used for the Test of English Language as a Foreign Language which is a famous language proficiency test frequently opted by students aspiring to study abroad. The exam lays emphasis on testing the abilities of the applicants to communicate in classroom- based English and hence is accepted in around 130 countries.
IELTS vs TOEFL Format
The major difference lies in the format of questions as TOEFL comprises of MCQs whereas IELTS would ask you to answer the question in varied forms like fill in the blanks, short answers etc. IELTS has to be completed in 2 hours 45 minutes, on the other hand it will take you 4 hours to complete TOEFL.
IELTS is available in 2 variants- I.e.- General Training and Academic, the applicants can choose their version test as per their purpose of visit. TOEFL offers only one type of exam and is mostly opted by the student enrolled in a program abroad. IELTS demands applicants to showcase their creative thinking abilities and comprehensive skills. But looking in the TOEFL would analyze your analytical thinking and how well you can weigh their different options.
IELTS vs TOEFL Writing Section
On the ILETS test, you will have to write down 200-250 words about an argument or a diagram. If you choose to write down a table chart, you will have to explain the information given in that way. You will be required to write a 5-paragraph essay on the TOEFL. For the second question, you will have to take notes from a given text and frame a response between 150-225 words.
IELTS vs TOEFL Speaking Section
During TOEFL, the examiners will hear the candidates speak through a microphone, while the IELTS speaking test will take place in person. The TOEFL speaking test lasts 20 minutes, whereas the IELTS speaking test lasts for a maximum of 10-15 minutes. There is one notable difference between TOEFL and IELTS: IELTS allows you to attempt a speaking test before you take the other tests, whereas TOEFL does not.
TOEFL vs IELTS Reading Section
Both the TOEFL and IELTS exams will include reading passages around the lines of the ones the applicants will encounter in their programs. TOEFL will feature 3-5 reading questions to be answered in 20 minutes, while the IELTS test will feature 3 questions in this section and applicants will be asked three questions in total.
TOEFL vs IELTS Listening Section
Each of the exams has its own Listening skill test. For ILETS, you can answer the questions while you listen to the recording. There will be a variety of long and short questions. For TOEFL, you will be tested on classroom listening skills. Applicants take note while listening to the audio. Students have to solve MCQs in a given duration of 40-60 minutes in the TOEFL listening component.
IELTS vs TOEFL Score Comparison:
The TOEFL Speaking and Writing sections are primarily evaluated based on how they look, which includes your vocabulary range, writing style, and grammar. The IELTS is evaluated based on specific criteria, such as logic, coherence, grammar, and fluency. For example, an essay with a logical flow of ideas but bad grammar may score higher on a TOEFL exam, but an essay with good grammar and vocabulary but a lesser ability to communicate a concept will score higher on IELTS criteria. Your total IELTS score is determined by the average of each of your individual scores in all four tests. For example, if your overall average is 6.25, it will be rounded to 6.5. You can score 120 points on the TOEFL.
Which universities accept IELTS vs TOEFL?
Over 9000 universities around the globe accept either IELTS or TOEFL or both. If you are applying to universities in UK or Australia, IELTS is more widely accepted. Universities in USA accept TOEFL largely.
Some key facts about IELTS and TOEFL:
- TOEFL test is administered and developed by the US-based “Educational Testing Service” (ETS).
- IELTS score is reported on a 9- band scale.
- TOEFL exam’s each section is scored on a scale of 0 to 30, and the whole exam is scored on a scale of 0 to 120.
- IELTS is administered in over 140 countries, and in more than 1000 locations.
- TOEFL scores will be valid for 2 years after the administration date of the test.
- Every year you can get up to 48 IELTS test dates.
The best advice that we can provide:
First, take a sample of each type of exam and compare your results. Each has different types of questions and different ways of responding. Some students have more difficulty with one type of test than the others. Another factor to keep in mind is that the Listening section (Factor 4 above) of the IELTS requires that you type in the answers, so spellings count. If you have trouble spelling, this is another thing that you need to keep in mind. In addition, the IELTS is more of a UK-based test, so spelling do not actually count. Student choose IELTS over TOEFL or vice-versa for a variety of reasons. So please practice try-outs, sample tests and consult guide-books to see which format you’re more comfortable with. Study hard, give your best and that’s it.
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