With each year, we see an increasing number of Indian students going to study abroad. Needless to say, they devote a lot of time in doing their homework on every aspect of their ambition, and their research tells them that to study in a country where English is the medium of instruction, they need to pass an English exam, conducted for non-native speakers of English, from TOEFL to IELTS to PTE.
This is where their smooth flight of meticulous planning hits turbulence. They discover that there are many such exams, and to know about them, they must engage themselves in yet another research. Well, this is where we come into the picture. Read on our take on TOEFL compared to IELTS, and we assure you that by the time you reach the end of this article, you would have the clearest idea possible, about the two exams.
TOEFL Full Form: Test of English as Foreign Language
IELTS Full Form: International English Language Testing System
TOEFL is more favored by American institutions of higher education. This test is conducted by the U.S.-based Education Testing Service and is conducted in American English. However, almost 8500 institutions across 130 countries accept TOEFL scores. This examination tests one’s ability to communicate in English in primarily academic settings.
IELTS tests one’s communication skills related to not just academics, but also to immigration and occupation. The IELTS scores are accepted by 9000 institutions across 130 countries. The British Council, in association with the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, and IDP Education, Australia, conducts this examination. By now, you might have guessed that IELTS scores are required more for studying in the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.
Let us now focus on some major differences between IELTS and TOEFL.
The former is conducted online, while the latter is a paper-based test, and is of two types. If you need to take IELTS Exam for academic purposes, you will appear for one kind of examination, and if you need the scores for immigration and occupational requirements, your IELTS will be of the second kind.
TOEFL is a multiple-choice examination, whereas IELTS will require you to write short answers, essays, and fill gaps. Interestingly, the paper-based IELTS is a 160-minute test, whereas the online TOEFL is a 240-minute assessment of a candidate’s knowledge of English.
To take TOEFL and score well, you will need good analytical skills, whereas for IELTS, your memory and comprehension skills will be tested thoroughly.
|
TOEFL vs IELTS |
TOEFL |
IELTS |
|---|---|---|
|
Exam duration |
4 hours |
2 hours 45 minutes |
|
Exam Fees |
$170 / ₹12485 approx. |
$173 / ₹12650 appox. |
|
Scoring Scales |
0-120 score |
0-9 bands |
|
Test Centers |
4500 world wide |
1100 worldwide |
|
Differnce between Modules of TOEFL and IELTS |
||
|
Speaking |
On microphone |
Personal interview |
|
Writing |
Typing on Keyboard |
On Paper |
|
Listening |
American Accents |
Various English Accents |
|
60 minutes |
30 minutes |
|
|
MCQ |
Varies with question |
|
|
Reading |
Academic Texts |
Both Academic and non-Academic Texts |
TOEFL and IELTS are both divided into various components. There are the speaking tests, writing tests, reading tests, and listening tests in both examinations. In this way, structurally, both the examinations are similar. However, for the speaking test in IELTS, you will need to face an examiner, whereas for the same test in TOEFL, you will answer into a microphone, and your answers would be recorded and assessed.
We have already informed you that TOEFL is an online examination. Therefore, for TOEFL Exam, you will need impressive typing skills. IELTS is a traditional paper-based exam, and you will need to have legible handwriting, and the required speed to complete the paper on time. The reading and listening tests of both the exams are quite similar.
You should take TOEFL if:
You should take IELTS if:
Finally, let us tell you the scoring pattern. You will be graded on a band system of one to nine, in IELTS, whereas for TOEFL, you will be graded out of one hundred and twenty points. Now that you know all that you need to, about the two tests, choose your country and university, and find out from the institution’s website which tests score they accept. And then plunge headlong into the preparations for that test.
Read Also:-
Dhruv is Content Creator at Jeduka.com. He is fond of words and everything related to them. Writing about different things from around the world gives him immense pleasure, and a very healthy by-product is sharing the information and helping others in the process.
Register here to get newsletters for the latest study abroad news & free counselling assistance.
Categories: Exams related
Tags: Entrance Exam