IELTS vs TOEFL: Based on the assessment of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, both IELTS and TOEFL are English proficiency tests one needs to qualify to apply to universities in English-speaking countries.
Simply put, an Indian student who wants to study abroad or go overseas with professional goals must undergo these tests.
But, which one to choose?
The ever confusing battle of IELTS vs TOEFL continues. Let us guide you in making this decision easier and provide you with the details of each examination.
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IELTS vs TOEFL: What are the differences?
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most renowned language proficiency tests taken by students interested in attaining International education or overseas occupational purposes. The IELTS score is accepted in over 140 countries and is divided into two main variants:
- IELTS General Training (For working professionals)
- IELTS Academic (For Education)
Test of English Language as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is an esteemed English proficiency test opted by the students who want to study abroad. Accepted in around 130 countries, this test emphasizes the ability to communicate in classroom-based English.
IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is better?
Essential points of comparison:
IELTS:
- Conducted by: British Council and IDP Education Ltd.
- Types: IELTS Academics, IELTS General Training
- Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes, paper or computer-based exam
- Frequency: Less than 50 times a year
- Result Announcement: 13-15 days after the exam
- Acceptance Numbers: Accepted in over 9000 organizations globally
- Fees of the Exam: Approximately INR 15000/-
TOEFL:
- Conducted by: Educational Testing Services
- Types: TOEFL iBT
- Duration: 4 hours. 10 minutes break within sections, computer-based exam.
- Frequency: More than 50 times a year
- Result Announcement: 10 days after the exam
- Acceptance Numbers: Accepted in over 10000 organizations globally
- Fees of the Exam: Approximately INR 14000/-
IELTS vs TOEFL: Test Format
While the IELTS question format is fill-in-the-blanks or short answers, demanding the applications to showcase their creative thinking abilities, TOEFL conducts its examination in MCQ format to focus more on the analytical skills.
Both the exams’ score is based on reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities.
For IELTS:
| Section | Number of Activities | Duration |
| Reading | 3 (short answer from reading material) | 60 min |
| Writing | 2 (1. Explain the information in the given diagram, table, etc.) (2. 200-250 word argument for a given viewpoint) | 60 min |
| Listening | 4 (answer the questions while listening to the recording) | 30 min |
| Speaking | 3 (face to face) | 10-15 min |
For TOEFL:
| Section | Number of Activities | Duration |
| Reading | 40-60 (MCQs from reading material) | 60-80 min |
| Writing | 2 tasks (1. Five-paragraph essay of 300-350 words on a topic.) (2. 150-250 word response from the given notes) | 50 min |
| Listening | 30-50 (takes notes while listening and answers later) | 60-90 min |
| Speaking | 30-50 (recorded and sent) | 20 min |
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IELTS vs TOEFL: Score Comparison
The scoring is based on your vocabulary range, writing style, and grammar. IELTS takes into consideration your criteria like logical reasoning in answers, coherence, grammar, and fluency in the language.
The IELTS scoring is done on a scale of 1-9, your result being an average score of all the four exams taken. TOEFL scoring is based on the number of right answers given.
| IELTS Score | TOEFL Score | Proficiency Level |
| 0-5 | 0-45 | Intermittent/Limited |
| 5-6.5 | 45-90 | Modest |
| 6.5-7.5 | 90-110 | Competent/Good |
| 7.5-8.5 | 110-115 | Very Good |
| 8.5-9 | 115-120 | Excellent |
IELTS vs TOEFL: Which should you take?
Like any other exams, you need to reason with yourself before taking these two as well. Certain aspects that you need to consider before you start preparing for any of them are:
- Preference: Over 9000 universities globally accept both scores. However, the Universities of the UK and Australia accept IELTS more widely and the USA accepts TOEFL largely.
- Preparation: You need 3-6 weeks to prepare for IELTS whereas 2 to 3 months for TOEFL, so base your preparation on your entrance application timings.
- Procedure: Where IELTS can be conducted on paper or computer, TOEFL is conducted only on a computer. See which one is best suited as per your writing/typing speed.
- Plan: For IELTS you can break up the sections and give the exams over a span of a few weeks. For TOEFL, you have to give the entire paper in one sitting.
IELTS vs TOEFL: Which language exam to choose?
- IELTS is less time-consuming than TOEFL.
- IELTS is more lenient for the use of US English or UK English whereas TOEFL prefers one language overall.
- IELTS lets you express the answer and be more responsive.
- TOEFL is MCQ based and hence quick.
- TOEFL is less expensive than IELTS and the chances given are more in a year.
IELTS vs TOEFL: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Which one of the two, IELTS or TOEFL, is easier?
IELTS is usually considered easier than the TOEFL due to its leniency in preparing and giving the examination over a span of a few weeks.
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- How can one prepare for IELTS and TOEFL?
Practicing the English language with study material, and audio-visual aids improve reading, writing, and listening skills. Use the language for day-to-day conversations to enhance fluency. Some private coaching Institutes also provide training for these exam preparations.
- How many times can I take IELTS/TOEFL?
Officially, there is no limit on the attempts that you can give for these two exams. You should be above the age of 16 years and hold a valid passport to appear in the examinations.
– Written by Dr. Vinita Vashist