Choosing between the IELTS and TOEFL exams can be hard. Both are accepted by over 10,000 organizations worldwide. They are key for study and work abroad. This article helps you understand their differences, formats, and scoring. By the end, you’ll know which one fits your goals best.
Key Takeaways
- IELTS costs INR 16,250, while TOEFL costs INR 16,900.
- IELTS provides band scores from 1 to 9, whereas TOEFL scores range from 0 to 120.
- IELTS listening section is 30 minutes with 40 questions, while TOEFL listening is 41-57 minutes with 28-39 questions.
- IELTS is accepted by more than 11,000 universities worldwide; TOEFL is accepted by over 11,500 institutions globally.
- IELTS results are available within 3-5 days, while TOEFL results take approximately 6-10 days.
For a deeper look at IELTS vs TOEFL difficulty, check out these details. Consider exam format and time. This helps decide which is better: IELTS or TOEFL.
Introduction to IELTS and TOEFL
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are major English tests. They are key for non-native English speakers who want to study or move to English-speaking countries. Knowing about ielts toefl comparison helps choose the right one.
Full Form and History
IELTS started in 1980. It is owned by IDP: IELTS Australia, the British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English. It’s accepted by over 11,000 places globally. TOEFL began in 1964. Educational Testing Services (ETS) runs it. It’s recognized by over 12,000 universities worldwide.
These tests are crucial for international students. IELTS is taken in more than 60 countries and has over 3,000 test centers. TOEFL is accepted by more universities. ielts vs toefl score comparison shows IELTS scores range from 0-9, TOEFL scores go up to 120 overall.
What Each Exam Tests
IELTS and TOEFL check important language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. IELTS Academic takes about three hours. TOEFL iBT is nearly two hours. Each test has unique formats and tasks.
- IELTS Listening: You answer as you listen, like filling in blanks.
- TOEFL Listening: You answer multiple-choice questions after discussions.
- IELTS Speaking: There is a face-to-face talk with an examiner.
- TOEFL Speaking: You talk to a computer and answer questions.
- IELTS Writing: There are two different tasks, written on paper.
- TOEFL Writing: There’s one timed writing task, typed on a computer.
IELTS scores come in 3-13 days. TOEFL scores take 4-13 days. Knowing these ielts toefl comparison facts helps pick the best exam for your goals.
Key Differences Between IELTS and TOEFL
When comparing ielts versus toefl, they have different owners and test formats. Each test checks how well you know English. They both fit different needs and likes.
Administration and Ownership
The British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English run the IELTS. It’s accepted by over 10,000 places worldwide. These include jobs, immigration, universities, and schools. IELTS has about 1,600 places to take the test around the world. It is often chosen in places like India.
The TOEFL is run by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) in the US. It has over 6,000 test centers in more than 170 countries. Students going to North American schools often pick TOEFL. Many universities take it, but Canadian and UK immigration don’t usually.
Test Format Variations
ielts versus toefl show clear differences in structure. The IELTS can be on paper or computer and has four parts. These are reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to finish. The test has many types of questions, like multiple-choice and essays.
The TOEFL iBT is only on computer. It includes reading, lectures, talking, writing, and speaking parts. It lasts 3 hours. TOEFL focuses on North American English. IELTS listens to various English accents.
For speaking, TOEFL talks to a computer, no people. IELTS talks to a person face-to-face. Some people find this easier and more friendly.
| Aspect | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Administered By | British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, Cambridge Assessment English | Educational Testing Service (ETS) |
| Test Format | Paper-based and Computer-based | Computer-based |
| Test Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes | Up to 3 hours |
| Speaking Test | Face-to-face with an examiner | Computer-based interface |
| Accents Used in Listening | Various (British, Australian, American) | Primarily North American |
IELTS vs TOEFL Test Format
Choosing between IELTS or TOEFL starts with knowing their formats. We’ll look at what makes each exam unique. This helps you decide which test might be easier for you based on its structure.
Listening Section
IELTS and TOEFL listening parts are a bit similar but also different. They both have 40 questions. Yet, how long they take is not the same:
- IELTS Listening: 30 minutes
- TOEFL Listening: 41-57 minutes
IELTS involves listening to recordings of English speakers and then answering questions. TOEFL includes academic lectures and dialogues. This serves to mimic being in a classroom.
Reading Section
Reading parts of both exams show differences in time and questions:
- IELTS Reading: 40 questions, 60 minutes
- TOEFL Reading: 40 questions, 54-72 minutes
IELTS tests reading with assorted passages. TOEFL focuses on academic texts. It tests how well you understand and know words.
Writing Section
The writing tasks check how well you write in English. Here are the differences:
- IELTS Writing: 2 tasks, 60 minutes
- TOEFL Writing: 2 tasks, 50 minutes
In IELTS, you’ll summarize info and give your opinion. TOEFL makes you answer questions on a reading and lecture. Then, you’ll write an essay by yourself.
Speaking Section
The speaking parts of each test vary greatly:
- IELTS Speaking: 3 parts, 10-15 minutes (face-to-face chat with an examiner)
- TOEFL Speaking: 4 tasks, 17 minutes (talking into a microphone)
IELTS has a one-on-one interview, which some find less scary. TOEFL has you speak into a mic. This feels more formal and less friendly.
Checking out the IELTS vs TOEFL test format helps figure out which fits your skills more. This guides your choice on which exam might be easier for you.
Question Types in IELTS and TOEFL
The IELTS and TOEFL exams test your English in different ways. Looking at ielts vs toefl question types, it’s clear they offer unique challenges. This could impact how well you do, depending on what you’re good at.
In the TOEFL exam, there are mostly multiple-choice questions. This is true for speaking, writing, listening, and reading. If you like multiple-choice and can handle a long test, this could be good for you.
The IELTS exam, however, uses different kinds of questions. You’ll see things like filling in the blanks and giving short answers. This variety tests your skills in various ways, all in a shorter test time. Many candidates wonder about the best approach to prepare for the exam, leading to discussions about ielts preparation classes vs selfstudy. While classes provide structured guidance and expert feedback, self-study allows for a flexible, personalized pace. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual learning styles and time constraints. To enhance your performance, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the question formats beforehand. One of the best tips for IELTS test day is to practice time management, ensuring you allocate sufficient time for each section. Additionally, staying calm and focused will help you tackle the questions more effectively. This approach makes the test not only challenging but also engaging, as it requires you to think critically and respond to prompts quickly. Additionally, the IELTS exam benefits for English improvement by exposing you to different contexts and vocabulary, helping to broaden your language proficiency. By preparing for these diverse question types, test-takers can enhance their overall communication skills in real-life situations.
The speaking part of the IELTS is short, about 12-15 minutes. It feels like a conversation. The TOEFL’s speaking section is longer and has you talk into a microphone. Your responses get checked by several people.
Writing in IELTS focuses on essays from data like graphs. It tests your analytical and descriptive skills. TOEFL’s writing asks you to write about a topic after reading a text and listening to a lecture. It’s great for showing off your writing skills.
IELTS uses different questions that you might see in real life. This shows off many skills. For example, in listening, you answer questions while listening to a setup like a classroom. TOEFL listening has you answer after you’ve heard all the information. It uses a lot of multiple-choice.
Choosing the right exam depends on what types of questions you’re more comfortable with. Below is a table showing the main differences between ielts vs toefl question types: When evaluating your options, it’s also essential to consider the exam format and scoring system that best matches your strengths. For a comprehensive understanding of how different exams compare, an “ielts exam vs pte exam comparison” can provide valuable insights into aspects like speaking components and overall test length. Ultimately, choosing the right test can greatly influence your performance and results.
| Aspect | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes | Up to 4 hours |
| Question Types | Essay, short-answer, sentence completion | All multiple-choice |
| Speaking Module | 12-15 mins, conversational | 20 mins, recorded answers |
| Listening Module | 10 questions during playback | Questions post-recording |
| Writing Module | 20 mins essay from visual data | Topic response after reading and listening |
This table helps you see which exam might suit you better. Either way, knowing these differences can help you succeed.
IELTS vs TOEFL: Which is Easier to Score Higher?
Choosing between the IELTS and TOEFL can be hard. Both have different scoring systems and test different skills. Knowing these can help you pick the right one.
IELTS Scoring System
The IELTS uses a nine-band scale from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert). It tests listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Each skill’s score is rounded to the nearest 0.5. Your total score is an average of these.
IELTS scores are known for being reliable. They have been around for over 30 years. Plus, over 12,000 organizations trust them worldwide.
TOEFL Scoring System
The TOEFL uses both raw and scaled scores. You get scored out of 30 for each section. So, the total score is between 0 and 120. This system shows detailed skill levels but is harder to understand than IELTS’s.
In the end, the easier test depends on what you like more and know better. Thinking about an ielts toefl comparison can guide you. It helps to choose the test that best matches your skills and goals.
Listening Sections: IELTS vs TOEFL
When we look at IELTS and TOEFL’s listening parts, we see they’re quite different. The IELTS listening takes 30 minutes. It has various types of questions like short answers and matching headings. This mix keeps things interesting and tests many listening skills.
The TOEFL listening lasts about 60 minutes and uses many multiple-choice questions. These questions are about school talks and lectures. This might be good for those who like a clear, unchanging format. It checks your skill in understanding and breaking down school subjects.
Comparing IELTS and TOEFL, we see different questions in each test. IELTS asks you to do things like label diagrams after listening once. TOEFL wants you to get the meaning, details, and infer things from conversations. Each test fits different listening skills and ways of learning.
Choosing between IELTS and TOEFL can depend a lot on what format you like. Do you prefer IELTS’s variety or TOEFL’s focus on school stuff? Knowing the difference can help you pick and prepare for your English test.
Reading Sections: IELTS vs TOEFL
The IELTS Reading section has three passages with various questions. You will see multiple-choice, true/false/not given, and short-answer questions. Tasks include matching headings to paragraphs and completing flow-charts. This is great for those good at visuals and different questions.
On the other hand, the TOEFL Reading section uses academic texts. You answer multiple-choice questions about them. It focuses on details, inferencing, and vocabulary. The tasks imitate academic reading through passages and questions. Your preference for question formats matters in choosing the right test.
The IELTS and TOEFL reading parts also differ in topics. IELTS has a wide range of topics. TOEFL focuses more on academic subjects. Think about what type of language you’re more comfortable with.
There’s also a difference in timing. IELTS reading is 60 minutes for 40 questions. TOEFL reading ranges from 54-72 minutes for 30-40 questions. The TOEFL offers flexibility with varying test lengths.
| Feature | IELTS Reading | TOEFL Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 40 | 30-40 |
| Total Time | 60 minutes | 54-72 minutes |
| Question Types | Multiple-choice, true/false/not given, short-answer questions | Multiple-choice |
| Passages | Three academic texts | Three to four academic texts |
Writing Sections: IELTS vs TOEFL
The IELTS and TOEFL writing sections test your writing in different ways. While both require two writing tasks, the style and length requirements are not the same. This can affect how you plan and write your essays.
For IELTS, you will write a Descriptive Essay of 150 words in 20 minutes. Then, an Argumentative Essay of at least 250 words in 40 minutes follows. This tests your skill in explaining information and arguing a point clearly.
TOEFL’s Writing section asks for an Integrated writing of 150 words in 20 minutes. It’s based on a passage and lecture. Then, you must write an Independent essay of at least 300 words in 30 minutes. Here, you show how well you can read, listen, and write together.
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Aspect | IELTS Writing | TOEFL Writing |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Tasks | Two (Descriptive and Argumentative Essays) | Two (Integrated and Independent Writing) |
| Minimum Word Count | 150 words for Descriptive Essay, 250 words for Argumentative Essay | 150 words for Integrated Task, 300 words for Independent Task |
| Time Allocation | 20 minutes for Descriptive Essay, 40 minutes for Argumentative Essay | 20 minutes for Integrated Task, 30 minutes for Independent Task |
| Skills Tested | Formal writing, argument construction | Critical thinking, integration of reading/listening skills |
Knowing these differences matters a lot. It can guide how you prepare for each test. The comparison between IELTS and TOEFL writing shows why understanding each test’s demands is key.
Which is Better: IELTS or TOEFL for Study Abroad?
Choosing between IELTS or TOEFL is important for studying abroad. Each test suits different needs. Knowing this helps you select the right one. The IELTS lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes. It offers both paper and computer options. This flexibility is great if you have a preference. IELTS is popular in the UK and Australia. Over 10,000 institutions globally accept it.
TOEFL iBT takes 3 hours and is only on a computer. This makes the test experience consistent. It’s accepted by over 11,000 universities in 150 countries. That includes top US schools. So, TOEFL might be best for studying in America. You get TOEFL scores in 6-10 days, faster than IELTS results. Its multiple-choice format might suit you if you like structured tests.
Your decision should depend on your language skills and university requirements. If you’re good at communicating face-to-face and writing, consider IELTS. If you prefer computer exams and multiple-choice, TOEFL might be better. Think about where each test is accepted. Also, consider how often they are held and their scoring. This will help you choose the right test for your international studies.
FAQ
What are the key differences between IELTS and TOEFL?
IELTS and TOEFL differ in management, format, and how they’re taken. IELTS is owned by IDP: IELTS Australia, British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English. It can be taken on paper or a computer. TOEFL is online and run by ETS.
FAQ
What are the key differences between IELTS and TOEFL?
IELTS and TOEFL differ in management, format, and how they’re taken. IELTS is owned by IDP: IELTS Australia, British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English. It can be taken on paper or a computer. TOEFL is online and run by ETS.
Which exam is more widely accepted, IELTS or TOEFL?
FAQ
What are the key differences between IELTS and TOEFL?
IELTS and TOEFL differ in management, format, and how they’re taken. IELTS is owned by IDP: IELTS Australia, British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English. It can be taken on paper or a computer. TOEFL is online and run by ETS.
How do the scoring systems of IELTS and TOEFL differ?
FAQ
What are the key differences between IELTS and TOEFL?
IELTS and TOEFL differ in management, format, and how they’re taken. IELTS is owned by IDP: IELTS Australia, British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English. It can be taken on paper or a computer. TOEFL is online and run by ETS.
FAQ
What are the key differences between IELTS and TOEFL?
IELTS and TOEFL differ in management, format, and how they’re taken. IELTS is owned by IDP: IELTS Australia, British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English. It can be taken on paper or a computer. TOEFL is online and run by ETS.
Is the IELTS or TOEFL exam easier to navigate?
FAQ
What are the key differences between IELTS and TOEFL?
IELTS and TOEFL differ in management, format, and how they’re taken. IELTS is owned by IDP: IELTS Australia, British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English. It can be taken on paper or a computer. TOEFL is online and run by ETS.
FAQ
What are the key differences between IELTS and TOEFL?
IELTS and TOEFL differ in management, format, and how they’re taken. IELTS is owned by IDP: IELTS Australia, British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English. It can be taken on paper or a computer. TOEFL is online and run by ETS.
What do the listening sections of IELTS and TOEFL entail?
FAQ
What are the key differences between IELTS and TOEFL?
IELTS and TOEFL differ in management, format, and how they’re taken. IELTS is owned by IDP: IELTS Australia, British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English. It can be taken on paper or a computer. TOEFL is online and run by ETS.
How do the reading sections of IELTS and TOEFL compare?
FAQ
What are the key differences between IELTS and TOEFL?
IELTS and TOEFL differ in management, format, and how they’re taken. IELTS is owned by IDP: IELTS Australia, British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English. It can be taken on paper or a computer. TOEFL is online and run by ETS.
FAQ
What are the key differences between IELTS and TOEFL?
IELTS and TOEFL differ in management, format, and how they’re taken. IELTS is owned by IDP: IELTS Australia, British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English. It can be taken on paper or a computer. TOEFL is online and run by ETS.
What are the writing tasks in IELTS and TOEFL?
FAQ
What are the key differences between IELTS and TOEFL?
IELTS and TOEFL differ in management, format, and how they’re taken. IELTS is owned by IDP: IELTS Australia, British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English. It can be taken on paper or a computer. TOEFL is online and run by ETS.
Which test is better for study abroad: IELTS or TOEFL?
FAQ
What are the key differences between IELTS and TOEFL?
IELTS and TOEFL differ in management, format, and how they’re taken. IELTS is owned by IDP: IELTS Australia, British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English. It can be taken on paper or a computer. TOEFL is online and run by ETS.