The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are two of the most widely-accepted tests to certify your English proficiency. TOEFL is conducted by ETS and IELTS is conducted by IDP or British Counsel.The decision to take the TOEFL vs IELTS will ultimately depend on a number of criteria. At this point, you may wonder, “What is the TOEFL test?” or “What is the IELTS?” And which is better ? TOEFL or IELTS ?.Read on to discover which test is best for you. What makes a good GRE Score?
The TOEFL is a language test for non-native English speakers, and is commonly used as an entrance exam at universities and graduate schools. Because of this, the TOEFL provides only academic English. On the other hand, the IELTS offers an option of academic as well as a general test; this is generally the preferred test for immigration purposes to the UK and Canada. Choose MS in USA or in Europe?
The TOEFL and IELTS academic test compared to the IELTS general test are both more difficult, but they are generally the only options if you want to study at any degree higher than secondary school. Irrespective of the test you take, be aware that the scores expire exactly 2 years after your test date.
Know must bring things for the GRE Test Day!
| EXAM | TOEFL | IELTS |
| Length | About 4 hours long | 2 hours and 45 minutes long |
| Price | Cost is usually between 160 and
200 USD |
Cost varies widely even within the same country;
usually is around 200 USD |
| Locations | Available at over 500 locations
in the US, |
Available at 59 locations in the US, about
900 worldwide |
| Scoring | Score on a sliding scale from 0 to 120 | Score in any of 9 “bands,” or levels |
Getting down to the brass tacks, the differences in the reading, writing, listening and speaking sections of TOEFL/IELTS are explained below:
Speaking:
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| TOEFL | IELTS |
| i) TOEFL offers interaction with a computer | i) IELTS requires you to talk to a real person |
| ii) 2 questions: Asked from topics that you’re aware of. | ii) 3 sections lasting for about 15 minutes |
| iii) 6 questions to answer spanning a period of 20 minutes | iii) 1st Section: Familiar topics viz hometown , job,
studies , etc. |
| iv) Other questions: Might ask you to state your opinion
based on a particular conversation |
iv) 2nd Section: Prepare a speech of 2-3 minutes on a chosen topic |
| v) Other questions: might ask you to summarize information
from a short conversation. |
v) 3rd section: Questions based on the speech given. |
Writing:
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| TOEFL | IELTS |
| i) Keyboard only. | i) Pen and paper. |
| ii) Essay writing. | ii) Academic and General training. |
| iii) Answer questions based on text reading
and short lecture. |
iii) 2 writing sections. |
Listening:
| TOEFL | IELTS |
| i) 60 minutes long | i) 30 minutes long |
| ii) Multiple choice question format | ii) Questions from matching headings, diagram labeling
and true/false arguments |
| iii) Context is fully academic | iii)Context is both academic and social standpoint. |
| iv) Test is in standard American English | iv) Test is in a lot of accents. |
Reading:
Writing Tips for GRE you should absolutely know!
| TOEFL | IELTS |
| i) 60 mins long. | i) 60 mins long |
| i) MCQs only | ii) Wider range of question types. |
| Iii)39 questions to answer | iii)40 questions to answer. |
| TOEFL Score | IELTS Band |
| 0-31 | 0-4 |
| 32-34 | 4.5 |
| 35-45 | 5 |
| 46-59 | 5.5 |
| 60–78 | 6 |
| 79–93 | 6.5 |
| 94–101 | 7 |
| 102–109 | 7.5 |
| 110–114 | 8 |
| 115–117 | 8.5 |
Related Links:
Click here for IELTS Paper Structure
Click here for Verbal Maximiser
Click here to Learn GRE Online
