TOEFL vs IELTS: Which one should I take?
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. ETS conducts TOEFL and IDP or British Counsel conducts IELTS. The decision to take the TOEFL vs IELTS will ultimately depend on a number of criteria. In case you too are wondering which test you should go for, we’ve compiled a list of pointers to help you decide:
-
University requirement
TOEFL- IBT is an English proficiency test. US-based ETS conducts it over the internet. More than 10,000 universities and other institutions in over 150 countries including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, US, EU and Asia accepts it. Almost all US universities accept TOEFL scores. IELTS is an English language proficiency test that is owned and managed jointly by British Council, IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English. Universities in Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Canada, and over 3,000 academic institutions in the US accepts IELTS. Most grad and undergrad programs accept both TOEFL and IELTS scores, but one may be preferred over the other so it’s best to check out program requirements on the university’s website. -
Test structure
TOEFL and IELTS are available in both computer-based and paper-based formats. However, TOEFL’s computer-based version is more popular. The reverse is true with IELTS whose computer-based version was released as late as 2018. Both TOEFL and IELTS have a similar test format. Each has 4 sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. However, TOEFL is more academically oriented. Its questions lean towards the kind of material found in university textbooks. IELTS, on the other hand, has questions that are mostly based on real-life context. So if you find reading and listening to long academic texts boring, you may want to take the IELTS. -
Individual Preference
TOEFL’s Speaking section requires you to talk to a computer. Certified evaluators evaluate your answers. The Speaking section of IELTS, however, is more of a face-to-face interview with an examiner. So it all boils down to personal preference in this regard.
-
Availability of test dates
For most Indians studying abroad is a well thought out and planned process. At times, however, you may not have your preferred time slot available. This is especially true for computer-delivered IELTS that has been started only recently and is available in select cities. -
Range of questions
Most TOEFL questions are MCQ based. So you will have to choose the correct option. In certain questions, you will have to rearrange the options to arrive at the correct answer. Many questions on IELTS, however, will require you to write your own answers. So if you are not confident with this type of test pattern, TOEFL would be easier for you. -
Test duration
Total testing time of IELTS is 2 hours and 55 minutes. TOEFL, however, is a relatively longer exam lasting up to 4 hours 20 minutes. So if you are not comfortable sitting for long hours, you should take the IELTS.
Do Checkout the Article Below: What is the format of IELTS Speaking Section
