When it comes to testing English language proficiency for academic or immigration purposes, two of the most popular exams are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Both tests assess the four language skills – listening, reading, writing, and speaking – but they have some key differences in terms of format and scoring.
IELTS is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. It is accepted by most universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. TOEFL, on the other hand, is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is widely accepted by universities in the United States and other English-speaking countries.
Format and Structure
One of the main differences between IELTS and TOEFL is the format of the exams. IELTS consists of four sections: Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes), and Speaking (11-14 minutes). The Speaking section is a face-to-face interview with an examiner. In contrast, TOEFL is entirely computer-based and includes four sections: Reading (60-80 minutes), Listening (60-90 minutes), Speaking (20 minutes), and Writing (50 minutes).
Another key difference is the scoring system. IELTS uses a 9-band scale to report scores, with each band corresponding to a certain level of English proficiency. TOEFL, on the other hand, uses a scoring scale of 0 to 120, with each section scored separately. Some universities may have specific score requirements for each section of the TOEFL exam.
While both exams assess similar language skills, the content and question types may vary. IELTS often includes a wider range of accents in the Listening section, while TOEFL focuses on academic English and may include more complex vocabulary and grammar in the Reading and Listening sections. The Speaking section of TOEFL requires test-takers to respond to recorded prompts, while IELTS involves a face-to-face conversation with an examiner.
In conclusion, the choice between IELTS and TOEFL ultimately depends on the requirements of the institution or organization you are applying to. Both exams are widely accepted and recognized around the world, so it is important to research the specific requirements of your desired program before deciding which test to take.