Differences Between IELTS and TOEFL

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) are two of the most widely recognized and accepted English proficiency tests worldwide. They are used to assess the language ability of non-native English speakers who wish to study, work, or immigrate to countries where English is the dominant language. While both tests measure similar skills, they differ in terms of format, content, scoring, and the type of English they use.

IELTS Overview

The IELTS is an English language proficiency test developed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. It is commonly used for university admissions, employment, and immigration purposes, particularly in countries like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Types of IELTS:

IELTS Academic: This version is intended for individuals applying for higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking environment. It focuses on assessing whether a candidate is ready to begin studying or training in an academic setting where English is used.
IELTS General Training: This test is designed for those migrating to an English-speaking country (such as Australia, Canada, or the UK) or applying for secondary education, training programs, or work experience. It focuses more on everyday English and social situations.

Test Structure:

The IELTS assesses four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The total duration of the test is about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Listening (30 minutes): The listening section consists of four recorded conversations or monologues, and candidates must answer 40 questions based on these recordings. The questions assess the ability to understand main ideas, details, and the speaker's opinions or attitudes.
Reading (60 minutes): The reading section differs slightly for the Academic and General Training tests. It consists of three reading passages with a variety of question types (e.g., multiple choice, matching, summary completion). In the Academic version, texts are more complex and are drawn from academic journals or books, while the General Training version includes texts from everyday sources like newspapers, advertisements, or handbooks.
Writing (60 minutes): The writing section consists of two tasks. In Task 1 of the Academic version, candidates describe visual information (e.g., graphs, charts, tables), while in the General Training version, they write a letter. Task 2 requires writing an essay in response to a prompt or argument, which is the same in both versions.
Speaking (11-14 minutes): The speaking section is conducted in a face-to-face interview format with an examiner. It consists of three parts: a general introduction, a discussion on a particular topic, and a two-way conversation based on the previous topic.

Scoring:

The IELTS uses a band score system, ranging from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert user). Each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) is scored individually, and then an overall band score is calculated as the average of the four section scores.

IELTS Highlights:

Face-to-face speaking test: The speaking test is conducted with a trained examiner, which some candidates find more personal and interactive compared to a computerized test.
British English focus: The IELTS is slightly skewed towards British English in terms of spelling, vocabulary, and accents. However, the test accepts both British and American spellings.
Variety of English accents: In the listening section, candidates will hear a variety of accents, including British, Australian, New Zealand, and American.
Widely accepted in the UK, Australia, and Canada: IELTS is the preferred English test for universities, employers, and immigration authorities in many Commonwealth countries.

TOEFL Overview

The TOEFL is an English language proficiency test administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is widely accepted by universities, particularly in the United States and Canada. It is also used for immigration and professional certification purposes.

Types of TOEFL:

TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test): The most common version of the test, taken online at a testing center. It assesses all four language skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) in an integrated format.
TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test): This version is only available in regions where the internet-based test is not accessible. However, it is being phased out in many parts of the world.

Test Structure:

The TOEFL iBT assesses the same four language skills as the IELTS but does so in a slightly different format. The test lasts about 3 hours and is taken on a computer.

Reading (60-80 minutes): The reading section includes 3-4 academic passages with around 36-56 questions. Candidates are asked to answer questions on main ideas, details, inferences, and vocabulary. The passages are similar to university-level academic texts.
Listening (60-90 minutes): The listening section includes 4-6 academic lectures or conversations between students and professors, with 34-51 questions in total. Candidates are asked to answer questions about the content, main ideas, and supporting details.
Speaking (17 minutes): The speaking section consists of six tasks. Two are independent tasks where candidates speak about a familiar topic. Four are integrated tasks, requiring candidates to read a passage, listen to a lecture, and then respond to a question. The speaking responses are recorded and sent to ETS for scoring by certified evaluators.
Writing (50 minutes): The writing section includes two tasks. The first is an integrated task where candidates must read a passage, listen to a lecture, and then write a response combining the information from both sources. The second task is an independent essay where candidates express their opinion on a given topic.

Scoring:

The TOEFL iBT is scored out of 120 points, with each section (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) receiving a score from 0 to 30. The total score is the sum of all four section scores.

TOEFL Highlights:

Computer-based speaking test: Unlike IELTS, TOEFL speaking tasks are recorded on a computer. Candidates speak into a microphone, and the recordings are graded by multiple evaluators.
American English focus: TOEFL is slightly biased towards American English in terms of vocabulary, spelling, and accents. However, it is widely accepted in both American and international institutions.
Academic focus: TOEFL’s content is more geared towards academic English. The reading and listening passages often resemble university-level materials, making it ideal for students applying to higher education institutions.
Widely accepted in the U.S. and Canada: TOEFL is the preferred English proficiency test for universities and colleges in North America.

Differences Between IELTS and TOEFL

Test Format:
- IELTS is available in both paper-based and computer-based formats. The speaking test is conducted face-to-face.
- TOEFL is primarily an internet-based test (iBT), with all sections, including speaking, done on a computer.
Speaking Test:
- IELTS speaking is a face-to-face interview with an examiner, which allows for more natural interaction.
- TOEFL speaking is recorded on a computer, and responses are sent to evaluators for scoring.
Scoring System:
- IELTS uses a band score system from 1 to 9 for each section, and an overall band score is calculated.
- TOEFL scores each section out of 30, with a total score out of 120.
Duration:
- IELTS lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes.
- TOEFL lasts around 3 to 4 hours, making it slightly longer.
Content Focus:
- IELTS includes a broader range of English accents and general topics, especially in the General Training version.
- TOEFL focuses more on academic English, with passages and lectures resembling university-level content.
Writing Tasks:
- IELTS includes one task on visual data (in the Academic version) and one essay.
- TOEFL includes an integrated task combining reading, listening, and writing, along with an independent essay.
Recognition:
- IELTS is more widely recognized in the UK, Australia, and Canada, especially for immigration purposes.
- TOEFL is more commonly accepted in the United States and Canada for academic admissions.

Conclusion

Both IELTS and TOEFL are highly respected English proficiency tests that serve similar purposes, but their formats, scoring systems, and content focus differ. Choosing between IELTS and TOEFL largely depends on individual preferences, academic goals, and the specific requirements of the institutions or countries where you plan to study, work, or immigrate. Regardless of which test you choose, thorough preparation and understanding of the test format are key to achieving a high score and demonstrating your English proficiency effectively.

FAQs

The difficulty depends on personal preferences. IELTS may be easier for those who prefer face-to-face speaking tests, while TOEFL may be better for those comfortable with computer-based testing.

TOEFL iBT is available online at test centers, while IELTS offers computer-based tests at certain locations. Neither test can be taken from home.

Both IELTS and TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date.

TOEFL is generally preferred by U.S. institutions, but IELTS is also widely accepted.

Some countries, like Canada and Australia, require IELTS for immigration purposes. TOEFL is less commonly used for immigration.

Yes, many UK institutions accept TOEFL scores, but IELTS is often preferred.

You can take both tests as many times as you want, but there are limits on how frequently you can retake them. For TOEFL, there is a 3-day gap between tests; for IELTS, you must wait at least 7 days.

For work visas in English-speaking countries, IELTS is generally more accepted, especially in the UK, Australia, and Canada.

Preparation can involve practice tests, studying sample questions, improving vocabulary, and taking preparatory courses offered by various educational institutions.

IELTS accepts both British and American English, while TOEFL leans towards American English. However, you should remain consistent in your use of one form throughout the test.