ielts vs toefl

International English Language Testing Systems or IELTS and Test of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL are two tests conducted to look at the English language proficiency of non-native speakers who are pursuing higher education or taking up jobs abroad. IELTS and TOEFL are the two standard tests of the English language, which has been widely accepted by countries and universities around the world.

The British Councils, University of Cambridge and IELTS Australia conduct the IELTS. In a sense, the universities of Britain, Australia and Newzealand have been traditionally using IELTS. On the other hand, TOEFL is conducted by ETS, a US-based non-profit organisation. American and Canadian universities widely use TOEFL.

One of the main differences noticed is that IELTS uses British English and TOEFL uses American English.

Though both TOEFL and IELTS consist of similar patterns for tests that include reading, listening, speaking and writing, there are many differences in their formats.

When comparing the reading and listening sections, TOEFL use multiple-choice questions and IELTS wants an applicant to copy down words from a text or conversation word-for-word.

It is easier to prepare for TOEFL. Almost all the time, TOEFL tests are conducted in the same format. On the other hand, IELTS format can change from time to time.

In IELTS, the score is based on individual criteria but in TOEFL, it is the overall performance. The IELTS score is based on different criteria and you are marked individually for word choice, grammar, logic, fluency and cohesion. If you have presented a topic well but with small grammar mistakes, there is nothing to worry with TOEFL score as small mistakes are generally ignored if the overall topic is well handled. One cannot expect to have such a concession with IELTS.

TOEFL is basically designed for North American speakers. Everything from the reading portion, writing and style is based on North American English. But IELTS is basically designed for a variety of speakers. The style of writing and accents, which are incorporated in the test, are designed for speakers from different countries.

Summary
1.The British Councils, University of Cambridge and IELTS Australia conduct the IELTS. On the other hand, TOEFL is conducted by ETS, a US-based non-profit.
2. The universities of Britain, Australia and Newzealand have been traditionally using IELTS. American and Canadian universities widely use TOEFL.
3.IELTS uses British English and TOEFL uses American English.
4.TOEFL use multiple-choice questions and IELTS wants an applicant to copy down words from a text or conversation word-for-word.