Difference Between IELTS and TOEFL

Being able to speak English is very important as far as employment and education in English-speaking countries are concerned. To evaluate how well a person can speak the language, there are a variety of standardized tests that can be used. These tests include the IELTS and the TOEFL. They are both tests designed to evaluate English proficiency, but there are differences between them that you need to be aware of. 

What is IELTS?

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. This is a standardized test that seeks to measure the proficiency in English of non-native English speakers. It is recognized by most employers, governments, and education institutions. 

Interesting to note is that IELTS is divided into two categories. There is general training, for those who are moving to the UK, Canada, or Australia, and are applying for various training programs, work experience, or secondary education. There is the academic type as well, which is for people applying for professional registration or continuing education. 

What is TOEFL?

We then have TOEFL, which stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. 

Similarities Between IELTS and TOEFL

There are some striking similarities between the different methods of assessment used in these two famous tests of foreign language proficiency.

Purpose

Both tests oversee measuring English language proficiency of people mandated to use English as their means of communication in places of study or work.

Acceptance

Universities, employers, and immigration offices see both IELTS and TOEFL as being a standard of English proficiency.

Components

They assess the four core areas of grammar, which are reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

Standardization

The two tests satisfy English language proficiency through the use of standardized testing.

Differences Between IELTS and TOEFL

While there are many similarities between the two, there are also notable differences. 

Scoring System

IELTS is scored from 0 to 9, in 0.5 increments, whereas TOEFL range from 0 to 120, with each section scored from 0 to 30.

Test Format

IELTS can be done on computers or pen paper while TOEFL is mainly web-based (but there is a paper-based version available in some places)

Speaking Section

ELTS has a speaking test component, a face-to-face interaction with an examiner, among other characteristics. The TOEFL speaking section is one in which candidates are requested to speak into a microphone, and their responses are recorded and assessed by examiners.

Question Types

Typically, TOEFL employs multiple-choice, and IELTS use a variety of question types whose examples are short answers, fill-in-the-blanks and essays writing.

Test Duration

The total test duration for IELTS is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, but that of TOEFL is 4 hours.

Accent Exposure

IELTS provides examinees a choice of three different types of English accents – British, Australian and North American. The principal goal of TOEFL is to reflect the North American accent.

Cost

The TOEFL costs about $200, whereas the IELTS can cost up to $240.

The Spoken Test

In TOEFL tests, the spoken test is done online, but with IELTS, it is done with a human interviewer in an in-person setting. 

IELTS vs TOEFL 

FAQ

Which is better TOEFL or IELTS?

Which of the two is better totally depends on how comfortable you are with the English language and the institution or job being applied to. IELTS is generally preferred in the commonwealth, whereas TOEFL is generally preferred in the USA. 

Does Canada prefer IELTS or TOEFL?

Canada usually prefers IELTS, especially for people immigrating into the country, which is because Canada is closely connected to the Commonwealth. That said, most Canadian institutions may consider TOEFL scores as well. 

Does Canada accept TOEFL?

Yes, Canada accepts the TOEFL standardized tests, particularly for academic reasons. These scores are often taken into account for admission purposes. 

Is TOEFL American or British?

TOEFL is mostly American in nature, as these tests use the American spelling of English words. The content and pronunciation are all also exclusively American. 

Is TOEFL harder than IELTS?

Which of the two is harder is totally subjective. Those who struggle with American English may have trouble with the TOEFL, while those who struggle with UK English may have troubler with the IELTS. 

Why is TOEFL not accepted in Canada?

TOEFL is accepted in Canada, although for immigration purposes, IELTS is preferred. 

What is IELTS 7 equal to TOEFL?

The score of 7 in IELTS is equal top a score of 94 to 101 in TOEFL. 

How long is IELTS valid for?

The scores achieved on the IELTS test are valid for two years from the date of achievement. 

Which is easier to pass IELTS or TOEFL?

This is also subjective, as which one is easier to pass depends on your specific strengths and where you originate from. 

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