TOEFL is one of the most popular English proficiency exams accepted in all of the American and Canadian universities and schools abroad. TOEFL tests international students’ usage and understanding of English language as it is spoken and written in college and university surroundings. ETS (Educational Testing Services) is the organizing body of the TOEFL test and is responsible for setting up the TOEFL questions, conducting the test, and sending each candidate their scorecard.
Students who want to study abroad, can choose from multiple TOEFL Test Dates available round-the-year and select from different test centers located across major cities.
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IELTS is an English language exam that is required to be taken by international applicants considering studying or working in a country where English is the mainline language of communication. Most popular countries where IELTS is accepted for university admissions includes UK, Australia, New Zealand, USA, and Canada. The exam mainly measures the ability of applicants to communicate in the four basic English language skills – listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
IELTS exam is jointly held by IDP Education Australia, British Council, and Cambridge English Language Assessment. This examination has become a leader in the area of international higher education. It is accepted in 100% of universities in the UK and Australia.
One can take the IELTS exam with the British Council or IDP up to once a week. The British Council and IDP global schedule this test 48 days in a year.
TOEFL vs IELTS at a glance
| EXAM | TOEFL | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Length | About 3 hours long | 2 hours and 45 minutes long |
| Locations | Available at over 500 locations in the US, over 4,500 worldwide | Available at 59 locations in the US, about 900 worldwide |
| Price | Cost is usually between 160 and 200 USD | Cost varies widely even within the same country; usually is around 200 USD |
| Scoring | Score on a sliding scale from 0 to 120 | Score in any of 9 “bands,” or levels |
| Conducting body | ETS (Educational Testing Services) | IDP Education Australia, British Council, and Cambridge English Language Assessment |
The TOEFL and IELTS exams are quite different, and therefore some people will find that they are naturally better suited for one than they are for the other. But before we go ahead with their similarities and differences, remember that both IELTS and TOEFL are standardized tests. This means that, with some coaching’s and practice, candidate can learn to do well on whichever exam they decide to take.
The TOEFL is a language test for non-native English speakers, and is often taken as an entrance exam at universities and graduate schools. Because of this, the TOEFL offers only academic English. On the other hand, the IELTS offers an academic option as well as a general test; this is generally the preferred test for immigration in the countries like UK and Canada.
The IELTS academic test and the TOEFL compared to the IELTS general test are both difficult, but they are usually the only options if you want to study at any level higher than secondary school. No matter which test you uptake, be aware that the scores will expire 2 years after your test date.
When you compare the format of the IELTS with the TOEFL format some noticeable things will be; First of all, both of them have four basic sections, each of which tests a basic skill (reading, listening, speaking, writing). But while the TOEFL only tests academic subjects, the IELTS academic option will have academic reading and writing sections combined with general listening and speaking sections. Overall, the IELTS has more of a real-world feel than the TOEFL.
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The IELTS also do not include a listening component on the integrated assignments, although on one of the two assignments you will have to incorporate a graphic or other written information source into your argument. Both tests contain an independent question that simply asks your opinion about some issue.
The TOEFL speaking section is done by recorder and mostly involves explaining your opinions and summarizing/interpreting information from other sources. On the IELTS, your speaking test will take place in person and will include a short speech (you’ll have a small period in which to prepare it) and a conversation component.
Although it would be great if every English program gave equal time to each major dialect of English, the vast majority of students spend 90% of their time with only one dialect. If you are experienced with American English, you may find some parts of the IELTS unfamiliar; if you’ve learned British English or another dialect, the TOEFL will feel a little strange. It’s important to note that neither test will reduce your score for using one or the other dialect, as long as your answers are fluent, clear, and, of course, correct.
FAQ’S
Ans While both IELTS and TOEFL require basic preparation at the least, many takers felt that to prepare for TOEFL was harder. … Also, the reading section in IELTS is considered much easier when compared to that of TOEFL’s. So, you’ll need to prepare for TOEFL harder, as far as reading section is considered.
Ans The TOEFL ® test is accepted and preferred in more than 150 countries including the United States, Australia, Canada and the U.K.
Ans The high demand for the TOEFL test as well as the near monopoly IELTS has on standardized English testing allows them to set their price to some extent.
Ans You’ll receive an email when your scores are available, and you can access your account online or via the official TOEFL ® app. Your scores are valid for 2 years,
