Regarding assessing English language proficiency, two popular exams come to mind: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System). TOEFL vs. IELTS exams are vital in determining an individual’s language skills and are widely accepted by educational institutions, immigration agencies, and employers worldwide. This article will explore the key differences between Read More
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Regarding assessing English language proficiency, two popular exams come to mind: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System). TOEFL vs. IELTS exams are vital in determining an individual’s language skills and are widely accepted by educational institutions, immigration agencies, and employers worldwide. This article will explore the key differences between TOEFL and IELTS, helping you decide which exam suits you best.
Before delving into the specifics of TOEFL and IELTS, it’s important to understand the purpose of these language tests. Both exams aim to evaluate the English language proficiency of non-native speakers, assessing skills such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking. However, the choice between TOEFL and IELTS depends on individual needs, educational goals, and country-specific requirements.
TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and primarily focuses on North American English. Universities and colleges in the United States and Canada widely recognize it. The exam is available in two formats:
The TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) consists of four key sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section assesses a different aspect of English proficiency, mimicking real academic settings.
Duration: 35–36 minutes (adaptive format)
Questions: 20 questions
Task: Read and answer comprehension questions based on 3-4 academic passages.
Passages are taken from university-level textbooks covering science, history, social studies, and more.
Questions assess main ideas, details, inference, vocabulary, and logical organization.
Some questions require filling in tables or completing summaries.
Duration: 36 minutes
Questions: 28 questions
Task: Listen to lectures, classroom discussions, and conversations, then answer related questions.
The section consists of 3-4 lectures (3-5 minutes each) and 2-3 conversations.
Questions test the ability to understand key ideas, tone, speaker attitude, and implied meanings.
Notes are allowed and encouraged for better retention.
Duration: 16 minutes
Tasks: 4 tasks (1 independent, 3 integrated)
Task 1 (Independent Speaking): Express and support an opinion on a topic.
Task 2 (Integrated Speaking – Listening & Speaking): Listen to a conversation and summarize key points.
Task 3 (Integrated Speaking – Reading & Listening): Read a short passage, listen to a related lecture, then respond.
Task 4 (Integrated Speaking – Academic Lecture): Summarize and explain an academic topic based on a lecture.
Responses are recorded and scored by AI and human evaluators.
Duration: 29 minutes
Tasks: 2 tasks (Integrated & Independent Writing)
Integrated Task (20 minutes): Read a short passage, listen to a related lecture, and then write a response summarizing both.
Independent Task (10 minutes): Write an essay expressing an opinion on a topic with supporting arguments.
Typing skills are important, as responses must be written on a computer.
Offered multiple times a year, with test dates available worldwide.
Available in Internet-Based (iBT) and Paper-Based (PBT) formats, though iBT is more common.
Registration is done online via the ETS website.
The British Council jointly manages IELTS, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. While it emphasizes British English, it also accepts other English variations. IELTS is available in two formats:
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. It is available in two formats:
Academic IELTS – For students applying to universities.
General Training IELTS – For work, immigration, or everyday use.
Each section tests a different aspect of English proficiency, with varying question formats.
Duration: 30 minutes (+10 minutes to transfer answers in the paper-based test)
Questions: 40 questions
Task: Listen to conversations, discussions, and monologues in different accents and answer related questions.
The test includes British, Australian, American, and other English accents.
Four recorded audio sections:
Conversation between two speakers (e.g., travel booking, casual discussion).
Monologue on a general topic (e.g., a tour guide’s speech).
Conversation between up to four speakers (e.g., a group discussion in a university setting).
Academic monologue (e.g., a university lecture).
Question types: Multiple-choice, matching, form completion, sentence completion, and map labelling.
Duration: 60 minutes
Questions: 40 questions
Task: Read passages and answer comprehension-based questions.
For Academic IELTS:
Three long, complex passages from books, journals, newspapers, and magazines.
Texts are analytical and factual, covering science, history, and business.
Questions include true/false/not given, multiple-choice, matching headings, and fill-in-the-blanks.
For General Training IELTS:
There are three sections, but the texts are simpler and more practical (e.g., advertisements, official documents, and workplace notices).
The first two sections contain short texts, while the last section has a longer passage.
Questions test scanning, skimming, and general comprehension skills.
Duration: 60 minutes
Tasks: 2 tasks (Task 1 and Task 2)
For Academic IELTS:
Task 1 (150 words, 20 minutes): Describe a graph, chart, table, diagram, or process.
Task 2 (250 words, 40 minutes): Write an essay presenting an argument or discussing an issue.
For General Training IELTS:
Task 1: Write a formal, semi-formal, or informal letter (e.g., complaint, request, or thank-you letter).
Task 2: Write an opinion-based essay on a general topic (e.g., social issues, technology, or environment).
Task 2 carries more weight, so strong essay-writing skills are crucial.
Duration: 11–14 minutes
Format: Face-to-face interview with a certified examiner.
Tasks: 3 parts
Part 1 (Introduction & Personal Questions, 4-5 minutes):
Common questions about hobbies, studies, family, and daily life.
Part 2 (Long Turn, 3-4 minutes):
Given a cue card with a topic (e.g., “Describe a memorable trip”).
1 minute to prepare, then speak for 2 minutes.
Part 3 (Discussion, 4-5 minutes):
Follow-up questions related to Part 2’s topic with more complex discussions (e.g., “How does tourism affect the environment?”).
Speaking is interactive, and the examiner may ask follow-up questions to assess fluency and coherence.
IELTS is available year-round with multiple test dates per month.
It can be taken on paper or computer (except the Speaking test, which is always face-to-face).
Registration is done through the British Council, IDP, or Cambridge websites.
Test Availability: IELTS is available multiple times a month, and test dates can be found on the official IELTS website.
| TOEFL | IELTS | |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted In | USA, Canada, some European & Asian countries | UK, Australia, Canada, Europe |
| Test Format | Online (iBT) & Paper-based (PBT) | Computer-delivered & Paper-based |
| Speaking Section | Recorded responses | Face-to-face interview |
| Writing Style | Typing required | Handwritten or typed |
| Listening Focus | Academic lectures, conversations | In real-world situations, multiple accents |
| Best For | Students applying to US/Canada | Immigration, work, UK/Australia studies |
The cost of taking TOEFL or IELTS varies by country. Generally:
To excel in the TOEFL or IELTS exam, thorough preparation is key. Here’s a detailed guide to help you succeed:
TOEFL and IELTS offer free paid practice tests that simulate real exam conditions.
Familiarize yourself with the test format, question types, and scoring system.
Analyze your mistakes and work on improving weaker areas.
Each test section has strict time limits, so practising under timed conditions is crucial.
Develop strategies to pace yourself, such as skimming passages in reading sections or outlining responses before writing.
Use a stopwatch while practising to track your speed and accuracy.
Listen to English news reports, academic lectures, and podcasts on diverse topics.
Practice note-taking to capture key ideas and details efficiently.
Engage in active listening by summarizing what you hear in your own words.
Record yourself answering sample speaking questions and analyze your pronunciation, fluency, and coherence.
Find language partners or tutors to provide constructive feedback.
To build confidence, practice responding to common topics like education, work, travel, and social issues.
Strengthen academic and conversational English by reading newspapers, journals, and books.
Maintain a vocabulary journal and learn new words in context.
Review common grammar rules and practice using them correctly in writing and speaking.
Online courses and coaching classes offer structured guidance and expert insights.
Tutors can help refine your writing and speaking skills with personalized feedback.
Many courses also provide mock tests, performance analysis, and targeted exercises to boost your score.
Many test-takers make errors that can cost them valuable points on the TOEFL or IELTS. Here are some common mistakes and practical ways to avoid them:
Mistake: Many candidates prepare by answering questions at their own pace rather than under real exam conditions.
How to Avoid It:
Take full-length practice tests to simulate test-day pressure.
Use a timer when practising individual sections to improve speed and efficiency.
Gradually reduce your response time to match the actual test requirements.
Mistake: Some test-takers focus too much on accuracy and forget to speak naturally, leading to a robotic or hesitant delivery.
How to Avoid It:
Practice speaking at a steady, natural pace without unnecessary pauses.
Focus on clear pronunciation rather than trying to sound overly complex.
Record yourself and compare your speech with native speakers to identify areas for improvement.
Mistake: Misinterpreting or skipping key instructions can lead to incorrect or incomplete responses.
How to Avoid It:
Read each question carefully and underline key details before answering.
Pay attention to word limits in writing tasks and required formats in speaking prompts.
Review common instruction phrases such as “summarize,” “compare,” and “analyze” to understand what is expected.
Mistake: Writing disorganized essays or responses without a clear structure can lower scores.
How to Avoid It:
Always plan your essays before writing. Use a structured format with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Support your arguments with examples and logical explanations.
Practice writing essays with different question types to develop strong organization skills.
Mistake: Some test-takers panic and leave difficult questions unanswered, which can lead to a lower overall score.
How to Avoid It:
Manage your time wisely—allocate specific minutes to each question and move on if stuck.
Mark difficult questions and return to them later if time allows.
Use elimination strategies in multiple-choice questions to narrow down possible answers.
Choosing between TOEFL and IELTS depends on your study or career goals, the institutions you are applying to, and your personal preferences. TOEFL might be the better option for applying to US or Canadian universities. IELTS is widely accepted if you plan to study in the UK or Australia or migrate for work.
Before registering, confirm which test your target institutions prefer and prepare accordingly. Whichever test you choose, consistent practice and a solid study plan will help you achieve the score you need.
For more information, visit the ETS TOEFL website or the official IELTS page.
It depends on your strengths:
Evan John