IELTS vs TOEFL:
Choose the Right Test for Your Success!

Compare, Prepare, and Achieve High Scores!

IELTS vs TOEFL: Choose the Right Test for Your Success!

Compare, Prepare, and Achieve High Scores!

IELTS Vs TOEFL

When you're deciding between the TOEFL and IELTS, it's important to know how they differ and what each is used for. IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, and TOEFL, or the Test of English as a Foreign Language, both assess your English skills for educational and immigration purposes, but they have different formats and structures.

Understanding these differences will help you choose the right test for your needs and make sure you're fully prepared for your next steps.

TOEFL vs IELTS Overview

The TOEFL and IELTS are both key tests for assessing English proficiency, but they vary quite a bit in terms of format, cost, and how accessible they are.

Here is a detailed IELTS versus TOEFL comparison.

Aspects	TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)	IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Purpose	Primarily for academic purposes	Academic and General Training (for immigration/work)
Global Acceptance	Widely accepted, especially in the USA	Recognized in over 150 countries
Test Formats	Internet-based Test (iBT) and Paper-based Test (PBT)	Computer-delivered and Paper-based
Versions	One main version (iBT and PBT are essentially the same)	Two versions: Academic and General Training
Sections	Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing	Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
Duration	Approximately 3 hours	Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
Scoring	Scored out of 120	Scored on a 9-band scale
Accent Variability	Primarily American English	Variety of English accents (British, Australian, etc.)
Speaking Test Format	Recorded responses via computer	Face-to-face interview with an examiner
Frequency & Availability	Frequent test dates, primarily on weekends	Available up to 48 times a year

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Comparison Between IELTS and TOEFL English Test

Comparing IELTS and TOEFL shows clear differences that can influence your choice. While both tests evaluate English proficiency, they cater to different needs and preferences.

Understanding these differences can help you decide which test is the best fit for your academic or professional goals.

Criteria	IELTS (International English Language Testing System)	TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Conducting Body	British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, Cambridge Assessment English	Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Purpose	Academic and General Training (immigration/work)	Primarily for academic purposes
Frequency of Exams	Up to 48 times a year	More than 50 test dates per year
Sections	Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing	Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing
Duration	2 hours 45 minutes	Approximately 3 hours
Exam Mode	Computer-delivered and Paper-based	Internet-based Test (iBT) and Paper-based Test (PBT)
Fees	Approximately $245 - $255	Approximately $180 - $325
Usage	Widely accepted in the UK, Australia, Canada, and over 150 countries	Preferred by universities in the USA and Canada
Eligibility	No specific eligibility criteria	No specific eligibility criteria
Validity Period	2 years	2 years
Result Declaration	13 days for paper-based, 3-5 days for computer-delivered	6 days for iBT, 11 days for PBT

Both IELTS and TOEFL measure English proficiency, but they have some key differences. IELTS offers two formats: Academic and General Training, while TOEFL is primarily focused on academic English. IELTS is shorter and available in both computer and paper formats, with a face-to-face speaking test.

TOEFL, which is mainly internet-based, has a longer duration and conducts the speaking section via computer.

Additionally, each test has different fees and result timelines, reflecting their unique administrative processes.

TOEFL vs IELTS: Exam Format

Both exams evaluate English proficiency in reading, listening, speaking, and writing, but they do so in different ways. Knowing the differences in the TOEFL vs IELTS exam formats can help you choose the test that best fits your needs.

Test Section	IELTS Academic	Number of Questions	TOEFL iBT	Number of Questions
Reading	3 passages with various types of questions (e.g., multiple choice, matching)	40 questions	3-4 passages with multiple choice questions	30-40 questions
Listening	4 recordings, including monologues and conversations	40 questions	3-4 lectures and 2-3 conversations with multiple choice questions	28-39 questions
Speaking	Face-to-face interview with an examiner, consisting of 3 parts	3 tasks	4 tasks including independent and integrated speaking tasks, recorded responses	4 tasks
Writing	2 tasks: Task 1 (150 words) describes a graph, table, or diagram; Task 2 (250 words) is an essay	2 tasks	2 tasks: Integrated task (reading/listening and writing) and independent essay task	2 tasks

IELTS vs TOEFL: Section-wise Comparison and Question Types

While IELTS is known for its face-to-face speaking test and diverse question formats, TOEFL emphasises integrated tasks and is entirely computer-based.

Sections	IELTS	TOEFL
Reading	The IELTS Reading section consists of 3 passages with a variety of question types, such as multiple choice, matching headings, and sentence completion, totaling 40 questions.	The TOEFL Reading section includes 3-4 passages with 30-40 multiple-choice questions, focusing on academic texts.
Listening	The IELTS Listening section features 4 recordings, including monologues and conversations, with 40 questions that encompass multiple choice, matching, and labelling tasks.	The TOEFL Listening section has 3-4 lectures and 2-3 conversations, resulting in 28-39 multiple-choice questions, emphasising academic and campus-related scenarios.
Speaking	In the IELTS Speaking section, candidates participate in a face-to-face interview divided into 3 parts: a general introduction and interview, a long turn where the candidate speaks on a topic, and a discussion.	The TOEFL Speaking section includes 4 tasks: one independent task and three integrated tasks that combine speaking with reading and listening, with responses recorded by computer.
Writing	The IELTS Writing section comprises two tasks: the first task requires describing visual information in 150 words, and the second task is an essay of 250 words.	The TOEFL Writing section also includes two tasks: an integrated task combining reading and listening followed by writing, and an independent essay task.

Preparation Tips: TOEFL Vs IELTS

Here are the TOEFL vs IELTS preparation tips:

Preparation Tips: IELTS

Preparing for the IELTS exam requires a thorough approach:

Understand the Test Structure: Familiarise yourself with the format of each section—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Practice Tests: Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to improve your pacing and performance.
Build Language Skills: Work on improving your vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills through targeted practice.
Focus on Academic English: Since the test assesses academic language proficiency, practice reading and writing academic texts.
Develop Speaking Skills: Practise speaking fluently on various topics, and seek opportunities for structured speaking practice.
Manage Time Effectively: Learn to manage your time during the exam, allocating appropriate time to each section.
Get Feedback: Receive feedback on your practice tests and speaking performances to identify and address weaknesses.

Preparation Tips: TOEFL

Preparing for the TOEFL exam involves the following tips:

Understand the Format: Familiarise yourself with the TOEFL structure, including all sections and types of questions.
Practice Regularly: Take full-length practice tests to build stamina and get used to the test’s timing.
Improve Typing Speed: Since TOEFL is computer-based, enhancing your typing speed can help in the writing section.
Build Vocabulary: Expand your academic vocabulary to excel in the reading and listening sections.
Develop Note-taking Skills: Practise taking concise and effective notes during listening tasks.
Use Official Study Materials: Utilise resources like TOEFL practice tests and prep books from ETS.
Enhance Speaking Skills: Record yourself speaking on various topics and get feedback to improve fluency and coherence.
Work on Integrated Tasks: Focus on combining reading, listening, and writing tasks, as TOEFL emphasises these skills.

IELTS vs TOEFL: Scoring System Level

When comparing IELTS vs TOEFL difficulty, it's important to see how scores translate into various levels of language ability. The table below shows the corresponding proficiency levels for each test's scoring system.

Degree level	IELTS	TOEFL
Foundation	5	35-45
Undergraduate	6	60-78
Postgraduate	7	94-101

For a detailed IELTS vs TOEFL band score comparison, the following table illustrates how the band score ranges for IELTS align with TOEFL score ranges.

IELTS Band Score	TOEFL Band Score
0-4	0-31
4.5	32-34
5	35-45
5.5	46-59
6	60-78
6.5	79-93
7	94-101
7.5	102-109
8	110-114
8.5	115-117
9	118-120

Countries that Accept Tests IELTS Vs TOEFL

IELTS is widely accepted in over 140 countries, including key English-speaking nations and various other regions. It is recognized for both academic and immigration purposes, making it a popular choice among international students and professionals.

IELTS Acceptance

Number of Countries: Over 140

Top 10 Countries:

TOEFL is accepted in over 150 countries, primarily focusing on academic institutions. It is especially prevalent in the United States and Canada but is also recognized globally, making it suitable for students aiming to study in English-speaking countries.

TOEFL Acceptance

Number of Countries: Over 150

Top 10 Countries:

Top Universities Accepting IELTS and TOEFL

When deciding between IELTS and TOEFL for studying abroad, it’s crucial to check which test your chosen universities accept. Each university might have specific score requirements and preferences, so understanding these details can help you choose the right test and align your preparation with your academic goals.

Universities	Accepted IELTS Score	Accepted TOEFL Score
University College London	6.5 or higher	Typically requires a minimum TOEFL score of 110 overall, with at least 25 in each section.
University of South Alabama	6.5 or higher	Generally accepts a minimum TOEFL score of 79 overall, with at least 18 in each section.
Northern Arizona University	6.5 or higher	Requires a minimum TOEFL score of 61 overall for undergraduate programs and 79 for graduate programs.
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology	Minimum 5.5	Accepts a minimum TOEFL score of 60 overall, with at least 18 in each section.
NorQuest College	Minimum 5.5	Requires a minimum TOEFL score of 80 overall, with at least 20 in each section.
Trinity Western University	6 or higher	Generally requires a minimum TOEFL score of 88 overall, with at least 20 in each section.
Thompson Rivers University	6.5 or higher	Requires a minimum TOEFL score of 80 overall, with at least 20 in each section.
Yorkville University	6 or higher	Accepts a minimum TOEFL score of 80 overall, with at least 20 in each section.
Dalhousie University	6.5 or higher	Requires a minimum TOEFL score of 90 overall, with at least 20 in each section.
Vancouver Community College	6 or higher	Requires a minimum TOEFL score of 80 overall, with at least 20 in each section.

Takeaway

Choosing between IELTS and TOEFL can be a bit overwhelming, but understanding their unique features can help you make the right decision.

IELTS is accepted in over 140 countries and is particularly favoured in places like the UK, Australia, and Canada. It includes a face-to-face speaking test, which some people find more personal and interactive. The scores range from 0 to 10, offering a detailed look at your English skills.

On the other hand, TOEFL is accepted in more than 150 countries and is especially popular with many institutions in the US and Canada. It’s mainly computer-based, with integrated tasks that test your ability to use English in an academic context. TOEFL scores range from 10 to 160.

For international students, the choice between these tests should be guided by your destination country, your preference for test format, and your specific academic or immigration needs.

Don’t let the test process overwhelm you—contact AECC today to start your journey towards academic success and make your international study dreams a reality!

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