IELTS vs. TOEFL: Which Test Should You Take?
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When it comes to proving your proficiency in English, two of the most popular and widely recognized exams are the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Whether you’re applying to universities abroad, migrating for work, or seeking opportunities in English-speaking countries, choosing between these two exams can be a challenge. Both tests are designed to assess your skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, but they have different formats, scoring systems, and regional preferences. In this blog, we will compare IELTS and TOEFL in detail to help you decide which test is the best fit for you.
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1. Overview of IELTS and TOEFL
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Before diving into the differences, let’s take a quick look at what IELTS and TOEFL are all about:
- IELTS: IELTS is a globally recognized English language proficiency test designed to assess your ability to communicate in English across all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. There are two versions of IELTS: Academic (for university admissions) and General Training (for migration and work).
- TOEFL: TOEFL is a test that evaluates your English language skills in a university setting. It is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The test focuses on your ability to understand academic English in an American university context, and is most commonly accepted in the United States, though many other countries recognize it as well.
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2. Key Differences in Test Format
While both IELTS and TOEFL assess the same core skills, the test formats are quite different.
IELTS Format:
- Listening: 30 minutes. You will listen to four recordings and answer 40 questions.
- Reading: 60 minutes. There are three sections with a total of 40 questions. Academic IELTS uses academic texts, while General Training uses everyday topics.
- Writing: 60 minutes. You will complete two tasks: one involves writing a descriptive response based on a visual, and the other requires an essay based on a point of view.
- Speaking: 11-14 minutes. The speaking section is conducted in-person with an examiner. It includes three parts: an introduction and general questions, a long turn where you talk for 1-2 minutes on a given topic, and a discussion based on the topic.
TOEFL Format:
- Listening: 60-90 minutes. You will listen to six lectures or conversations and answer 34-51 questions.
- Reading: 54-72 minutes. There are 3-4 reading passages with a total of 36-56 questions.
- Writing: 50 minutes. The writing section includes two tasks: an integrated writing task (reading a passage, listening to a lecture, and then writing a response) and an independent writing task (writing an essay based on a prompt).
- Speaking: 20 minutes. The speaking section consists of six tasks, where you will respond to prompts based on reading and listening materials.
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3. Language Skills Focused on the Test
Both tests assess the four core language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, but they approach these skills differently.
IELTS
- Speaking: IELTS’ in-person speaking test is seen as more natural and conversational. It involves a face-to-face interaction with an examiner, which can help some candidates feel more at ease.
- Writing: IELTS writing tasks tend to focus on descriptive, argumentative, and narrative writing. The Academic Writing Task 1 is often a graph, chart, or diagram, and Task 2 is an essay on a given topic.
- Listening: The listening section has different accents from various English-speaking regions such as British, Australian, and American, making it more diverse.
- Reading: Academic IELTS contains texts on subjects like science, history, and the arts, while General Training is more focused on everyday reading materials.
TOEFL
- Speaking: TOEFL speaking is computer-based. You respond to prompts via a microphone, and your answers are recorded for later scoring. This may feel less personal but is useful for those who prefer technology-driven environments.
- Writing: TOEFL writing involves tasks that are more academically oriented, with the integrated writing requiring a synthesis of both reading and listening materials. The independent task asks you to express your opinion on a specific issue.
- Listening: The listening section primarily uses American English and focuses on academic lectures and classroom interactions.
- Reading: TOEFL reading passages are typically longer and more academic, focusing on subjects like history, literature, and science.
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4. Scoring System
The scoring systems for IELTS and TOEFL differ, and this is important when considering how each exam will affect your application.
IELTS Scoring
IELTS is scored on a band scale from 1 to 9, with each section receiving a score, and the overall band score being the average of the four sections. A score of 6.5 or higher is often considered a good result, while a band score of 7 or above is required for most top universities.
- Speaking: Rated on a scale from 0 to 9.
- Writing: Rated on a scale from 0 to 9.
- Listening: Rated on a scale from 0 to 9.
- Reading: Rated on a scale from 0 to 9.
The band scores are usually broken down into descriptions, such as “Band 7: Good user” or “Band 8: Very good user.”
TOEFL Scoring
TOEFL scores range from 0 to 120, with each section worth a maximum of 30 points. The total score is the sum of the four sections.
- Speaking: Rated from 0 to 30.
- Writing: Rated from 0 to 30.
- Listening: Rated from 0 to 30.
- Reading: Rated from 0 to 30.
Generally, a TOEFL score above 100 is considered competitive, with many top universities requiring scores between 90 and 110.
5. Acceptance by Institutions
Both IELTS and TOEFL are widely accepted, but there are some regional differences:
IELTS Acceptance
IELTS is more popular in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. It is also accepted by universities in the United States, but it is not as commonly requested as TOEFL. IELTS is also the preferred exam for immigration purposes in many English-speaking countries.
TOEFL Acceptance
TOEFL is most widely accepted in the United States, where it is often the required test for university admissions. It is also recognized by a growing number of institutions in Europe, Canada, and other countries. However, for non-American institutions, it may not be as widely recognized as IELTS.
6. Test Duration and Location
IELTS
The IELTS test takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. The speaking test is often scheduled separately from the other sections, and this can sometimes lead to an additional waiting period. IELTS is available at more than 1,200 locations worldwide, making it accessible for test-takers globally.
TOEFL
The TOEFL test lasts approximately 3 hours. Unlike IELTS, all sections (except for the speaking) are taken in a single sitting. TOEFL is offered at more than 4,500 test centers globally, ensuring broad availability.
7. Which Test Is Easier?
The difficulty of each test ultimately depends on your personal strengths and preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
- IELTS might be easier for candidates who are more comfortable with face-to-face interactions and diverse accents. If you’re confident in speaking English with a live examiner, IELTS could be a better fit.
- TOEFL could be a better option if you’re more comfortable with computer-based tests and American English. If you find it easier to respond to written prompts and prefer a test that follows a more standardized format, TOEFL might suit you better.
8. Cost
The cost of IELTS and TOEFL varies depending on your location, but generally, both exams are priced similarly. IELTS tends to cost around $215–$250 USD, while TOEFL fees range from $180–$300 USD. You should check with your local testing center for the exact cost.
9. Which Test Should You Take?
The decision between IELTS and TOEFL ultimately depends on the following factors:
- Your destination: If you’re applying to universities in the United States, TOEFL may be the better option, as it is more widely accepted there. If you’re looking at schools in the UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, IELTS might be a better choice.
- Your strengths: Consider whether you prefer face-to-face speaking (IELTS) or a computer-based exam (TOEFL). Similarly, think about which type of writing tasks align more with your skills.
- Your comfort level: If you are more comfortable with American English and academic settings, TOEFL might feel more familiar. If you’re used to diverse English accents, IELTS may be more suitable.
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10. Conclusion
Both IELTS and TOEFL are respected and accepted globally, and both provide a comprehensive assessment of your English language skills. The key is to choose the one that aligns with your goals, preferences, and the requirements of the institutions you are applying to.
In summary:
- Choose IELTS if you prefer a face-to-face speaking test, need a test that reflects a wider range of English accents, or are applying to universities in the UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand.
- Choose TOEFL if you are more comfortable with American English, prefer computer-based testing, or are applying to universities in the United States.
Ultimately, the best test for you is the one that suits your personal strengths and the requirements of your academic or migration goals.
