Learn the Difference between IELTS & TOEFL

Learn the Difference between IELTS & TOEFL All those students from non-native English-speaking countries looking for admission to overseas colleges must present the results of an English language competency exam. The two most prevalent and well-acknowledged examinations are IELTS and TOEFL. While these exams serve the same objective, they differ in several ways. So, if you're wondering which one to choose, read this article till the conclusion to learn the differences between IELTS and TOEFL and choose the best one as per your area of interest and university guidelines.

Introduction to IELTS The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an exam that assesses an applicant's command of the English language. This test assesses a person's English language skills in four areas; reading, listening, writing, and speaking.

However, the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English jointly manage the test. Moreover, this exam laid its foundation in 1989. In addition, you have the choice to give this test in two formats; paper-based and computer-based.

Meaning of TOEFL The Test of English as an Overseas Language (TOEFL) is a standardized test accepted by most foreign colleges where English is the language of instruction. This test is organized and developed in such a way that it evaluates a student's command of the English language.

Moreover, Education Testing Service (ETS), a private non-profit organization, administers the test. Furthermore, it is available in two modes; Internet-Based Test (iBT) and PaperBased Test (PDT).

Point of Difference: IELTS V/s TOEFL Below is the point of difference between the two most popular English proficiency exams, IELTS & TOEFL.

● Format The primary distinction is in the structure of the questions, with TOEFL consisting of MCQs and IELTS requiring you to answer questions in several formats such as fill in the blanks, short responses, and so on. Along with this, the length of both tests is also different. You must complete the IELTS in 2 hours and 45 minutes. On the contrary, the total time to complete the TOEFL exam is 4 hours.

Moreover, IELTS is accessible in two variants; General Training and Academic; candidates can select their exam variant based on the objective of their visit. However, TOEFL only provides one type of exam which applicants can enroll in who wish to go abroad for studies.

● Cost IELTS and TOEFL exams have four parts that evaluate applicants' language abilities, such as reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The evaluations are standardized and are generally acknowledged all around the world. Also, the costs of these tests are more or less the same. In case you are wondering, What Is The Cost Of IELTS Exam In India? IDP charges around Rs 14,700 from every applicant as exam fees. On the other hand, the cost

of the TOEFL is around Rs 15,200. However, this cost may vary depending on where you reside.

● Exam Pattern & Syllabus A student must clear four areas in both exams; reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

However, there are specific differences in how you can administer the exam.

Reading The reading test for both examinations will comprise texts around the lines they would encounter in their studies. TOEFL will provide you with 3-5 reading questions that you need to answer in 20 minutes. This portion of the IELTS exam will have three questions, and applicants will be required to answer questions in different styles.

Listening Listening tests in IELTS and TOEFL exams are different from each another. Students can answer questions on the ILETS test while listening to the audio. There will be multiple long and short questions. On the other hand, the TOEFL test will depend on classroom lectures that applicants will take notes on while listening to the audio. In the TOEFL listening exam, students must complete MCQs in 40-60 minutes.

Writing While taking the ILETS exam, the applicant has to answer two writing questions. In the first part, you must explain the facts presented in a diagram, table chart, or other visual forms. In the second, the applicant has to write 200-250 words about an argument or mention their point of view. If you take the TOEFL exam, you should write a five-paragraph essay in 300350 words. For the second question, you must take notes from a specified material and write a solution in 150-225 words.

Speaking The TOEFL speaking assessment will be recorded using a microphone and emailed to the examiners, but the IELTS speaking test will be a face-to-face exam for all students. The TOEFL test would last 20 minutes. The total duration of the IELTS exam is no more than 1015 minutes.

● Scope While comparing IELTS and TOEFL, both tests measure an individual's English language proficiency. However, the scope of the two examinations differs.

When compared to TOEFL, IELTS has a broader reach. You can give this English proficiency exam if you are looking to study abroad, work overseas, or immigrate to Englishspeaking nations. On the other hand, TOEFL is only for academic purposes.

● Location Both IELTS and TOEFL exams are commonly available, but their availability varies.

Students in over 140 countries can take the IELTS test at around 1,600 sites.

However, TOEFL is easy to take. The test may be taken practically anywhere around the globe by students. Over 4,500 testing sites are there in more than 165 countries for the TOEFL exam.

● Scoring One of the primary distinctions between IELTS and TOEFL is how examiners evaluate these exams.

In IELTS, the examiner can score on a scale of 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest). However, overall and section-wise grading in the IELTS exam is on a scale of 0-9.

On the other hand, TOEFL scored 120 points. You can grade from 0 to 30 in TOEFL.

● Frequency The TOEFL iBT exam is given 60 times per year at certified test centers around the globe.

The new TOEFL iBT home edition exam is available four days a week, whereas the IELTS exam is available once weekly.

● Types The IELTS exam involves two sections; Academic and General Training. While the IELTS Academic test is for students looking to pursue further studies such as Undergraduate, Master's, and Doctoral levels, the IELTS General Training exam is for applicants planning to immigrate professionally. On the other hand, the TOEFL is only for academic purposes.

● Result Declaration The TOEFL score is made accessible to students within 6-10 days after the exam date. The IELTS test results are available within 7 to 13 days following the exam.

● Interaction with Examiner Another distinction between IELTS and TOEFL is how the examiner conducts the exam.

For the IELTS speaking examination, students must interact directly with the examiner.

While in the TOEFL speaking exam, students have little or no interaction with the examiner.

They must record and submit their speeches for review.

Conclusion Hopefully, you find this article. We have made available the primary differences between IELTS and TOEFL, which will help you with the right decision. However, both exams have their own importance, and you can choose as per your interest and university guidelines. If you are more inclined toward giving IELTS exam, you can go for IELTS Coaching in Noida.

This coaching will make you aware of all the exam elements and help you score your desired band.