International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) are two standardized tests to evaluate English aptitude for non-native English language speakers. Majority of students face the dilemma of choosing between IELTS and TOEFL. Both of these tests are widely-accepted tests to certify English proficiency. The decision to take IELTS or TOEFL depends upon the following factors:
Availability
- The first and foremost thing to check is which universities and institutions accept each test. Most of the students have in their minds, a certain university that they want to get admission in. Hence, check which exam your preferred university accepts.
- Second factor that you should check before choosing IELTS or TOEFL is whether there is a test centre in your locality or not. The test is itself hectic and you certainly don’t want to make it more stressful by adding lots of travelling to it.
- Another factor to be considered is your reason of appearing in the test. Both of these tests have same difficulty level if you are appearing for university entrance. On the other hand, if you just need to give the test for moving to another country and you’ll not be actually attending the university, IELTS General Training paper is an appropriate match.
IELTS vs. TOEFL
Both of these tests have many differences and quite a few similarities too. The similarities and differences between IELTS and TOEFL are listed below:
Similarities
- As mentioned above, both of these tests are standardized tests. Hence, their scores are accepted everywhere.
- Both of the tests are divided into four broad sections viz. Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
- The price difference between IELTS and TOEFL is almost negligible with both of these tests lying in the range of $150 to $250.
Differences
Speaking section
The biggest distinction between the two tests is in the speaking section.
IELTS exam pattern
- In IELTS speaking section, your exam will be conducted by a real person with face to face interaction.
- The test is divided into 3 sections. All the 3 sections last around 15 minutes.
- The first section consists of questions related to the candidate’s home, job or studies. In the second section, the candidate has to prepare a monologue of about 1-2 minutes on the given topic. In the final part, the candidate is asked questions related to the topic in part 2.
TOEFL exam pattern
- In TOEFL speaking section, the examiner is actually a computer.
- The test lasts around 20 minutes and 6 questions are being asked.
- 2 questions are based on known topics, taking account of your family or job. The next two tasks include summarizing a text, expressing your personal views on it and abridging information from a short conversation.
Writing section
The difference in the IELTS and TOEFL writing section is also in the way it is conducted.
IELTS Writing section
- IELTS Writing is a pen and paper test.
- IELTS conducts the test in two distinct types viz. Academic training and General training( if you are not actually going to attend the university and are just appearing for immigration purpose, IELTS General training is the right choice).
TOEFL Writing section
- The mode of input in TOEFL Writing is computer.
- TOEFL only has one type of exam. In TOELF Writing section an additional 2 minute lecture is given on the topic after you’ve read the text.
Listening section
There are several differences in IELTS and TOEFL listening section.
IELTS Listening section
- IELTS listening test is of 30 minutes duration.
- IELTS listening is in both academic and social context.
- IELTS asks a variety of question types viz. sentence completion, true false, match the headings etc.
- IELTS listening module is in an array of accents including Scottish, American, British, Canadian and Australian etc.
TOEFL Listening section
- TOEFL listening test is of longer duration (60 minutes).
- TOEFL listening is only in academic context.
- TOEFL asks only multiple choice type questions.
- TOEFL listening module is in customary American accent.
- Reading Section: Reading section of IELTS and TOEFL differs in only two parameters.
IELTS Reading section
- Like the listening section, IELTS Reading section also has a wide variety of questions.
- IELTS gives you two broad exam choices, Academic and General training.
TOEFL Reading section
- TOEFL Reading section has all multiple choice type questions.
- TOEFL asks all questions in academic context.
IELTS vs. TOEFL, WHAT IS THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOU!
None of the theories and articles can make this choice for you. Select the options from given choices and make the right choice. If majority of your preferences go with option A, choose IELTS, otherwise TOEFL.
- a. Variety of English accents. b.Only American accent suits you.
- a.You can write by hand faster and your handwriting is good. b. You are better and faster at typing.
- a. Variety of questions interests you. b. You like multiple choice questions.
- a. More comfortable in one-on-one interaction. b. You are shy and prefer talking to a computer.
- a. You don’t like only reading and listening in academic context. b. You like reading and listening in academic context.
- a. You lose concentration in short period of time. b. You can concentrate for long periods of time.
Judge your preferences and make the right choices for yourself.
Originally posted 2018-03-26 19:16:39.
