Last Updated on August 30, 2024
A prominent language proficiency test called the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a requirement for anyone who wants to study abroad or seek a career. The British Council, Cambridge Assessment English, and IDP: IELTS Australia jointly own IELTS, which was founded in 1980. It is accepted in 140 countries. IELTS is available in two versions: Academic (for academic objectives) and General (for working professionals and immigration purposes).
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), on the other hand, is a well-known language competence test that is commonly chosen by students hoping to study abroad. TOEFL was established in 1964. The exam places a strong focus on evaluating candidates’ communication skills in English used in a classroom; as a result, it is recognized in around 130 countries. But the major question that confuses the students is IELTS vs TOEFL, which one is better and how is it beneficial.
IELTS vs TOEFL: Format
In contrast to IELTS, which uses a variety of question formats including short responses, fill-in-the-blank questions, and more, TOEFL uses multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The length of the two tests is another obvious difference in addition to this. IELTS must be finished in 2 hours and 45 minutes, on the other hand, it will take you only 1hr 56 minutes to complete TOEFL.
IELTS is offered in two versions, General Training, and Academic, and candidates can select their version of the exam according to their intended use for the test. Only one exam type is available through TOEFL, which is often chosen by students enrolled in international programs. IELTS requires candidates to demonstrate their critical thinking and comprehension capabilities; in contrast, the TOEFL will assess your analytical thinking and your capacity to balance your alternatives. As a result, this becomes one of the key differences between TOEFL and IELTS.
IELTS vs TOEFL: Writing Section
You will have to respond to two writing questions on the IELTS exam. You’ll need to explain the data presented in the first one in the form of a diagram, table chart, etc. You must write 200–250 words regarding an argument or point of view for the second assignment. If you decide to take the TOEFL exam, you will need to write a five-paragraph essay in between 300 and 350 words. For the second question, you will need to gather some notes from the provided material and compose a 150–225-word response.
IELTS vs TOEFL Speaking Section
While the IELTS speaking test will be a face-to-face examination for all applicants, the TOEFL speaking assessment will be recorded using a microphone and submitted to the examiners. IELTS would last a maximum of 10-15 minutes, and the TOEFL would last 16 minutes. An important distinguishing factor between TOEFL and IELTS is the option to attempt a speaking test before the other tests in IELTS whereas there is no such option in TOEFL.
IELTS vs TOEFL: Reading Section
Both tests will have reading passages that are similar to those they may experience in their studies. 35 minutes are given to complete 3-5 reading questions on the TOEFL. This segment of the IELTS exam will have three questions, and applicants will be required to respond in a variety of styles, such as short responses, gap-filling, etc.
IELTS vs TOEFL: Listening Section
The listening section of both tests is significantly different from one another. In the IELTS exam, candidates can respond to the questions while listening to the audio. There will be many different kinds of lengthy and short questions. The TOEFL exam, however, will be based on lectures given in a classroom, and candidates must take notes while listening to the audio. For the listening section of the TOEFL, students get 36 minutes to complete MCQs.
Below is a table to understand the difference between Ielts & Toefl
| Section | IELTS | TOEFL |
| Listening | 30 min, 40 questions | 41 – 57 min, 28 – 39 questions |
| Reading | 60 min, 40 questions | 54 – 72 min, 30 – 40 questions |
| Speaking | 11 – 14 min, 3 tasks | 17 min, 4 tasks |
| Writing | 60 min, 2 tasks | 50 min, 2 tasks |
IELTS vs TOEFL Score
Your vocabulary range, writing style, and grammar are all taken into account when scoring your speaking and writing on the TOEFL. Logic, coherence, grammar, and fluency are only a few of the precise criteria that make up the IELTS evaluation. For instance, a well-organized essay with poor grammar may perform better on the TOEFL exam, but an essay with strong vocabulary and grammar but poor concept communication will perform better on the IELTS criteria. The IELTS is scored between 1 and 9, with your overall score being the average of your individual scores across all four examinations. If your overall average is 6.25, your final grade will be rounded up to 6.5. A total of 120 points can be earned on the TOEFL, which is one test.
The following is a general comparison between the TOEFL and IELTS total scores:
| IELTS | TOEFL |
| 118-120 | 9 |
| 115-117 | 8.5 |
| 110-114 | 8 |
| 102-109 | 7.5 |
| 94-101 | 7 |
| 79-93 | 6.5 |
| 60-78 | 6 |
| 46-59 | 5.5 |
| 35-45 | 5 |
| 32-34 | 4.5 |
| 0-31 | 0-4 |
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IELTS vs TOEFL Price
IELTS costs between INR 16,250 and INR 16,500, and the TOEFL costs INR 16,900. This may be an issue if your budget is not very high. And last, it’s up to you to decide what exam suits you the most. There are test dates accessible all year long, and each exam has received approval from hundreds of universities worldwide
Prestigious institutions worldwide that accept IELTS scores
- Stanford University
- Princeton University
- Yale University
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- Imperial College London
- Australian National University
- University of Melbourne
- University of Sydney
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- McGill University
IELTS vs TOEFL which is easier?
IELTS and TOEFL both evaluate a person’s level of English ability. Although the perceived difficulty of these tests varies, many students believe that IELTS is easier than TOEFL, particularly in the reading parts. The reading question examples in the IELTS test come from periodicals, books, journals, and newspapers. The TOEFL reading passages come from scholarly books and journals. These tests may be difficult for certain test-takers since they may contain technical jargon and sophisticated sentence patterns.
Major Factors to Consider
Before choosing between the IETLS and TOEFL, you should take into account the following factors:
University preference:
Before applying to any university, you should find out which language tests are accepted and favored by those institutions.
Time for preparation:
IELTS preparation often takes 3–6 weeks, whereas TOEFL preparation typically takes 2–3 months. If you have less than six months until the deadline for your application, IELTS will be appropriate. .
Computer-based or written:
IELTS may be taken on paper or a computer; TOEFL can only be taken on a computer. Computer-based or written. If you can type quickly, you can choose either, and if you can write well on paper, you may choose TOEFL.
Exam format:
For the IELTS exam, you can divide up the components of the papers and administer them over the course of many weeks. The TOEFL exam must be taken in one sitting.
Final Thoughts
Both IELTS (International English Language Testing System) and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) are widely accepted standardized tests used to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. Ultimately, neither test is objectively better than the other. The “better” test depends on your individual circumstances and goals. It’s a good idea to research the specific requirements of the institutions you’re interested in and choose the test that aligns with those requirements and your personal preferences.
FAQs
IELTS and TOEFL: Which is easier?
Both the IELTS and TOEFL evaluate fundamental English language abilities. These examinations’ perceived level of difficulty is arbitrary. Your own tastes will ultimately determine the ideal exam for you.
Does the UK accept TOEFL scores?
Yes, all UK colleges recognize the TOEFL score. Consult the study abroad advisors at Admissify to confirm the specifics!
What is the purpose of the TOEFL test?
Yes, all prestigious colleges recognize the TOEFL exam as their major measure of English competence. More than 8,500 institutions in 130 nations, including the UK, USA, and Australia, recognize it.
Is IELTS accepted in the USA?
Yes, IELTS scores are recognized in the US as evidence of English language proficiency. Major institutions around the United States accept IELTS as a reliable indicator of your proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English.
Avinash Singh is a study abroad consultant with over 10 years of experience helping students achieve their academic goals. He is an expert in the US, Australian, German, and Canadian education systems and has helped hundreds of students secure admission to top universities around the world. In his spare time, Avinash enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with his family. He is also an avid reader and loves to learn new things.
