If you plan to take valid language tests or immigrate to English-speaking countries, you must have heard of TOEFL and IELTS tests. But do you know the difference between IELTS and TOEFL tests, and are you sure which one is more suitable for you? In this article, we explain these two tests and compare them so that you can easily decide and take the test you want.
IELTS test
The IELTS test is a prestigious global test administered annually by the University of Cambridge. This test will evaluate all four listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, and the final score will be issued according to your abilities.
The IELTS test is available in both written and computerized forms. You can take any of these tests according to your abilities. IELTS has two modules: Academic and General. Academic exams are suitable for studying at high-ranking universities or employment in reputable companies. But the general test is for non-academic and family immigration.
TOEFL test
The TOEFL test is the first and most prestigious English language test conducted by ETS. This test is usually conducted online and on a computer, and like the IELTS test, all four skills are assessed. The TOEFL test has only one Academic module required for educational purposes and study at English language universities.
Comparison of TOEFL and IELTS tests
1. Test response time
The first and most crucial difference is the time of the two tests. You have about 3:30 hours to answer the questions in the TOEFL test. But your time to answer the IELTS test questions is 2:45 hours.
In addition, in the TOEFL test, after two hours and after the completion of the listening section, the candidates are given about 10 minutes of rest time to gain focus and be more efficient. But there is no break in the IELTS test, and the whole test is in unison.
2. Test structuring
The TOEFL test takes all four skills in one day. But in the IELTS test, three sections of listening, reading, and writing are held in one day and in writing. The speaking part of the IELTS test is held separately, a few days after the written test and orally.
The IELTS Speaking Test has three sections and lasts 11-14 minutes. But the TOEFL Speaking Test consists of six sections and takes about 20 minutes.
The writing part of the two tests is also different. There are 2 tasks in the IELTS test. The first task consists of a letter or interpretation of a chart for which you must write about 150 words. The second task also includes a 250-word scientific essay.
TOEFL writing also has two tasks. The first task is dependent, and an audio file is played. In addition to listening to this file, you should read the text and summarize this information in at least 150 words.
TOEFL Task 2 is wholly independent and gives a specific topic in the question, which is usually scientific and academic. You should write your opinion on this topic in at least 300 words.
3. Scoring
The scores of these two tests are also different. In the IELTS test, the test score is calculated from 1 to 9. But the TOEFL test score is from 0 to 120. Each of the four skills has a score of 30. The average of these four sections is taken, and the final score is calculated.
IELTS test results are given 13 days after the test. But you can get the TOEFL test result about 10 days after the test.
Conclusion
According to the description provided and the answers to the following questions, you can choose the one you want. But you need to know what the purpose of the test is? Which exam is suitable for your university? Are you more proficient in written tests or computer tests? And finally, are you able to talk face to face with the examiner or not?
We hope this article is helpful.